In Their Packs & On Their Backs is a recurring feature here on the CTA blog where we take a peek inside the packs of seasoned backcountry skiers to see what they take with them when out exploring Vermont in the winter. By exposing some of the choices these winter professionals have made, we hope to inform those who still have questions about what to bring when heading off into the woods. Please keep in mind that we’re not here to tell you what to do or not do… that’s for you to decide.
Today, Dun Cochrane of the U.S. Forest Service (GMNF) was kind enough to open up his pack and share it’s contents. Dun is currently an employee of the GMNF in both the recreation/trails and forest management programs. On top of that he is also a Master of Science candidate at Antioch University – New England. Through is graduate work he is focusing on the development of a management practices to help address the growing level of backcountry skiing use we are seeing in the Forest. Dun grew up in the skiing industry in Vermont and has been skiing (cross-country, alpine, and backcountry) for ~25 years.
Equipment
Skis – Black Diamond Verdicts
Boots – Garmont Endorphin
Bindings – Diamir Fritchi Freeride
Pack – Backcountry Access “Stash”
Pack Contents:
- H20 bladder (from pack)
- Black Diamond shovel
- Parachute cord
- Dryer lint (for tinder/emergency fire starter…also works really well wrapped in dryer sheets)
- Matches and/or flint
- Hand/foot warmers
- First aid kit
- USGS Topo Map
- Compass
- Garmin GPS (with extra batteries!)
- Pencil
- Roll of flagging
- Black Diamond climbing skins
- Extra food/energy bars
- Petzel head lamp
- Whistle
- Leatherman tool (with knife and small saw)
- Space blanket
- Dry beanie
- Sunglasses
- Extra capilene base layer
- Extra insulation mid-layer
- Cell phone
- Helmet & Goggles (not pictured)
