Basic Gear

  • Skis
  • Boots
  • Poles
  • Pack
  • Helmet
  • Glide wax for skis (if needed)
  • Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
  • Whistle/signaling mirror
  • Trail pass

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

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

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
  • Extra batteries (kept near body when cold)

5. First-aid supplies

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 (synthetic or wool)
  • Insulating mid layer: Fleece jacket or vest
  • Waterproof/breathable jacket (or soft shell)
  • Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill; worn at stops)
  • 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
  • Permits/passes
  • Credit card/cash/photo ID
  • Cell or satellite phone
  • Two-way radios
  • Personal locator beacon
  • Notebook and pen or pencil
  • Music player with headphones
  • Stove, fuel, pot and lid (for melting snow)
  • Climbing skins, if needed
  • Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
  • ___________________

If touring in avalanche-prone areas

(also see our Mountaineering checklist for other gear options)

  • Avalanche transceiver
  • Probe
  • Snow shovel
  • Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit

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