Cross-Country Skiing Checklist

By REI staff

Day Tour—Backcountry

The 10+ Essentials
	Extra clothing	Extra food
	Drinking water in an insulated container	Map of the area in a waterproof case
	Compass	Fire starter (or candle)
	Pocket knife	First-aid kit
	Matches in a waterproof container (or a lighter)	Headlamp or flashlight with extra bulb and batteries
	Sunscreen and lip balm	Sunglasses or goggles
Equipment
	Skis/bindings	Poles
	Boots	Binoculars
	Ski wax and waxing tools	Camera, film
	Chemical hand and foot warmers	Vacuum bottle for hot drinks
	Insulated sit pad	Boots
	Daypack large enough for winter gear—these may be listed as overnight packs (check out the models with shovel pockets and ski slots!)	Tarp to block wind during lunch breaks or for emergency use
Clothing
	Wicking long underwear top and bottom (such as MTS® or Capilene®)	Fleece jacket or wool sweater
	Fleece tights or wool pants/knickers	Ski socks (wool or synthetic)
	Wicking liner socks	Gaiters
Outerwear
	Outer shell jacket (waterproof/breathable such as Gore-Tex® or Elements®) OR single-layer, soft-shell jacket	Outer shell pants (waterproof/breathable such as Gore-Tex® or Elements®) OR single-layer, soft-shell pants
	Waterproof gloves or overmitts or shelled ski gloves	Fleece or wool mittens or gloves
	Neck gaiter or balaclava	Fleece or wool hat or headband
Backcountry Gear
	Avalanche transceiver	Shovel
	Probe or probe ski poles	Ice axe
	Crampons	Altimeter
	Climbing skins	Extra glue for skins
	Snow saw, snow crystal card, slope meter (for determining snow pack and avalanche conditions)

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