Gear Checklist -- lightweight ski mountaineering, warmer weather in forgiving mountains such as Colorado Rockies or California Sierra

Externals

• Pack (should weigh under 2 lbs. but must have solid ski or snowboard lashing system)
• Shovel (use a size and weight of shovel that's appropriate)
• ski poles (we prefer the Black Diamond Flicklock with Whippet self arrest grip)
• skis or snowboard
• ski lash strap (long enough for multiple uses)
• climbing skins (with tail fix that's trouble free)
• boot crampons (optional, frequently carried in spring)
• ski crampons (optional but usually carried)
• ice ax (optional, use lightweight style if appropriate)
• cordelette and carabiner (optional)
  

Clothing etc.

• altimeter/watch (remember to calibrate at trailhead)
• avalanche rescue beacon
• super lightweight waterproof breathable shell pants (GoLite makes good ones)
• soft shell pants (Marmot ATV is a good medium weight choice)
• ski boots
• socks (no need to carry spare socks, just bring the ones on your feet)
• long sleeved sun shirt, nylon or CoolMax, no cotton
• bill-cap with ear flaps, or larger brimmed "boonie" hat (say no to melanoma)
• soft shell jacket
• Insulating layer such as fleece or puff jacket (down works well if you're sure the day will be dry, but use synthetic insulation unless you're 99% sure)
• hard shell jacket - optional (waterproof/breathable with hood, minimal design)
• acrylic zip turtleneck (Mountain Hardware's don't stink)
• lightweight fleece ski cap (not necessary if using warm helmet)
• lightweight gloves (thin, with palm wear protection, for skiing when warm)
• ski gloves (high quality, waterproof breathable)
  

The idea of the above clothing system is to use minimal upper body foundation layers, so such layers are functional during warm temperature travel for a fit climber. For stops and emergencies, you carry a puff jacket or fleece. In all, the important thing with this system is that you carry a few ounces less weight in upper body layers, but actually have potential for more warmth in case of emergency or bad weather.

In your pack

• small LED headlamp (w/ spare batteries and bulb, use lithium batteries if possible)
• map + compass + notebook
• goggles (used for storms or if sunglasses are lost or broken)
• sunglasses (prescription if necessary)
• sunscreen (use a small tube, refill at home from larger tube)
• lip balm (make sure it is a sunblock)
• camera (use a miniature digital camera)
• food sack (GoLite makes the lightest weight stuff-sacks)
• water bottle or hydration bladder (fill with athletic drink or diluted orange juice)
• cell phone (optional)
• 2-way radio (optional, use a small one with AA lithium batteries)

Repair and emergency kit (including first aid)

• fire starting items (toilet paper with lighter/matches, combine with ski wax to start fire)
• multipurpose tool (beware the huge heavy ones, get a smaller one)
• small amount of malleable wire
• spare pole basket (optional for shorter trips)
• small hose clamps for pole repair and building traction splint (optional)
• NSAID drug of choice (aspirin etc.)
• athletic tape
• duct tape (bring enough, but not a pound)
• mole skin (optional)
• X-C wax, purple (optional), & alpine glide wax
• small sharpening stone (break stone in half)
  

Food

• Several athletic bars
• Gu or other carbohydrate slime
• trail mix etc.
• other favorite snacks