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
7 Tools Under $20 That Could Save Your Ski Tour
These are the unsung heroes of a successful day in the backcountry. Don’t be caught without them.
The Best Climbing Skins to Get Uphill in 2025
You have to get up to go down, and these climbing skins will let you glide to the top of the mountain that much easier
The Best Avalanche Transceivers of 2025
We tested eight transceivers and found that these four had the best features and kept us the most safe in the backcountry
The Best Avalanche Airbag Packs of 2025
Optimize your chances in the backcountry: wear one of these favorite airbag packs
The Raide LF 30L Is Our Favorite Backcountry Pack of All Time
There’s a reason our backcountry-obsessed editor calls the Raide LF 30L the best backcountry ski pack he’s ever used
The Best Backcountry Ski Packs of 2025
Whether you want to stash gear in the sidecountry or tag a remote peak, these five packs are the best on the market
Arc’teryx and Ortovox Introduce the Lightest Avalanche Airbag Pack Yet
The new LiTRIC airbag system, a collaboration between the Canadian and German companies, is lighter, more compact, and easier to use than current technologies.
The Backcountry Ski Kit of Our Editors’ Dreams
This is the touring gear we're drooling over this season.
Editor’s Choice: Db Snow Pro Vest 8L with Safeback SBX
For big powder days in the resort and the sidecountry, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better safety essential
The Best Winter Trail Packs of 2024
Our testers put 15 cold-weather rucksacks through the wringer—and crowned six champions
The Best Snow Safety Gear of 2024
Stay safe in the backcountry with these six items
This New Ski Mountaineering Pack Was Born From Cody Townsend’s Fifty Project
The 40-liter Crux designed for big backcountry missions weighs less than 3 pounds.
The Gear a Denali Ski Guide Relies On
IFMGA guide Jed Porter walks us through the gear in his ski mountaineering kit for North America’s highest peak.
Our Four Favorite Wraparound Shades for Summer Skiing
Trade your goggles for these sunglasses during the off season.
The Gear We Used During a Ski-Hut Trip in the Alps
The stakes are high when you’re in the backcountry for multiple days at a time. This is the gear we relied on.
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.
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.
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.
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.