Inbounds: Off The Map—What To Take
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Even though you don’t plan to venture far from civilization, it’s easy to get turned around or separated from friends when you’re skiing in big bowls or off the trail map. The Bushnell Backtrack is a GPS/compass that lets you tag up to three landmarks—say a chairlift or your car—so that if you get lost, you can navigate your way back. $69; bushnell.com
The POC Frontal helmet’s ventilation system allows air to flow between two layers of the shell, so you don’t get a direct blast of cold. The six vents on the outside can be adjusted manually, and channels inside keep air flowing throughout. $150; pocski.com
Have energy-boosting snacks on hand when you’re hiking or skinning. Whole fruit is heavy and hard to ration. Packets of chewable energy snacks—such as GU Chomps or Clif Shot Bloks—are easy to carry and eat on the go, plus they won’t freeze in cold temps. $2.20/pack or 16 packs for $35, guenergy.com; $2/pack or 18 packs for $36, clifbarstore.com
The Leki Trigger and the Goode Inter-Loc setups are integrated glove-and-pole systems. A loop between the glove’s thumb and forefinger locks into a latch on top of the pole grip. You can release the glove manually by pressing the trigger on top of the grip. Or, if you fall or catch your pole on a tree or rock, the system will automatically release. Prices vary depending on pole model; leki.com, goode.com
Deuter’s Pace 30 is roomy enough for all your gear and then some, but it weighs two pounds, so you can keep it on your back all day. Naturally, it’s hydration compatible, has plenty of pockets and has several ski-carrying configurations. $99; deuterusa.com
