A Backwoods Cross-Country Skiing Packing List

Cross-Country Skiing Photos: Methow Valley, Washington

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Successful backwoods cross-country touring takes a lot of preparation. If you're planning a backcountry ski tour, go through this checklist before you depart, even if a guide will be organizing the outing.

Clothing
In the backcountry keeping warm and dry is vital. Wool and synthetics such as thermax, Capilene, Polarfleece, and Synchilla are best. These fabrics retain very little moisture and dry from the inside-out when wet. By contrast, when cotton gets wet, it acts like a towel, keeping saturated fibers next to your skin and drawing out body head and energy.

Wear layers of loose-fitting, lighter clothing (fleece over a thermax undershirt, for example) rather than one bulky sweater or jacket, so that you can most effectively trap air, which will warm your body. For layering to be truly effective, you must peel off a layer before you start sweating heavily.

Skis
For groomed trails, or relatively flat areas, conventional narrow Nordic skis are all that's needed. Waxless skis perform well, but a good coat of wax will improve your glide. For true backcountry exploration involving sharp grades, icy sections, and deep powder, you'll want mountaineering skies—commonly called telemark skies. Telemark skies are heavy-duty, metal-edged skis that are designed for maximum control on variable, difficult terrain. They tend to be wider than most touring skis, enabling them to float better in powder and to provide a more stable platform for skiing on uneven ground while wearing a heavy pack. The metal edges do add weight, but they are invaluable when downhill control is important, or when conditions are icy.

Bindings
Heavy-duty, three-pin, or cable bindings are the best choice regardless of the type of ski you use. Three-pin bindings, designed for telemarking and backcountry skiing, are made of strong metal alloys and are considerably stronger than standard touring bindings. Getting stranded with a mangled lightweight aluminum binding when you are miles from nowhere should convince you that heavy-duty bindings are worth the investment. Cable bindings are less aesthetic, but they are strong and simple, and can easily be adapted to a variety of boots.

Poles
Most people just use their regular cross-country poles for backcountry skiing. However, on steep trails these will be too long and can throw you off balance. A good solution are the adjustable probe poles. These collapse or extend, depending on the demands of the terrain—long for uphills, short for the descents. Interchangeable baskets and grips are available. The poles can also be joined to form an eight-inch avalanche probe, an important safety feature.

Climbing Skins
When skiing steeper sections, or traveling with a heavy pack, climbing skins can be a godsend. Climbing skins are ski-length strips of fabric with one-directional "hairs" that grip the snow when the ski starts to slide backward. Today's skins are made nylon, mohair, or plastic. The plastic is the least expensive and most durable, but mohair and nylon offer better glide. You can think of skins as a safety item. On a difficult tour, skins may make the difference between reaching the shelter of a hut and spending the night outside.

Packs
Internal frame, or frameless packs that sit close to your back are best for ski touring because they move as you move. Sternum straps are useful in keeping the packs molded to your body. While going uphill, keep your hip belt snug and shoulder straps loose. While going dowhill, tighten the shoulder and sternum straps to keep the back from swaying. Your skiing will be great affected by the center of gravity of the pack. Keep the weight low, and pack the heaviest items near the bottom. Pack only the essentials. Most of us can manage a 35-pound pack when hiking on foot, but on skis, even 25 pounds can be a real struggle.

Day Trips
For a day trip you'll need a lightweight (2,000 cubic inches) day pack. In your pack bring a water bottle in an insulated carrier, food for the day including energy snacks that won't freeze (Powerbars freeze, Cliffbars don't), and personal items. Be sure to take sunscreen, lip protectant, maps, compass, camera, and a first aid kit. If you are heading into the high country, bring an avalanche beacon, some extra layerable clothes, and a space blanket. Don't forget to tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back!

Overnight
For an overnight trip you'll need a large internal- or external-frame backpack (5,000 cubic inches) instead of a day pack. Bring all you would take for a single day plus a warm winter sleeping bag appropriate to the region's temperature. Don't believe manufacturer ratings on bags—bring a bag that is rated for colder conditions than you will actually encounter. Also bring a four-season tent, sleeping pad, food, stove, cooking equipment, fuel, toiletries, candles, and a headlamp. If your overnight tour includes a long hill climb, bring kicker skins for your skis. A light-weight trenching tool comes in handy if you will be snow camping.

Expedition
On a multi-day trip you'll need more of everything: a bigger pack (6,000-7,000 cubic inches), more changes of clothing, more food, more fuel (about a quart per day per skier in winter; a pint per day per person in late spring), and more repair items (ski repair kit and a general repair kit). You'll also need a water filter, an altimeter, and insulated pants and jacket. But the right gear is only part of the equation. You must be in good shape, able to carry about a third of your weight on your back six to eight hours a day. You should be well-versed in route-finding, snow safety, first aid, weather, equipment repair, and water purification.