Anyone who’s spent time in the backcountry knows that having proper gear in tow is hugely important. But there are so many products out there to choose from that it’s often tough to separate the best from the rest. With that in mind, outdoor retailer evo has rounded up six must-bring touring items for winter 2016-17 expeditions. May they aid in your quest for deep powder, and help get you home safe every time.
1. Arc-Teryx Voltair 20L Airbag Pack
Airbag packs are still relatively new to the ski world, wowing just about anyone who can get their hands on one. But this one really raises the bar. Its rechargeable 22.2 volt Lithium Ion Polymer battery powers a high-speed centrifugal blower system, meaning you don’t need to rely on filling up compressed air cylinders. Everything is electronic and reliable, the way it should be. Additionally, the pack is waterproof, fully seam sealed, filled with pockets and equipped with an easy-to-pull trigger handle.
2. Arva Neo Avalanche Beacon
Hopefully you’ll never need to use this device, but it’s prepared to perform, nonetheless. The beacon includes multiple-person tacking abilities with a 70-meter range and three antennae, it reverts to transmit mode in case of a secondary avalanche and a bright digital screen allows for easy use. And, with a 250-hour transmitting battery, you can count on it to stay on during the longest of missions.
3. BCA BC Link Group Communication System
Talk about an upgrade from the walkie-talkies you used as a kid… These are built to keep you safe in the backcountry through reliable communication technology that’s powered by a four-day battery life. Keep the radio unit secure in your pack and clip the Smart Mic to your backpack strap for full control and easy communication when you’re way out in the middle of nowhere.
4. Black Diamond Deploy 7
Black Diamond’s Deploy 7 will serve the most avid out-of-bounds skiers well. Its curved handle, sharp blade and supreme packability (it breaks into two pieces) make the product a no-brainer to bring on any and all trips. Not to mention, it weighs just 1.5 pounds meaning there’s no hassle lugging it around the mountains.
5. BCA Shaxe Tech Shovel
It’s a shovel. It’s an axe. It’s a shaxe! This two-in-one tool is built for serious backcountry shredders making their way up and down steep, challenging objectives. Use the shovel to dig snow pits and execute rescues, and whip out the axe for extra-burly ascents that require a little extra help. Made of stainless steel and weighing in at just 1.5 pounds, this product is a thing of beauty.
6. Mammut Carbon Probe 280 Fast Lock
Light, practical and beautiful, this probe is undeniably awesome. More specifically: That weight is saved a carbon build, the Fast Lock handle allows for quick assembly and prime usability and a sleek black look is simply badass. Collapsed, it comes in at 45 cm long while extended it’s a whopping 280 cm.
