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 we will be taking a quick peek into the pack of Mr. Peter Lane. Pete is a retired structural engineer is a member of the Catamount Trail Association Board of Directors, and has skied the entire length of the Catamount Trail TWICE! Actually, he’s probably skied it many more times than that, but he stopped keeping score a while ago. Anyway, Pete has spent his fair share of days on skis and is well versed in the techniques of backcountry travel. He’s a great person to go on a tour with and is full of useful information. If you’re interested in skiing with Pete you should check out the two Northeast Hut Tours he facilitates: The Pemigewasset Overnight Traverse in the White Mountains, and our Maine Huts & Trails 4-Day Tour. Both of these tours are a ton of fun and Pete will be there leading the way.
Anyhow, let’s see what the master carries with him when heading out for a day on the trail…
Pete’s current day pack is an Osprey Stratos 24 liter. It gets 4 season use.
In Pete’s Pack:
- Trail mix (GORP), either store bought or my own mix.
- Basic first aid supplies: a few band-aids, blister pads, and alcohol pads.
- Latex gloves
- Duct tape
- Lighter
- Base plate compass
- Maxi-glide
- Scraper
- Thinslate pullover jacket, packs into its own pocket
- Space blanket
- Cell phone (usually turned off)
- Heavy mittens. My fingers get cold.
- Heavier hat
- Small multi-tool
- Headlamp
- Glove liners
- Spare pair of lightweight gloves. They get damp when out all day.
- Nalgene water bottle in wool sock
- 2nd water bottle
- Z-rest closed cell pad
In Pete’s Pack… But Not In The Photo
- Camera
- Car keys
- Lunch (if out all day)
- Skins – I usually don’t carry skins, but obviously do when warranted
On Pete’s Back:
- Hiking socks that aren’t too threadbare, sometimes Darn Tough, sometimes not.
- Briefs, not boxers if you must know
- Generic polypro long johns when it’s cold
- Koch ski pants (Sporthill)
- EMS turtleneck polypro top.
- Koch ski top (Sporthill)
- LL Bean Fitness Fleece top
- OR waterproof gloves, or something lighter if warm or mittens when it’s cold.
- Koch ski shell (Sporthill)
- OR beanie hat
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
