The 101: Backcountry Essentials

Education is the best investment you can make while learning to backcountry ski. But Outside contributor Bryan Rogala delves into the secondary pieces of kit you can purchase for increased levels of security in this installment of The 101.

[@maxgenta4800]

Mom, can we have Alex Honnold? No, we have Alex Honnold at home. Alex Honnold at home:

[@josephmulieri5047]

Video started and I thought, shoot I've seen Alex ski in one of the fifty project videos, this is not going to be good....

[@tarastrails165]

Thanks for the clear and direct reccos! Some of these videos go into so many options you come out not any clearer on what you need.

[@mountainwise2811]

I would add a couple of more items. In addition to avalanche education, get first aid training. I also aways carry a small foam pad which is good for sitting on or making a splint along with a commercially made SAM splint. (Bring some straps for holding them in place.) Knee injuries are fairly common in the backcountry and making a "walking splint" can make the difference between getting out under your own power or waiting a LONG time for help.

[@kawabungadad8945]

DO NOT BUY THE PIEPS KIT THIS GUY IS RECOMMENDING. There have been issues with the transceiver turning off in peoples pockets due to an engineering fault and Black Diamond has an ongoing class action lawsuit because of it.

[@ski4life9]

They have a new updated version with a different lock switch they will provide trade in for older models

[@samsides3816]

Who is this in the video?

[@m.k.7199]

Everyone carries a first aid kit. Make your own. It should be handle the injuries you are most likely to encounter. Don't waste your money on the Adventure Medical Kits mountain series kits. They have good components but are heavy. Sealine waterproof bags have an orange first bag (empty) for only a few dollars. Take a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness EMT course. Learn how to make an emergency sled and practice!

[@maxraj14]

Nice