Cross-Country Skiing Checklist

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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