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
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
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
- Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)
- Water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
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
- Personal locator beacon
- Cell phone or satellite messenger
- 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
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