In our never ending quest to test out as much gear as possible, the FREESKIER staff headed down to Silverton, CO last February to try out some of the latest and greatest backcountry ski gear essentials while partaking in Bent Gate Mountaineering’s second annual Silverton Sickdays. Turning the oft-sleepy town of Silverton into a bustling hub of events with various brand representatives, athletes and industry folk on hand, the event provided an optimal setting for testing out the gear and chatting with the manufacturers.
We’ve compiled four backcountry ski kits with the best gear to boost your out-of-bounds experience, whether it be a quick jaunt out of the gates, a full day excursion or a good ol’ fashioned hut trip.
Noting that the SIA Snow Show just went down in Denver, Colorado, and many manufacturers are showcasing what’s new for next year (2015-16), these hot items are surely going to be heavily discounted in the months to come. Who doesn’t love a good deal?
The subsequent pages highlight a Lift-Accessed Backcountry Kit, a Backcountry Day Kit, a Women’s Backcountry Day Kit and a Hut Trip Kit.
Lift-Accessed Backcountry Kit:
This 30 L backpack provides all the necessary features that a backcountry traveler needs, and lets you access the main compartment through the back panel. In addition, a padded, anatomical fit makes it super comfortable.
MSRP: $159
When you’re going hard from bell to bell, custom comfort and performance are paramount. With a little extra room in the toe box, the heat moldable Pro Wrap liner molds to your foot shape to provide a precise fit with an aggressive flex.
MSRP: $187
The Shred Smartefy goggle features the NO-BS lens replacement system that allows for easy lens swap-outs when the weather throws a curve ball and the light changes in the backcountry.
MSRP: $180
Water repellent, Rocky Mountain Merino wool on the outer layer keeps the moisture at bay while thermal construction in the interior ensures warmth when the temperatures drop.
MSRP: $229
5. Gerber MP1
This multi-tool has everything you need to get things done on the fly. Flat and Phillips screwdrivers, spring-loaded pliers, multiple blades and a bottle opener to celebrate when it’s all said and done.
MSRP: $115
6. Backcountry Access Tracker3
Ease of use is the goal of the Tracker3. The three- antenna beacon is 20 percent lighter than its predecessors and includes a simple signal suppression system for use in the event of multiple burials.
MSRP: $335
The B-1 EXT is BCA’s best selling shovel, and for good reason. Weighing just 600 grams, this baby is lightweight enough to help reduce fatigue, and its durable, oval extendable shaft gives you the leverage you need.
MSRP: $50
Constructed with American Bison and goatskin leather, the Wrangell is durable and highly water repellent. It also uses Primaloft insulation to keep your hands warm when Mother Nature turns down the thermostat.
MSRP: $165
9. Backcountry Access Stealth 260 Carbon
The Stealth 260 Carbon utilizes BCA’s quick-lock mechanism and carbon construction to keep things quick and light.
MSRP: $80
10. The North Face Fuse Brigandine
This fully waterproof and breathable jacket uses TNF’s FuseForm to seamlessly integrate abrasion-resistant, heavy nylon in critical areas. Tough and stylish to boot.
MSRP: $499
Backcountry Day Kit:
This airbag pack features everything you need for a day in the backcountry including a retractable ski carry cable, fleece-lined goggle pocket, dedicated avy tool storage and miscellaneous accessory pockets.
MSRP: $1,250
The Oakley Canopy frame is a low profile design that increases peripheral vision while the Prizm lens emphasizes certain color wavelengths to drastically enhance contrast and give you more clarity.
MSRP: $180
This glove uses moisture- wicking fleece with 133 g of Primaloft insulation to combat the cold. When handling gear or scrambling through rocky terrain, you can count on the reinforced leather to provide the durability you need.
MSRP: $90
4. Under Armour UA Storm ColdGear Infrared Hooded Softershell Jacket
Great as a midlayer or outer layer when hiking around the backcountry, this 4-way stretch, softshell jacket is constructed of three-layer material with a DWR finish.
MSRP: $175
Oakley’s lightweight, flexible and stress resistant O-Matter frame wraps around the polarized Plutonite lens—a polycarbonate blend—to keep out harmful UV rays and cut the glare.
MSRP: $190
The Zoom+ features three antennas and focuses on ease-of-use. It has minimal buttons and intuitive search analytics that provide distance and direction information with multiple signal indication.
MSRP: $299
Durable and lightweight, this aluminum shovel will get the job done whether it’s a critically important mission or just building booters.
MSRP: $55
This T6 aluminum probe’s 190 cm length is suitable for shallower snowpack regions, and will come in handy when measuring snow depth, poking cornices and rescue in the event of a burial.
MSRP: $55
9. Backcountry Access BC Link Radio
The Link is a highly valuable communication tool that’s compatible with all Talkabout radios but much more powerful. The base unit can be stowed in your pack while the glove- friendly microphone clips onto your shoulder strap for easy access.
MSRP: $150
10. Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket
Constructed with Mountain Hardwear’s Dry Q elite 3L membrane, the Alchemy is a lightweight shell that won’t weigh you down as you move swiftly through the peaks.
MSRP: $395
Women’s Backcountry Day Kit:
This Gore-Tex Active piece is a highly breathable shell that’s ideal for moving through the backcountry. It’s easy to pack away when you don’t need it and articulated for a great fit when you do.
MSRP: $399
2. G3 AviTech
The AviTech shovel has a 10.5” x 9.5” blade that’s made of lightweight, high- grade aluminum. It is a no frills piece of equipment that gets the job done quickly.
MSRP: $65
3. Klean Kanteen 20 oz Insulated
There’s nothing quite like a hot beverage when temps dip well below freezing in the backcountry. The vacuum insulation in this bottle will keep your drink of choice warm for up to six hours.
MSRP: $30
4. anon. WM1
An evolution of the popular M1, this goggle is designed for a woman’s facial structure. Seven magnetic connections make lens swaps a breeze when the lighting changes.
MSRP: $220
This probe is made of lightweight aluminum with a stainless steel deployment cord. It features a lighter deployment force and shorter segments for women’s pack sizing.
MSRP: $55
The Susie Fleece is a 100% polyester piece that wicks sweat and keeps you dry. Wear it as a midlayer when temps dip or as a breathable outer layer as you skin under sunny skies.
MSRP: $100
The DSP Pro is a three- antenna beacon that will automatically switch antennas if it detects another device interfering and allows the user to mark burials in the case of multiple victims.
MSRP: $375
8. Backcountry Access Float 27 Tech
In addition to standard features, this pack boasts a dual ice axe carry, daisy chain, hydration sleeve and an exchangeable left/right side trigger for the compressed air- powered bag.
MSRP: $600
9. Hestra Women’s Fall Line Mitt
A freeride mitt with a super warm and comfortable liner, impregnated cowhide on the exterior, and short neoprene cuffs that tuck neatly under your jacket cuffs for a clean look.
MSRP: $145
Hut Trip Kit:
Power isn’t easy to come by in the wilderness— unless you have a Switch 10 handy. Harness the sun’s energy to power your cameras, speakers, smartphones and whatever else you might need via the included USB charger.
MSRP: $120
2. Arva ProW
The ProW is a transceiver that can be used in digital or analog mode. It features three antennas, has a search range of 50 meters, can handle multiple burial scenarios and has a slew of advanced features.
MSRP: $459
3. Smith I/O
The I/O is a proven goggle for the most discerning gear junkies out there. Lens changing is quick and easy, venting is on point and the field of view is large without a frame that makes you look like an astronaut.
MSRP: $175
The polarized, ChromaPop lens in these bad boys will shield your eyes from harmful glare as you break trail, and boost contrast in the world around you as you take it all in.
MSRP: $239
Designed with the help of survival expert Lars Fält, the Guide is a glove for the burliest expeditions in the mountains. It’s fully waterproof with a leather exterior and a removable wool liner.
MSRP: $155
Route finding can be tough and when weather rolls in it can be damn near impossible. Pre-load whatever maps you need and use along with the electronic compass and barometric altimeter to stay oriented.
MSRP: $400
The Pace 36 is an ultra light pack that’s hydration compatible and has storage space for all your essentials. Deuter’s Speed Lite System combines a breathable mesh back with a flexible frame for comfort as you move through the mountains.
MSRP: $129
The right layering is essential in the backcountry and this piece will do you no wrong. The Polartec Power Dry High Efficiency fabric provides the utmost in breathability and warmth.
MSRP: $135
This lightweight and packable jacket is great for extended time in the backcountry. Gore-Tex Pro keeps you warm and dry, oversized pockets fit skins and generous venting cools you down when the aerobics pick up.
MSRP: $550
10. K2 Rescue Shovel
This versatile shovel from K2 is designed to be used in a variety of ways in the backcountry. Shovel snow, move snow in hoe-mode or even use it to form a deadman anchor if needed.
MSRP: $65
11. K2 Avalanche Probe Carbon 230
The Carbon 230 is a lightweight, strong and quick tool that can aid you in snow assessment or rescue scenarios.
MSRP: $75
The Decoder is a great layering piece for the colder days in the backcountry. Primaloft ECO insulation around the torso keeps you extra warm while Polartec Power Stretch in the hood and arms keeps you mobile.
MSRP: $190
13. G3 Alpinist Climbing Skins
These skins are designed to accommodate a wide variety of ski shapes thanks to an adjustable tail clip and articulating stainless steel connectors in the tip. They glide like a dream and the glue will still work when the mercury drops below zero.
MSRP: $145
14. Pat’s Backcountry Beverages Carbonator Bottle + Pail Rail
What’s better than having a cold beer when you reach the hut? Not carrying the weight of it along with you. Like a little baby Jesus, this kit uses a concentrate to turn fresh water into a tasty, carbonated brew.
MSRP: $46
New from G3, the Via Carbon is a lightweight and stiff pole that’s perfect for extended missions where weight and performance count. A form fitting strap slides on and off easily while a tab on the grip aids in binding adjustment.
MSRP: $130
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