# One-Day Tour Gear

Part of the Snow Sports Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/index.md)

*7. Option B — Nordic Skiing*

> **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.

> **Tip**
>
> Keep your water and food in an inside jacket pocket on cold days. Hydration bladder tubes freeze. Cold food is harder to eat and provides less motivation to stop and refuel. Warm hands and accessible snacks keep you moving.

## Official Resources

Video: [Gear Checklist for a Day Tour (video)](https://youtu.be/3rHuEqZgUMc)

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