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’re getting a look into the pack of Tad Davis owner of Let’s Get Outdoors LLC. Tad has been working in the outdoors with children and adults since 1999 and is currently located in the Stowe area where he helps individuals learn to appreciate nature through teachable moments. We’d tell you more, but we just met Tad. So, before we say anything we might regret, we’re going to let Tad tell you a little more about himself… Take it away Tad!
I came to Vermont to earn a degree in outdoor education at Johnson State College and never left. I fell in love with the area and have lived in Vermont for eleven years now. I treasure every season (even mud and stick seasons) as they keep me looking forward to another fun adventure outdoors whether it is rock climbing, mountain biking, or skiing. The best part is that I don’t have to drive more than a half hour to find really great terrain for just about any outdoor pursuit especially back country skiing.
Aside from a day in jeans when I was a kid, I didn’t really start skiing until I turned 34. I spent a couple of days on the bunny slope and started exploring the walking trails behind JSC on cross country skis. It was not long before I bought my first pair of Karhus. Today, I am finally starting to feel comfortable on skis and I can easily say that touring for turns is my favorite winter activity. Because of my busy work schedule I easily log more nights touring under the moon (or headlamp if necessary) than days spent riding chairlifts.
In the past I have worked in outdoor gear shops, guided snowshoe tours, and was even a musher for dog sled tours. For the past couple of years I have spent much of my “free time” building an outdoor adventure program called Let’s Get Outdoors LLC. Currently, the program is primarily focused on kids groups. However, I do offer private guiding for adults and families. Activities include: BC ski touring, skateboarding, mountain biking, and road biking with additional activities coming in the future.
So, now that we know a little more about who Tad is and what he does… Let’s take a look at his setup.
Tad’s Ski Equipment
Skis – Volie Vector BC
Bindings – Switchback
Boots – Garmont Venus (yup, girlie)
Poles – Black Diamond Expedition
Skins – Black Diamond Ascension STS
In Tad’s Pack – Dakine Heli Pro
- Crazy Creek chair (kids size)
- Dakine mitts
- The North Face Nuptse down jacket
- Adventure Medical Kits ultralight bivy bag
- Nalgene wide mouth bottle
- Stainless steel mountain cup
- EMS Insulated bottle cover
- Parachute cord (for repair)
- Petzl Tikka XT headlamp
- Lighter
- Hand & toe warmers
- Kleenex (toilet paper)
- Band Aids/Wet Ones/Splinter Out/Burn
- Jel/Antibiotic Ointment/Clean Wipes
- Gu
- Leatherman Crunch multitool
- Map
- Snowpeak to stove and canister of fuel
- REI folding spork
- Potable Aqua and PA Plus
- Whistle
On Tad’s Back
- Patagonia Cap 1 top and bottom
- Patagonia Cap 3 bottoms if below 15℉
- Ibex Shak 1/4 zip
- Ibex Scout vest
- Ibex Equipo jacket and pants
- Oakley Half Jacket XLJ sunglasses
- REI Peruvian hat
- Darn Tough socks
- Burton Powerstretch liner 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
