Backcountry gear

Backcountry ski gear needs to be durable and fit for purpose.

The following gear is recommended for ski touring and backcountry trips:

• Backcountry skis, splitboards or snowshoes should be lightweight, durable and good for a wide variety of snow conditions

• Backcountry boots and bindings - the major choice for is Free Heel (Telemark) or Alpine Touring setups.

• Ski skins and ski crampons - for climbing slopes

• Helmet - with adjustable ventilation. Check your goggles fit it.

• Poles - with self arrest grip(s) if steep slopes will be skied

• Avalanche kit - avalanche transceiver, snow shovel and avalanche probes

• Pack - 20-30 litres is a good size for day trips. A tool compartment for probe and shovel, googles pocket and ski attachments are very handy.

• Clothing - outer waterproof shell layer (jacket and pants) and multiple inner layers to regulate warmth

• Gloves - warm pair for cold conditions and lighter pair for warmer conditions

• Googles - magnetic interchangeable lenses are very handy

• Sunglasses - snow rated

• Headlamp - suitable for skiing at night

• Ski straps - good for securing skis on packs, can be used for emergency repairs

• Whistle - pea-less and loud

• Navigation equipment - map, compass, GPS

• Sun protection - sunscreen and lip balm

• First aid kit - lightweight

• Water bottle or bladder - drink tubes should be insulated to prevent freezing

• Lighter or waterproof matches

• Food - meals and high energy snacks

• Mobile phone - keep the battery charged [more information]. A small powerbank is good to have too.

• GPS and maps for navigation

• Emergency shelter - bothy shelter, bivvy sac, lightweight tarp or emergency blanket

• Repair tools - multi-tool or knife, duct tape, compact Pozidriv screw driver

Optional equipment

• Personal locator beacon - for remote area trips with limited or no mobile reception [more information]

• Binoculars - a light pair is handy for spotting people and terrain in the distance

• Insulated sitting pad - handy for stops and emergency shelters

• Smart watch - can be used to assist navigation, check altitude, track progress etc.