Backcountry Basics Step 1 Get the Gear (Video)

June 18, 2015

Learn about essential avalanche safety and backcountry equipment. Carry all required backcountry safety gear on your body, all the time.

In this Backcountry Basics Step 1 Get the Gear video, BCA guide ambassador Lel Tone and BCA pro athlete Colter Hinchliffe talk about the essential avalanche safety and backcountry equipment every skier, snowboarder, and snowmobiler should bring into the backcountry.

BEFORE YOU HEAD INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY

1. Carry all required backcountry safety gear, on your body, all the time to help you find a buried partner and be found.

  • Avalanche transceiver turned on!
  • Avalanche probe
  • Avalanche shovel

2. Consider carrying the following backcountry safety gear:

  • Avalanche airbag to increase your chances of staying on top of an avalanche
  • Navigation Kit to help move efficiently and avoid anticipated hazardous terrain; consider terrain photos, map and GPS or smartphone
  • Radios to help you and your partners communicate
  • Emergency Kit, including first aid kit, portable shelter, and evacuation kit to help you survive an injury in winter conditions
  • Cell phone, Sat phone or personal locator beacon to call for help

3. Practice with your backcountry safety gear regularly.

  • Seconds count! Your gear will only work when you can use it confidently and efficiently in bad conditions.
  • Remember that your gear helps you have a safer and more fun day it does not guarantee your safety.

CARRY ALL REQUIRED BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY GEAR, ON YOUR BODY, ALL THE TIME.