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.
Hi. I am Peter Cottrell, Trail Chief for Section 20 of the Catamount Trail and Tour Coordinator for the 2014 Northern Weeklong Tour. As a Trail Chiefs I maintain my adopted section of the Catamount Trail and help foster positive relationships with landowners along the trail. In the beginning of the season I ski my section of trail as soon as there is enough snow in order to clean up any newly fallen blow-down and to ensure there are adequate trail markers are in place. Although I generally have additional safety equipment when leading a tour, I carry enough for my personal needs on every trip.
Peter didn’t mention it in the bio he sent us… but he’s one of our End-2-Enders. That means he has skied all 31 sections of the Catamount Trail! He also helps out on the Catamount Tours Team and will be leading one of our Multi-Day Tours this year. Peter plays some very important roles behind the scenes here at the Catamount Trail Association and has spent a considerable amount of time on skis out in the woods. So let’s go take a look at what Peter carries with him when out on the trail, as you’re sure to learn something from a guy with this much experience.
Ski Setup:
– Atomic MX11 skis with Viole three pin bindings or Karhu no-wax XCD skis for wet snow
– Rossignol BCX12 boots
– Black Diamond adjustable poles
– Ski wax, cork, plastic scrapper, and Ascension full length climbing skins
Here is what I wear:
– Exofficio boxer briefs, Hind tights, and REI ski pants
– Smartwool quarter zip shirt, ADK logo fleece vest, and Marmot Gortex parka
– Patagonia fleece hat with brim and earlaps, Swix ski gloves
– Darn Tough full cushion hiking socks with second pair of socks without toes to improve boot fit
Here is what is in on my back:
– Arteryx Bora 30 pack which is narrow and fits tightly against my back
– Lightweight dry bag that just fits inside the pack for everthing except the foam pad
– Garmin eTrex Vista Hcx GPS and cellphone with camera
– First aid kit with aspirin, ibuprofen, Benadryl, bandages, and adhesive tape
– Ditty bag with hand sanitizer, TP, headlamp, pencil and paper, cord, knife, waterproof matches, compass, sunscreen, and Dermatone
– Patagonia full zip Nanopuff with hood or a Northface down parka if really cold
– Small dry bag with Patagonia lightweight wool base layer top and Marmot down mittens
– One liter water bottle with Outdoor Research “parka”
– Peanut butter with honey sandwich and homemade gorp (chocolate, fruit, and nuts)
– Foam pad about 16 by 16 inches
Tools and Equipment:
– Silky Zübat Saw
– Hammer, aluminum nails, and assorted trail markers
– Work gloves
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
