
For adventure lovers, nothing is more adrenaline-inducing and satisfying than a backcountry ski and snowboard trip. If you do not pack the right gear, however, you may not have a good time. In this backcountry ski gear list, we will cover everything you will need to accomplish your skiing and snowboarding objectives.
The Backcountry Ski Gear List
To snowboard or ski, you will need most of the gear listed in this section:
- A snowboard, split board, or skis
- Skiing boots
- Skiing Poles
- Snowboarding helmet
- Climbing Skins
- Avalanche transceiver
- Pack
- Ski crampons
- Skin wax, ski wax, and tools to help you with the waxing process
- Signaling mirror or a whistle
- Whippet self-arresting ski pole or ice ax
- Avalanche airbag survival pack
- Snowpit analysis kit and slope meter
- Probe
- Snow shovel
- A guidebook or route description to aid with navigation
- Multifunction watch featuring an altimeter
- Ski goggles
The Essentials
For your survival, safety, and basic comfort, you should ensure that you have the items below on your snowboarding checklist:
Navigation
To reduce the chances of getting lost, ensure that you are carrying the following items:
- Map – The ideal map should feature a protective case
- Compass
- GPS (this is optional)
Sun Protection
The sun can be unforgiving, even on snow. To stay safe, have the following sun protection items in your backcountry ski gear list:
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen – Learn how to apply sunscreen correctly
Insulation
To avoid losing heat, insulation is necessary. The following gear should help you stay insulated:
- Ski Jacket
- Ski pants
- Snowboarding gloves
- Hat
- Vest
Note: For more clothing ideas, check the clothing section
Illumination
To avoid being stuck in the dark, consider carrying the following gear:
- Headlamp
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
First Aid Supplies
Since accidents and common illnesses do occur even when you least expect them, having a way to take care of the affected individual is crucial. Ensure that your backcountry ski gear list has the following first aid items:
- Plasters – These should be available in a wide range of shapes and sizes
- Sterile eye dressing – At least 2.
- Triangular bandages
- Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Thermometer – Preferably, a digital thermometer
- Disposable sterile gloves
- Sterile gauze dressings – Carry large, medium, and small
- Painkillers – Such as paracetamol
- Distilled water for cleaning wounds
- Eye bath and eyewash
- Cough medicine
- Antihistamine tablets or cream
- Antiseptic cream
- Skin rash cream
Fire
If you intend to go winter camping for more than a single day, you may need to start a fire at some point. To start a fire, your snowboarding checklist should feature the following items:
- Lighter or matches
- Waterproof container
- Firestarter – Ideal for starting emergency survival fires
Repair Tools and Kit
Even after leaving home with properly-functioning gear, the gear may start misbehaving once you are in the snow. If you have the right repair tools on your backcountry ski gear list, fixing your gear should be easy. Some of the repair gear you may need to carry includes:
- A knife or multitool
- Duct tape strips
- Other repair tools ideal for the equipment you will be carrying
Nutrition
For you to enjoy your time on your ski or snowboard, you have to be well fed. To ensure that you do not run out of food, you should carry an extra day’s food supply. If you will be snowboarding for 3 days, carry food capable of lasting for 4 to 5 days. In case something happens and you have to change your plans, you will not have to worry about starving.
Hydration
You won’t be able to have fun on your new ski if you are dehydrated. To stay hydrated, the following items should be on your backcountry ski gear list:
- Water bottles
- Hydration system – Preferably, insulated
- Water filter or an alternative water treatment system
Emergency Shelter
If you intend to spend a couple of days away from home, an emergency shelter can come in handy. To sleep comfortably, include the following items on your snowboarding checklist:
- Winter sleeping bag
- Tent
- Reflective blanket or bivy
Clothing
To stay warm on snow, consider packing the following:
- Wicking base layers (wool or synthetic)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece vest or jacket)
- Fleece pants
- Insulating jacket (poly-fill or down)
- Breathable/waterproof jacket
- Breathable/waterproof pants
- Insulating cap, headband, or balaclava
- Buff or bandana
- Sun-shielding cap (for the bright days)
- Mitten or gloves
- Socks (wool or synthetic)
- Liner socks
- Gaiters
Personal Items
Some of the personal items you should always have when going on a snowboarding or skiing trip include:
- Sanitation trowel
- WAG bags
- Hand sanitizer
- Quick-dry towel
Additional (Optional) Gear
After ensuring that you have acquired all the necessary gear outlined above, you can go ahead and invest in the items we have outlined below. These items are optional considering that they won’t play any key role in your skiing or snowboarding experience:
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Passes/permits
- 2-way radios
- Cellphone or a satellite messenger
- Music player featuring headphones
- Notebook and pen
- Footwarmer/handwarmer packets
- Personal locator beacon
- Post-activity snacks
- Post-activity change of clothing
- Vacuum bottle (for your hot drinks)
- Insulated sitting pad
- Energy beverages
- Photo ID
- Cash or a credit card
Globo Surf Overview
If you are armed with the right equipment, snowboarding and skiing should be a fun activity for you. This backcountry ski gear list should make it much easier for you to plan your snowboarding and skiing trip.
You don’t need to have every item we have mentioned in this snowboarding checklist. However, there are some crucial items you should never forget. These include clothing capable of keeping you warm, protective gear, food, navigation gear, emergency shelter (if you will be skiing for more than a day), and obviously, a ski or a snowboard.
If you are under a budget and purchasing some of the important gear is impossible, consider renting the equipment. If you have some friends who enjoy skiing and snowboarding, chances are, they already have the gear you need. You can borrow their gear if they won’t be joining you.
More Snow Reviews:
- Ski Pants
- All Mountain Snowboard
- Heated Gloves
- Beginner Snowboard
- Snowboard Gloves
- Din Calculator
- How To Wax A Snowboard
- Skiing In Iceland
- Skiing In Georgia
- Wyoming Ski Resorts
Source
- 40 Ski Trip Packing List You’ll Want for Vacation, Theworldpursuit.com