Pack – type depends on your outing (day only or overnight). Comfort and function are necessary. Carry all items you can’t afford to lose inside your pack.

Compass, GPS Unit, Inclinometer, Signal Mirror, Watch, Altimeter, and Topographic Map – plus the skill to use them under stress.

Frank Mungeam

Matches, Fire Starter – in a plastic waterproof bag.

Candle – 24 hr. life.

Extra Clothing, Gloves & Socks – socks can double as mittens in an emergency.

Emergency Food and Water – high energy snacks (trail mixes, energy bars, etc). Plan at least 2 –3 quarts of water per day. Backcountry water sources can be contaminated with Giardia, Cryptosporidium and other infectious contaminants. Purification systems are highly recommended (iodine, filtration system).

Signaling Whistle – a very loud rescue type that can’t freeze up (no ball).

Head Lamp – waterproof with headband, extra bulb and extra batteries.

First Aid Kit – plus skill in mountaineering first aid.

Sun Protection – 100% UV blocking sunglasses, goggles and baseball-style cap with a neck guard plus SPF 30 or greater sunscreen and lip balm.

Tarp – plasticized nylon sheet, space blanket or two heavy duty plastic garbage bags.

Ground Insulation – closed cell foam pad and/or Thermarest type pad.

Avalanche Transceiver (beacon) – Each person in the group must carry a 457 kHz single frequency unit and have the skill to use it. Avalanche Probe – Each person in the group must carry a lightweight, collapsible probe.

Snow Shovel – Each person in the group should have an sturdy shovel that is readily accessible.

Utility Cord – 25 ft. of 4 mm kernmantle cord

Duct Tape – small roll for emergency repairs

Repair Kit – multipurpose pocket tool, spare ski pole tip, pole basket, hoseclamps, binding parts, wire, ski and skin wax.

Climbing Skins for skis or split boards, Snowshoes for those without a split board – for uphill travel and in some cases, downhill travel in deep and fresh snow.

Telescoping Ski Poles – for adjusting to conditions in backcountry travel. Probe conversion models and self-arrest grips are optional – though these are valuable aids, they have serious limitations. Do not rely on them to save your life.

Mobile Phone – optional. Know its limits, and if used for medical/emergency reasons, understand the consequences of calling for a rescue. Self-rescue is your first and best option.