Pack List for AST-1 and Day-Tours

Hello Aspiring Backcountry Explorers,

The following is my guide to you for packing your pack for backcountry skiing or riding. As you continue exploring new terrain your pack and its contents will change. Overnight trips, glacier trips, mountaineering, and endurance adventures into avalanche terrain all require different equipment. This guide is intended for a single day ski/snowboard outing into avalanche terrain, not just your AST course.

The Pack

Any brand will do, but consider that the style and fit will have a direct impact on your comfort. I have seen some great things from people with their Dakine or North Face school pack, and some serious over-preparedness from people with their 75L expedition backpacking packs. At the end of the day anything will do. We recommend from a 20-40L pack will fit your needs for a day trip. Smaller than 18L and you'll be cramming contents in and running the risk of ripping seams.

Avalanche Transceiver

This one goes on your person, and not in your pack. Either use a dedicated transceiver pocket or the harness provided. The transceiver should have a tether and the tether should be attached to you.

Avalanche Probe and Shovel

These things get their own pocket if at all possible. They must be easily accessible in case of emergency, and if used will bring snow and ice into the compartment they live in. Most backcountry touring packs have a dedicated pocket for companion rescue equipment that manages snow/ice/water well.

Skins

They go in and out of your bag more than any other item. In the top of your companion rescue equipment pocket, or tucked into the skin sleeves in some high-tech backcountry tops are the most common places. Into the general/main compartment of your pack is also viable, but you will run the risk of bringing snow into this compartment and getting other things wet.

Clothing

Everyone gets wet. Whether it's getting barreled in face shots, falling into a river because that snow bridge looked a lot more supportive than it was, or just simply sweating buckets on the way up. Everyone gets wet while out touring.

I suggest layering with a combination of a synthetic or wool base layer, a down mid-layer, and a waterproof shell outer layer. This applies to your top and your bottom, although many people choose to skip the mid layer below the belt. Remember - going uphill requires less clothing than going down. You should have room in your pack for layers.

Spare gloves/mitts are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially on training courses like an AST.

Helmets

Helmets are not mandatory, but highly recommended for skiing in avalanche terrain. Typically, those who go hard on the way down wear one, and those who are just out for a walk in the woods do not. Consider how you like to descend, which is when the helmet becomes most valuable! Goggles vs sunglasses depends on the weather.

Write-in-the-Rain/Phone

Somehow you must endeavor to bring pertinent information from the public avalanche forecast into the field. Having a resource available to you that doesn't require power is great, but the fastest way to call for help in any emergency is to dial 911. GPS/Personal Locator Beacons are another means of calling for help in remote areas with no cellular reception.

Navigation

Whether you are old school and use a map and compass, or you prefer an app like GAIA, FatMaps, etc. is up to you. Navigation is a skill that requires training and practice, and only partially covered in the AST 1.

Snacks

Highly dependent, but crucially important. I know at least one avid backcountry skier who says he's "only here for the chips". Packing a lunch and snacks is recommended on course, but not necessary if you have a lot of chips. We encourage you to bring more than you think you’ll need, rather than less.

Water

Amounts vary depending on: duration of tour, physical output, perspiration, etc. Water has a direct effect to how heavy your pack will be. Over 1.5L and you should consider carrying a stove to make water. Pre trip hydration also affects how much you choose to carry. We typically recommend 1L to 1.5L. If you normally drink lots of water when you exercise bring more, if you don’t, bring less.

Coffee/Tea

Fancy alternatives to water. Arguably, they carry less in hydration quality, but offer more in customer satisfaction.

First Aid and Repairs Kit

Things break, including you. Part of the AST 1 is getting used to your equipment and how it might be used by you. First Aid kits vary based on your ability to provide care. Repair kits should be based on your equipment and how it might break.

Miscellaneous

Other items we typically carry include: a headlamp, toilet paper, heli/ski straps, multi-tool or screwdriver with extra bits, extra batteries for our headlamp and transceiver.

Well. Hopefully now that you have finished this article your pack is stuffed with everything you need, and nothing you don't. A great tactic for self assessment of your pack is to make an effort to use absolutely everything you brought with you, though some things like First Aid kits are meant for emergencies only.

Happy Trails,
Patrick