Expert Advice > Cross-Country Skiing Checklist
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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