In the information below we present the gear that you need for backcountry skiing from the most basic setup to the most advanced big mountain skiing you could dream of. This information is also be presented from an assumption that the reader has already rented and demo'd different ski setups. If you have not rented or demo'd any backcountry ski setups then we recommend you start there. The reason for renting is that there are many options and the gear even for a basic setup is an investment. As with all investments you want it to be a good one. Basic Setup First off, a basic backcountry setup is not very basic, but is actually quite extensive. To start you will need two long and wide sticks, preferably ski's, a way to attach them to your feet, preferably a binding and boots combination, and two more sticks but these ones should be shorter and thin enough that you can hold them in your hands, preferably poles. Once you have your ski's, boots, bindings, and poles you will need to purchase skins so you can successfully ascend the desired peak. Then you need to get all of your avalanche gear and clothing. For basic avalanche gear you will need a shovel, probe, snow saw, avaLung, beacon, and a pack to carry it all in. The gear does you no good if you leave it in the car or lose it on the trail. REMEMBER! Your beacon and probe are useless unless you include your climbing partner in your gear list as well! As far as your clothing goes, you will need good socks, base layers, ski pants, jacket, gloves, touk, ice axe, crampons, helmet, and goggles. How many layers you need is dependent on your body and how warm or cold you are predisposed to being. Items of honorable mention Skis: Megawatt from Black Diamond Bindings: 01 Telemark binding from Black Diamond, and the Onyx AT binding from G3 Boots: Push for men and Stileto Telemark boots by Black Diamond Shovel: AviTech Shovel D-grip by G3 Probe: Speed Light 272cm from Life-Link AvaLung: AvaLung II from Black Diamond Beacon: PULSE Barryvox from Mammut Novice Setup Take the Basic Setup and make it bigger stronger faster, oh yeah, and lighter! Intermediate Setup Repeat the same step you took at the Novice Setup. Advanced Setup At this level you need to get a really cool apparatus that can fly in really thin air and drop you off at the top of really big mountains. You also need a team, and a really high tolerance for fun! Don't forget the coffee, and remember that a naturally refrigerated pizza sandwich is a great way to regain calories at the top of the peak, especially on chilly winter days. |
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