What's In Your Ski Touring Pack?

The following is an explanation of the items I carry when ski touring, and my overall thought process in why I choose to carry them. This is by no means a guide. In my opinion, packing for a ski tour and the subsequent items you choose to take with you, is completely dependent on the ski tour. There is no one size fits all, and it should be this way. Every tour has specific demands. It is up to you to do your diligence in determining what these demands are and what equipment will best prepare you for them. 

Skimo

This is the pack I take when I am using my Ultra 65’s and training for Skimo. Generally, this means I am touring inbounds at a resort, doing repeats up groomed tracks. Since this is often a more structured workout, I usually take a more minimalist approach and am more particular when it comes to what I carry with me.

 One example of a pack for a "skimo" type tour. Again the exact items will vary tour by tour.

First up is an extra upper layer. Regulating temperature in skimo is a puzzle - one that I am constantly trying to solve. Right now, I try to minimize my sweating during the skinning so that I can avoid freezing on the descent. I’ll throw the midlayer over whatever is closest to my skin, in order to prevent it from freezing as I go downhill, in the event I did overheat while climbing (usually the case). An extra pair of mits, preferably down, that can be quickly put on over whatever glove I’m using is also beneficial. Unless the weather is formidable, these are the only clothing items I pack. I find that the more continuous exertion when skimo training, as compared to backcountry skiing, helps even out temperature swings and allows me to keep it light. 

I do carry an ultralight backcountry tool designed by Hagan Athlete David Zink. This is really just a multitool with a pozi, T10, T20, Phillips, and flathead drives, and two binding screws. But he compiled it, so I’ll give him credit. This tool along with an extra ski strap can go a long way in helping manage equipment failures.

Finally, I bring the fluids and fuel I need to optimize my session. This is dependent on intensity and duration. I will say a major fault I find in Skimo packs is the lack of a soft flask holder or food storage on the shoulder straps. This is confusing to me as in an effort as long as the typical individual skimo race for instance, fueling is relevant. Yet, most skimo packs are not engineered to enable consuming fluids and food without taking off the pack.

Backcountry

As the touring style and environment changes, so do the items I carry in my pack. Excluding food and water, which I could write an entire blog post on and probably will, I like to divide my gear for backcountry missions into two categories: the pieces that are helping me manage and travel in the terrain, and those that would assist me in surviving in the terrain if things were to go wrong.

 A more backcountry oriented example

Depending on the tour I will carry ice axe(s), crampons, ski crampons, harness, rope, and climbing protection. Additional clothing usually includes a mid layer, down layer, extra mittens, and a buff. These are generally fun items, the ones I expect to make use of as I explore a mountain or a couloir on my skis. The next bits of equipment aren’t nearly as fun. If I can avoid pulling these out of my pack during a tour then usually that means things went well. Avalanche equipment including beacon, shovel, probe are a must. For ski, boot, and binding failure, again I carry the ultra backcountry tool that I described above. Finally, I pack a small med/emergency kit with a few notable items:

Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen, Bleed Stop (hemostatic agent), a couple of bandages, two ski straps (for both equipment failures and potential tourniquet), hand warmers, an emergency gel, and an emergency blanket.

The reality is the items in the med kit are not going to save a life on their own. They may however buy some time for the help that is capable of doing so arrives. It’s a good idea to purchase an inReach or some other satellite communication device. They are pricey, but as I mentioned if there is one thing that can get you out of a bad situation it is help from SAR or other people, and an inReach is that lifeline.

It can get complex

I'm beating a dead horse here but, the grand takeaway is that what you bring ski touring really depends on what you are doing and where you are going. I know it seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget. What are the demands of this tour? What types of situations could I get into given the terrain I am venturing into? How long am I estimating this will take? What is the maximum distance I will be from my car? Take a minute and ask yourself these types of questions. Truly understanding the ski tour you are undertaking will be your guide in determining what should go into your pack.