⎪DAYTRIPS AND ROUTINE OBJECTIVES: THE ESSENTIALS
Baseline essentials recommended for day trips and routine objectives, or anywhere beyond resort boundaries (33 items). *Asterisks denote the essential components of a basic ski mountaineering kit for use in complex and/or glaciated terrain (36 items). Note: Some of these items can overlap between categories, depending on the objecive. Study the route/weather. Anticipate what gear you might need, and what you can safely leave behind. Pack smart.
For additional gear on OVERNIGHT (50 items in total) and MULTI-DAY objectives, scroll down on this page, or click on the corresponding buttons below. Click here for a packing checklist, so you don’t leave anything behind! Click here for a PDF version to save to your files/smartphone.
Note: Anything you purchase from a link on this website helps finance the continued publication of the Biggest Lines. ALL gear recommendations are based solely on quality and performance, and NOT on any affiliate agreement or vendor obligation. Thank you in advance for your support.
1. Backcountry Skis/Splitboard*
KEY FEATURES/CONSIDERATIONS
Skis: Alpine Touring (AT): freeride/big mountain style: rigid (but not too stiff), durable, moderately weighted, moderate sidecut/radius, flat tail.
Consider objectives/riding style/snow conditions. Less width/length=less weight and hence better, more efficient uphill performance. More weight and more sidecut generally equals better performance on the downhill. However, while a narrow waist (short radius) is better suited for tighter turns in firm conditions, it may be a disadvantage in soft powder, and for holding an edge in super steep, icy terrain. Camber in your skis gives you better edge control on hard snow, while rocker in the tip and/or tail will provide better flotation in deep powder. An all-around, big mountain ski, with moderate weight, radius, and length, and with camber underfoot, may be the preferred and most versatile ski construct for most backcountry situations.
Here is an excellent resource from REI on purchasing backcountry skis, perhaps the single most important piece of gear in your backcountry setup: How to Choose Backcountry Skis. Additional discussion here: Ski Radius and Dimensions Explained.
Splitboard: freeride/big mountain style: rigid, moderate turn radius, directional shape, backset camber, magne-traction (for more technical terrain). Remember to always keep edges sharp, and bindings tight and well maintained!
SUGGESTIONS
Skis: Salomon QST Echo 106 (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice); Faction La Machine Mini; Faction Agent 2X (Men's); Faction Agent 2X (Women’s); Black Crows Camox Freebird; Blizzard Zero G 108; DPS Wailer 106 ; Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis; Black Crows Navis Freebird Skis; Black Diamond Helio Carbon 104 Skis; Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Skis
Splitboard: Venture Paragon (Outside Magazine 2025 Editor’s Choice); Korua Transition Finder Split ($799) (Outside Magazine 2025 Best Value); Jones Stormchaser (Outside Magazine 2025 Best In Powder);Jones Stratos Splitboard (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice; Backcountry Magazine Editor’s Choice 2024); Jones Solution Splitboard; Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro (2023/2024); West Snowboards Muveran (Backcountry Magazine Editor’s Choice 2024); Venture Model-X Splitboard
BUDGET OPTIONS
Skis: Faction Agent 2 (2021)
Splitboard: Nitro Nomad (2024)
2. Boots*
KEY FEATURES
Relatively light, stiff, warm, forward lean (and/or downhill mode for skiers), and crampon compatible!
Skiers: consider Intuition boot liners (moldable liners that conform to your feet and enhance comfort/fit), and proper forefoot size, as boot brands vary in width.
Splitboarders: pay special attention to the rise and bulk of the boot tread and how it might affect foot comfort, control and rideability. Remember: the best boot is the boot that fits you best.
SUGGESTIONS
Skiers: MEN’S and UNISEX: Dynafit Tigard 130 (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice); Tecnica Cochise HV DYN GW; Scarpa F1 XT; Fischer Transalp Carbon Pro (info); Lange XT3 Tour Light MV 130; Dynafit Radical Pro Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; Scarpa Maestrale Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; WOMEN’S: Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 BOA W; Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 95 W HT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 105 W CT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; Dynafit Radical Pro Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022
Splitboarders: K2 Waive; K2 Orton Snowboard Boots 2021/2022; thirtytwo Jones MTB Snowboard Boots 2021/2022
BUDGET OPTIONS
Skiers: MEN’S: K2 Mindbender 130; K2 Recon 130 Ski Boots 2022; Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 120 TECH GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022
Splitboarders: MEN’S: K2 Aspect Snowboard Boots 2023; K2 Aspect Snowboard Boots 2021/2022; WOMEN’S: K2 Format Snowboard Boots 2021/2022
3. Bindings*
KEY CONSIDERATIONS: weight, durability, simplicity, release value; ski brakes vs. no ski brakes, heal piece: adjustable vs. non-adjustable; pins/no pins; plastic vs. metal/carbon
SUGGESTIONS
Skis: Skitrab Titan Vario Ski Bindings; Dynafit ST Rotation 14 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings; Dynafit ST Rotation 10 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings; Salomon MTN Pure Alpine Touring Ski Bindings (with Leash and Brake) Splitboard: Spark R&D Arc ST Pro Bindings; Spark R&D Surge Pro Splitboard Bindings; Voile Light Speed Splitboard Bindings; Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings; Karakoram Grizzly Splitboard Bindings 2021/2022
BUDGET OPTIONS
Skis: Dynafit Radical Alpine Touring Ski Bindings 2021/2022 Splitboard: Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings; Voile Speed Rail Splitboard Bindings
4. Helmet*
KEY FEATURES: burly, snug fit, warm, vented; removable ear pieces preferred. Don’t go cheap on this one! And don’t ski/ride without one! Protect your head and brain as best as you can. Most fatalities in the mountains involve head trauma, and mostly from rock and ice fall.
SUGGESTIONS: Smith Maze MIPS; Smith Quantum MIPS; Salomon MTN Lab; Petzl Meteor
BUDGET OPTIONS: N/A: No compromises on this one!. MIPS technology is the preferred component: Traumatic Brain Injury is the Number 1 killer in the mountain mishaps!
5. Goggles
KEY FEATURES: snug fit, anti-fog lens coating, UV protection; interchangeable lenses preferred
SUGGESTIONS: Smith Skyline ChromaPop Snow Goggles; Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Photochromic Snow Goggles; Smith Prophecy OTG ChromaPop Snow Goggles
6. Climbing Skins*
KEY FEATURES: for long tours mohair is best, as it facilitates faster/more efficient uphill travel. For better grip in steep terrain and greater durability in hard snow, go for the nylon/mohair hybrid blend.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Glidelite Mohair Mix Custom STS Climbing Skins; Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins; Nomad Pro Climbing Skins with Quick Tension Tail Clips
7. Collapsible Ski Poles*
KEY FEATURES: adjustable, lightweight, strong, with a reliable lock mechanism. (Skiers: consider a Whippet configuration for additional security, but please note that a Whippet is NOT a reliable substitute for an ice axe in exceptionally steep and/or icy terrain, and may even invite additional risks/dangers)
SUGGESTIONS: Jones Talon Splitboarding Poles; Black Diamond Expedition WR 3 Ski Poles; Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro Ski Poles; Black Diamond Carbon Whippet Ski Pole; Dynafit Speed Vario 2.0 Ski Poles
8. Backpack*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, easy access (side or rear), proper fit (gender specific), ski/splitboard straps, ice tool straps, helmet carrier, top lid; interior volume applicable to objective; if air bag compatible: battery powered is preferred.
SUGGESTIONS: Conventional Packs: Exped Impulse 20; Deuter Freerider Pro 34+; Dueter Freerider Lite 20; Patagonia Descensionist Pack 32L; Patagonia Descensionist Pack 40L; Arc’Teryx Alpha FL 30 Avalanche Airbag Packs:: Backcountry Access Float E2-25 Avalanche Airbag; Db Snow Pro Vest 8L with Safeback SBX (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice); Backcountry Access Float 32 Avalanche Airbag Pack; Backcountry Access Float 42 Avalanche Airbag Pack; Osprey Soelden Pro 32
9. Mountaineering Harness*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, secure fit, double-back buckle, belay loop, gear loops, easy on/off
RECOMENDATIONS: Black Diamond Couloir; Petzl Altitude
10. Belay Device*
Petzl Reverso: the only one you’ll ever need. Designed for a multitude of uses. Optimal for ski mountaineering (and small diameter ropes).
For Black Diamond enthusiasts, and for smaller diameter ropes (7-9mm): Black Diamond ATC-Alpine Guide Belay Device
11. Avalanche Transceiver[1]*
KEY FEATURES: ease of use, reliability, durability, locking switch
SUGGESTIONS: Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver; Mammut Barryvox Avalanche Transceiver; Backcountry Access Tracker S; Mammut Barryvox; Mammut Barryvox Tour Package
12. Probe*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight (aluminum is preferred over carbon), rapid deployment, durable
RECOMMENDATIONS: Black Diamond Quickdraw Carbon Probe ; Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro 320 Probe
13. Shovel*
KEY FEATURES: light, strong, packable, wide metal blade
RECOMMENDATIONS: Backcountry Access B-1 EXT Bomber Avalanche Shovel or Ortovox Shovel Pro Light
14. Ice Axe*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, durable, applicable to use, 50-60cm, depending on height. Anything longer is better suited for glacier hiking and is not useful in steep terrain (for more technical ascents/descents, see optional equipment below).
RECOMMENDATIONS: Petzl Glacier Literide; Black Diamond Swift; Black Diamond Raven Ultra; CAMP Corsa Alpine
15. Ski Straps*
For just about everything: Voile Strap with Aluminum Buckle; Black Diamond Ski Strap
16. Rope*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, water resistant, durable, small diameter; 7-8mm X 50-60m ideal for most ski mountaineering objectives; 8mm minimum for glacier travel (Note: 9.4mm and smaller diameter ropes are not suitable for traditional climbing[2]; also, thin ropes provide less friction when used in most belay devices—consider using a second locking carabiner on the belay device for additional friction/security, and always use an autoblock and/or prusik while on rappel!).
RECOMMENDATIONS: Beal Rando Glacier Golden Dry (48m); Sterling Fusion Photon 7.8 Dry XP
17. Hollow Block/Prusik Loop*
RECOMMENDATION: Sterling Hollow Block; Beal Jammy
18. Locking Carabiner, Belay Loop*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, rounded/pear shaped for use with Munter hitches [3] (important: use twisting locks with caution, as the locking mechanism may not be consistent with the other locking carabiners on your harness, nor with those of your climbing partner. They can also freeze up in very cold environments. Always remember to lock the screwgate on your traditional lockers!)
RECOMMENDATIONS: Black Diamond VaporLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Black Diamond RockLock Twistlock Carabiner; Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Trango Regulock HMS Autolock Carabiner
19. Locking Carabiners, Gear Loop (3-5 depending on objective)*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, lower profile, medium size (Munter hitch compatibility not required). Always keep at least two lockers free and available (and within easy reach) on your harness gear loops.
(important: use twisting locks with caution, as the locking mechanism may not be consistent with the other locking carabiners on your harness, nor with those of your climbing partner. They can also freeze up in very cold environments. Always remember to lock the screwgate when using traditional lockers!)
RECOMMENDATIONS: Black Diamond VaporLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Black Diamond Nitron Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Petzl Sm’D Screw-Lock Carabiner
20. Non-locking Carabiners/Quickdraws (1-3 depending on objective)*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight (rounded gates are ideal for racking gear in cold weather environments; wire gates are more suitable for quickdraws, and for racking cams in warm weather environments). Note: Use two non-locking carabiners opposite AND opposed as a substitute for a locker! Never belay/rappel off a non-locking carabiner!!!
SUGGESTIONS: Rounded: Petzl Spirit Straight Gate Carabiner; C.A.M.P. USA Photon Straight Gate Carabiner; Petzl Spirit Bent Gate Carabiner; C.A.M.P. USA Orbit Bent Gate Carabiner Wire: Black Diamond Lite Wire Carabiner; Trango Phase Alpine Quickdraw; C.A.M.P. USA Photon Wire Express KS Dyneema Quickdraw
21. Single Sling 60cm
KEY FEATURES: material: Dyneema/Dynex preferred [4], water resistant, abrasion resistant, sewn ends
RECOMMENDATION: Black Diamond 10 mm Dynex Runner; Mammut Contact Sling Dyneema
22. Double Sling 120cm (2 minimum)*
KEY FEATURES: material: Dyneema/Dynex preferred [4], water resistant, abrasion resistant, sewn ends
RECOMMENDATION: Black Diamond 10 mm Dynex Runner; Mammut Contact Sling Dyneema
23. Triple Sling 240cm
KEY FEATURES: material: Dyneema/Dynex preferred [4], water resistant, abrasion resistant, sewn ends (240cm length ideal for pre-equalized anchor points with multiple protection pieces, and large rock features)
RECOMMENDATION: Black Diamond 10mm Dynex Runner
24. Cordelette (1 minimum; 2 for glacier travel or more complex terrain)*
KEY FEATURES: 6-7mm, 4m minimum length
SUGGESTIONS: Sterling 5.4 V-TX High Tenacity; PMI Accessory Cord; BlueWater Accessory Cord; Petzl Connect Adjust
25. Prusik Cords (1 minimum; 3 for glacier travel)
KEY FEATURES: 5mm diameter [5]; 1-2-4 meter lengths for glacier travel, 1m otherwise. Note: cord length is measured as a single strand with no knots
SUGGESTIONS: Sterling 5.4 V-TX High Tenacity; PMI Accessory Cord; BlueWater Accessory Cord
26. Smartphone*
KEY FEATURES: internet compatible, GPS map application, slope angle application, compass feature, high quality camera, long-life battery, emergency contact numbers (always have hand-written backup), flashlight function, notes feature
SUGGESTIONS: Apple iPhone X; GAIA GPS; FATMAP
27. Smartphone Case with Lanyard (optional—but dropping phone is not!)
SUGGESTION: Lander Moab Phone Case for iPhone
28. Sunscreen/Lip Balm
KEY FEATURES: mineral based, pocket-sized, 30 SPF minimum
SUGGESTIONS: Badger SPF 35 Clear Sport Sunscreen Stick; Badger Sport SPF 35 Clear Zinc Unscented Sunscreen Cream; Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 30 Stick
29. Sunglasses*
KEY FEATURES: secure fit, lightweight, wrap-around, polarized (consider side shields for glacier travel. Also: never wear goggles while touring uphill: they will inevitably fog up!)
SUGGESTIONS: Anacapa Polarized Sunglasses; Suncloud Turbine Polarized; Julbo Shield
30. Climbing Knife*
KEY FEATURES: compact, lightweight, sharp, carabiner eyelet
RECOMMENDATIONS: Trango Piranha Knife; Petzl Spatha Knife; Swiss Army Climber Knife (for overnights/expeditions)
31. Repair Kit
KEY FEATURES: ratchet/screwdriver (with various attachments), extra screws/washers, Tenacious tape, wire, plastic ties, ski straps, hose clamps, instant glue, wax, scraper
SUGGESTIONS: Dynafit Touring Repair Kit; 22 Designs Universal Backcountry Repair Kit ; or a custom kit
32. Water Bottle*
KEY FEATURES: wide mouth, one liter minimum (do not use Camelback type hose system as they invariably freeze)
Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle; REI Co-op Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle (1.4L)
33. Emergency First Aid Kit (with whistle)*
KEY FEATURES: Emergency blanket, medical tape, bandages, compression packs, butterfly closure strips, antiseptic, anti-bacterial ointment, anti-inflammation medicine, antihistamine, pain reliever, instructions (Note: for a more detailed first aid kit content recommendation, click here)
FOR DAYTRIP/SIDECOUNTRY: Adventure Medical Kit Mountain Series; Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight
FOR OVERNIGHT AND MULTI-DAY: First Aid Kit recommended by Smile Mountain Guides director Jeffrey Mascaro, available through emergency medical supplier Rescue Essentials
⎪OVERNIGHT TOURS AND MORE SERIOUS OBJECTIVES
34. Ski Skin Waterproofing Treatment
Highly recommended for spring/late winter tours. Minimizes wet skins and increases glide without losing grip.
RECOMMENDATION: Nikwax Ski Skin Proof
35. Rope Clamp*
(for use as a rope ascender or capture device in a hauling/rescue system)
RECOMMENDATION: Petzl Tibloc Rope Clamp
36. Binoculars (optional)
KEY FEATURES: compact, lightweight, waterproof, fogproof, high glass quality, consider how magnification affects field of view
SUGGESTIONS: Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 8 x 25 or Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10 x 25
37. Boot Crampons*
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, durable, sharp, conforms to boot (and stays on!)
SUGGESTION: Ski: Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampons; Splitboard: Petzl Irvis Flexlock; Black Diamond Crampon Bag
38. Ski Crampons
KEY FEATURES: lightweight, durable, sharp edges, about 10-15mm wider than ski, no more. Store properly.
SUGGESTION: Skitrab Ski Crampons; Dynafit Ski Crampons; Voile Splitboard Crampon; Spark R&D Ibex Pro Splitboard Crampon
39. Ice Screws (1-3, depending on objective/terrain)*
KEY FEATURES: Stainless steel hanger, large crank knob, color coded crank; 16cm is most versatile; 13cm is useful for hard and/or thin ice; 19/22cm is best for building V-threads
RECOMMENDATIONS: Black Diamond Express Ice Screw; Petzl Laser Speed Ice Screw
40. Pitons (set of 2-3: 2 knifeblades and 1-2 angles)*
Black Diamond Knife Blade Pitons; Black Diamond Pecker Pitons; Black Diamond Bugaboo Pitons
41. Nuts (set of 3-5, sizes 3-7)*
SUGGESTION: Black Diamond Stopper Set Classic
42. Cams (3-5, depending on objective/terrain: sizes .5-2/3”)
SUGGESTIONS: Trango FlexCam Cams – Set of 4; Black Diamond Camalot Ultralight
43. V-thread Tool*
SUGGESTION: Petzl Multihook
44. Tagline[6] (or the Beal Escaper)
KEY FEATURES: durable, lightweight, compact
RECOMMENDATION: Sterling 5.4 V-TX High Tenacity (60m); Beal Escaper
45. Headlamp
KEY FEATURES: lithium battery powered, multiple settings, lightweight
SUGGESTIONS: Petzl Tactikka Core Headlamp; Black Diamond Storm 400
46. Maps
portable, waterproof, topographic contour lines, GPS-compatible UTM grid lines and coordinates
47. Analog Compass (with mirror)
SUGGESTION: Suunto MC-2G Navigator Compass
48. Emergency Bivouac and/or Tarp
SUGGESTIONS: REI Co-op Shell Bivy; SOL Thermal Bivy; SOL Escape Pro Bivy; Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp; REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tarp
49. Portable Charger
SUGGESTIONS: Goal Zero Venture 70 Power Bank; Celestron Elements ThermoCharge 10 Power Pack and Hand Warmer
50. Extra Batteries (for avalanche transceiver, headlamp, radio)
Transceiver/radio: any brand name alkaline with an LR03 stamp. Headlamp: headlamps with lithium batteries last longer, are lighter, work better in cold, and provide 100% power until dead. Storage: Cover the ends with electrical tape and stack together like logs; if the ends touch (or come into contact with any other metal) they will drain precipitously.
BACK TO: DAYTRIP ESSENTIALS 1-33
⌅
⎪GLAZIER TRAVEL, TECHNICAL ROUTES, AND MULTIDAY EXPEDITIONS
Technical Mountaineering Ice Axe (X2; replaces conventional axe in Daytrip Essentials)
RECOMMENDATIONS: ultra-light alpine ice axe with steel head and hammer (suggested pairing: one with hammer for placing pitons, and the other with a traditional adze for chopping holds and self arrest): Petzl Gully; Black Diamond Venom
Spine Protector (optional but worth the extra weight)
SUGGESTION: POC Spine VPD System Vest
Micro Traction Pulley (crevasse rescue)*
SUGGESTION: Petzl Micro Traxion
Crevasse Rescue Pulley (optional)
SUGGESTION: Petzl Partner Pulley
Snow Picket/Deadman (optional)
SUGGESTIONS: SMC I Snow Picket; SMC Snow Anchor; DMM Deadman Snow Anchor
Other options in the case of an emergency: ice axe; backpack; skis; snowboard; ski poles; a VERY SOLID piece of dry wood (use with caution/practice).
Wiregate Nut Tool (optional)
SUGGESTION: Metolius Feather Nut Tool
Ski Binding Leash (optional)
SUGGESTION: Dynafit Guide Leash
Radio
KEY FEATURES: Rechargeable, compact, lightweight, water resistant, belt clips
SUGGESTIONS: Motorola T600 H20 2-Way Radio; Midland TT61VP3 36-Channel GMRS 2-Way Radios with Charger
Satellite Phone (optional)
RECOMMENDATION: Garmin inReach Mini2 (compact, lightweight, Iridium satellite coverage, cell phone compatibility, weather data, built-in GPS, powered by lithium batteries)
Inclinometer
RECOMMENDATION: Backcountry Access Slope Meter
Camera (optional)
KEY FEATURES: Portable, compact, lightweight, water resistant, high dynamic range, image stabilization, optical zoom
Expedition Pack
KEY FEATURES: (See pack description above) Large enough for all gear to fit inside including shovel, probe, sleeping bag, tent, water bottles, food, sleeping pad (a foam sleeping pad can be fastened on the outside).
SUGGESTIONS: Patagonia Ascensionist 55; Arc’teryx Alpha AR 55; Osprey Mutant 52 Climbing and Mountaineering Backpack; Ortovox Peak 42S/45
Down Sleeping Bag (with compression sack)
0° to +15° F spring/summer (May-July): Mountain Hardwear Phantom Alpine 15; REI Magma 15
0° F min in winter (Oct-Apr): Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0; Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 0;
-20° to -40° F with Gore-Tex type outer fabric for cold Arctic trips/high altitude: Mountain Hardwear Phantom GORE-TEX -40;
Sleeping Pads
KEY FEATURES: closed cell foam pad, durable, packable, high R-value (4.0 and above)
SUGGESTIONS: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm; Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro
Bowl, Spoon, Mug
Ultralight, non-breakable: Snow Peak Titanium; Snow Peak Titanium Spork; mug is not necessary but nice for hot drinks: Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall 450 Mug; no fork or knife needed.
Backpacking Stove
Ultralight, packable, adjustable valve: Snow Peak LiteMax Stove; MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove
Food
Easy to eat, high in fat and calories: nut (cashews are optimal), fruit and chocolate trail mixes, PB & J sandwiches with whole grain bread, nutrition bars, dark chocolate; Shot Bloks or GU gels with caffeine for energy; herbal tea (at night) and caffeinated tea or coffee (mornings). Store in a small stuff sack. Pack enough for all planned days (about 2,000+ calories per day) plus a little extra for emergencies. For healthy, sustainable, responsibly sourced travel food, consider these options from Patagonia Provisions.
Toiletries/Meds
Toilet Paper, Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer, Toothbrush, Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste, Dental Floss, Feminine Products, Dr. Bronner's Organic Liquid Soap, any applicable and appropriate prescription medications (Important: check with your physician for use in the backcountry, and at elevation)
Pee Bottle/Pee Funnel (optional)
Sani-Fem Freshette for women; Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Water Bottle for men
Zip-Lock Bags
Freezer quality, for toilet paper storage, extra socks, electronics, food, etc.
Mini Lighter + Waterproof Matches
Important Gear Considerations
Weight—Durability—Necessity—Applicability
Match your gear selection to the requirements of your objective. Extra weight can not only hinder the completion of your objective, it can also compromise your safety. Pack smart and pack light. But be conservative.
FOOTNOTES
[1] Know how to use avalanche safety equipment properly BEFORE venturing into the backcountry. For information on avalanche education and training contact the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education: AIARE
[2] Ski mountaineering doesn’t typically generate the same fall forces that traditional climbing does, so ski mountaineers can get away with carrying a lighter rope. Most ski ropes are 30-60m, 8mm half or twin ropes. However, ropes smaller in diameter than 9.4mm do not have sufficient fall/impact force ratings for leader falls, and are NOT suitable for top rope, crag, sport, or big wall climbing. Also, smaller diameter ropes can be difficult to handle, tangle easily, and tend to be less durable. Choose wisely.
[3] A Munter Hitch is adjustable knot used primarily for belaying a partner when an ATC style belay device is not available. It requires the use of a ‘pear shaped’ HMS locking carabiner for optimal function.
[4] Dyneema (also known as Spectra or Dynex) is incredibly strong for its weight and is more abrasion and cut-resistant than nylon. Slings made of Dyneema fold up very small so racking is easy, especially 60cm slings racked as extendable quickdraws. Due to their thin diameter, they can be threaded through small gaps where nylon slings are too fat to fit, and are great for tying-off pitons. Dyneema doesn't absorb much water, making them a smarter choice for winter climbing, as nylon slings tend to freeze.
[5] The diameter of your prusik cord should be 60% to 80% of the rope’s diameter, whether you are using the prussik on one rope or two. If you use a cord that is too thin, it will tighten easily around the rope and will be difficult to move freely. If you use a cord that is too thick, it won’t have enough friction to lock on the rope when you need it to.
[6] Taglines (Also called “pull cords” or “rap lines”) are used primarily for doubling with a single rope to make long, full-length rappels when only one conventional mountaineering or climbing rope is available. Note: this is an advanced mountaineering technique; use with caution and proper training/practice.
*basic ski-mountaineering setup in complex and/or glaciated terrain
BACK TO:
MULTI-DAY 34-50
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CAUTION
THE BIGGEST LINES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURY OR LOSS OF ANY KIND. ANYONE ATTEMPTING THE ROUTES LISTED HERE OR USING ANY OF THE SUGGESTED OR RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY.
BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARED. BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED. SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE AND/OR INSTRUCTION ON TECHNIQUE, METHODOLOGY, SAFETY PROTOCOL, AND PROPER EQUIPMENT USE.
MONITOR THE WEATHER. TRAVEL WITH A CAPABLE AND TRUSTED PARTNER. USE GOOD JUDGEMENT. BE READY TO TURN BACK IF THE OBJECTIVE BECOMES TOO CHALLENGING, OR IF CONDITIONS BECOME DANGEROUS. LIVE TO SKI ANOTHER DAY.
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