Backcountry rookie needs gear advice

jimmer

jimmer

Active member
Hello there,

I just moved to Utah for college, and I'm looking to get into some BC touring. I'm not sure about all the gear I'll need though, and I have some questions.

Skins - My skis are going to be the surface one life, which have dimensions of 140-112-132. As far as the skins are concerned, do they need to be as wide as the widest point of the ski? Or is it acceptable to have the skins leave a bit of base showing on either side?

Also, I have some Marker Jester bindings. I was thinking of using trekkers, but would it be a better idea to just try to trade them for some dukes or barons?

Yeah that's about it, I know I need a pack/probe/shovel and a beacon. Anything else?

Thanks everyone!
 
you will be fine with 115mm skins, although you can go wider if you want but that will just add more weight and more wasted off material, you have to remember that the ski is rockered too so the front and back 30-40cms arent in contact with firm snow.

As for bindings, I use trekkers with my FKS and while they aren't the best, they work. I just do casual sidecountry stuff usually so they work well for me. If you can get trekkers for cheap and aren't planning on touring tons - go for the trekkers. But if you want to be touring a lot and for long distances, a touring binding will probably be worth it.

I recommend taking an avalanche course too. you'll learn lots of valuble information that will save your life at some point during your backcountry escapades.
 
sounds like you might be getting in a little over your head.

The backcountry is a serious, and seriously fun, place, but it can fuck you up or kill you

i suggest that you start off by taking ann avalanche level one course and going out with people who know their shit

but for your gear questions

skins:

my new skis are 141-113-128 and i'm getting 130mm wide skins you would probably be fine with 120mm but i wouldn't go much more narrow.

Binders:

if you are just starting out trekkers might be good to try out the whole bc gig before you decide to drop $300+ on AT bindings

You don't just need a shovel beacon and probe, you need to know how to use them (see avy one class)

but ya, take a class
 
nah, i don't think i'm in over my head. i just wasn't completely sure about all the different gear options.

and taking an avy safety class is a priority of mine for sure, as well as finding some experienced people to go with. so far the only people i know of in utah that are down to shred are other college freshman though, so i'll have to ask around.
 
legit,

some people don't really understand that backcountry is dangerous and get them selves in trouble

the avy one class is great, the one i took covered avalanche stuff and a bunch of really helpful stuff like beacon search and route planning
 
skins do not need to cover the widest part of the ski, there can be a little base exposed at the fattest points. you also want to cut your skins so that the edge is exposed otherwise you won't grab on icy sidehill

i recommend dukes, trekkers absolutely suck and dukes will release the same as jesters so it won't be a huge binding change, but only get them if you'll use them a fair amount. it's not worth investing in lots of touring gear if you go twice a year

don't forget avy gear. a good beacon is more important than skis
 


-always start hikes as late as possible preferably around noon, that way you wont be tired from waking up so damn early like everyone else, and its going to be alot less crowded out there.

-hike up the center of the steepest faces possible, its the fastest way to the top!

-northfacing terrain is the deepest and safest. no need to dig a pit, its youtah, someone already skied that line probably solo.

-dont bother working out and getting really cardiovascularly fit, the longer you spend under that slide path the better.

- make sure when your friend drops in to drop in right behind him, its best to stick close on a slope so if something happens you are right there to help.

these are just a few, i could go on for a while! have fun!

 
but fo reals

get some fat skins 130mm or 140 if they are the same price, search you tube for a video about how to cut them.

trade your jesters for dukes or barons, the barons weigh less, and the whole binding sits on a plastic plate anyways so the metal in the dukes really doesn't matter unless you want high din.

like peeps said take a course, and the best course is experience with the mountains and all of your gear.
 
also, don't trust people who say they are avid and experienced freeriders/backcountry experts, always remain skeptic....
i'd rather head out in the backcountry with someone who i trust that knows how to use a beacon, probe and shovel than i'd go there with a self proclaimed avalanche expert...
obviously i'm not talking about professional guides, i'm just saying this cause i have this friend who is always posting on facebook about his freeriding and his gnarly avalanches he's experienced; he skis maybe 2 weeks/year max and stays within 50ft of the groomers....
and also, avalanche danger levels/reports are super important and should always be consulted before heading out....
but i read you're gonna take a course first, great idea, have fun and good luck !
 
never never never never go into the backcountry alone. the only thing worse than going alone is going with some retard who will be a liability. go with someone much more experienced when you're starting out and as you gain experience and take avy courses you can start going with people around your level

it's dangerous shit. the benefits can be easily reaped if you're safe about it but never forget that it's pretty risky a lot of the time
 
this is the minumum we reccomend for safe backcountry travel. pm me if you have any questions.

-beacon

-probe

-shovel

-inclinometer

-compass

-lighter

-knife

-cell phone (off so as not to interfere w/ beacon signal)

-water

-food

-skins

-trekkers or touring bindings

-pack

-small mirror (for signaling in case of an emergency)

-snow saw

-parachute cord

optional but helpful:

radios, rope, extra gloves, magnifying glass, altimeter
 
forgot to mention, i am at the u as well and would be willing to help you get into back country skiing safely.

a great book to read is "staying alive in avalanche terrain" by bruce tremper
 
i'd add emergency blanket to that or some form of nano puff jacket in case you get stranded in wet clothes

i have a tiny patagonia puff jacket that folds into its own pocket that i always keep in my pack
 
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