Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Checklist
Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will use every item on every outing. List is for day use.
For multiday trips, add gear from our Backpacking or Winter Camping lists.
Gear choices
(see our Mountaineering checklist for other gear options)
- Skis, snowboard or splitboard
- Boots
- Poles
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Climbing skins
- Ski wax, skin wax, waxing tools
- Crampons/ski crampons
- Pack
- Avalanche transceiver
- Snow shovel
- Probe
- Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit
- Avalung, avalung pack or airbag/float pack
- Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
- Whistle/signaling mirror
- Ice axe/Whippet
- Route description or guidebook
The Ten Essentials
(for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
- Extra batteries (kept near body when cold)
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
- Knife or multi-tool
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
- Water bottles or Hydration system (insulated)
10. Emergency shelter
Clothing options
(base choices on possible weather extremes)
- Wicking base layers (synthetic or wool)
- Fleece jacket or vest (insulating mid layer)
- Fleece pants
- Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill)
- Waterproof/breathable jacket (or soft shell)
- Waterproof/breathable pants or bibs (or soft shell)
- Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband
- Bandana or Buff (neck or face gaiter)
- Sun-shielding cap or hat for bright days
- Gloves, mittens and/or overmittens
- Light gloves (for high-energy activity)
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Liner socks
- Gaiters
Personal items
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel and/or WAGbags
- Hand sanitizer
- Quick-dry towel
Other options
- Lunch
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Vacuum bottle (for hot drinks)
- Insulated sitting pad
- Handwarmer/footwarmer packets
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Permits/passes
- ___________________
- Two-way radios
- Personal locator beacon
- Cell phone or satellite communicator
- Credit card/cash/photo ID
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- Music player with headphones
- Post-activity snacks, water and beverages
- Towel and post-activity change of clothing
- Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
- ___________________
Related Categories
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