⎪DAYTRIPS AND ROUTINE OBJECTIVES: THE ESSENTIALS

Baseline essentials recommended for day trips and routine objectives, or anywhere beyond resort boundaries (33 items). *Asterisks denote the essential components of a basic ski mountaineering kit for use in complex and/or glaciated terrain (36 items).

For additional gear on OVERNIGHT (50 items in total) and MULTI-DAY objectives, scroll down on this page, or click on the corresponding buttons below. Click here for a packing checklist, so you don’t leave anything behind! Click here for a PDF version to save to your files/smartphone.

Note: Anything you purchase from a link on this website helps finance the continued publication of the Biggest Lines. ALL gear recommendations are based solely on quality and performance, and NOT on any affiliate agreement or vendor obligation. Thank you in advance for your support.

1. Backcountry Skis/Splitboard*

KEY FEATURES/CONSIDERATIONS

Skis: Alpine Touring (AT): freeride/big mountain style: rigid (but not too stiff), durable, moderately weighted, moderate sidecut/radius, flat tail.

Consider objectives/riding style/snow conditions. Less width/length=less weight and hence better, more efficient uphill performance. More weight and more sidecut generally equals better performance on the downhill. However, while a narrow waist (short radius) is better suited for tighter turns in firm conditions, it may be a disadvantage in soft powder, and for holding an edge in super steep, icy terrain. Camber in your skis gives you better edge control on hard snow, while rocker in the tip and/or tail will provide better flotation in deep powder. An all-around, big mountain ski, with moderate weight, radius, and length, and with camber underfoot, may be the preferred and most versatile ski construct for most backcountry situations.

Here is an excellent resource from REI on purchasing backcountry skis, perhaps the single most important piece of gear in your backcountry setup: How to Choose Backcountry Skis. Additional discussion here: Ski Radius and Dimensions Explained.

Splitboard: freeride/big mountain style: rigid, moderate turn radius, directional shape, backset camber, magne-traction (for more technical terrain). Remember to always keep edges sharp, and bindings tight and well maintained!

SUGGESTIONS

Skis: Salomon QST Echo 106 (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice); Faction La Machine Mini; Faction Agent 2X (Men's); Faction Agent 2X (Women’s); Black Crows Camox Freebird; Blizzard Zero G 108; DPS Wailer 106 ; Black Crows Camox Freebird Skis; Black Crows Navis Freebird Skis; Black Diamond Helio Carbon 104 Skis; Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Skis

Splitboard: Jones Stratos Splitboard (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice; Backcountry Magazine Editor’s Choice 2024); Jones Solution Splitboard; Arbor Bryan Iguchi Pro (2023/2024); West Snowboards Muveran (Backcountry Magazine Editor’s Choice 2024); Venture Model-X Splitboard; Venture Carbon Paragon Splitboard

BUDGET OPTIONS

Skis: Faction Agent 2 (2021)

Splitboard: Nitro Nomad (2024)

2. Boots*

KEY FEATURES

Relatively light, stiff, warm, forward lean (and/or downhill mode for skiers), and crampon compatible!

Skiers: consider Intuition boot liners (moldable liners that conform to your feet and enhance comfort/fit), and proper forefoot size, as boot brands vary in width.

Splitboarders: pay special attention to the rise and bulk of the boot tread and how it might affect foot comfort, control and rideability. Remember: the best boot is the boot that fits you best.


SUGGESTIONS

Skiers: MEN’S and UNISEX: Dynafit Tigard 130 (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice); Tecnica Cochise HV DYN GW; Scarpa F1 XT; Fischer Transalp Carbon Pro (info); Lange XT3 Tour Light MV 130; Dynafit Radical Pro Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; Scarpa Maestrale Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; WOMEN’S: Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 115 BOA W; Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 95 W HT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 105 W CT GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022; Dynafit Radical Pro Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022

Splitboarders: K2 Waive; K2 Orton Snowboard Boots 2021/2022; thirtytwo Jones MTB Snowboard Boots 2021/2022


BUDGET OPTIONS

Skiers: MEN’S: K2 Mindbender 130; K2 Recon 130 Ski Boots 2022; Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 120 TECH GW Alpine Touring Ski Boots 2021/2022

Splitboarders: MEN’S: K2 Aspect Snowboard Boots 2023; K2 Aspect Snowboard Boots 2021/2022; WOMEN’S: K2 Format Snowboard Boots 2021/2022

3. Bindings*

KEY CONSIDERATIONS: weight, durability, simplicity, release value; ski brakes vs. no ski brakes, heal piece: adjustable vs. non-adjustable; pins/no pins; plastic vs. metal/carbon

SUGGESTIONS

Skis: Skitrab Titan Vario Ski Bindings; Dynafit ST Rotation 14 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings; Dynafit ST Rotation 10 Alpine Touring Ski Bindings; Salomon MTN Pure Alpine Touring Ski Bindings (with Leash and Brake) Splitboard: Spark R&D Arc ST Pro Bindings; Spark R&D Surge Pro Splitboard Bindings; Voile Light Speed Splitboard Bindings; Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings; Karakoram Grizzly Splitboard Bindings 2021/2022

BUDGET OPTIONS

Skis: Dynafit Radical Alpine Touring Ski Bindings 2021/2022 Splitboard: Spark R&D Arc Splitboard Bindings; Voile Speed Rail Splitboard Bindings

4. Helmet*

KEY FEATURES: burly, snug fit, warm, vented; removable ear pieces preferred. Don’t go cheap on this one! And don’t ski/ride without one! Protect your head and brain as best as you can. Most fatalities in the mountains involve head trauma, and mostly from rock and ice fall.

SUGGESTIONS: Smith Maze MIPS; Smith Quantum MIPS; Salomon MTN Lab; Petzl Meteor

BUDGET OPTIONS: N/A: No compromises on this one!. MIPS technology is the preferred component: Traumatic Brain Injury is the Number 1 killer in the mountain mishaps!

5. Goggles

KEY FEATURES: snug fit, anti-fog lens coating, UV protection; interchangeable lenses preferred

SUGGESTIONS: Smith Skyline ChromaPop Snow Goggles; Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Photochromic Snow Goggles; Smith Prophecy OTG ChromaPop Snow Goggles

6. Climbing Skins*

KEY FEATURES: for long tours mohair is best, as it facilitates faster/more efficient uphill travel. For better grip in steep terrain and greater durability in hard snow, go for the nylon/mohair hybrid blend.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Glidelite Mohair Mix Custom STS Climbing Skins; Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins; Nomad Pro Climbing Skins with Quick Tension Tail Clips

7. Collapsible Ski Poles*

KEY FEATURES: adjustable, lightweight, strong, with a reliable lock mechanism. (Skiers: consider a Whippet configuration for additional security, but please note that a Whippet is NOT a reliable substitute for an ice axe in exceptionally steep and/or icy terrain, and may even invite additional risks/dangers)

SUGGESTIONS: Jones Talon Splitboarding Poles; Black Diamond Expedition WR 3 Ski Poles; Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro Ski Poles; Black Diamond Carbon Whippet Ski Pole; Dynafit Speed Vario 2.0 Ski Poles 

8. Backpack*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight, easy access (side or rear), proper fit (gender specific), ski/splitboard straps, ice tool straps, helmet carrier, top lid; interior volume applicable to objective; if air bag compatible: battery powered is preferred.

SUGGESTIONS: Conventional Packs: Exped Impulse 20; Deuter Freerider Pro 34+; Dueter Freerider Lite 20; Patagonia Descensionist Pack 32L; Patagonia Descensionist Pack 40L; Arc’Teryx Alpha FL 30 Avalanche Airbag Packs:: Backcountry Access Float E2-25 Avalanche Airbag; Db Snow Pro Vest 8L with Safeback SBX (Outside Magazine 2024 Editor’s Choice); Backcountry Access Float 32 Avalanche Airbag Pack; Backcountry Access Float 42 Avalanche Airbag Pack; Osprey Soelden Pro 32

9. Mountaineering Harness*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight, secure fit, double-back buckle, belay loop, gear loops, easy on/off

RECOMENDATIONS: Black Diamond Couloir; Petzl Altitude

10. Belay Device*

Petzl Reverso: the only one you’ll ever need. Designed for a multitude of uses. Optimal for ski mountaineering (and small diameter ropes).

For Black Diamond enthusiasts, and for smaller diameter ropes (7-9mm): Black Diamond ATC-Alpine Guide Belay Device

11. Avalanche Transceiver[1]*

KEY FEATURES: ease of use, reliability, durability, locking switch

SUGGESTIONS:  Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver; Mammut Barryvox Avalanche Transceiver; Backcountry Access Tracker S; Mammut Barryvox; Mammut Barryvox Tour Package

12. Probe*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight (aluminum is preferred over carbon), rapid deployment, durable

RECOMMENDATIONS:  Black Diamond Quickdraw Carbon Probe ; Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro 320 Probe

13. Shovel*

KEY FEATURES: light, strong, packable, wide metal blade

RECOMMENDATIONS: Backcountry Access B-1 EXT Bomber Avalanche Shovel or Ortovox Shovel Pro Light

14. Ice Axe*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight, durable, applicable to use, 50-60cm, depending on height. Anything longer is better suited for glacier hiking and is not useful in steep terrain (for more technical ascents/descents, see optional equipment below).

RECOMMENDATIONS: Petzl Glacier Literide; Black Diamond Swift; Black Diamond Raven Ultra; CAMP Corsa Alpine

15. Ski Straps*

For just about everything: Voile Strap with Aluminum Buckle; Black Diamond Ski Strap

16. Rope*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight, water resistant, durable, small diameter; 7-8mm X 50-60m ideal for most ski mountaineering objectives; 8mm minimum for glacier travel (Note: 9.4mm and smaller diameter ropes are not suitable for traditional climbing[2]; also, thin ropes provide less friction when used in most belay devices—consider using a second locking carabiner on the belay device for additional friction/security, and always use an autoblock and/or prusik while on rappel!).

RECOMMENDATIONS: Beal Rando Glacier Golden Dry (48m); Sterling Fusion Photon 7.8 Dry XP 

17. Hollow Block/Prusik Loop*

RECOMMENDATION: Sterling Hollow Block; Beal Jammy

18. Locking Carabiner, Belay Loop*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight, rounded/pear shaped for use with Munter hitches [3] (important: use twisting locks with caution, as the locking mechanism may not be consistent with the other locking carabiners on your harness, nor with those of your climbing partner. They can also freeze up in very cold environments. Always remember to lock the screwgate on your traditional lockers!)

RECOMMENDATIONS: Black Diamond VaporLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Black Diamond RockLock Twistlock Carabiner; Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Trango Regulock HMS Autolock Carabiner

19. Locking Carabiners, Gear Loop (3-5 depending on objective)*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight, lower profile, medium size (Munter hitch compatibility not required). Always keep at least two lockers free and available (and within easy reach) on your harness gear loops.

(important: use twisting locks with caution, as the locking mechanism may not be consistent with the other locking carabiners on your harness, nor with those of your climbing partner. They can also freeze up in very cold environments. Always remember to lock the screwgate when using traditional lockers!)

RECOMMENDATIONS: Black Diamond VaporLock Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Black Diamond Nitron Screwgate Locking Carabiner; Petzl Sm’D Screw-Lock Carabiner

20. Non-locking Carabiners/Quickdraws (1-3 depending on objective)*

KEY FEATURES: lightweight (rounded gates are ideal for racking gear in cold weather environments; wire gates are more suitable for quickdraws, and for racking cams in warm weather environments). Note: Use two non-locking carabiners opposite AND opposed as a substitute for a locker! Never belay/rappel off a non-locking carabiner!!!

SUGGESTIONS: Rounded: Petzl Spirit Straight Gate Carabiner; C.A.M.P. USA Photon Straight Gate Carabiner; Petzl Spirit Bent Gate Carabiner; C.A.M.P. USA Orbit Bent Gate Carabiner Wire: Black Diamond Lite Wire Carabiner; Trango Phase Alpine Quickdraw; C.A.M.P. USA Photon Wire Express KS Dyneema Quickdraw

21. Single Sling 60cm

KEY FEATURES: material: Dyneema/Dynex preferred [4], water resistant, abrasion resistant, sewn ends

RECOMMENDATION: Black Diamond 10 mm Dynex Runner; Mammut Contact Sling Dyneema

22. Double Sling 120cm (2 minimum)*

KEY FEATURES: material: Dyneema/Dynex preferred [4], water resistant, abrasion resistant, sewn ends

RECOMMENDATION:  Black Diamond 10 mm Dynex Runner; Mammut Contact Sling Dyneema

23. Triple Sling 240cm

KEY FEATURES: material: Dyneema/Dynex preferred [4], water resistant, abrasion resistant, sewn ends (240cm length ideal for pre-equalized anchor points with multiple protection pieces, and large rock features)

RECOMMENDATION:  Black Diamond 10mm Dynex Runner

24. Cordelette (1 minimum; 2 for glacier travel or more complex terrain)*

KEY FEATURES: 6-7mm, 4m minimum length

SUGGESTIONS: Sterling 5.4 V-TX High Tenacity; PMI Accessory Cord; BlueWater Accessory Cord; Petzl Connect Adjust

25. Prusik Cords (1 minimum; 3 for glacier travel)

KEY FEATURES: 5mm diameter [5]; 1-2-4 meter lengths for glacier travel, 1m otherwise. Note: cord length is measured as a single strand with no knots

SUGGESTIONS: Sterling 5.4 V-TX High Tenacity; PMI Accessory Cord; BlueWater Accessory Cord

26. Smartphone*

KEY FEATURES: internet compatible, GPS map application, slope angle application, compass feature, high quality camera, long-life battery, emergency contact numbers (always have hand-written backup), flashlight function, notes feature

SUGGESTIONS: Apple iPhone X; GAIA GPS; FATMAP

27. Smartphone Case with Lanyard (optional—but dropping phone is not!)

SUGGESTION: Lander Moab Phone Case for iPhone

28. Sunscreen/Lip Balm

KEY FEATURES: mineral based, pocket-sized, 30 SPF minimum

SUGGESTIONS: Badger SPF 35 Clear Sport Sunscreen Stick; Badger Sport SPF 35 Clear Zinc Unscented Sunscreen Cream; Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 30 Stick

29. Sunglasses*

KEY FEATURES: secure fit, lightweight, wrap-around, polarized (consider side shields for glacier travel. Also: never wear goggles while touring uphill: they will inevitably fog up!)

SUGGESTIONS: Anacapa Polarized Sunglasses; Suncloud Turbine Polarized; Julbo Shield

30. Climbing Knife*

KEY FEATURES: compact, lightweight, sharp, carabiner eyelet

RECOMMENDATIONS: Trango Piranha Knife; Petzl Spatha Knife; Swiss Army Climber Knife (for overnights/expeditions)

31. Repair Kit

KEY FEATURES: ratchet/screwdriver (with various attachments), extra screws/washers, Tenacious tape, wire, plastic ties, ski straps, hose clamps, instant glue, wax, scraper

SUGGESTIONS: Dynafit Touring Repair Kit; 22 Designs Universal Backcountry Repair Kit ; or a custom kit 

32. Water Bottle*

KEY FEATURES: wide mouth, one liter minimum (do not use Camelback type hose system as they invariably freeze)

Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle; REI Co-op Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle (1.4L)

33. Emergency First Aid Kit (with whistle)*

KEY FEATURES: Emergency blanket, medical tape, bandages, compression packs, butterfly closure strips, antiseptic, anti-bacterial ointment, anti-inflammation medicine, antihistamine, pain reliever, instructions (Note: for a more detailed first aid kit content recommendation, click here)

FOR DAYTRIP/SIDECOUNTRY: Adventure Medical Kit Mountain Series; Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight

FOR OVERNIGHT AND MULTI-DAY: First Aid Kit recommended by Smile Mountain Guides director Jeffrey Mascaro, available through emergency medical supplier Rescue Essentials

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