A. Giro Ratio MIPS
Buy Now — $100
This hard shell helmet built with MIPS is rugged enough to handle big impacts, while an active venting system ensures you can cool down when your backcountry adventures heat up.
B. Giro Method
Buy Now — $130
The Method, from Giro, is a cylindrical goggle with a huge field of view and VIVID lenses that boost contrast and definition in the snow, ideal for obstacles lurking in the backcountry.
C. Flylow Quantum Pro Jacket & Baker Bib
Buy Now — J: $420 | B: $420
The Quantum Pro and Baker combine for a tough-as-nails, three-layer kit that’s waterproof, breathable and boasts enough pocket space to stow all of your skin-track necessities.
D. Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32
Buy Now — $335
The Alpha SK 32 is a minimalist pack that utilizes the brand’s AC2 construction—a unique fabric derived from Arc’teryx outerwear that’s lightweight, durable and waterproof. The 32-liter pack provides top-down access to your gear and ski straps attached to the exterior allow for easy diagonal ski carry.
E. Hestra Leather Fall Line
Buy Now — $165
The Leather Fall Line is a tough glove made from flexible cowhide aniline that promotes dexterity. Foam insulation provides warmth during those freezing cold transition periods.
F. Dynafit HOJI FREE
Buy Now — $899
Weight: 1,550 g/boot
A stiff, 130-flex freeride touring boot with a 102 millimeter last, thermo-moldable liner and unique Hoji Lock system that allows for transitions without pulling up your pant legs.
G. Armada Carbon Adjustable Poles
Buy Now — $159.95
These lightweight, yet strong carbon-fiber adjustable poles feature an extended EVA foam grip for easy traverses and bootpacks.
H. Big Sky Mountain Products Expert Skin
Buy Now — $129.99
Bozeman, Montana-based Big Sky Mountain Products (BSMP) hangs its hat on the term, “Ballin’ on a Budget,” manufacturing all of its products in-house to minimize overhead and offer skiers top-notch backcountry products at reasonable prices. Its skins feature a unique direction-oriented plush fabric that provides consistent grip and is engineered to give users the hold and durability of nylon with the glide of mohair. The fibers are designed with stiffness in mind, for glue-like grip and bombproof durability, but are oriented at a low exit angle for smooth skinning. BSMP also employs a special adhesive to the backside of the skins that allows them to stick in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, should you choose to subject yourself to those outrageous extremes.
I. 4FRNT Raven
Buy Now — $679
Weight: 1,600 g/ski @ 177 cm
The Raven is a ski with subtle reverse camber and a 104-millimeter waist that’s quick and maneuverable, ideal for conditions that span the whole season.
J. CAST Touring Free Tour Upgrade Kit
Buy Now — $675 (Full kit with Pivot bindings)
The CAST binding system allows you to swap out a pin binding toe-piece for that of the Look Pivot, ensuring you have full range-of-motion on the uphill and the security of an alpine binding on the descent.
K. Dragon Latitude (Lumalens)
Buy Now — $239
These sunnies are built with a plant-based resin and feature Dragon’s Lumalens technology for color-optimization; removable leather side panels block the high-alpine sunshine from cooking your eyeballs.
L. Blackstrap Single Layer Tube: Conspiracy
Buy Now — 19.99
This single-layer facemask—with a dinosaur, sasquatch and UFO print made for laughs—is soft, lightweight and ultra-breathable, ideal for combatting sun and wind on the skin track.
For a selection of FREESKIER-approved backcountry safety essentials, click here.
