The Ultimate Gear Guide

Backcountry Packing Checklist


List View | Detailed View




NOTES:

*Asterisks denote the essential components of a basic Ski Mountaineering Kit for use in complex and/or glaciated terrain (36 pieces). Click here for a PDF version to save to your files/smartphone. Scroll down for a Ski Mountaineering Kit Checklist. Watch these videos from IFMGA guide Dave Searle on How to Dial In your Ski Mountaineering Equipment and Ski Mountaineering Ropes, Everything You Need to Know!. IMPORTANT NOTES: Some of these items can overlap between categories. Study the route/weather. Anticipate what gear you might need, and what you can safely leave behind. Pack smart. Also: many of these items are essentially useless, and act as Swing Weight (or extra weight that threatens to pull you off balance in steep and/or critical terrain) if one doesn’t know how to use them! Study. Seek professional guidance/training. Hire a guide. Practice. Practice. Practice!



**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.


DAY TRIPS AND ROUTINE SKI TOURING OBJECTIVES


1. Backcountry Skis/Spiltboard*

2. Boots*

3. Bindings*

4. Helmet*

5. Goggles

6. Climbing Skins*

7. Collapsible Ski Poles*

8. Overnight Backpack*

9. Mountaineering Harness*

10. Belay Device*

11. Avalanche Transceiver*

12. Probe*

13. Shovel*

14. Ice Axe*

15. Ski Straps*

16. Rope*

17. Hollow Block/Prusik Loop*

18. Locking Carabiner, Belay Loop*

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

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

21. Single Sling 60cm

22. Double Sling 120cm (2 minimum)*

23. Triple Sling 240cm

24. Cordelette (1 minimum; 2 for glacier travel)*

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

26. Smartphone with GPS software*

27. Smartphone Case with Lanyard (optional)

28. Sunscreen/Lip Balm

29. Sunglasses*

30. Climbing Knife*

31. Repair Kit

32. Water Bottle*

33. Emergency First Aid Kit (w/ whistle)*


OVERNIGHT TOURS, TECHNICAL ROUTES, AND MORE SERIOUS OBJECTIVES


34. Ski Skin Waterproofing Treatment

35. Rope Clamp*

36. Binoculars (optional)

37. Boot Crampons*

38. Ski Crampons*

39. Ice Screws (2-3, depending on objective/terrain)*

40. Pitons (set of 2-3)*

41. Wire Nuts (set of 3-5)*

42. Cams (3-5, depending on objective/terrain)

43. V-thread Tool*

44. Tagline (or Beal Escaper)

45. Headlamp

46. Maps and/or GPS software

47. Analog Compass (with mirror)*

48. Emergency Bivouac and/or Tarp

49. Portable Charger and/or Extra Batteries

50. Hand/Toe Warmers


GLACIER TRAVEL AND MULTIDAY EXPEDITIONS


Technical Mountaineering Ice Axe (X2)

Spine Protector (optional)

Micro Traction Pulley*

Crevasse Rescue Pulley (optional)

Snow Picket/Deadman (optional)

Wiregate Nut Tool (optional)

Ski Binding Leash (optional)

Radio

Satellite Phone (optional)

Inclinometer*

Camera (optional)

Expedition Pack

Down Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pads

Bowl, Spoon, Mug

Backpacking Stove

Food

Toiletries/Meds

Pee Bottle/Pee Funnel (optional)

Zip-Lock Bags

Mini Lighter + Waterproof Matches 

A very small bottle of Pastis (optional of course, but highly recommended—especially on long, cold, relatively low elevation overnight tours!)


CAUTION

THE BIGGEST LINES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURY OR LOSS OF ANY KIND. ANYONE ATTEMPTING THE ROUTES LISTED HERE OR USING ANY OF THE SUGGESTED OR RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY.

BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARED. BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED. SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE AND/OR INSTRUCTION ON TECHNIQUE, METHODOLOGY, SAFETY PROTOCOL, AVALANCHE MITIGATION, SELF RESCUE, AND PROPER EQUIPMENT USE.

MONITOR THE WEATHER. TRAVEL WITH A CAPABLE AND TRUSTED PARTNER. USE GOOD JUDGEMENT. BE READY TO TURN BACK IF THE OBJECTIVE BECOMES TOO CHALLENGING, OR IF CONDITIONS BECOME DANGEROUS. LIVE TO SKI ANOTHER DAY.

BASIC SKI MOUNTAINEERING KIT

(for use in Complex/Glaciated Terrain)

(photo by: PatitucciPhoto)

“My inspiration comes from the mountains themselves. I love the silence, the wind, the sun, the ruggedness, and contrast between the soft snow and the jagged rocks.”

—Steve Romeo

Uber endurance athlete and ski mountaineer…and the ultimate gearhead. A relentless explorer and founder of the influential backcountry blog TetonAT. Steve’s personal mantra “Live to Ski” still resonates among many in the ski mountaineering community, long after his untimely and unfortunate passing.

Steve Romeo, photo courtesy of TetonAT

. . .

Cover Photo: Vallee Blanche, with the Aiguille du Midi (top), and the Normal Route, Petit Envers du Plan, and Grand Envers du Plan (left to right). Chamonix, France (photo: Adrian Earlyup). Click to enlarge.