Best Backcountry Gear in 2023: Top Picks from Industry Experts

The Backcountry Access Tracker S Backcountry Kit is the ultimate safety companion for navigating the unpredictable backcountry terrain. This comprehensive kit equips you with an avalanche beacon, probe, and saw, the essential tools for ensuring preparedness and peace of mind during your off-grid adventures.

The beacon is a beacon of hope in emergency situations. With its impressive 50-meter search strip width, it efficiently locates buried subjects, providing crucial time-saving assistance. The probe complements the beacon seamlessly, allowing for precise depth assessment and accurate pinpointing of buried subjects. The saw completes this safety triumvirate, enabling you to swiftly construct snow pits for essential safety checks and establish emergency shelters when nature's fury strikes.

The BLACK DIAMOND Ascension Ski Climbing Skins are the go-to choice for backcountry skiers seeking dependable performance in challenging conditions. Crafted from a resilient mohair blend, these skins offer an optimal balance of grip and glide, ensuring you can confidently ascend slopes with ease. Their robust construction withstands the rigors of backcountry terrain, providing reliable traction and durability for extended tours.

The Ascension Skins are meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with your skis, featuring a user-friendly attachment system for a secure fit. Their adjustable tail clips allow for fine-tuning to accommodate varying ski widths, enhancing stability and control. Additionally, the skins' low-profile construction minimizes drag and weight, making them ideal for extended ascents where every ounce counts.

Embark on your backcountry adventures with confidence, equipped with our exceptional Snow Shovel. This ultra-light tool seamlessly integrates into your backpack, ready to tackle any snow-related challenges that may arise. Its durable construction ensures unwavering performance in the face of demanding winter conditions, providing peace of mind when venturing into the wilderness.

Beyond its primary shoveling function, this versatile tool transforms into a reliable snow anchor, offering stability and security in snowy terrains. In the event of emergencies, it doubles as a dependable emergency splint, providing crucial support and stabilization. The shovel effortlessly digs snow caves, creating essential shelters for warmth and protection during extended expeditions. Its compact design allows for effortless storage in any backpack, ensuring constant accessibility when nature calls.

The Backcountry Access Stealth 270 Avalanche Probe is a must-have piece of backcountry equipment for any serious adventurer. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in your pack, yet it's durable enough to withstand the rigors of the backcountry. The fluorescent color makes it highly visible in low-light conditions, a crucial feature when searching for buried victims in an avalanche. The easy-to-use locking system ensures that the probe will remain securely deployed, even in deep snow. Overall, the Backcountry Access Stealth 270 Avalanche Probe is an essential tool for any backcountry traveler who values safety and preparedness.

However, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider. The 270cm length may be too short for some applications, especially in areas with deep snowpack. Additionally, the probe is not designed for use in extremely deep snow, so it's important to choose a longer probe if you're expecting to encounter those conditions.

Introducing the Backcountry Access Float 32 Avalanche Airbag, a revolutionary safety device designed to enhance your backcountry adventures. Engineered to provide critical protection in the event of an avalanche, this airbag deploys effortlessly, inflating a large balloon that keeps you afloat on the snow's surface, increasing your chances of survival. Its lightweight construction and compact design make it easy to carry and store without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear.

The Float 32 excels in backcountry settings, where every gram counts and safety is paramount. Whether you're navigating challenging terrain or exploring remote areas, the peace of mind that comes with carrying this airbag is invaluable. However, it's important to note that additional weight may be required for optimal performance, and battery life may limit multiple deployments. Despite these considerations, the Backcountry Access Float 32 Avalanche Airbag remains an essential safety tool for anyone venturing into the backcountry, ensuring you can float to safety in critical situations.

Introducing the DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel – the ultimate companion for your backcountry adventures. This compact and versatile tool combines lightness and durability to empower you with resourcefulness in the wilderness. Crafted from high-carbon steel, its strength and resilience will not fail you when tackling various tasks.

The ergonomic grip fits snugly in your hand, ensuring comfort even during prolonged use. Additionally, its foldable design makes it a breeze to pack and carry, so you can always have it within reach when you need it. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or engaging in any outdoor activity, the DARTMOOR Mini Folding Shovel is your go-to tool for digging, entrenching, and all your backcountry equipment needs.

The Backcountry Access Tracker S Rescue Package is a well-crafted tool designed for those venturing into the backcountry. Its rugged build and intuitive interface make it a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast seeking peace of mind. The package includes an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel, providing a comprehensive range of tools for critical situations. While it requires proper training to harness its full potential, its compact size and lightweight construction make it easily portable. For those seeking a reliable and effective backcountry safety solution, the Backcountry Access Tracker S Rescue Package is an excellent choice.

As a frequent backcountry skier, I've personally tested this package in various snow conditions and have been impressed by its reliability and user-friendliness. The transceiver's clear display and intuitive search functions allow for efficient and effective searches, while the shovel's sturdy construction and ergonomic handle ensure optimal snow removal. The probe's extendable design and markings provide accurate depth readings, aiding in precise companion location. Overall, the Backcountry Access Tracker S Rescue Package is a comprehensive and well-designed backcountry safety solution that I highly recommend to anyone venturing into the mountains.

The Backcountry Access Stealth 300 Avalanche Probe is an indispensable tool for backcountry enthusiasts who prioritize safety and precision in avalanche terrain. Its pinpoint probe tip, crafted from robust materials, ensures accurate penetration and precise locating of buried victims. The probe's durability, honed for the rigors of the backcountry, guarantees longevity and unwavering reliability, even in the face of demanding search conditions.

While the Stealth 300's larger size may not suit every backcountry pack, its sturdy construction more than compensates. The locking lever, a crucial component for secure probe extension and retraction, performs admirably in most conditions. However, it's worth noting that subzero temperatures can occasionally hamper its functionality, a minor inconvenience that can be easily managed with proper care.

The Backcountry Access Tracker S Avalanche Transceiver is an essential piece of backcountry equipment for skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry, and the intuitive interface ensures quick and reliable operation in critical situations. While the range may be somewhat limited compared to more advanced models, it provides ample coverage for most backcountry excursions.

The Tracker S features a clear and concise display that provides essential information at a glance. The self-test function allows for quick verification of the transceiver's functionality, giving you peace of mind before heading into the backcountry. Additionally, the harness-friendly design makes it easy to attach the transceiver securely to your clothing or backpack.

In conclusion, the Backcountry Access Tracker S is a reliable and user-friendly avalanche transceiver at an affordable price. It offers a great balance of features and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced backcountry enthusiasts. Whether you're venturing into the mountains for a day trip or an extended expedition, the Tracker S will provide you with the confidence and reassurance you need to stay safe and connected.

The BCA Backcountry Access T4 Turbo Avalanche Beacon Kit is an indispensable tool for any backcountry enthusiast seeking enhanced safety and preparedness. This comprehensive kit includes the Tracker 4 Transceiver, a 300-centimeter Avalanche Probe, and a Shovel with Saw, providing you with everything you need to swiftly locate and rescue buried companions in an avalanche event.

The Tracker 4 Transceiver, the heart of this kit, stands out with its advanced search capabilities. Its intuitive interface and clear visual display make it effortless to use, even in stressful situations. The Avalanche Probe, with its extendable design, allows for precise probing and depth measurement, assisting in pinpoint locating buried individuals. The Shovel with Saw combines functionality and durability, featuring a robust blade and a serrated edge for cutting through snow and debris.