Safety Gear For Backcountry Skiing.
The three items you absolutely need in the backcountry: beacon, shovel, probe (and the knowledge of how to use them.) No getting around those. You’ll need a backpack that can carry everything and is designed for ski touring. Avalanche airbag packs are popular these days as well, so that’s worth considering, too. Other emergency items like a personal locator device and a well-stocked first-aid kit are good to have along as well.
Skis, Boots, Bindings, Skins For Backcountry Skiing.
Finding the right ski touring setup is a personal thing. So, your best bet is to head into your local ski shop and ask for guidance. You can certainly do your research ahead of time—check out magazine reviews or scan roundups of the best AT bindings or tested coverage of touring boots. Don’t forget skins.
Backcountry Skiing is a rewarding way to make great turns in beautiful places.
Dressing Appropriately For Backcountry Skiing. Our Favorite Layers.
You’ll definitely want a waterproof jacket and hardy ski pants, as well as a warming midlayer—we have you covered there (shop our men’s gear or our women’s gear). One other thing you shouldn’t leave home without? A packable down jacket, stuffed into your pack. “Every time I head into the backcountry, I grab my Flylow Betty Down Jacket,” says Washington-based pro skier and Flylow ambassador Sophia Rouches. “It’s light, packable, and easy to throw on in the transition times when you want extra warmth. Plus, it’s an important component of my safety kit. If an injury were to happen while deep in the mountains, you have to stay warm and dry while waiting for an evac.”
Other Stuff You Need
A lightweight helmet and a pair (or two!) of gloves are also critical. This winter, you’ll be wanting a face covering or neck tube in your pack. Other important things to remember: sunscreen, plenty of water (we like the compressible soft reservoirs from Hydrapak), sunglasses, a hat, and a couple of Voile straps for those random skintrack fixes. A thermos full of tea for the summit is also nice.
And, Of Course, Snacks
“I always bring along something sweet,” adds Rouches. “Lifesavers, sour candy, or muffins leftover from breakfast are some of my favorite sugar boosts that give me the energy needed to take another lap.”
Our Favorite Pieces of Gear For Backcountry Skiing - Men
Kane Jacket
Our lightest touring jacket yet, the Kane Jacket offers absurd amounts of stretch and air permeability.
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Made with our customized The Perm fabric, by Intuitive, the Kane Jacket prioritizes air permeability for high-motion activities like backcountry skiing, so heat can escape your body before you sweat, regulating your temperature. This supremely lightweight jacket is stretchy and supple, which is critical when you’re trying to kickturn in tight trees or stuff the jacket into your already-jammed backcountry pack. It takes the durability and packability of a 3-layer ski jacket but without any unnecessary extras (powder skirt … why bother?). It’s got underarm vents, a helmet-compatible hood, no shoulder seams to reduce friction while wearing a pack, and ample pockets.
Features
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Material(s):
• Intuitive™ Perm fabric: stretch, waterproofness, ultra-breathable
• 20k waterproof with 0.02 cfm air permeability
• 100% nylon face, 100% poly backing
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Features:
• Articulated shoulders and sleeves
• Fully seam taped
• 2 hand pockets, 1 chest pocket, 1 waist pocket, 1 interior pocket w/media port
• No direct shoulder seams reduce wear with backpack
• 12-inch pit zippers
• Backpack friendly pockets
• Helmet-compatible hood
• No Bulk Cuffs
• No powder skirt
• YKK waterproof zippers
• High performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
• Average weight: 540 grams
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Smythe Bib
Our lightest weight bib pant, the Smythe is built for bagging peaks without overheating.
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With the Smythe Bib, we set out to make a light and supremely breathable bib tough enough to withstand the abuse of the backcountry. The Smythe Bib is built from our customized The Perm fabric, by Intuitive, for stretch, waterproofness, and air permeability, making these light, streamlined pants the go-to choice for backcountry riders. A stretch woven softshell top on the bib is ultra breathable. Outer thigh pockets can be accessed while wearing a harness and chest pocket was built to fit around backpack straps. Like classic Flylow pants, they come with reinforced cuffs, articulated knees, and cross flow venting to help you stay out longer.
Features
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Material(s):
• Intuitive™ Perm fabric: stretch, waterproofness, ultra-breathable
• 20k waterproof with 0.02 cfm air permeability
• 100% nylon face, 100% poly backing
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Features:
• Reinforced cuffs
• Stretch softshell bib top
• Outer thigh vents
• Articulated knees
• Fully seam taped
• 1 chest pocket, 2 thigh pockets, 1 thigh pocket, 1 rear butt pocket
• Beacon attachment system in chest pocket
• Long exterior zip for easy entry
• YKK waterproof zippers
• High performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
• Powder gaiters
• Average weight: 700 grams
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Our Favorite Pieces of Gear For Backcountry Skiing - Women
Domino Jacket
Our lightest women’s ski jacket yet, the backcountry-oriented Domino Jacket has top-notch air permeability and durability.
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We’ve always made our women’s gear as tough and durable as the men’s gear, but the Domino Jacket is next level. This simplified, super-lightweight shell, made with eVent DV Expedition fabric, was built for the backcountry. It’s got heaps of air permeability that’ll let you go as far as your legs will take you. With 20K waterproofing and a zip-out powder skirt, it’ll weather the storm. Underarm vents cool you down on a climb and ample pockets store snacks for the summit and can be accessed even while wearing a backpack.
Features
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Material(s):
• eVent fabric with Direct Venting™ Expedition Technology
• 30k waterproof with 0.06 cfm air permeability
• 100% nylon
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Features:
• Articulated shoulders and sleeves
• Fully seam taped
• 2 chest pockets, 2 hand pockets, 2 inner pocket
• 12-inch pit zippers
• Backpack friendly pockets
• Helmet-compatible hood
• Removable powder skirt
• No Bulk Cuffs
• YKK waterproof zippers
Siren Bib
A lightweight women’s bib pant made with eVent DV Expedition fabric for alpine ascents and descents.
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The Siren Bib is for those who prefer less fabric up top. You won’t sacrifice durability. But you will get a lighter weight, more breathable bib for backcountry touring and, thanks to eVent DV Expedition fabric, it’ll keep you cool by releasing heat before you sweat. The Siren is streamlined and durable with simple design, so you can focus on the day’s objective. A kangaroo front pouch stores your essentials, outer thigh vents release steam, and reinforced cuffs keep you feeling tough.
Features
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Material(s):
• eVent fabric with Direct Venting™ Expedition Technology
• 30k waterproof with 0.06 cfm air permeability
• 100% nylon
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Features:
• Reinforced cuffs
• Outer thigh vents
• Articulated knees
• Fully seam taped
• 2 thigh pockets, kangaroo pocket w/ beacon attachment and 1 seat pocket
• YKK waterproof zippers
• High performance DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
• Average weight: 602 grams
