Backcountry Skiing Checklist

Nothing is more satisfying or adrenaline-inducing than slaying fresh powder in the heart of the backcountry, but you’ll need the right gear to accomplish your ski objectives. Our detailed backcountry skiing checklist below covers everything from critical touring equipment (skis, boots, poles, etc.) to avalanche safety gear, recommended clothing, and personal items and extras you won’t want to forget. For more information on each product category, many of the headings link to our detailed product round-ups, which are the result of years of testing. For all of our product recommendations in one place, see our ski gear reviews.
 

Editor's note: The table above provides a brief overview of what you'll need to get outside, but our full PDF version is printable and offers a more comprehensive breakdown of the necessities and nice-to-haves.
See Our Backcountry Ski Checklist PDF

Backcountry Ski Equipment

When preparing for a trip into the backcountry, having your gear dialed is essential for your safety and enjoyment in the mountains. Whether you're headed out for a quick tour or embarking on a multi-day mission, you'll need the right skis, boots, bindings, skins, and other equipment for the job. Below is what we recommend bringing on every trip, along with a handful of optional items that may or may not be worth packing depending on your preferences and objective(s).
 

Backcountry Skis w/ Touring Bindings

Our top pick: Blizzard Zero G 105 ($900)
What we like: Lightweight and efficient on the climb but fun and playful on the descent.
What we don’t: For big-mountain objectives, we prefer a burlier ski like the DPS Pagoda Tour.
*Editor's note: You'll need to mount your skis with tech or frame bindings, which allow your heel to rotate as you travel uphill (compared to downhill bindings, which lock your heel in place). We prefer modern tech bindings for their lighter and lower-profile build, and you can see a full list of our favorite options here.

Backcountry Ski Boots

Our top pick: Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949)
What we like: Impressive combination of uphill and downhill performance; comfortable and can be driven hard.
What we don’t: Not compatible with alpine bindings; the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 is a better hybrid choice for mixed resort and backcountry use.

Ski Poles

Our top pick: Black Diamond Traverse ($115)
What we like: Dependable build, reasonably lightweight, and won't break the bank.
What we don’t: Doesn't include premium features like breakaway straps or BD's FlickLock Pro adjustment system—for that, we turn to their upgraded Razor Carbon Pro.

Climbing Skins

Our top pick: Pomoca Tour Pro ($230-$260)
What we like: Mohair/nylon blend offers a great balance of grip and glide; Pomoca's glue stays attached all day while releasing a bit more readily than other brands.
What we don’t: Not as durable as all-nylon skins like the Black Diamond Ascension.
 

Ski Goggles and/or Sunglasses

Our top pick: Julbo Lightyear ($320)
What we like: Anti-fogging system does a great job maximizing airflow; photochromic lens is nice for shifting conditions.
What we don’t: Only offered in one (large) frame size; a small step down in clarity compared to Smith's ChromaPop optics.

Ski Helmet

Our top pick: Movement 3Tech Alpi Honeycomb ($220)
What we like: Competitively light, low-profile, and triple-certified for alpine skiing, mountaineering/climbing, and biking.
What we don’t: Minimal padding isn't great for cold days or frequent resort riding.

Ski Backpack

Our top pick: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32 ($200)
What we like: Great all-day comfort and versatility; all the features we look for in a well-rounded pack.
What we don’t: For mountaineering or overnight objectives, you'll likely need something bigger (we like Black Diamond's Cirque 50).
 

Navigation: Map, App, or GPS

Our top pick: Gaia GPS (app)
What we like: Intuitive interface with the option to clearly highlight slope angle.
What we don’t: Requires a monthly subscription for advanced features (including slope angle) and offline access.

Headlamp

Our top pick: Petzl Actik Core ($85)
What we like: Long-lasting battery that can be swapped out for AAAs; bright and reliable.
What we don’t: Not the lightest or lowest-profile design; some users report problems with the strap and battery compartment, although we've had zero issues in testing.
 

Accessories and Optional Ski Gear:

• Ski straps
• Repair kit
• Ski crampons
• Ice axe (or Black Diamond's Whippet ski pole)
• Satellite messenger
• Backcountry radios (we like Rocky Talkies)
• Skin wax
• Utility cord
• Emergency blanket or bivy
   

Avalanche Safety Gear

Avalanches are always a risk when traveling in snowy backcountry environments, and knowing how to recognize and respond to potential hazards is key to staying safe. In addition to the basics—beacon, shovel, and probe—we also always bring along a slope meter and snow study kit, as well as a compact saw for digging pits to analyze snowpack or building a makeshift shelter. And importantly, there's no substitute for receiving proper avalanche education and training, which we break down further in our section on avalanche safety below.
 

Avalanche Beacon 

Our top pick: Backcountry Access Tracker3 ($350)
What we like: Easy to use, respectable battery life, and reasonably priced.
What we don’t: Simple interface may leave professionals wanting more.
 

Snow Shovel

Our top pick: Black Diamond Transfer ($65)
What we like: Sturdy and easy to disassemble for storage.
What we don’t: Spending up will get you a more comfortable handle and better packability.

Probe

Our top pick: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro 240 ($70)
What we like: Lightweight, quick to deploy, and features distinct depth markings.
What we don’t: You can go slightly cheaper with BCA's Stealth 240.
 

Slope meter

Snow study kit

Optional Avalanche Safety Gear:

• Snow saw (at least one per group)
• Avalanche airbag pack (can replace a standard ski backpack)

Backcountry Ski Clothing

The ideal layering system depends on temperature and conditions, which can vary significantly throughout a day in the backcountry. For this reason, we always recommend wearing or packing several layers that you can add or shed as the weather shifts. On top of a moisture-wicking baselayer, we often wear a thin fleece midlayer for light insulation, a shell or ski jacket for weather protection, and a thicker down or synthetic jacket for transitions and hanging around camp. And don't forget about the smaller accessories, too: Items like ski socks, hats, neck gaiters, and gloves can go a long way toward trapping heat and keeping you comfortable in the mountains.
 

 Baselayers

Our top pick: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip ($120)
What we like: 100%-merino wool build is soft, warm, and highly odor-resistant.
What we don’t: For heart-pumping objectives in mild conditions, we turn to Smartwool's more breathable Intraknit Thermal Merino.
*Editor's note: We also recommend a quality baselayer for your bottom half, and a capri design like the Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino 3/4 Bottom keeps fabric clear of your ski boots.

Midlayer

Our top pick: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody ($179)
What we like: Purpose-built to trap warmth and dump heat—a great combination for touring.
What we don’t: Limited resistance to water and wind.

Down or Synthetic Jacket

Our top pick: Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody ($400)
What we like: Respectably light without skimping on features; smart use of synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas.
What we don’t: For added assurance in inclement weather, we turn to fully synthetic jackets that will continue insulating when wet.
 

Hardshell or Ski Jacket

Our top pick: Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell ($429)
What we like: AscentShell membrane stretches like a softshell, breathes well, and is fully waterproof. 
What we don’t: A traditional, Gore-Tex-equipped hardshell like Arc'teryx's Beta AR is better suited for consistently wet conditions (but won't breathe as well).

Ski Pants or Ski Bibs

Our top pick: Patagonia Stormstride Pant ($449)
What we like: Stretchy 3-layer design does a great job balancing protection and comfort.
What we don’t: Slim fit, expensive, and some may prefer the added coverage of bibs.

Ski Gloves or Mittens

Our top pick: Flylow Ridge Glove ($55)
What we like: Great dexterity, supple out of the box, and affordably priced.
What we don’t: Those who get out in consistently wet conditions will want to upgrade to a fully waterproof design.
 

Ski Socks

Our top pick: Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion OTC ($30)
What we like: Strategic cushioning and mesh for comfort and breathability; great fit.
What we don’t: For best-in-class durability and a lifetime warranty, we turn to Darn Tough socks.

Accessories and Optional Clothing:

• Beanie or insulated headband
• Brimmed hat (for blocking out the sun)
• Liner gloves
• Balaclava or neck gaiter
• Extra socks

Personal Items and Extras

The gear above covers the essentials for ski equipment, clothing, and safety gear, but there are a handful of other item that we recommend taking for your comfort and safety in the backcountry. Some of these items (like snacks and water) are important for any day in the backcountry, but the others can be taken or left at home depending on your objective.

• Bathroom kit or Wag Bags
• Hand sanitizer
• SPF-rated lip balm
• Sunscreen (sticks are lightweight and easy to pack)
• First aid kit
• Food (bars, energy gels, sandwiches, etc.)
• Insulated water bottle(s) or hydration bladder
• Thermos w/ hot beverage or soup
• GPS watch
• Camera
• Disposable hand warmers
• Whistle
• Compass
• Knife or multi-tool
• Extra batteries
• Lighter or waterproof matches
• Foam sit pad (either DIY or pre-cut like Nemo's Chipper)
• Notebook and pencil
• Personal medications
• ID
• Permit or park pass
   

Additional Backcountry Skiing Tips

• Our list above covers day touring essentials, but if you anticipate spending the night outdoors, you'll need additional equipment like a 4-season tent, cold-weather sleeping bag, and more. For a full breakdown, check out our winter camping checklist.
• Our bodies burn more calories in the cold, so err on the side of packing more food than you think you'll need. If you're headed out on a multi-day trip, it's a good idea to lay out your meals and snacks beforehand to make sure you have enough.
• For organization, we often turn to compression sacks to condense soft goods like extra jackets and socks, as well as resealable bags (like Ziplocs) for small items that we don't want to get wet, such as lighters and matches.
• Repair kits vary by skier, but for a basic starter setup, we like this one from Traverse Equipment. Ours includes everything in that kit plus an additional lighter, duct tape, and snow scraper.
• Depending on your objective, it may be worth bringing along a stove to boil water and/or cook up warm meals. For two skiers, we've found that we typically go through one 8-ounce isobutane/propane canister every two days, or 0.5 liters of white gas per day.
• Sun protection is always paramount outdoors, but especially when you're traveling on snow due to UV rays being reflected off the surface. We advise reapplying sunscreen and SPF-rated lip balm regularly and keeping your eyes covered with sunglasses or ski goggles to prevent snow blindness. Hats, liner gloves, and gaiters can help keep you covered, as well.
• Going ultralight can help you conserve energy and travel more efficiently but comes with a number of trade-offs. Those new to backcountry skiing will benefit from prioritizing comfort first and worrying about shaving weight from their kit once they've gained some experience.
• Check weather ahead of time and plan accordingly. This may involve packing extra (or different) layers, delaying your start, or shifting your objective entirely.
• Be sure to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member before heading out, including your expected route and arrival/departure dates and times. It’s also good practice to leave a second copy under your car seat in case of emergency.
• We always pack a towel and a change of clothes (including socks) in our car. Swapping our wet layers for dry clothes makes the journey back home a lot more comfortable.
   

Where to Buy Backcountry Ski Gear

First and foremost, we always are in favor of buying at your local ski shop. It’s a great place to meet people and get information, learn about area trails, and support local businesses. If you do decide to buy online, there are a few standout options. Evo.com is a winter sports specialist that offers an extensive selection of backcountry ski gear, has a very helpful website in terms of specs and information, and has several brick-and-mortar stores scattered throughout the U.S.. Backcountry.com has perhaps the most varied collection of ski gear and offers free two-day shipping on orders of $50 of more, and Skimo Co has arguably the best selection of ski mountaineering and skimo racing gear, along with an extremely knowledgeable staff (and a retail location in Salt Lake). Finally, we do much of our outdoor gear shopping—for winter, summer, and everything in between—at REI Co-op, which has a 10% annual dividend for members and over 180 physical stores.
 

An Important Note about Avalanche Safety

Even more important than avalanche gear is training, practice, and self-awareness. Winter can be a wonderful time to recreate, but it can also be very dangerous if you don’t have an understanding of current snowpack conditions and the slopes you plan to ski and traverse. Your local avalanche center (if you have one), Know Before You Go, and Backcountry Access are all great resources to get you started or to brush up on key concepts. Of course, it’s critical to get out in the snow and practice with your gear—we recommend practicing your skills with your core group of ski touring partners. In addition, we strongly advise taking an avalanche course (level 1 at the least) from a reputable organization like AIARE, which offers classes nationwide throughout the winter and early spring.
Back to Our Backcountry Skiing Checklist  See Our Ski Gear Reviews