A key piece of habit formation is preparation, how we set ourselves up for success, and that extends to the kit we choose to carry in the mountains.
When Zahan Billimoria, IFMGA mountain guide and Samsara Snow Safety Course instructor, heads out for a day of backcountry touring, here’s what he carries in his pack. This kit list is by no means a prescription for what everyone else should do, but it works for Z, and it’s meant to serve as an example.
Have any additions or questions? Pop them in the comments below. And stay tuned for our next video on how to pack for big mountain missions (technical kit).
Z's Backcountry Kit List:
- Julbo Peak helmet
- Julbo Alpha Tokyo goggles
- Hestra Philippe Raoux Ecocuir gloves
- Patagonia DAS Parka or DAS Light Hoody (depending on conditions)
- Patagonia Capilene Air baselayer
- Petzl Bindi headlamp
- Zojirushi Stainless-Steel Vacuum-Insulated Thermos 20oz
- HydraPak Stow 500 mL soft flask
- Leatherman Skeletool
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp (8’6” x 8’6”)
- Klymit Ultralight Sleeping Pad
- Repair Kit (50-pound zip ties, steel wool, superglue, binding screws, allen key, fire starter, lighter)
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Ski straps
- Goggle-cleaning cloth
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Warmers
- Sunscreen stick
- Swix Handy Scraper
- Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon
- Mammut Alugator Pro Light Hoe Shovel
- ARVA Rescue 300 Probe
- Patagonia Decensionist Pack
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