What do you bring when touring?

[prophet0426]

I am trying to gauge what people bring with them when they go on a backcountry tour?
I'm doing more backcountry this year and think I am bringing the correct things, but am interested in finding out what you all bring regardless if you know the route, or if this is a new tour all together.
I am interested in particular what you carry in your pack (beacon, probes, shovel, first aid, food, drink, anything else).
Also I am looking to get a new pack with hydration built in any suggestions? I want something that can carry my skis if needed, but also has enough room for my skins, some extra clothing, and any addtional gear.

Also looking for a medium pair of Freeride + if anyone has a pair to unload.

Thanks!

[boardman]

Others may think differently, but I avoid hydration packs in winter conditions. Even if the tube is insulated, I've seen them freeze up solid. I much prefer wide-mouthed Nalgene bottles. And I always pack a thermos with hot drink. It's a lifesaver on those bitter winter days.

[Cat in January]

I like the bladder if I feel i can use it (10+ degrees). IMO the best design has the hose going up through the shoulder strap rather than the insulated hose hanging separately. you do need to be mindful on cold days to drain the water back into the bladder. I drink more frequently with a bladder and that helps with exercise for me. I always bring extra high calorie food beyond what I plan to eat that day if I am going to off the beaten path-eat it in the car on the way home. Thermos with hot drink is an excellent idea and I usually pack one.

Depending on the trip sometimes extra socks/ mittens if there is threat of things getting wet-stream crossings, wet snow.

My pack (Osprey Switch 36) unzips to form a pad. Shovel would help to make a sleeping spot-only played, never had to do it in an emergency.

My essentials usually are:
Leatherman juice multitool-small
couple of lighters
map and compass with mirror
duct tape-on both ski poles
head lamp
cell phone turned off in a heavy ziplock
Very basic first aid kit-large pads to stop bleeding, pain killers-duct tape for most things
beacon, shovel, probe if needed
BD flexible straps
simple gps to mark spots
rub on sun tan lotion if needed


Clothing
Shells on the bottom with full zips help to regulate heat on the way up
gloves plus over mitts for on top of the gloves if it is cold
I prefer fiber fill jacket to down or fleece for insulation
Try to keep your clothing flexible so you do not sweat-so many people are over insulated on the way up.
balaclava
goggles


depending on the trip
crampons
ice ax
skin wax

[surfsnowywaves]

I am possibly the least prepared person ever, especially when I go for quick runs into areas I know - I'll have a map, water, a snack (apple and cheese), some Voile straps, and if the temp is below 0 degrees (F) I'll bring an extra baselayer. If I own one at the time, I'll have a cheap P.O.S. multitool (I lose the things like a dog loses hair in summer).

FWIW - I used to be prophetic about carrying duct tape wrapped around the poles, but the one time I've actually needed it, the stuff wouldn't stick at all.

Addit: I agree with Cat's commentary about over-dressing on the way up: This past winter, I can only remember one time I skinned up with a jacket on - it was 0 degrees (F) w/ windchills of -40 when the gusts kicked in (99% of my skinning is below treeline). On the way up you'll find me in a t-shirt, maybe with light gloves, and maybe a headband, never a hat.

[natron]

add to it- sunglasses- I also always bring some peel'n stick toe warmers/hand warmers/ body warmers, (just in case) along with 2 big orange space blankets, with some nylon line to make a make shift shelter if needed. When the tours warm up I also bring a water pump/filter(fortunately I bring a lot of stuff that I have never used and hopefully never will!!)

[Cat in January]

You know I am not sure if I have ever peeled the duct tape off in the cold. I have peeled it off in good conditions. Note: I do replace the duct tape every year-it is a cheap replacement and i have it penciled in to do some many things-the red green show taught me the worthiness of being handy

Water filter makes sense, and I guess I might add that for longer treks like I do in the summer.

Forgot Camera-definitely bring your camera in case you get stuck between a rock and a hard place.

[NtrentT]

I've had duct tape on my poles for several seasons and used it from time to time without having any issues of it not working. I typically wrap .5" in thickness which is good for 2 seasons in my opinion.

Miso soup is a great thing to bring on multi day trips, it helps replenish the salt too after a hard day's rockin !

[icelanticskier]

i bring my brain. i also bring a very loose agenda chock full of flexibility. all other stuff is optional.

rlw3tdf***100%

[WhiteWash]

Bic lighter
Extra socks
Protien bars
Girlfreind

[apingaut]

Usually pack a mill style 7 course meal.... and not much else.

It's not like you are on a an expedition.

[natron]

Originally Posted by apingaut

Usually pack a mill style 7 course meal.... and not much else.

It's not like you are on a an expedition.

is an expedition...

[DMC]

hookers... blow... firetrucks.. glowsticks..

the usual.

[RR]

A nip of Glenlevit (or other fine spirit) and a suitable cigar are in my regular kit, but there's also a SAM Splint along with an ecclectic First Aid kit. I carry the Thermo-Lite bivvy in all seasons and there's sometimes a harmonica in the kit.

I usually bring a 1/4" foam sheet big enough to sit on.

Most tours I can find a smile or two, some tours are all about smiling....I like those best!

[Affix Snow]

Laptop...so I can hop on here and spew about what Im doing in REAL TIME.

[RR]

Originally Posted by Affix Snow

Laptop...so I can hop on here and spew about what Im doing in REAL TIME.

Dude, That is so .... last season. Blue tooth to the iPhone, VPN to your server, callup dragon naturally speaking to write the posts and the commentary is real time. Withlike, your buds, miced for color commentary.

Very TwentyTen!