Backcountry Hut Trip Planning

When planning a backcountry adventure be sure to properly plan and prepare for the the probable weather and conditions. Some of the equipment you should consider are outlined below.

General Equipment

• Skis, snowshoes, poles, and boots designed for the backcountry
• Backpack
• Climbing skins
• Wax kit
• Sleeping bag
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Topographic maps
• Guidebook
• Compass
• Shovel
• Bivouac sack or tent
• Ground cloth
• Fire-starting kit (matches, lighter, starting fuel, etc.)
• Day pack
• First-aid kit
• Repair kit (duct tape can be used for many repairs)
• Pocket knife
• Stove and pot (for emergency)
• Sunglasses and goggles
• Water bottles (widemouth have less change of freezing)
• Sunscreen/Lip balm
• Food (be sure some food is edible without cooking, and that each person carries their own trail food)

Personal Clothing

You should use only wool or synthetics, no cotton, plan your clothing so you can dress in layers. Always have a dry set of clothes in your pack.

• Parka
• Fleece Jacket/Vest
• Windshell
• Windpants
• Sweater or Fleece layer
• Shirt
• Socks/extra pairs
• Personal items
• Long underwear top and bottom (foundation layer)
• Mittens, overmitts, and gloves/extra pari ski gloves
• Hat, scarf, balaclava, neck gaiter
• Leg gaiters
• Down booties

Additional Recommended Equipment

• Altimeter
• Probe pole
• Avalanche transceiver (also known as a "beacon" or "beeper")
• Ensolite or foam pad
• Extra ski tip