When skiing in the backcountry, it’s important to have both the proper knowledge and gear to succeed. We’re here to help you via the top eight backcountry tools of 2017, below. They were carefully selected and tested among the many options on the market, and you can ski confidently knowing they’ll help to keep you as safe as possible out there.
Backcountry Access Shaxe Tech
“Backcountry Access’ (BCA) new Shaxe Tech shovel and ice axe combination allows backcountry travelers to free up space in their pack without sacrificing necessary equipment…” Click for full review.
Pieps Micro
“The all-new PIEPS Micro is the smallest, lightest three-antenna avalanche beacon on the market. Despite being tiny and featherweight (it weighs 150 grams with batteries) the Micro has a big display for easy reading and a maximum search range of 40 meters…” Click for full review.
Mammut Carbon Probe 240 Light
“This brand-new probe from Mammut weighs in at a friendly 185 grams (that’s less than half a pound). A carbon construction keeps the probe light but also ensures it’s strong enough to handle use during snow study or rescue situations…” Click for full review.
Black Diamond Evac 7
“The Evac shovel is an overachiever; it digs snow pits like a boss and can be relied upon in the event of an emergency. The blade easily converts into ‘hoe mode’ for quick, efficient snow removal in burial situations and its 2.65-liter blade is big enough for all scenarios…” Click for full review.
SnoWander PoleClinometer
“The PoleClinometer™ kit turns your ski pole into the world’s lightest and fastest slope meter. It works quicker than any phone app or pocket inclinometer for measuring slope angles ‘on the fly’ by sighting up, down or across a slope…” Click for full review.
Backcountry Access Tracker 3
“The Backcountry Access (BCA) Tracker 3 beacon has found itself nestled among the pages of FREESKIER’s Buyer’s Guide each year since its 2013 release. The beacon—which is 20-percent lighter than its Tracker predecessors—utilizes three antennas in an instantaneous real-time display…” Click for full review.
Brooks-Range Mountaineering Snow Study Kit Digital Pro / Brooks-Range Mountaineering Igloo 35 Folding Snow Saw
Brooks-Range Mountaineering Snow Study Kit Digital Pro
“This kit contains a field book to record all of your observations, a slope meter to gauge the pitch of your line, a folding 10 times magnifier for up-close views of snow crystals, two digital thermometers to gauge snow temperature…” Click for full review.
Brooks-Range Mountaineering Igloo 35 Folding Snow Saw
“No need to beat around the bush, this tool is for those who find themselves constantly performing snowpack compression tests in the backcountry. It features a lightweight, strong aluminum build with an anodized finish to combat rust and snow accumulation on the blade…” Click for full review.
