How to pack your backpack for a ski-touring trip?
Basic gear
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Ski tour skis
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Ski tour boots
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Climbing belts
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Ski tour crampons to prevent slipping on icy or very hard terrain
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Helmet
Emergency equipment (for off-piste ski tours in mountains)
Essentials not to leave home without. The following are absolute musts for off-piste mountain ski tours:
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Avalanche gear: shovel, probe, finder
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First aid kit, including insulating foil
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Headlamp
Other equipment depends on the conditions. How long is the hike? Just going up a hill above a village, or across a glacier? Weather conditions? Snow and avalanche reports? Don’t overestimate your strengths, and carefully evaluate your abilities. Regular ski tourers know which items to pack for what conditions. But here’s a list of essentials for newbies.
Clothing
Both worn and packed. At the summit you’ll need dry clothes, or extra layers if the weather worsens.
Base layer
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Ski socks
Mid layer and top layer for ascent
Top layer for summit and descent
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Hardshell or waterproof jacket: CHABENEC
Accessories
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Cap, headband
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Multifunctional neck scarf
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Thinner climbing gloves
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Thicker, warm, windproof downhill gloves
Other key accessories
UV protection is essential in the mountains. So pack UV filter sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF factor lip balm. And you’ll appreciate:
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Thermos/insulated hydro bag
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Food, energy bars, etc.
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Ski tape
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Mini repair tools
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Swiss army knife
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Map (paper), GPS, compass
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Bivouac bag
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Documents (in small, ideally waterproof bag) + mountain insurance
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Cash
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Fully-charged cell phone. Be sure to bring - you may need help at any time.
Additional equipment for difficult terrain
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Crampons for ski boots
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Ice axe
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Rope - to secure yourself or for abseiling during the hike
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Seat harness
Ski tours are in open terrain. So respect safety, don’t overestimate your strength, take an avalanche course, and monitor the weather and local avalanche situation before each hike.