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 printer-friendly version, click Print Checklist (PDF) at right.

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 or avalung 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

  • Map (with protective case)
  • Compass
  • GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Sunglasses

3. Insulation

  • Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)

    4. Illumination

    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Extra batteries (kept near body when cold)

    5. First-aid supplies

      6. Fire

      • Matches or lighter
      • Waterproof container
      • Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

      7. Repair kit and tools

      • Knife or multi-tool
      • Duct tape strips; repair items as needed

      8. Nutrition

      • Extra day’s supply of food

        9. Hydration

        • Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)
        • Water filter or other treatment system

        10. Emergency shelter

        • Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

          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 or satellite phone
          • 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
          • ___________________

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          By REI staff

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