NOW IS A GREAt tIME tO GEt READY FOR SOME BACKCOUNtRY goodness. It’s definitely better knowing you’re kit is in one place and in good shape prior to when you need it, or you could find yourself searching for essentials when you should be in the car on your way – or worse still, leaving something behind! Here are a few tips on the main items for your kit.

Backpack Not just any pack will do. It needs to be big enough for your gear, comfy enough for a good ride, and tough enough not to break. I have 3 packs for different sized missions, being a bit of weight saving freak, but if in doubt go for the bigger one. Check out your straps and fasteners; everything inside and out must be secure in bombproof fashion. I’m a little suspect on plastic buckles so recommend three straps holding your board; then if one breaks it’ll still be there! Also use or carry at least one strap with a metal buckle – the custom Cactus buckles are perfect.

transceiver, probe, shovel These three items go together, so I like to keep them together at all times. Be familiar with your unit, make sure batteries are fresh, and carry spare ones just in case – if your friend has dead batteries then you can ensure their unit will find you! For both probes and shovels it’s a real trade-off between strength and weight. If you go too light they can turn into noodles when you really need them. My compromise is the strong but slightly smaller sized BCA Traverse shovel. In reality your technique and fitness are the most important aspects of digging someone out fast, so another good idea is practice digging in hard snow – you’ll be surprised how this can help your confidence if you ever need it for the real thing. A snow study kit and notebook will also be needed in the team.

Warm stuff The best bet for surviving extended time in the snow is a downy. Stuff it into something waterproof and into the bottom of your pack alongside a survival bag and/or space blanket. I also carry spare gloves, some hand-warmer sachets and a balaclava, even on a day trip. Again it’s a trade off against weight, and some things to keep in mind are how warm your outerwear is, how many other layers you’re wearing, and whether your extremities are very prone to the cold.

First Aid First aid is obvious so have a chat with your crew and work out who’s got what. Distributing items around the team is a good idea. Make sure you have any personal meds needed… it’s also important to know if others have any special requirements or allergies, just in case you’re the first aider.

Repair kit and head torch These are amongst the most practical items for turning a possible emergency into a minor event! Straps, some cord, soft wire and duct tape are the go, but also think about parts of your set-up that can break and have spares. Ever tried riding without the big top strap? Hideously sketchy, so taking a spare one of those and a spare ladder or two is advisable. Bolts for your bindings, a tool, and a head torch with fresh batteries completes the kit.

Sunnies and spare goggles For deep powder the spare goggles can be a lifesaver after that big crash. Snow blindness is real danger when hiking too, so double check your sunnies are on board.

Food and water Goes without saying, eh, but a small extra bottle of water in the bottom of the pack can be a cunning plan. plus that muesli bar or power-gel you never plan on eating but it’s in there just in case.

Communications This is the final major item. It’s the sum of many parts and really depends on how far out you’re heading. Leave some intentions somewhere at all times, and consider how to get a message out if you have to. Options are cell phone, sat phone, mountain radio or epirb/pLB. The latter is only handy for calling in a full rescue. I sometimes also take the small walkie-talkies to communicate within the crew, but find they can be quite unreliable. A good clear trip plan left with a reliable person is the bare minimum, but also a must-have backstop. Take a map and compass too, for all but the shortest trips in case of whiteout.

I’m sure you have some other custom items in mind but these are the basics. So get that kit together and tuned up ready to go. Last but not least though, remember that on the day you’ll also need some good information on the snow, and a good crew to go with. Don’t leave home without all of the above!

TimE To GEAR Up

o u t e R R e a L m BY SHANE ORCHARD

First Aid kit with personal meds.

Map, compass and snow safety kit.

Decent pack – BD Outlaw (day trips) or Cactus Deepwinter (overnight) are good options.

Spare strap.

Probe

Repair kit, spare binding parts and batteries.

Head torch.

BCA shovel and probe.

Radio / Cellphone/ EPIRB.

Avalanche transceiver.

Space blanket, spare gloves and balaclava.

Downy and stuff sack, just in case.

pHOTO:SHANE ORCHARD

40 NZSNOWBOARDER