Everything You Should Have in Your Backcountry Ski Bag
When you head into the backcountry, what you bring can be the difference between a safe, memorable day and a dangerous one. The mountains are unpredictable, and while the reward is unmatched, the risk is real. Whether you are chasing untouched powder or finding solitude away from the lifts, it is essential to plan, know your partners, and pack the right gear.
At Coalatree, we believe in exploring responsibly. That means staying safe, treading lightly, and choosing gear built to last. Here’s what every backcountry skier should keep in their bag, along with a few tips to make sure you return safely, season after season.
Know Who You’re Going With
Before we talk about gear, start with the people. Backcountry travel is about trust. You are relying on each person in your group to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and remain calm when things do not go as planned. Choose partners who have experience in avalanche terrain, regularly practice rescue skills, and are willing to speak up about changing conditions.
A solid team knows each other’s limits. They check in often, watch for signs of fatigue, and never pressure someone to keep going when something feels off. The best backcountry partners are not just strong skiers or riders. They are the ones who listen, assess risk carefully, and help everyone return safely.
1. Avalanche Safety Gear: Beacon, Shovel, Probe
Your beacon, shovel, and probe are essential tools for avalanche rescue. They are not optional and should always be carried, even on short tours. Every member of your group must have all three and know how to use them quickly and efficiently. These three tools should never leave your pack.
Practice before and throughout the season. Replace beacon batteries regularly and inspect your shovel and probe for wear. When every second counts, familiarity with your gear matters more than anything.
If possible, take an avalanche rescue course.
2. First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit can make a major difference when someone gets hurt far from help. Include items for bleeding control, blister care, pain relief, and splinting small injuries. Pack supplies you know how to use and refresh them at the start of each season.
3. Extra Layers
Mountain weather changes fast. Even on sunny mornings, clouds can roll in, or the wind can pick up without warning. Pack a warm midlayer like the Coalatree baseline jacket, which packs small and provides a great layer of warmth.
4. Sun Protection
Sunglasses or goggles with good lenses prevent snow blindness and help you read terrain more accurately. I bring spare lenses for my goggles that are suitable for any change of weather or visibility. Do not forget sunscreen and lip balm. Wind and sun exposure can sap your energy and make long days in the alpine miserable.
I also like to bring a brimmed hat for extra protection.
5. Water and Food
Dehydration and low energy can cloud your judgment, which is the last thing you want in avalanche terrain. Pack at least a liter of water, and if possible, keep it in an insulated bottle so it does not freeze. Electrolyte tablets or a small thermos of warm tea help on colder days.
Bring high-calorie snacks that are easy to eat on the go. Nut butters, energy bars, jerky, and trail mix work well. Store some food in an outer pocket where you can reach it without unpacking everything.
Beyond everyday comforts, these are essential survival tools if something goes wrong and you are stuck in the backcountry longer than intended.
6. Radios and Communication
Cell service rarely reaches deep into the backcountry. Two-way radios allow your group to stay in contact even when you spread out across terrain. Communication is critical for managing hazards, regrouping, or warning others of changing snow conditions.
For added safety, carry a satellite communicator or emergency beacon. It provides a way to call for help if something serious happens beyond service range.
7. Navigation Tools
Phones are convenient for maps, but batteries can drain fast in cold weather. Consider carrying a paper map and a compass, and know how to use them. A small GPS or altimeter watch adds another layer of safety, helping you keep track of your route and elevation.
Before leaving the trailhead, review your route with your group. Identify terrain traps, possible alternate exits, and safe regrouping points. Try to go with someone who knows the terrain well.
8. Repair Kit
Equipment failure is one of the most common reasons people cut their tours short. Pack a small repair kit with ski straps, duct tape, zip ties, wire, and a multi-tool. A few grams of extra weight can save your day if a binding or pole breaks.
9. Headlamp
Short winter days mean you may be skinning or skiing in the dark at some point. Always carry a charged headlamp, even if you plan to finish early. It is also useful for early morning starts or unexpected delays.
10. Helmet
A helmet protects against far more than just falls. It shields you from ice or tree branches and provides extra warmth. Choose a lightweight snow-specific helmet that fits comfortably with your goggles.
11. Mindset and Preparedness
Gear is only part of the equation. The most important tools you carry are awareness and judgment. Check the avalanche forecast before every trip. Read it carefully, discuss it as a group, and match your plans to the conditions.
Stay honest about your comfort level. If something feels wrong, speak up. Many backcountry accidents happen not because people lack experience but because they ignore their intuition. The mountains will always be there for another day.
12. Leave No Trace
Safety also extends to how you treat the environment. The snowpack you travel on and the forests you pass through are delicate ecosystems. Respect wildlife, pack out your trash, and stick to existing skin tracks when possible. A responsible approach keeps the places you love open and thriving.
The Bottom Line
Backcountry skiing offers freedom that few other experiences can match. The quiet climbs, untouched snow, and sense of adventure are worth every bit of effort. But that freedom comes with responsibility. Packing the right gear, traveling with people you trust, and practicing good decision-making are what keep you coming home safely.
Every time you head into the mountains, you are part of a team. Know your gear, know your partners, and take the time to learn from each day out there. Preparedness is not about fear. It is about respect for the power of nature and gratitude for the chance to explore it.
Pack smart, plan carefully, and ski with intention. The reward is more than fresh tracks. It is confidence, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the wild places that make it all possible.
Written by : Addie Duchin
