Intro to Backcountry Splitboarding Equipment List
Below is a complete list of all the equipment required for this course. Most items are clickable and will take you directly to our shop page, where you can view equipment that meets the course requirements. You may purchase items in advance or rent them if rentals are available.
Link to a printable version with check-boxes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12s4bFy6CGHhF1nt6587yGHCTM25UeZwxc8m0QIyI7og/edit?usp=sharing
This list is designed as a “worst case scenario”, a trip with significant inclement weather. However, if a program does not encounter significant weather, there may be items here that are not used. As you prepare for your trip, it is important to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Please be sure to check the forecast several days before your course to ensure that you are properly prepared. You can view the weather here:
NOAA Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Weekly Forecast
NOAA Paradise Visitor Center in Mt. Rainier National Park Weekly Forecast
PROVIDED EQUIPMENT: AIARE Student Manual, AIARE Field Book
RENTALS: Equipment available for rent through the AAI Equipment Shop. These items must be taken care of before the start of the course.
You can call or email the Equipment Shop for advice on gear.
shop@alpineinstitute.com
360-671-1570
Clothing
Wool or synthetic.
For those blue-bird winter days.
Look for one that is UPF-rated. Lighter colors are better for sunny conditions and darker for colder conditions.
THESE ARE MANDATORY. For use when goggles aren’t necessary. Standard sunglasses are fine, but make sure they have UVA/UVB protection.
NOTE: Those using contacts should also bring a pair of prescription glasses in the event that your contacts or solution are lost or damaged. If you only use glasses, get a pair of over-the-glasses glacier glasses.
For use in high winds and heavy snow and skiing downhill. These should be lightly tinted but not so dark that they will reduce visibility in low light conditions. They should block 100% of UV light. If you wear prescription glasses, these must fit comfortably over your glasses. Photochromic (variable tint) lenses are highly recommended.
Thin, lightweight, wool or synthetic gloves. Size to fit snug but not too tight. Phone-compatible fingertips and palm texture are nice to have. These could be worn alone in temps greater than 25°F when it is dry. UPF rated are ideal. Bring 2 pairs in the event that it is extra wet out.
Waterproof and insulated. If the glove lacks insulation, size it to fit a liner glove inside. Mainly used in wet conditions, cold temps, or when not moving.
NOTE: April-May courses are often much colder and may require more heavily insulated gloves.
Sports Bra
Wool or synthetic. Comfort is key. Avoid bras with adjusters and clasps, as they could get compressed by your pack straps.
Undergarments
Wool or synthetic. Long, compression-style undergarments can help reduce inner thigh chafing.
Wool or synthetic socks that are just below the knee, or go above the edge of your ski boot are recommended. Having two pairs on hand is also recommended in case a pair gets wet.
This will be your base layer and should be midweight synthetic or wool. No cotton. Should be long-sleeved.
Lightweight “gridded fleece” or lightweight synthetic insulated jacket. Hood preferred. Active insulation weight - 40g/m2. Heavier insulation weight - 60-80g/m2
A soft shell jacket is considered an “action layer.” Its materials are designed to stretch and breathe while also maintaining wind and water resistance. This allows the user to leave this jacket on for a wide range of temps and conditions throughout the day without the hassle of constantly changing layers. Windproof jackets are lightweight and packable but lack the breathability and stretchy nature of the soft shell. Windproof jackets are ideal for blocking wind and light precipitation during low-output activities.
AKA the “puffy”. Down or synthetic. This piece is worn in cold conditions or when not moving. Hood preferred. If choosing down, water-resistant down treatment is preferred to help prevent matting and loss of insulating ability if the jacket gets wet.
Hardshell Jacket (Available to rent)
Non-insulated jacket with a waterproof and breathable membrane. Three-layer construction is recommended. It must have a hood, ideally helmet-compatible. When sizing, make sure it can fit over other layers. Ski jackets are discouraged because they are usually not waterproof and have heavy insulation.
Look for Gore-Tex, eVent, Drilite, H2NO, Pertex Sheild.
Wool or synthetic.
Thin, weather-resistant, breathable, and stretchy. This layer is helpful if the weather is nice enough and dry enough, where having a more breathable layer than a hard shell might be more comfortable, typically late winter/early spring.
Hard Shell Pants or Ski/Snowboard Pants (Available to rent)
Non-insulated, waterproof and breathable membrane. Full side zips are recommended. When sizing make sure it is able to fit over a base layer and soft shell pants. Having a front pocket that is Avalanche Beacon compatible can be helpful.
*Note About Pants
If you are wearing ski/snowboard pants, then that layer should suffice, consider adding a base layer for additional warmth. However, if you do not have ski specific pants, then you will want to stick to the base layer, soft shell layer and hard shell layer combination. Please feel free to reach out to the AAI Equipment shop with any further questions.
Splitboarding & Avalanche Gear
Helmet
A ski or snowboard specific helmet is necessary for this course. Preferably a helmet with Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). Ensuring that your helmet fits properly is critical for safety and comfort.
Splitboard (Available to rent)
Make sure to pick a board that goes with your weight, riding style, and terrain that you want to be on. For powder, softer rocker boards are recommended, whereas for more freeride style you will want a stiffer, cambered board. For women, companies are making more women specific splitboards with smaller sizes, narrower widths, and softer flexes. It is also recommended to get the same type of boot and bindings as your board. If you are getting a stiff board, then you will want stiffer bindings and stiffer boots as well. Binding systems where you can lock down the heel is a bonus. Make sure to size your board, bindings, and boots together correctly. For example, if you have large feet, make sure that your boots and bindings aren’t too big for your board. You don’t want your boots hanging too far off the edge of your board (No more than an inch) or you will get toe/heel drag. It is also stance dependent, if your feet are angled more, there is more room for a bigger boot.
NOTE- If you are bringing your own board, splitboard specific binding systems are
recommended. But if you own regular snowboard bindings, there are kits to convert those for splitboard travel, in case you don’t want to spend the money. These must be purchased separately before you arrive. Conversion kits are no longer available at our Equipment Shop.
Splitboard Boots (Available to rent)
Standard snowboard boots will work. Splitboard touring specific boots are recommended. They are tailored for touring and also have the added benefit of stiffer models and crampon compatibility. They also tend to have stiff, more mountaineering boot-like soles which makes it nicer for kicking steps and climbing.
Avalanche Probe (Available to rent)
230cm minimum. If you are in the Cascades with an especially deep snowpack then a 320cm probe is recommended. Required even if bringing ‘probe poles’. Carbon fiber is lighter and suffers less deflection than aluminum models. Look for a model that has graduated depth markings for use during snow pit studies.
Adjustable trekking poles with a full size basket are recommended. Ski/Probe poles are not a substitute for the avalanche probe.
Skins (Available to rent)
For PNW, skins with more traction are recommended over skins with more glide.
NOTE: These can only be rented if you are renting the skis or board as well.
Avalanche Beacon (Available to rent)
Your beacon MUST be a modern, 3 antenna, single frequency (457kHz) beacon. If your beacon is older than 5 years, you should consider retiring it or returning it to the manufacturer to have it tested for function and frequency drift. 2 antenna beacons are obsolete.
Shovel (Available to rent)
We require metal (aluminum) shovels. Newer models are lighter, stronger, more packable, and more ergonomic than older ones. Avalanche shovels now have a UIAA rating, so keep that in mind when shopping. Additionally we recommend a mid-sized blade that can fit in your pack. Smaller blades don’t move enough snow, and larger blades move too much snow where efficiency is lost. A shovel that has a hoe-mode and snow profile friendly blades are also a bonus.
25L to 35L is an ideal size. Whatever you need to use for a full day out. For a Ski specific pack, your pack should fit well, move with you, and not be a major hindrance when downhill skiing. Choose a model with ice axe loops and straps to carry your skis easily. Some models feature additional avalanche features such as an "Avalung" or airbags.
2 - 3 liters of water capacity minimum. Two or three water bottles, usually one-liter wide mouth Nalgene type, are required. Narrow mouth bottles are not functional and should not be used. Other similar plastic bottles (e.g. Gatorade) can work also. Hydration packs are not recommended, once they freeze they stay frozen for the duration of the course.
These are insulating jackets for your water bottles, one for each bottle. Must cover the entire bottle, including the lid.
You are responsible for all food throughout the duration of your course! See the meal planning guide.
Other Essentials
Required. Used after going to the bathroom and before eating. Wet wipes can be used for the “mountain shower.”
Toilet Paper
The provided solid waste bags have a small amount of toilet paper with them, but most people do not find this to be adequate. Estimate how much you’ll need for a program of this length and place that in a plastic zip-lock bag. An extra zip lock bag can be helpful for pack-out of used paper.
At least an SPF of 30+, zinc-based is preferred. Small travel-size tubes are recommended so you can put them in a close-by pocket for easy access.
Make sure if is SPF Rated.
Garbage Bags
Bring one large bag to line your backpack and one to pack out garbage. Trash compactor bag, if available, are more durable.
Multi-tool
Any multi-tool similar to a Leatherman is great. Make sure to bring any specialized tools that might be required to fix bindings or snowshoes in the field.
Required for keeping your skis attached to you so that your skiing doesn’t turn into a walking trip, this can be added to your repair kit.
- Band aids
- Blister Treatment
- Prescription Drugs
- Ibuprofen, etc
- If you wear contacts, make sure you have spares if you can’t see without them
Repair Kit
- Inflatable sleeping pad patch kit
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around trekking pole or water bottle. Gorilla Tape tends to be the best brand for the mountains).
- Zip ties
- 6-10ft of 3mm accessory cord
- 2 trash bags that are big enough to line the inside of your pack with
Optional Items
These items are not required, although many are nice “luxury” items that can make your expedition more enjoyable. Remember that a few ounces here and there add up to extra pounds on your back and knees during your expedition.
Gaia Navigation App
Optional smartphone app. Please have the Mt. Baker (all aspects) maps downloaded prior to the start of your course.
Map and Compass
Map should be of Mt. Baker Area (Preferably Green Trails Maps #13SX). The compass must have a declination adjustment.
Bring extra batteries or charger for rechargeable battery style. Ideal range is 200-350 lumens.
Pee Cloth
A reusable, antimicrobial pee cloth, used in the place of toilet paper or wet wipes.
Menstrual Cup
There are many things to consider about backcountry menstruation, click on the link for more information.
Pee funnels such as the GoGirl or Freshette.
Hand / Foot Warmers
Recommended for people that are susceptible to cold hands and toes. These should be small, disposable type products.
Ski Crampons
Most useful for March courses. These come in a variety of widths, be sure yours are wide enough to fit over your skis.
Small Foam Pad
Can be useful for sitting or kneeling during field instruction. Your pack can also serve this purpose.
Altimeter Watch
If you have one then bring it. It is a great tool to have in the backcountry, especially for
navigation.