Your Go-to Backcountry Gear

by Doug Schnitzspahn

Boot: Scarpa Freedom RS 130

Here’s the truth of the matter: We ski in this boot every damn day, even if we are pounding hardpack at the resort (the racer-stiff shell, swapable alpine sole and 130 flex instill confidence anywhere). But this hard-charging AT boot with tech fittings is also at home far away from the crowds thanks to a comfy liner and stable mobility in tour mode.  $829; scarpa.com

Insulator: Ortovox Piz Palu

Nothing is more annoying when you are touring in the backcountry than futzing with layers. The Piz Palu does away with the need to shed. This comfy soft shell puts Swiss wool insulation where you need it: at the front chest and arms, but not on your sweaty back. $349; ortovox.com

Ski: Dynafit Hokkaido

Dynafit has long been known more for its bindings than its skis (not to say it hasn’t made some nice planks), but this ski is changing that perception. At 116 underfoot, it crushes in the fresh stuff, but it’s not balky on the skin trail up. $900; dynafit.com

AT Binding: Dynafit TLT Radical ST 2.0

Dynafit’s skis are not the brand’s only touring-minded gear that has entered a new age of backcountry freeride—this reliable tech binding can take some serious abuse. And the rotating toe piece very well could save your knee. $550; dynafit.com

Skins: G3 Alpinist LT

Canadian ski and binding manufacturer G3 impressed us with its latest skin offering, which features a tail piece that can be adjusted by 16 cm, meaning you don’t need a dedicated set of skins for each ski in your quiver. $185; genuineguidegear.com

Air Bag: BCA Float 22

People make a lot of excuses about why they don’t wear an air bag in the backcountry. No longer. Too bulky? At 22 liters, you can take BCA’s Float 22 on a lift ride. Too expensive? Isn’t a chance at saving your life worth five Benjamins? $500; backcountryaccess.com

Transceiver: Pieps DSP Pro

You never want to use it, always want to be carrying it and must know how to operate it in a hurry. The DSP Pro makes all that easier thanks to a 60-meter circular range, the ability to mark multiple burials and an interface with Pieps electronic, effective iProbe. $420; pieps.com

Tele Binding: Bishop 2.0

Despite what your aging, overweight AT “friends” say, tele is not dead. This new freeheel binding offers the abilty to dial down for precise response on hardpack, but also loosen it up for deep sessions in the untracked. $495; bishopbindings.com