Backcountry Ski Gear
Backcountry skiing is the fastest growing segment of the sport in North America. SKI covers what new for backcountry skis, lightweight boots, tech bindings and more. Our editorial staff has decades of experience testing touring skins, avalanche transceivers, airbag packs and more. From the fastest SkiMo gear to the best gear to bring on your first hut trip, SKI has all of the backcountry ski gear reviews you need.
Latest in Backcountry Ski Gear
Ski Crampons Exist for a Reason—I Learned That the Hard Way
If you've ever talked yourself out of bringing ski crampons on a spring backcounty ski tour, you're doing it wrong. Here's why.
How to Choose the Best Climbing Skins for Your Backcountry Skiing Adventures
You've got options in the climbing skin department. Here's how to choose the right pair for you.
Black Diamond Issues Voluntary Recall for Recon LT Avalanche Transceiver
Black Diamond is urging all users to immediately stop using the Recon LT beacon and either update the firmware or return the device for a full refund.
What Kind of Emergency Communication Device Should You Carry in the Backcountry?
If you venture deep into the backcountry, you need a plan for emergency communication. These are your best options.
The Best Snow Safety Gear of 2023
Having the proper equipment is the best way to stay prepared in an emergency—and to help you prevent one
The Best Winter Packs of 2023
From shredding powder to high alpine missions, these top packs keep your gear secure and dry
Long Term Test: Ortovox Avabag Litric Tour 30
Six testers spent three months checking out the coolest new airbag tech to hit the market. Spoiler: it lives up to the hype.
The Gear That Saved Me on a Backcountry Ski Adventure in Greenland
This ski touring and winter camping gear stood the test of challenging Arctic conditions.
Why Cody Townsend Prefers These Extended-Grip Ski Poles for the Backcountry
The professional skier says long grips help him save energy and avoid injury in the backcountry.
8 Ways to Use Ski Straps in the Backcountry
Because they’ve saved me more than a few times—and they can do the same for you.
Why Guides and Backcountry Pros Are Ditching the Extendable Ski Pole
Fixed-length, long-grip poles are becoming a top choice among guides and ski patrollers for their strength and simplicity.
14 Touring Essentials For the Skintrack Enthusiast and Backcountry Adventurer
You can't bring everything with you when you're earning your turns, so dial in your kit wisely with these touring essentials.
Are New Snow Safety Gadgets Keeping Us Safer, Or Giving Us False Confidence?
New digital snow evaluation gadgets keep popping up, but the technology isn't foolproof—yet.
Here’s How to Pack Your Backcountry Pack Like a Pro
A professional mountain guide and AIARE instructor shares the gear that should be on your pack list for a day in the backcountry.
The Best Radios for Backcountry Skiing
Never lose your partner in deep trees again.
The Best Backcountry Skiing and Touring Backpacks of the Year
Packs to carry the essentials you need to get up and get down safely.
Why You Shouldn’t Try Regluing Your Backcountry Skins
It might save you a few bucks in the short term, but investing in skins that use next-level adhesives is the best solution to glue problems.
Pros Reveal the Most Unexpected and Trusted Gear in their Backcountry Packs
Beacon, shovel, probe, plumber's putty? Here's what the pros consider essential gear for backcountry missions.
The One-Ski Set-Up That Takes Kids From the Resort to the Backcountry
You don't have to invest in a second set of equipment to introduce your kids to backcountry skiing.
Affordable Backcountry Gear That Isn’t Cheap
Don't let your budget hold you back from getting into the backcountry. This gear is built to last and doesn't require a loan.
Radios in the Backcountry Are Not Just for Getting the Shot Anymore
A program helping backcountry users work together in avalanche terrain is taking off across the American West.
Stop Screaming in the Backcountry and Get These Radios
There has never been a better time to upgrade your backcountry experience with the BCA Link 2.0 radios.
This Intuitive Avalanche Transceiver Could Save Your Life
The most advanced avy beacon on the market, the Mammut Barryvox S is ideal for professionals and beginners alike.
Ortovox Unveils World’s First Avalanche Beacon with Voice Navigation
The brand’s new Diract Voice transceiver provides audio commands to assist at critical times during avalanche search and rescue.
10 Things to Make Skiing Uphill Easier (Not Including a Chairlift)
Before you head up a mountain or into the backcountry, you’ll want to snag yourself the proper gear. Here’s a list of ten products to get you started.
The Best Jackets and Pants for Backcountry Skiing
What you wear on active days outside of the resort goes a long way in determining how comfortable you'll be during your adventures. Start here.
Backcountry Skiing Accessories for Every Skier
Packs, poles, rescue equipment, and other accessories designed for ski touring adventures.
Born in Ski Towns, Made for Ski Bums
Locally innovated gear that keeps you out on the snow in style, while supporting the businesses that make ski towns thrive.
Make Sure You Understand the Difference Between These Rescue Devices
Knowing the difference between avalanche transceivers, RECCO, and personal locator beacons is essential.
Winter Camping Gear for Skiers
Don’t get cold: Get the gear that makes for comfort on your next overnight skiing mission.
The Best Accessories for Hut Trips
Headed out to do some backcountry skiing at a remote mountain cabin? Here's the gear you should pack.
Badass Skier Eric Poore Joins Salewa North America
The Colorado local looks to expand Salewa's presence among Rocky Mountain residents as the new brand representative for the region.
ORTOVOX Continues Avalanche Transceiver Retirement Incentive Program
New beacons aren't cheap, but this program makes an important upgrade a little easier on the wallet.
Freeride World Tour Announces 2019 Safety Partners
Black Diamond, Pieps, Vibram, RECCO and ISTA are on-board to protect riders and venue staff.
Gear of the Year 2019: Backcountry
New backcountry skiing technology that will make the entire out-of-bounds experience better.
Tinker, Tailor, Freeskier
In the wake of his new namesake film, Hoji the skier is now also recognized as Hoji the inventor.
Backcountry Releases Namesake Touring Collection
The specialty retailer tapped the most respected brands in the backcountry skiing biz to design their new head-to-toe touring kit.
Winter Camping Must-Haves
If you're going to sleep in a rooftop tent or deep in the snowy backcountry, be prepared with these critical items.
Pitch In
Rooftop tents have exploded onto the scene. Check out these full winterized options for a different kind of slopeside lodging.
Heading Up
Fitness fans, a gear revolution and easier slope access fuels a sport's ascent.
ORTOVOX Issues Recall for 3+ Model Avalanche Transceiver
A transmission glitch could make your search longer than it needs to be.
Community Minded
A user-generated backcountry safety app gets a facelift.
Shop Talk: Salomon S/LAB SHIFT MNC Binding
A new binding that is potentially the missing variable for the one-ski, one-boot equation for uphill skiing enthusiasts.
Gear of the Year 2018: Backcountry
Whether you're new to backcountry skiing or a seasoned veteran who hasn't used a chairlift in years, these are the best tools to get you out there.
Sh*t Skier Girls Say: Backcountry Edition
You remember the original "Shit Skier Girls Say," when Lynsey Dyer and friends get the shot, have to pee and you know, girl stuff. They're back and in the backcountry.
Hot New Gear from Outdoor Retailer
Our top picks from the show.
Backcountry Tools and Accessories Package from G3: OFFICIAL RULES
Read the rules carefully.