The Backcountry Ski Kit of Our Editors’ Dreams

This article originally appeared on Outside

We love the winter backcountry because it's never the same twice. Pristine powder one day is chopped up snow the next day and frozen coral reef chunks the next. Snow and weather conditions change the landscape every minute, and to be there to witness it is something special. But it also means that highly technical gear is necessary to stay prepared for almost any situation--especially if you're a charger who gets after it. This backcountry ski kit--handpicked by the backcountry skiers on our editorial staff--will maximize your fun and safety in winter's best playground.

7 Gear Picks for Backcountry Skiers

Salomon QST Echo 106 ($800)

Brand new for the 2023-24 season, the backcountry-specific QST Echo 106 is the missing piece from Salomon's legendary QST line. At just 1,760 grams per ski, the brand managed to keep the quiet, solid, and stable feel of the all-mountain QST 106 and transform it into a lightweight package better suited to the backcountry. The Caruba-poplar wood core with basalt fibers does away with the Titanal found in the QST 106, but keeps the ski stiff and responsive. With 106 millimeters in the waist, this is the ski you'll want for any backcountry condition imaginable--from mid-season powder and crud to late-season corn. Read the full review here.

Lange XT3 Tour Light 130 ($1,000)

Lange might be known for its beefy racing boots, but the XT3 Tour Light 130 proves that the brand can crush the backcountry, too. Even lighter than last year's XT3 Pro, the Tour Light features a Vibram outsole, lighter buckles, and the brand's Dual Core Light Grilamid to make this uphill-charging machine. It's sbactill fun on the downhill, too, perhaps partly due to all the energy you save on the way up. Look here for a boot that can handle your longest days (or multi-day missions) with ease. Read the full review here.

Strafe 3L Cham Jacket ($589)

For long days in the backcountry when you anticipate mostly mild weather, the Cham jacket is your best bet. Thanks to its Schoeller Aerobrane fabric, it feels extremely soft to the touch, breathable, and comfortable to wear, but it won't tear during high-alpine scrambles when brushing against rough rocks. This jacket's generous and accessible chest pockets make it easy to store skins when multiple transitions are imminent. Compare it with our other favorite ski touring jackets here.

Patagonia Untracked Bibs ($649)

The beauty of Patagonia's Untracked Bibs is in the details--a drop seat makes peeing in less-than-ideal conditions easy, the membrane is free of all PFCs, and the backer is made with a recycled nylon-flannel fabric. But these bibs also excel in the bigger picture, too. The Gore-Tex ePE three-layer membrane will make a huge difference in repelling water during ceaseless snow and sleet storms. Whether intense storms or sunny skies are in the forecast, these bibs have you covered. Check out our other favorite ski touring pants of the year here.

Gordini Cirque 3-Finger Glove ($150)

The lobster claw glove design is taking over the backcountry ski scene--and for good reason. The Gordini Cirque 3-Finger gloves provide the warmth of a mitten for cold descents, but the necessary dexterity for messing with bindings or taking off skins on stormy summits. Skiers will feel extra protected thanks to the reinforced panels on the back of the fingers. The low-profile cuffs slide seamlessly into jacket cuffs and make the gloves easy to stuff into jackets during transitions. Read the full review here.

Picture Komit.Tr 26 pack ($160)

This pack won us over with its plethora of features, including a zippered back panel to easily access buried layers, a dry pocket at the bottom of the pack to keep wet items away from dry ones, and a roll-top closure that makes it easy to compress or expand the pack. For tours in stormy conditions, the 210 Denier Ripstop nylon and PU coating made with 100 percent recycled polyester will keep gear dry. And it adjusts to fit a variety of body types, too--the sternum strap rests low enough on skiers' chests that it feels secure even on those with longer torsos. Read the full review here.

Marker Confidant Tour helmet ($140)

The ultralight weight and ample vents make this the ideal helmet for long, sweaty tours in the backcountry (though skiers should note that the vents don't close--something to think about for frigid days). It has separate straps to hold goggles and a headlamp in place, making it a great choice for dawn patrol missions. Marker's 360-degree RTS system keeps the head centered in the helmet so it fits snugly, and if you do need to tweak the fit, the helmet is fully adjustable. For skiers considering multi-sport missions, this lid is also safety-certified for cycling. Check out more of this year's best helmets here.

More From the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

The Best All-Mountain Skis
The Best Powder Skis
The Best Snow Safety Equipment

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