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.
Hello… I’m Greg. I’m the Communications and Events Manager here at the Catamount Trail Association. I work with an amazing team here at the CTA to organize, promote and execute all of our great events. I’m also responsible for our website and all of our digital assets including our activity on Facebook. When I’m not in the office I try to spend as much time outside as possible on my bike, hiking or on skis. I also like to take photos, and I’m usually easy to identify as I typically have a camera dangling off me somewhere. I’m actually relatively new to backcountry skiing, but I learn quickly and I’m making progress. Spending time outside is not new to me, and I hope you can glean a knowledge nugget or two from seeing what I carry in my pack even though my skills leave something to be desired.
So let’s see… What DO I carry with me when I head out for a day in the backcountry? Read on to find out!
Ski Equipment
AT Setup
Boots – Tecnica Bushwackers or La Sportiva Spectres
Skis – Rossignol Soul 7’s
Bindings – Marker Baron
Poles – Black Diamond Traverse
Skins – G3 Alpinist
XCD Touring Setup
Boots – Scarpa T4
Skis – Fisher S-Bound 98
Bindings – Voile 3-Pin Cable
Poles – Black Diamond Traverse
Skins – Black Diamond Ascension
On My Back (clothing)
Socks – Darn Tough Ski Socks
Base Layer Legs – Smartwool Lightweight Wool Bottoms
Shell Pants – Arc’teryx Theta SV Bibs
Base Layer Torso – Icebreaker Lightweight Wool T-Shirt
Mid Layer Torso – Patagonia R1 Zip-T
Shell Top – Patagonia Soft Shell (old don’t remember model)
Head – Buff on the way up… helmet on the way down
Hands – Swix XC Ski Gloves
In My Pack – Osprey Kode 30
– 2 Pair Of Extra Lightweight Gloves
– 1 Pair Of Warm Gore-tex Mittens
– Extra Hat
– Extra Base Layer. A dry base layer can be an amazing thing
– Warm Insulating Layer – Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket most days, big puffy for super cold
– Map & Compass
– Hand Warmers
– GPS Watch
– Food – Typically Cliff Bars
– First Aid Kit
– Repair Kit
– Extra Voile Ski Straps
– Headlamp
– Leatherman
– Collapsible Water Bottle
– Thermos
– Goggles
– Sunglasses
– Camera
– Cell Phone
Are you a backcountry explorer? If you are we want to know what’s in your pack too. It doesn’t matter if you use XCD, AT, tele, or splitboard equipment. We want to see it all. Just send us a photo of your equipment all laid out neatly, a picture of yourself, a short bio, and 2 lists… 1 detailing the equipment on your body, and the other detailing the equipment in your pack. You can submit your info to gmaino@catamounttrail.org
