The Complete Backcountry Skiing Gear List: Pro Guide Recommendations
March 10, 2022Todd Passey

The Complete Backcountry Skiing Gear List: Pro Guide Recommendations

What gear do you actually need for a day of backcountry skiing? ITCOG's certified guides break down the complete list — from technical equipment and safety gear to clothing and personal items.

The Right Backcountry Skiing Gear is Crucial

Having the right gear in the backcountry isn't just about performance — it's about safety and survival. After nearly 20 years of guiding all over the world, I've refined this list to what truly matters. Here's what to bring.

Technical & Safety Gear

Ski & Binding Setup

  • Skis: A touring-specific ski with a waist between 102–116mm, equipped with alpine touring (AT) bindings. Tech-style bindings preferred for weight savings.
  • Climbing skins: Must be cut to fit your ski and in good adhesive condition.
  • AT boots: Compatible with your bindings. Must have a walk mode.

For Ski Mountaineering Objectives

  • Ski crampons: Must be compatible with your bindings and ski waist width.
  • Boot crampons: Aluminum, compatible with your AT boots.
  • Harness: Lightweight, fits over ski clothing. Include 2 locking carabiners and a belay device.
  • Ice axe: Lightweight, under 55cm.

Avalanche Safety (Non-Negotiable)

  • Avalanche beacon: Modern three-antenna digital transceiver. Check battery life before every outing — never leave the trailhead under 50%.
  • Avalanche probe: 240–300cm, collapsible, in working order.
  • Shovel: Extendable aluminum-blade shovel that fits in your pack.
  • Ski backpack: 30–50 liters with a dedicated avalanche rescue pocket.

Optional but Recommended

  • Ski helmet: Strongly recommended for technical terrain.

Clothing: Head to Toe

Head & Face

  • Beanie: Light or medium weight.
  • Buff/neck gaiter: Lightweight, multi-use.
  • Goggles: Changeable lenses for varied light conditions. Must be helmet-compatible.
  • Sunglasses: Essential for the skin track — goggles fog quickly when you're working hard.

Upper Body

  • Base layer (top): Breathable synthetic sun hoodie or merino wool. Worn all day.
  • Mid layer: Light insulating jacket, breathable. For cold days, add a warmer mid-to-heavy insulating layer.
  • Shell jacket: Hard or softshell. Lightweight, no insulation, wind and snow protection.
  • Gloves: Two pairs — light liner gloves for skinning, warm ski gloves for the descent.

Lower Body

  • Base layer (bottom): Lightweight synthetic or merino.
  • Ski pants: Lightweight and packable, or waterproof shell pants for wet conditions.
  • Ski socks: Lightweight merino or synthetic. Never cotton.

Personal & Group Items

Personal

  • Sunscreen: SPF 50+
  • Lip balm: SPF 30+
  • Food: Enough for the day — high-calorie, easy to eat with gloves on
  • Water: 1–2 liters minimum
  • Navigation/communication: InReach or satellite communicator, phone, headlamp, inclinometer/compass, portable battery pack
  • Avalanche observation kit: Notebook, snow saw, crystal card, hand lens

Group (Split Among the Party)

  • First aid kit: CPR mask, gloves, blister treatment, wound care, medical tape, ibuprofen, scissors
  • Repair kit: Binding tool, duct tape, extra screws, ski straps, skin wax and scraper, zip ties, baling wire, lighter
  • Emergency shelter: Lightweight rescue tarp or bivy

This list is the baseline for a well-prepared backcountry day in the Wasatch. Objectives in Alaska, the Alps, or high-altitude expeditions require additional gear — contact us and we'll help you build the right kit for your specific trip.

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