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.
A native of Montreal, Canada, Mike Hitelman is at home whenever he’s outside. Spending most of his free time in Stowe, Vermont with his camera equipment on his back and his dog in tow, Mike captures nature and adventure sports through a unique and brilliant lens. With a heavy concentration on mountain biking, snow sports and kitesurfing, Mike’s work has been featured in retail marketing campaigns, newspapers and online. He is a also a very active contributing photographer to Stowe Mountain Resort’s website and social media outlets.You can see some of Mike’s work on his new website at www.mikehitelman.com.
Mike is a photographer driven by an unmatched passion for fresh air and nature’s playground. He travels North America shooting the most beautiful and exciting visions he can spot. With a good eye for lighting and angles, Mike captures the excitement and beauty of every event and every moment he shoots.
When Mike heads out for an adventure you can be sure his camera is in his pack, the real question is, what else is in his pack?
Splitboard Setup:
Splitboard – Burton Freebird (my “rock” board), or Prior Fissile Split with Spark R&D second board kit to make switching bindings super easy
Bindings – Spark R&D Afterburner
Poles – Black Diamond Compactor poles. These fold down super small and fit in my pack.
Skins – G3 Splitboard Skins
The Pack:
F-Stop Satori EXP with a Medium ICU – this pack allows me to organize my Canon 7D as well as a few lenses. On any given day, I’ll be riding with my Canon 70-200 f2.8, my 24-70 f2.8, possibly my Fisheye, as well as a couple extra batteries.
What else is in Mike’s pack:
– Light and Motion Secca 800 provides me with ample light to snowboard and tour at night as well as a great light source when i’m shooting photos at night.
– One pair of Burton lightweight gloves that I usually wear when touring and a pair of Burton AK Mitts
– Anon M1 goggles with an extra lens
– Oakley Racing Jacket sunglasses with vented lens
– Cliff Shot Blocks, Sour Patch Kids, fruit bars
– Thermos with tea
– Spark R&D Misc. binding parts
– A couple G3 ski straps
– Shammy for both my goggles and my camera lenses
– Hand warmers for my hands or camera batteries
– Garmin GPS 62st to get me home safe
What’s On Mike’s Back:
Ice Breaker Body Fit 200 Oasis Crew
Patagonia Micro Fleece
Burton AK Insulator jacket
Burton Freebird Jacket
Ice Breaker Body Fit 200 Legless pant
Burton Freebird Bib pant
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
