Cross-Country Skiing Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will use every item on every outing. List is for day use. Expect to carry less when skiing on groomed trails, more for longer tours on ungroomed terrain.

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

Basic Gear

• Skis with bindings
• Boots
• Poles
• Daypack

• Glide wax for skis (if needed)
• Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
• Whistle/signaling mirror
• Trail pass and/or parking permits

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Trail or topo map (plus any route description)
• Compass matches

• GPS (optional survival fire)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Sunglasses or goggles (w/antifog cloth/spray)

3. Insulation

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

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight system (insulated)

• 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 for matches

• 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

• Reflective blanket or bivy sack

Clothing options

(again, this list is intentionally extensive; base choices on possible weather extremes)

• Wicking base layers (wool or synthetic)
• Insulating mid layer: Fleece jacket or vest
• Waterproof/breathable jacket (or soft shell)
• Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill; worn at stops)
• Waterproof/breathable pants or bibs (or soft shell)
• Fleece pants (for cold days)
• Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband
• Neck or face gaiter (bandana or similar)

• Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
• Liner socks
• Gaiters
• Gloves, mittens and/or overmittens
• Light gloves (for vigorous activity or mild days)
• Sun-shielding cap or hat (for sunny days)
• Lightweight nylon pants (for sunny days)
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sunny days)

Personal items

• Tissue/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
• Credit card/cash/photo ID
• ___________________

• Cell or satellite phone
• Two-way radios
• Personal locator beacon
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Music player with headphones
• Climbing skins, if needed
• Post-trip snacks, change of clothing, towel
• Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
• ___________________

If touring off maintained or patrolled routes

(also see our Mountaineering checklist for other gear options)

• Avalanche transceiver
• Probe

• Snow shovel
• Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit

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