Req 7b6 — One-Day Tour Gear
7b6.
List the items you would take on a one-day ski tour.
A one-day ski tour takes you away from groomed trails and lodge facilities into terrain where you are self-sufficient. Planning what you carry matters — the right gear can mean the difference between a great day and a dangerous situation.
Your Gear List for a One-Day Ski Tour
Navigation
- Topographic map of your route (waterproof or in a protective sleeve)
- Compass — GPS units can fail in cold; always carry a map-and-compass backup
- Trail map of the area if applicable
Safety and Emergency
- First aid kit — blister care, bandages, moleskin, pain reliever, emergency mylar blanket
- Whistle — for signaling
- Fire starter — waterproof matches or lighter, plus a fire-starting material in a sealed bag
- Emergency bivouac sack or extra insulating layer — in case you must spend unexpected time outside
Clothing (Ten Essentials principle: dress in layers)
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
- Waterproof shell jacket and pants
- Extra dry gloves or mittens
- Warm hat and neck gaiter
- Gaiters — keep snow out of boot tops in deep or loose snow
- Spare socks
Food and Water
- Water — minimum 1–2 liters; water bottles (not bladders, which freeze in cold) or insulated container
- High-calorie food — energy bars, trail mix, chocolate, nuts, or a thermos of warm soup for cold days
- Extra food for unexpected delays
Equipment
- Skis, poles, boots (your primary gear)
- Ski wax kit or no-wax skis with backup grip wax for changing conditions
- Ski repair kit — pole basket repair parts, binding screws, cable or buckle repair, duct tape
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries — tours can run long
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with SPF
- Goggles or sunglasses — snow reflects UV strongly even on overcast days
One-Day Ski Tour Checklist
Review before every outing
- Navigation: map, compass (and trail map if applicable).
- Safety: first aid kit, whistle, fire starter, emergency layer.
- Clothing: layered system, extra gloves, hat, gaiters, spare socks.
- Food and water: minimum 1.5 L water, high-calorie snacks, extra emergency food.
- Equipment: skis/boots/poles, wax kit, repair kit, headlamp with batteries.
- Sun: sunscreen, lip balm, goggles or sunglasses.
- Communication: fully charged phone (cold drains batteries — keep in an inside pocket), tell someone your route and expected return time.
Official Resources
🎬 Video: Gear Checklist for a Day Tour (video) — https://youtu.be/3rHuEqZgUMc