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 Campinglists.

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
• Ice axe/Whippet
• Pack

• Avalanche transceiver
• Snow shovel
• Probe
• Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit
• Avalung
• Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
• Powder cords
• Whistle/signaling mirror
• Approach skis or snowshoes
• 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

• First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)

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)
• Gloves, mittens and/or overmittens
• Light gloves (for high-energy activity)
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• Liner socks
• Spare socks
• Gaiters

Personal items

(To more easily locate gear, keep similar items in a single duffel)

• 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
• Sun-shielding cap or hat for bright days
• Rope or 50-foot nylon cord
• Credit card/cash/photo ID
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Music player with headphones
• Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
• ___________________

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