The Ultimate Gear Guide
Backcountry Packing Checklist
List View | Detailed View
NOTES:
*Asterisks denote the essential components of a basic Ski Mountaineering Kit for use in complex and/or glaciated terrain (36 pieces). Click here for a PDF version to save to your files/smartphone. Scroll down for a Ski Mountaineering Kit Checklist. IMPORTANT: many of these items are essentially useless, and become Swing Weight (or extra weight that threatens to pull you off balance in steep and/or critical terrain) if one doesn’t know how to use them! Study. Seek professional guidance/training. Hire a guide. Practice. Practice. Practice!
**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.
DAY TRIPS AND ROUTINE SKI TOURING OBJECTIVES
1. Backcountry Skis/Spiltboard*
2. Boots*
3. Bindings*
4. Helmet*
5. Goggles
6. Climbing Skins*
10. Belay Device*
12. Probe*
13. Shovel*
14. Ice Axe*
15. Ski Straps*
16. Rope*
18. Locking Carabiner, Belay Loop*
19. Locking Carabiners, Gear Loop (3-5 depending on objective)*
20. Non-locking Carabiners and/or Quickdraws (1-3 depending on objective)*
22. Double Sling 120cm (2 minimum)*
24. Cordelette (1 minimum; 2 for glacier travel)*
25. Prusik Cords (1 minimum; 3 for glacier travel)
26. Smartphone with GPS software*
27. Smartphone Case with Lanyard (optional)
29. Sunglasses*
30. Climbing Knife*
31. Repair Kit
32. Water Bottle*
33. Emergency First Aid Kit (w/ whistle)*
OVERNIGHT TOURS, TECHNICAL ROUTES, AND MORE SERIOUS OBJECTIVES
34. Ski Skin Waterproofing Treatment
35. Rope Clamp*
36. Binoculars (optional)
37. Boot Crampons*
38. Ski Crampons*
39. Ice Screws (2-3, depending on objective/terrain)*
40. Pitons (set of 2-3)*
41. Wire Nuts (set of 3-5)*
42. Cams (3-5, depending on objective/terrain)
43. V-thread Tool*
45. Headlamp
46. Maps and/or GPS software
47. Analog Compass (with mirror)*
48. Emergency Bivouac and/or Tarp
49. Portable Charger and/or Extra Batteries
50. Hand/Toe Warmers
GLACIER TRAVEL AND MULTIDAY EXPEDITIONS
Technical Mountaineering Ice Axe (X2)
Spine Protector (optional)
Crevasse Rescue Pulley (optional)
Snow Picket/Deadman (optional)
Wiregate Nut Tool (optional)
Ski Binding Leash (optional)
Satellite Phone (optional)
Camera (optional)
Pee Bottle/Pee Funnel (optional)
Mini Lighter + Waterproof Matches
A very small bottle of Pastis (optional of course, but highly recommended—especially on long, cold, relatively low elevation overnight tours!)
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, AVALANCHE MITIGATION, SELF RESCUE, 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.
BASIC SKI MOUNTAINEERING KIT
(for use in Complex/Glaciated Terrain)
ON THE HARNESS
Belay Device*
Hollow Block/Prusik Loop*
Locking Carabiner, Belay Loop*
Locking Carabiners, Gear Loop *
Non-locking Carabiners and/or Quickdraws
Double Sling 120cm *
Cordelette or Petzl Connect Adjust style lanyard/tether looped through your harness
Rope Clamp/Emergency Ascender*
Ice Screws *
Pitons*
Wire Nuts*
Cams
V-thread Tool*
Micro Traction Pulley*
INSIDE THE PACK/JACKET
Rope*
Probe*
Shovel*
Climbing Skins*
Ski Straps*
Smartphone with GPS*
Sunglasses*
Climbing Knife*
Water Bottle*
Food/Snacks
Emergency First Aid Kit *
Boot Crampons*
Ski Crampons*
Analog Compass*
Inclinometer
Down Jacket*
(photo by: PatitucciPhoto)
“My inspiration comes from the mountains themselves. I love the silence, the wind, the sun, the ruggedness, and [the] contrast between the soft snow and the jagged rocks.”
—Steve Romeo
Uber endurance athlete and ski mountaineer…and the ultimate gearhead. A relentless explorer and founder of the influential backcountry blog TetonAT. Steve’s personal mantra “Live to Ski” still resonates among many in the ski mountaineering community, long after his untimely and unfortunate passing.
Steve Romeo, photo courtesy of TetonAT
. . .
Cover Photo: Vallee Blanche, with the Aiguille du Midi (top), and the Normal Route, Petit Envers du Plan, and Grand Envers du Plan (left to right). Chamonix, France (photo: Adrian Earlyup). Click to enlarge.