A Gear List for Backcountry Skiing
These are general suggestions. Please use your own judgment in packing for any
backcountry trip. Click here for my more detailed "Rap on Gear".
Ski gear:
- Telemark Skis with heavy-duty bindings
- Telemark Boots
- Metal adjustable probe ski poles
Ski mountaineering accessories:
- Wide nylon climbing skins
- Ski safety straps
- Avalanche beeper of appropriate frequency
- Snow shovel
- Ice axe (and possibly other mountaineering/ climbing equipment)
- Ski repair items
Clothing for Spring overnight trips in the High Sierra:
- Synthetic thermal underwear
- Pile body insulation clothing
- GoreTex parka and pants
- Other warm clothing
- Warm pile hat
- Pile neck-gaiter
- Cool brimmed cap
- Light Bandanas
- Pile gloves with shells
- Thin liner gloves
- 2 pairs liner sox
- 2 pairs outer sox
- Briefs
- Gaiters
- Snow booties (optional)
- Dark sunglasses
- Running shorts
- Altimeter watch
Various camping items:
- Internal frame pack
- Warm sleeping bag
- Foam pad(s)
- Tent
- Stove (one per two or three people)
- Stove platform, windscreens
- Plenty of stove fuel
- Stove repair items
- Pots (two per stove)
Odds and Ends:
- Spoon, pocket knife, bowl, food stuffsacks
- Pot gripper, matches, lighter, scowering pad
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Sunscreen, lip balm, skin cream
- Toilet paper & thick Ziplocs for used TP
- Soap, vitamins, earplugs
- First aid kit
- Miscellaneous gear repair items
- Emergency supplies
- Topographic maps, compass
- Pen and paper
- Small flashlight
- Whistle
- Nylon cord, trashbag, small stuffsacks as needed
- Lightweight camera and film (optional)
Food (dry food only; repackage everything in lightweight Baggies):
- Breakfast (1/2 lb per day)
- Lunch and snacks (3/4 lb per day)
- Dinner (1/2 lb per day)
General info and disclaimer about backcountry skiing
