Avalanche Gear Checklist: Be Prepared for the Backcountry
Carry the right safety gear if you’re going into avalanche terrain
October 14, 2023
Backcountry snowboarding and ski touring are great ways to explore the mountains in winter and advance your skiing and riding skills–as long as you practice traveling safely in avalanche terrain. It is not an activity for beginner skiers or riders, given the higher level of risk involved and the skills necessary to do it safely and enjoyably. Backcountry skiing can be done safely if you have the proper knowledge and gear to do it.
It’s crucial to carry the necessary safety gear when heading out into the backcountry in winter if you’re going into avalanche terrain, whether you’re out for a casual snowshoe adventure or planning to ski a big line. I’ve been skiing in the backcountry for nearly a decade, have multiple avalanche education certifications (including my AIARE 1, 2, and Rescue), and am working towards pro level certs in order to teach avalanche safety courses; this is my list of essential gear for any day in the backcountry. This checklist will help you ensure you’ve got all the gear you need in your pack for winter adventures in the mountains.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
CHECKLIST
| GEAR ITEM | PRODUCTS WE LIKE |
|---|---|
| Avalanche Probe | |
| Ortovox Alu 320+ PFA | |
| Avalanche Shovel | |
| Black Diamond Evac 7 | |
| Avalanche Airbags | |
| Osprey Soelden Pro (Men) | |
| Osprey Sopris Pro (Women) | |
| Emergency Communication | |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 | |
| Radio Communication |
AVALANCHE BEACON
Avalanche beacons, also called transceivers, are emergency locator beacons. They’re somewhat similar to personal locator beacons (like SPOT devices), but they are specifically designed to function in the event of an avalanche and have specific features that make finding a buried avalanche victim faster and easier.
For backcountry skiers, beacons should be worn at all times, both while ascending and descending, anytime you head into an area with avalanche terrain. Even if you won’t directly be in avalanche terrain for the entire tour, your beacon should always be on and in transmit mode. Every skier or snowboarder should be wearing their own transceiver and should know how to use it. In the event someone is buried in an avalanche, other members of the party, or a search and rescue crew, can use their beacons to locate the victim and dig them out. This is one of the most crucial and standard pieces of gear for any winter backcountry skier to carry.
There are a handful of features to consider when selecting a beacon, and some are more important than others. A good transceiver should use modern technology and operate with three antennas. (There is still one beacon on the market that uses only two, the original BCA Tracker. If you’re still using this model, it’s time for an upgrade. This is because the new models are safer to use because of their faster, more efficient search times and capabilities.)
Perhaps the most important feature to consider when selecting a transceiver is usability. Your beacon is only useful if you know how to use it well and use it quickly and efficiently, so find one that is not unnecessarily complicated. The screen should be easy to read, and switching between send and receive modes should be effortless.
The range your beacon is able to transmit is also an important feature to consider; longer ranges are helpful for locating burials from a greater distance. But just as important is how well the beacon functions in the fine search (often called bracketing) when you’re closer to the victim.
If you often travel into the backcountry with more than one partner, or if you are an advanced or professional user, use a transceiver that has the option to search for multiple burials with a good flagging feature. Lastly, consider the size of the beacon and how it’s carried. You’ll have to wear this the entire time you’re out in the backcountry, so it should be comfortable and not overly bulky.
OUR CHOICE: BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS TRACKER 4
The Backcountry Access Tracker 4 is the newest in the line of BCA’s popular beacons. It is a user-friendly transceiver that has all the necessary features that backcountry enthusiasts should look for. The screen is easy to read and the user interface is intuitive and uncomplicated, making searches quick.
The Tracker 4 does not have the largest range of any beacon out there, but it is very fast and efficient in the fine search when there is a single victim. The transceiver is also fairly small and compact for being fully-featured, making it comfortable to wear. There are beacons with more advanced features out there, but for most recreational users, this is an excellent choice.
BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS TRACKER 4
AVALANCHE PROBE
An avalanche transceiver is only useful if you have the tools to dig out the buried victim you’ve located. One of those essential tools is an avalanche probe. Probes are long, collapsible poles that allow a rescuer to poke into the snow and avalanche debris in order to locate a buried body. While probes are necessary for searching for buried avalanche victims, they are also useful in other aspects of backcountry touring. You can estimate snow depths, get a rough feel for the layers in the snowpack, and use the probe for measurements when digging a snow pit to analyze snowpack and stability.
Probes come primarily in two different materials: aluminum and carbon. Aluminum probes are the most common, largely because they are more durable and affordable. Carbon probes are lighter, and often a choice for “fast and light” athletes. Because of the long-term durability of aluminum probes and their friendlier price point, that is what we recommend for most users.
The main features to consider in a probe, other than material, are the length, diameter, and how well the probe assembles in the field. Longer probes allow you to search deeper into the snowpack or debris, and they are especially useful for folks who recreate in areas with deep snowpacks, like the Pacific Northwest. Probes with wider diameters are more stable and reliable. When it comes to assembly, a good probe should have a handle that’s easy to grab with gloves on, and the cord inside should snap the pieces into place quickly and without a fuss so that you can continue to search as quickly as possible. The length markings on your probe should be easy to read as well.
OUR CHOICE: ORTOVOX ALU 320+ PFA
This probe is ideal for avid backcountry users. It’s a long and durable probe that’s easy to assemble and has a wide 13mm diameter that helps with stability and reliability when probing. One of the best features of this probe is how easy the handle is to grab. The neon orange strap is highly visible, and you can reach for it without opening the probe case, making assembly even faster.
ORTOVOX ALU 320+ PFA
AVALANCHE SHOVEL
Using an avalanche shovel to analyze snowpack in a snow pit.
Along with your transceiver and probe, a shovel is one of the three essential pieces of gear you need to go into the backcountry. Any shovel you can carry in your pack is not necessarily suitable for avalanche terrain and a possible rescue; you should use a shovel made specifically for avalanche rescue. First, these shovels are light, collapsible, and easily packable. This is necessary in order to comfortably carry it on ski tours.
There are other, even more important reasons that the size of your shovel matters. A shovel that is too small will not move snow quickly enough to perform a successful rescue. But one that is too large (like one you’d use to clear snow from your driveway) is inefficient because of how much snow you’d have to move at once.
Yes, your shovel needs to be light and packable, but it must also be strong and durable. Plastic shovels are not suitable for ski touring or venturing into avalanche terrain. Most avalanche shovels are made with an aluminum composite blade or something similar. Other features to consider in an avalanche shovel are whether or not it has a “hoe mode” (this allows you to angle the blade down to move snow quickly), and what shape the handle is. T-shaped handles are common and work well with gloves on. D-shaped handles are better for mitten-wearers.
OUR CHOICE: BLACK DIAMOND EVAC 7
This shovel checks all the boxes necessary while balancing features well. It’s not the lightest on the market, but it's still easy to pack into the backcountry. It has a durable blade on the larger side without being too big—it can move lots of snow fast. The handle converts into hoe mode, and the backside of the blade is flat enough to make clean walls when digging snow pits to analyze the snowpack—something done by digging a specific type of snow pit with smooth walls that allows you to examine the layers in the snow. It’s built to last many seasons of hard use.
BLACK DIAMOND EVAC 7
AVALANCHE AIRBAGS
Avalanche airbags are not part of the three essentials for winter backcountry adventurers—beacon, probe, and shovel—but they’re becoming much more common and are worth considering adding to your safety gear. Avalanche airbags offer an extra layer of protection if you’re taken for a ride in a slide. Pulling a cord on the backpack releases an airbag that helps you float above the moving snow.
Studies have shown that these do help increase chances of survival, but they are not a failsafe option. One big reason airbags are not always going to save you: while they help keep you above the snow and avoid burial and asphyxiation, many deaths from avalanches are due to trauma caused by hitting trees, falling off cliffs, or colliding with other debris in the path. An airbag does not do much to protect you from this. But, given that they do increase your chances of survival overall, it’s a piece of gear worth considering.
There are two main downsides to airbag packs. The first is that they are expensive, sometimes prohibitively so. The second is that they are much heavier than carrying a regular pack.
There are two main types of avalanche airbags: compressed gas/air and mechanical. There are pros and cons to these two types of airbag inflation. Airbags that use compressed gas or air are typically more affordable, lighter weight, and the canisters are usually refillable. The disadvantages with canisters are that they are not ideal for practicing deployment since the canisters are a one-time use unless refilled (the airbag cannot be inflated again in the field after the trigger has been pulled).
Mechanical airbags are inflated with a battery-powered fan. These are typically more expensive and a little heavier, but they do not require refilling canisters after each use. The advantages to this type of airbag are that it’s easier to practice deploying your bag since you’re not wasting canisters each time, and in the field, you can continuously inflate the airbag if needed. Other than price and weight, the main disadvantage is that you must remember to charge the batteries before each adventure.
OUR CHOICE: OSPREY SOELDEN PRO (MEN) AND SOPRIS PRO (WOMEN)
Osprey is known for making excellent packs, and that’s no different when it comes to ski packs and avalanche airbags. As expected with an Osprey pack, the Soelden Pro is very comfortable to carry. It has excellent pocket organization, a good ski and snowboard carry system, and rugged durability.
Perhaps most notable is that this pack uses the Alpride mechanical airbag inflation system, which is highly regarded as one of the best on the market for its ease of use and overall functionality and safety.
The only downsides to this pack are expected: it’s expensive and leans on the heavy side.
SOPRIS PRO (WOMEN)
SOELDEN PRO (MEN)
ADDITIONAL SAFETY GEAR
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
It’s always a good idea to carry some form of emergency communication in the backcountry. Cell phones are not always reliable, so consider a PLB or two-way satellite device for communication in an emergency. Our top pick: the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
GARMIN INREACH MINI 2
RADIO COMMUNICATION
Carrying radios for communication is perhaps one of the most underrated safety tools for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Carry at least one set when going out and have the leader and the sweeper hold them; have more radios for larger groups.
Not only do these help immensely with communication in an emergency, they are also very helpful for general communication with your partners that will help you have more fun and stay safe. Use them to communicate conditions to your partner who is about to ski down, or to help the group locate you after you’ve taken some turns in the trees.
Our favorite radios for winter backcountry use are the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios. They’re small and compact, making them easy to clip on a pack strap without getting in the way. They’re also simple and straightforward to use. Good battery life, waterproofing, and compatibility with other accessories like a hand mic are also bonuses.
ROCKY TALKIE
FIRST AID KIT
Always carry a first aid kit with basic essentials for trauma injuries and more, and be sure you know how to use what’s in your kit. If you don’t have experience with this, consider taking a wilderness first aid course; wilderness first responder courses are even better for folks who spend a lot of time in the backcountry in any season.
Our pick: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit.
ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS MOUNTAIN SERIES EXPLORER MEDICAL KIT
SNOW STUDY TOOLS
While this is not necessary for every tour, if you plan to analyze the snowpack by digging a pit, ensure you have the right tools – including a snow saw, multiple analog thermometers, a slope meter, a crystal measurement card, a magnifying loupe, a Rutschblock cord, a waterproof notebook, and pen or pencil. More important than just the tools is knowing how to use them; make sure you’re fresh with your avalanche education and knowledge.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR
HELMET FOR HEAD PROTECTION
It’s not always necessary to wear your helmet on the uphill portion of your ski tour, but you should carry a ski helmet for the downhill, even if you’re riding mellow terrain.
SMITH VANTAGE MIPS SNOW HELMET
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
GOGGLES FOR EYE PROTECTION
Sunglasses and goggles are crucial for adventures in the snow. It’s essential to have both for backcountry skiing—sunglasses for the way up and goggles for the way down. Even on cloudy days, the UV rays that reflect off the snow can damage your eyes. And, you want eye protection for moving at faster speeds on the downhill.
SMITH I/O MAG CHROMAPOP SNOW GOGGLES
TECHNICAL CLOTHING FOR INSULATION AND MOBILITY
Ensure you’re layering properly for a day in the snowy mountains. Avoid cotton and wear technical base layers like merino wool or synthetic active layers. Always have insulation on hand, especially for the downhill or when you’re stopped to analyze the snowpack. Lastly, ensure you have waterproof, breathable shell layers to keep you dry. (Curious about what outerwear is best for this? Check out our guides for the best ski jackets (men's and women's) and pants (men's and women's).
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GEAR FOR YOUR NEEDS
When selecting your backcountry and avalanche gear, consider your needs and experience level. If you are a beginner, not only will you be sticking to different terrain, but your specific gear choices will likely differ from experts and professionals. There’s no use in bringing a snow study kit along with you if you don’t need to use it. Always carry a transceiver with at least the basic functions and range, and if a more complex model makes sense for you, then an upgrade may be worth it.
Gear needs don’t differ much for backcountry skiers and snowboarders, other than the exact riding equipment (board, skis, bindings, etc.). If you ride a sled into the backcountry, a full-face helmet will be better than a ski helmet, and be sure you have all the rescue tools necessary if a sled gets stuck.
Many guiding companies offer rentals for avalanche rescue gear. If backcountry skiing or riding is something you’re interested in but don’t want to commit to spending on all the gear and education yet, go out on a guided tour first to get a feel for it and utilize their rental gear. Do not rent gear and go out on your own without a professional guide. More important than having the gear is knowing how to use it and how to travel safely in avalanche terrain. Many guiding companies even offer intro to backcountry courses that will help you get oriented with your gear before even diving into avalanche safety and snow science, and these are very helpful for beginners.
PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE
It’s important to give your gear a good check at the beginning of each season – and during the season when necessary. Check that your beacon is in good working order, that there are no software updates or recalls, and that there is no corrosion in the battery compartment (you should take the batteries out every summer).
Inspect that your probe deploys properly, that there are no breaks in the joints, and that the internal cord is in good working condition.
Assemble your shovel and ensure the handle functions properly and the blade is not damaged.
Whether you’re new to the sport or have been adventuring in the backcountry in winter for decades, practicing your skills and using your gear is essential.
First, taking avalanche rescue and safety classes should be done before venturing out on your own. We recommend at least a level 1 and a rescue course. At the beginning of each season, brush up on what you learned in those classes. Practice beacon searches with your ski partners (you don’t even need snow for this!).
Store your gear in a clean and dry place after your ski season is over. Your probe, shovel, pack, and other essentials should be kept neat and organized so they’re ready to be inspected and used when the snow flies again. Always remove the batteries from your beacon at the season’s end to prevent corrosion in the battery compartment, and place fresh ones at the beginning of a new season.
STAYING INFORMED AND UPDATED
Understanding the forecast and terrain is one of the most important things that will help you stay safe when venturing into avalanche terrain. Keep an eye on weather patterns to better understand how the snowpack is stacking up and what hazards you must be aware of. Always check the weather forecast and the avalanche report and forecast for a given area before heading out on a tour. It’s a good idea to check this regularly, even on days when you’re not going out into the backcountry.
After you’ve taken your basic safety courses (a level 1 and a rescue course), there are many opportunities to continue your education and keep your skills sharp. Look for avalanche safety workshops to attend, and consider a level 2 certification if you find yourself in the backcountry often.
While it’s far from necessary to swap out your skis when a new design comes out each season (it’s usually just marketing anyway), staying up to date on improvements and advancements in avalanche rescue gear can help keep you safer out in the backcountry.
Always check that your transceiver is up to date with any software updates and that there are no recalls (it happens more than you might think; gear isn’t perfect). As new technologies come out, consider whether new rescue and safety gear is worth investing in.
Above any piece of gear you can carry with you into the backcountry, the most important thing you can have is knowledge and skills. Your best chances of staying safe out there are by not getting caught in an avalanche in the first place. We always have our rescue gear on us in case of an emergency, but we never want to have to use it. It’s crucial to understand avalanche terrain and make smart terrain selections when going out based on the weather and conditions. This is the best thing you can do to stay safe in avalanche terrain.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska and has nearly a decade of experience in the outdoor industry as a writer and gear tester. Her bylines can be found in 5280, Backpacker, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Mag.
Stasia has been an avid skier her entire life and has been backcountry skiing for nearly a decade. Along with having held WFR and other first aid certifications during her guiding years, she has her AIARE Level 1, avalanche rescue, and AIARE Level 2 avalanche certifications. She is working towards her pro-level certifications in order to eventually teach avalanche education herself. As a Colorado skier, she’s learned to backcountry ski in one of the trickiest and most dangerous snowpacks out there, which has only helped her to hone her skills for traveling in avalanche terrain.
You can read about her adventures on her website or on her author page.
