Packing for a hut trip includes your ski tour gear plus a few extra essentials. We've made it easy for you with some gear recommendations. Remember- you'll carry in and carry out your gear so keep it minimalistic when possible!
Skiing Equipment
Alpine Touring Boots - AT boots were made for walking, and like any footwear you spend an entire day walking in, a proper fit makes this the most essential part of an AT setup. Our bootfitters advice- forget specific features and focus on the correct fit.
Touring Skis - With hundreds of models and lengths to choose from, choosing the correct ski can be a daunting task. Keep your selection simple and purpose driven. For every day touring and all mountain conditions, 90-105mm is a great width range for most people to explore all conditions and snow types.
Bindings - Alpine touring bindings come in all shapes, sizes and weights. They're an essential part of moving uphill and recently have seen more technology advancements than most other pieces of gear. From the lightest race bindings to the heaviest alpine hybrid bindings, selecting the right binding is important, as is being realistic on how you'll use them. Bigger does not always mean better!
Skins - Skins enable us to walk uphill and are the bike tires of skiing- they'll last 80 or so days before being replaced or re-glued. Most skins are typically made of nylon, mohair, or a combination of the both. Nylon grips well and glides okay. Mohair glides well and grips okay. Our most popular skins typically are made from a combination of the two- capitalizing on the best of both worlds.
Poles - Don't sleep on touring specific poles. Repeat- adjustable touring poles are important. It's good to have long poles for power going uphill, and short poles for maneuverability downhill. Adjustable touring poles accomplish both, and most options offer either carbon or aluminum versions.
Touring Skis - With hundreds of models and lengths to choose from, choosing the correct ski can be a daunting task. Keep your selection simple and purpose driven. For every day touring and all mountain conditions, 90-105mm is a great width range for most people to explore all conditions and snow types.
Bindings - Alpine touring bindings come in all shapes, sizes and weights. They're an essential part of moving uphill and recently have seen more technology advancements than most other pieces of gear. From the lightest race bindings to the heaviest alpine hybrid bindings, selecting the right binding is important, as is being realistic on how you'll use them. Bigger does not always mean better!
Skins - Skins enable us to walk uphill and are the bike tires of skiing- they'll last 80 or so days before being replaced or re-glued. Most skins are typically made of nylon, mohair, or a combination of the both. Nylon grips well and glides okay. Mohair glides well and grips okay. Our most popular skins typically are made from a combination of the two- capitalizing on the best of both worlds.
Poles - Don't sleep on touring specific poles. Repeat- adjustable touring poles are important. It's good to have long poles for power going uphill, and short poles for maneuverability downhill. Adjustable touring poles accomplish both, and most options offer either carbon or aluminum versions.
Avalanche Safety Equipment
Whenever you are heading out of bounds, a full avalanche safety kit is a no questions asked essential.
Beacon - The piece of technology that could save your or your buddies life. While all beacons operate on the same modern frequency, beacons tend to have different features across the brands. Avalanche instructors and guides will all say the same thing, though- the best beacon is the one you are familiar with and use regularly.
Shovel - Your backcountry partner will appreciate you digging them out with a high quality shovel. While they come in a variety of sizes, many choose to go on the bigger side for faster snow removal in an emergency.
Probe - Probes pinpoint a buried victim in an avalanche. They fold up like a tentpole but are designed to release to full length quickly in a singular motion. Probes come in either aluminum or carbon and at varying lengths. If you live in a place with a deep mid-winter snowpack (WA, OR, CA), you'll most likely go a bit longer (over 300cm) in length. For those in CO or UT, many will be fine with a 240cm length probe.
Backpack - For hut trips, a backpack over 40L is essential. A sleeping bag alone is going to fill lots of volume, but you'll need to account for other additionals- multiple days of food, extra water bottle, socks, etc.
Beacon - The piece of technology that could save your or your buddies life. While all beacons operate on the same modern frequency, beacons tend to have different features across the brands. Avalanche instructors and guides will all say the same thing, though- the best beacon is the one you are familiar with and use regularly.
Shovel - Your backcountry partner will appreciate you digging them out with a high quality shovel. While they come in a variety of sizes, many choose to go on the bigger side for faster snow removal in an emergency.
Probe - Probes pinpoint a buried victim in an avalanche. They fold up like a tentpole but are designed to release to full length quickly in a singular motion. Probes come in either aluminum or carbon and at varying lengths. If you live in a place with a deep mid-winter snowpack (WA, OR, CA), you'll most likely go a bit longer (over 300cm) in length. For those in CO or UT, many will be fine with a 240cm length probe.
Backpack - For hut trips, a backpack over 40L is essential. A sleeping bag alone is going to fill lots of volume, but you'll need to account for other additionals- multiple days of food, extra water bottle, socks, etc.
Apparel
Layering is an art, and we're here to help you select the ideal system to ensure warmth and comfort for a day outside.
Ski Socks- Ski socks can make or break a day. A new boot deserves new socks, as this they are important for both warmth and fit of a touring boot. Note: Thicker is not always more warm or comfortable. A snug fitting or compression sock will also help prevent blisters. BRING 2 PAIRS ON A HUT TRIP!
Brimmed Hat- Brimmed hats are becoming more and more popular for ski touring as they help keep the sun out of your face and offer some warmth when it's not quite cold enough for a winter hat. 8 hours in the sun can be a lot- even with sunscreen - and a brimmed hat is a backcountry essential.
Warm Hat- Keep your noggin' warm on the up and the down, depending on conditions. Need we say more? Long hair or not, winter is cold!
Helmet- Helmets are standard these days, and light is still safe. Helmets for downhill skiing are heavy and don't breathe- so choose a lightweight, breathable, touring specific helmet.
Base Layer Bottom- Keep your legs warm and dry with long underwear that breathes well and gives warm. Wool- more comfortable, doesn't smell after use, keeps you warm when wet.
Synthetic- lighter, more breathable, and less expensive (on average)
Base Layer Top- Often we sweat the most on our upper bodies while ski touring and it's important to mitigate heat and moisture. Wool and synthetic both have advantages, but make sure you're using one of them. Cotton kills!
Mid-weight / breathable insulating layer- Take the edge off of wind or maybe just a tiny bit of extra warmth is needed. Sometimes a down jacket is too much, and just a bit of insulation is needed. Ideally this layer is synthetic for good breathability.
Hardshell or softshell ski/snowboard pants- Softshell vs Hardshell comes down to personal preference, depending on where you live. PNW folks often will want the most waterproof hardshell, whereas Colorado skiers will be using either/or depending on conditions. Breathability is key, and vents are key on layers with non-breathable fabrics.
Hardshell (waterproof + breathable) jacket- As with shell pants, a ski touring specific hardshell jacket is an important layer to block wind and water, while also letting out moisture. Breathability is as important as waterproofness, as we generate heat while ski touring normally.
Larger weight (i.e. 800 fill) 'security' puffy (down or synthetic)- From November to March, a puffy jacket not only will be brought, but used on day tours. Remember- if you're warm and even a little sweaty from going uphill, it takes only minutes to cool to an uncomfortable temperature.
Gloves- Ski touring gloves (or mittens) should have good dexterity, and match to regulate temp Most experienced ski tourers have a few different pairs they will select from, depending on the day. Example: Glove liners for a warm spring day in march, heavier gloves or mittens for a cold January day.
Mittens (aka "Oh Shit Mitts")- A staple of any ski tourers kit, "Oh Shit Mitts" should be light and ready for emergencies. On the days you just can't get warm- down mittens are great. Compact-able and extremely warm, it's not a burden to have these live in your backpack.
Ski Socks- Ski socks can make or break a day. A new boot deserves new socks, as this they are important for both warmth and fit of a touring boot. Note: Thicker is not always more warm or comfortable. A snug fitting or compression sock will also help prevent blisters. BRING 2 PAIRS ON A HUT TRIP!
Brimmed Hat- Brimmed hats are becoming more and more popular for ski touring as they help keep the sun out of your face and offer some warmth when it's not quite cold enough for a winter hat. 8 hours in the sun can be a lot- even with sunscreen - and a brimmed hat is a backcountry essential.
Warm Hat- Keep your noggin' warm on the up and the down, depending on conditions. Need we say more? Long hair or not, winter is cold!
Helmet- Helmets are standard these days, and light is still safe. Helmets for downhill skiing are heavy and don't breathe- so choose a lightweight, breathable, touring specific helmet.
Base Layer Bottom- Keep your legs warm and dry with long underwear that breathes well and gives warm. Wool- more comfortable, doesn't smell after use, keeps you warm when wet.
Synthetic- lighter, more breathable, and less expensive (on average)
Base Layer Top- Often we sweat the most on our upper bodies while ski touring and it's important to mitigate heat and moisture. Wool and synthetic both have advantages, but make sure you're using one of them. Cotton kills!
Mid-weight / breathable insulating layer- Take the edge off of wind or maybe just a tiny bit of extra warmth is needed. Sometimes a down jacket is too much, and just a bit of insulation is needed. Ideally this layer is synthetic for good breathability.
Hardshell or softshell ski/snowboard pants- Softshell vs Hardshell comes down to personal preference, depending on where you live. PNW folks often will want the most waterproof hardshell, whereas Colorado skiers will be using either/or depending on conditions. Breathability is key, and vents are key on layers with non-breathable fabrics.
Hardshell (waterproof + breathable) jacket- As with shell pants, a ski touring specific hardshell jacket is an important layer to block wind and water, while also letting out moisture. Breathability is as important as waterproofness, as we generate heat while ski touring normally.
Larger weight (i.e. 800 fill) 'security' puffy (down or synthetic)- From November to March, a puffy jacket not only will be brought, but used on day tours. Remember- if you're warm and even a little sweaty from going uphill, it takes only minutes to cool to an uncomfortable temperature.
Gloves- Ski touring gloves (or mittens) should have good dexterity, and match to regulate temp Most experienced ski tourers have a few different pairs they will select from, depending on the day. Example: Glove liners for a warm spring day in march, heavier gloves or mittens for a cold January day.
Mittens (aka "Oh Shit Mitts")- A staple of any ski tourers kit, "Oh Shit Mitts" should be light and ready for emergencies. On the days you just can't get warm- down mittens are great. Compact-able and extremely warm, it's not a burden to have these live in your backpack.
Accessories
Like all sports, the nuts and bolts of ski touring can often be overlooked. From tools to sunglasses, we've come up with an essential list of accessories
Pillow Case- Optional but nice to have.
Small toiletries Kit- limit to absolute essentials (toothbrush, femenine hygiene products if needed)
Headlamp with fresh batteries- Necessary! Many huts do not have rooms so when lights are out, headlamp is especially key for reading, going to bathroom, etc.
Sunglasses- Snow blindness is real. Sunglasses are great for both uphill and downhill skiing when conditions don't require goggles.
Goggles- Bad weather, cold weather, you name it- Goggles are in any skiers kit! Lenses that react to changes in light, or goggles with multiple lenses (low light and high light) are required.
Sunscreen- 3 words- skin cancer prevention
Water bottles (At least 2L of water!)- You can't hydrate enough during exercise, and humans typically tend to under-hydrate in the cold. Bladders with hoses are a NO GO system. Even with "insulation" on the hoses, they still freeze.
Ski Straps- The most useful pieces of gear in repair kits. 3 straps are recommended, with at least one being 15 inches. Common uses for everyday use are strapping skis together and attaching skis/poles to carry on backpack. Common uses for repair include broken buckles/straps on boots, broken bindings (attaching the boot to the ski), and keeping skins on skis due to skin glue failure or skin tail breakages.
GPS- More and more skiers are carrying GPS devices for emergencies. Cell phones, as always, don't typically have service in many backcountry zones.
Ski scraper/crystal card- Efficiently scrape snow off your skis. On long tours with temperate changes, snow has a habit of sticking and weighing your skis down. Crystal cards for snow science also work great as a scraper as well.
Lunch/Snack Food- You can't have enough. Better to be prepared with a well balanced snack plan.
Camera/Phone- Savor the moment! Note: Phones should not be relied as a means of emergency contact.
Med Kit- Always be prepared with some basic essentials. Over time it's good to replace and or supplement different pieces of the kit.
Repair Kit- Our Grand Traverse repair kit carries some key repair essentials, and should be supplemented with ski straps (previously listed) among some other things. Some folks carry backup binding/boot parts that are specific to their gear.
Neck Gaiter- An essential for blocking wind or sun, and adding breathable warm to the face and neck.
Pillow Case- Optional but nice to have.
Small toiletries Kit- limit to absolute essentials (toothbrush, femenine hygiene products if needed)
Headlamp with fresh batteries- Necessary! Many huts do not have rooms so when lights are out, headlamp is especially key for reading, going to bathroom, etc.
Sunglasses- Snow blindness is real. Sunglasses are great for both uphill and downhill skiing when conditions don't require goggles.
Goggles- Bad weather, cold weather, you name it- Goggles are in any skiers kit! Lenses that react to changes in light, or goggles with multiple lenses (low light and high light) are required.
Sunscreen- 3 words- skin cancer prevention
Water bottles (At least 2L of water!)- You can't hydrate enough during exercise, and humans typically tend to under-hydrate in the cold. Bladders with hoses are a NO GO system. Even with "insulation" on the hoses, they still freeze.
Ski Straps- The most useful pieces of gear in repair kits. 3 straps are recommended, with at least one being 15 inches. Common uses for everyday use are strapping skis together and attaching skis/poles to carry on backpack. Common uses for repair include broken buckles/straps on boots, broken bindings (attaching the boot to the ski), and keeping skins on skis due to skin glue failure or skin tail breakages.
GPS- More and more skiers are carrying GPS devices for emergencies. Cell phones, as always, don't typically have service in many backcountry zones.
Ski scraper/crystal card- Efficiently scrape snow off your skis. On long tours with temperate changes, snow has a habit of sticking and weighing your skis down. Crystal cards for snow science also work great as a scraper as well.
Lunch/Snack Food- You can't have enough. Better to be prepared with a well balanced snack plan.
Camera/Phone- Savor the moment! Note: Phones should not be relied as a means of emergency contact.
Med Kit- Always be prepared with some basic essentials. Over time it's good to replace and or supplement different pieces of the kit.
Repair Kit- Our Grand Traverse repair kit carries some key repair essentials, and should be supplemented with ski straps (previously listed) among some other things. Some folks carry backup binding/boot parts that are specific to their gear.
Neck Gaiter- An essential for blocking wind or sun, and adding breathable warm to the face and neck.
