Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Checklist

Get prepared for winter backcountry day trips with this comprehensive gear list. For multiday trips, add gear from our Backpacking, Winter Camping, or Day Hiking lists.

Gear Choices

• Skis, snowboard or splitboard
• Boots
• Poles
• Goggles
• Helmet
• Climbing skins
• Ski wax, skin wax, waxing tools
• Crampons/ski crampons
• Pack
• Avalanche transceiver
• Snow shovel
• Probe
• Slope meter and snowpit analysis kit
• Avalung or avalanche airbag survival pack
• Multifunction watch (with altimeter)
• Whistle/signaling mirror
• Ice axe/Whippet self-arresting ski pole
• Route description or guidebook

See our Mountaineering Checklist for other gear options.

The Ten Essentials

For safety, survival and basic comfort:

1. Navigation

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass
• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

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

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
• 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
• Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool
• Repair/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

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

Clothing

• Wicking base layers (synthetic or wool)
• Fleece jacket or vest (insulating mid layer)
• Fleece pants
• Insulating jacket (down or poly-fill)
• Waterproof/breathable jacket (or soft shell)
• Waterproof/breathable pants or bibs (or soft shell)
• Insulating hat, cap, balaclava or headband
• Bandana or Buff (neck or face gaiter)
• Sun-shielding cap or hat for bright days
• Gloves, mittens and/or overmittens
• Light gloves (for high-energy activity)
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• Liner socks
• Gaiters

Personal Items

• Toilet paper
• Sanitation trowel and/or WAG Bags
• 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
• Two-way radios
• Cell phone or satellite communicator
• Credit card/cash/photo ID
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Music player with headphones
• Post-activity snacks, water and beverages
• Towel and post-activity change of clothing
• Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat