early season necessities what you need head backcountry

Early-Season Necessities: What You Need to Head into the Backcountry

December 10, 2015

With a huge storm system now pounding the Pacific Northwest and big snow forecasted for the Rockies, its game on! If you havent been out yet this season, then make sure youre not caught off guard this weekend.

The first few moments of the start of a new winter are some of the most exciting times of the year, ripe with anticipation. With a huge storm system now pounding the Pacific Northwest and big snow forecasted for the Rockies, it's game on! If you haven't been out yet this season, then make sure you're not caught off guard this weekend.

Ask yourself: Where did I put all that stuff? What do I need to buy? What needs to be repaired? What will trips am I planning? Make sure you cover all your bases. Better make a list, amigos:

  • Beacon, Shovel, and Probe: Check it, pack it, then assemble and use it like you're saving a friend. Are your beacon batteries fresh? Are the terminals free of corrosion? Is your beacon more than three years old? It might be time to buy a new one or send it in for a check-up. The BCA Tracker2 and Tracker3 remain the go-to choice for ease of use and reliability. Does your shovel assemble and extend seamlessly? Is each section of your probe in good condition? Does it assemble easily?
  • Skis/Boards, Boots, Poles, Skins, and Ski Crampons: Tune and wax your boards. Make this the year your splurge on an appointment with a pro boot fitter. Are your poles older than you are? It might be time to buy a new extendable pair. Is your skin glue full of dog hair, mud, and party glitter? Do you have ski crampons? It only sucks to not have them when you actually need them. Then, it really sucks.
  • Float Bag and Radios: Good tools are no replacement for aware minds. Combine them both and your exposure to risk greatly reduces. It might be time to update the toolbox beyond the essentials. If you already have one, test your Float and refill the canister. There are BCA certified refill centers in about every mountain range you could imagine. Radios, used well, greatly improve communication. Check out BCA Link Group Communications.
  • Snow Pit Kit, First Aid, Repair, and Oh Shit Kit: Make this the year that you take your snow knowledge to the next level. A pit book, grain size card, thermometer, inclinometer, compass, rope saw and metal snow saw are key ingredients for increasing your knowledge in the mountains. First aid kits are worth the extra weight in your pack; a kiss of gauze and tape go a lot further than using your buddies t-shirt and undies to stop a bleed. Other items to include: airway adjuncts and pain relief. Repair kits are also a worthwhile addition. A multi-tool, ski scraper, ski straps, cam buckle straps, boot cuff rivets or bolt/nut/washer combos, Gorilla Tape, and bailing wire. Consider packing 30m of 8mm rope, webbing, Purcell Prusiks, and a few locking carabiners. Just in case.
  • Jacket, Down Jacket, Pants, Gloves, Layers, Socks, Goggles and Sunglasses: As fun as skiing in bikinis and Speedos may sound, its a lot more fun to be dressed well for a long day in the mountains. Is your clothing more duct tape than fabric and only waterproof when the water soaked in it freezes? It might be time to go shopping. Get deals where you can, but remember, investing in quality gear will take you far beyond this season.

Now that you've made it through the checklist, the stove fire is burning and your gear is laid out on the floor, it does us all good to remember the value of situational awareness. While a day in the backcountry can feel like all fun and games, making good decisions in the backcountry is a matter of life or injury (or even death). The last item on the early season checklist is you. Be aware of your own limitations and tendencies. Develop a few cognitive triggers or mind checks that will help you remember to focus on and assess your environment. Every time you stop on the skin track, take out your probe, and check the snowpack. Excited to drop in on your first line of the day? Take the extra time to breathe and identify any potential danger zones before they become real problems. Some people find checklists helpful as a way to make sure they're not missing anything when it comes to mitigating risk. Whatever works for you, do it. You're excited to get out in the mountains (so are we), but awareness is key to avalanche avoidance.