Packing for alpine touring

In Norway, we call alpine touring topptur – peak touring. While that’s a comparatively new term, there’s nothing new about summiting mountains on skis. It’s true that the term “topptur” has gradually been watered down. In our opinion, it’s become somewhat misleading. A little like the word “powder” isn’t as sacred as it once was. But that’s for another day.

You don’t have to chase maximum altitude for good skiing. Many of our most memorable skiing days haven’t involved conquering peaks at all but yo-yoing wherever the best snow is – preferably in the forest. It could be argued that the term “alpine touring” is more accurate than “topptur” for what we’re going to describe in this article: days out where the focus is the skiing, in alpine terrain generally. This includes avalanche terrain.

Avalanche terrain

Avalanche terrain is defined as terrain steep enough for avalanches to occur (around 30° and steeper), and terrain where the avalanche can freely run off into (this can be below 30°, but will be adjacent to slopes that are 30° or steeper). The most important thing you can do to avoid avalanches is to avoid avalanche terrain. If you’re going to do it anyway, then you should be 100% sure you can recognise it – break-off points, gradients and terrain traps – and deal with it. If you don’t have this knowledge, we recommend seeking out a qualified guide or instructor and get proper training. Alternatively, find yourself a qualified mentor, friend or acquaintance whose had some genuine education, rather than “experience” alone. Join them on a tour; soak up knowledge like a sponge! The Norwegian Tourist Association’s mountain sports groups and the Red Cross also have good beginner courses. All of these can also give you a lot of useful advice as well as teaching you navigation and avalanche-prevention skills.

The contents of your pack are vital

Alpine touring often takes place in avalanche terrain. And it’s basically a given that you’ll be somewhat off the beaten track, where it’s difficult to get assistance. This is something to keep in mind when choosing a pack and filling it appropriately. So what should be in there?

Be prepared for the unexpected

Those we’ve spoken to say that responsible skiers will take:

Avalanche rescue equipment is completely mandatory. A windsack, some rope for hauling and repairs, spare parts, multi-tools, good first aid equipment, a map and compass and a mobile phone – these are things you should go in automatically. Help’s often far away, so you should be confident in your party’s competence and equipment. Experienced mountaineers, rescue teams and professional guides leave nothing to chance when packing their bags.

In general, it makes sense to be sure that as much of the stuff you take is light, able to take a beating, and versatile, preferably covering several areas of use – an important trick of the trade.

Sports tape, clingfilm, a rubbish bag and multi-tool, for example, can be used for many things: first aid, repairs, warmth, and storage.

It’s a good idea to bring an extra change of underclothes, socks, a hat and, especially, gloves or mittens. Plenty of food’s important – this isn’t simply fuel for the ascent, it keeps the mood lifted in an environment where we expend an enormous amount of energy. No one likes you when you’re hangry. An old seating mat also comes in handy during the lunch break. Those we’ve spoken to say that responsible skiers will take: Avalanche rescue equipment is completely mandatory. A windsack, some rope for hauling and repairs, spare parts, multi-tools, good first aid equipment, a map and compass and a mobile phone – these are things you should go in automatically. Help’s often far away, so you should be confident in your party’s competence and equipment. Experienced mountaineers, rescue teams and professional guides leave nothing to chance when packing their bags. In general, it makes sense to be sure that as much of the stuff you take is light, able to take a beating, and versatile, preferably covering several areas of use – an important trick of the trade. Sports tape, clingfilm, a rubbish bag and multi-tool, for example, can be used for many things: first aid, repairs, warmth, and storage.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Remember avalanche beacon, shovel and search probe

ASSS – “Always shovel, sender-receiver and search-probe”

ASSS is the law: Always Spade, sender-receiver and search-probe. This is about as self-explanatory as it gets. You should always carry a shovel, an avalanche beacon (transmitter/receiver), and a search probe if you’re going into the mountains. Before we talk about anything else, it’s important to spend a moment on this. It’s selfish to go touring without having this equipment in your bag. You and the others in your party should all be able to help each other if something happens. The more people that carry this basic, standard, equipment, and have the knowledge of how to use it, the more prepared the entire mountain is: everyone can contribute if someone nearby is caught in an avalanche or injured.

Avalanche beacon (transceiver)

Your avalanche beacon should switched on and worn under a layer of clothing at all times. Remember to do a group check before you set off. Do it in the car park, not when you’re on your way! Always have a minimum of 70% battery on your avalanche beacon when you set out on a trip, or change the battery immediately. The battery indicator can fool you: battery life can disappear fast in the cold. Your beacon should also be modern, preferably with three antennae, and with updated firmware. Every now and then, you should check to see it hasn’t been recalled – manufacturers do recall devices regularly. If you’re unsure, ask your local specialist shop. The most important thing about an avalanche finder and safety equipment in general is that you take care of it, regularly check that it works as it should, and that you’re completely familiar with it. Practice partner-rescue and using the beacon regularly. There aren’t thing you want to spend a second thinking about in an emergency. It’s actually been shown that, for beginners, just 30 minutes of training with the avalanche finder cuts the search time by 60% – that’s a lot!

Shovel

Your shovel should be robust, and not made of plastic or carbon. This isn’t where you want to save weight. If you’ve dug in an avalanche before, you know that the snow’s hard and heavy, like concrete, and filled with lumps of ice. The worst that can happen is that your shovel breaks when one of your loved ones is buried in the snow. We also prefer an extendable shovel with a D handle: this is more comfortable to dig with for extended periods and if you’re wearing mittens.

Search probe

This should also be robust enough not to break. Some basic search probes also have a weak locking mechanism which breaks easily; try to avoid these. Otherwise, ideally your probe should be 240cm or longer.

Pack

Of course, we have to talk the pack itself. This isn’t necessarily straightforward. Of course you can use any bag comfortable and large enough to take what you need with you. But if you travel a lot in the mountains, especially on alpine summit tours, there are some clear advantages with bags designed for that purpose. A good pack should be between 35 and 50 litres, depending on the use. What you take in it will vary with the season, the location, and whether you are, for example, a guide or a member of the party. At a minimum it should have enough room for safety equipment, first aid equipment, food, water, some extra clothes, and possibly rope, an ice axe and crampons if you need them where you’re going. Lightness, durability, comfort and functionality are good quallities when choosing a pack. We like packs with top flaps for accessibly storing small things, good straps for attaching skis when you’re carrying them, and functional pockets that make organising your equipment easier. In particular, we prefer bags that have a separate pocket for avalanche equipment (shovel and search probe) that can be opened even if the top flap is shut. In the event of someone being caught in an avalanche, you want to be able to start digging as quickly as you possibly can. With training, you can find buried people using your beacon and rod fairly quickly. It’s the digging that takes the most time. There’s also consensus that a good system for carrying skis, preferably diagonally, is also important. Functions Diagonal ski-attachment is the most comfortable; the skis don’t touch the heels of your boots when you have skis on your back. In our survey, it was also mentioned that bright fabric on the interior is practical – this makes it easier to find and fish things out from inside. Access into the rucksack from a rear panel, making it easy to put the pack down on the ground to find and organise the contents, is also desirable. This is also a more space-efficient way to pack. Buckles should be designed not to freeze shut, and should be easy to clear of snow. Breathable mesh fabric on the face against your back, or some kind of ventilation system to prevent you sweating under the pack, will be more comfortable. The hip belt should also fit well and be sturdy – and preferably have a pocket for a compass, chocolates and your box of snus. In short, choose a pack without too many pointless trimmings which is light, comfortable, functional and durable. A good pack will be with you for many years, so it’s worth spending some time finding the right one

Avalanche airbag packs

An avalanche airbag pack is a normal rucksack with an integrated airbag that’s inflated if you’re caught in an avalanche. The airbag is usually activated by pulling a handle connected to an inflation mechanism. Because of the dynamics of snow in a state of avalanche, an inflated airbag helps to keep an avalanche victim close to, or even above, the surface of the sliding snow. Airbag packs are the only equipment that can prevent you from being buried in an avalanche. Together with the avalanche beacon, shovel and search probe, airbags bags are recommended. They are expensive, yes – but in the big picture this is a rational investment should the worst happen. It is important to point out that no piece of safety equipment is a substitute for knowledge and risk-awareness when travelling in the mountains. Nothing you take with you (with the exception of an airbag) can prevent you from being buried by an avalanche.

Safety equipment

Helmet

Helmets are cool. They can save your life. This is why they’re considered standard equipment. New helmets are light, comfortable, and multi-use, approved for both skiing and climbing. A helmet protects against head injuries. You will categorically want one in an avalanche. Find a helmet that fits your head, works for your use, and fits your ski goggles. It’s a good idea to take your goggles with you when to go shopping for a new helmet.

First aid and other life-saving equipment

We can’t count on rescue teams reaching us in the mountains, and certainly not in good time. A first aid kit and something to keep us warm can therefore be essential to enable us to deal with unexpected situations or injuries.

Bivvy bag and down jacket

The bivouak bag (aka “bivvy bag” or “windsack”) can be wrapped around an injured skier to prevent hypothermia. A warm jacket can also be used as a pillow or for cushioning, even as a neck collar, if necessary, when transporting a casualty. Hypothermia is a constant danger in the mountains. These things can save lives. Furthermore, the bivvy bag can be used to transport the injured. It’s also very, very handy in wind and storm: it turns into a proper sauna if you sit together inside it for lunch under cover.

Clingfilm

Clingfilm’s great in first aid kit. What we do is saw a roll in half and take a half with us. It weighs little and takes up little space, but can be used for so many things. Among others, for repairing things. The beauty of clingfilm is that one side will almost always be clean enough to use on injuries. It can be used to wrap large open cuts, seal punctures on the skin and wrap burns. Mechanically, it can be used to splint and as a support bandage, and so much more. If someone’s very cold, you can wrap them in it too, and they’ll quickly warm up. Spade shafts, poles and search rods work well as splints in case of broken injuries.

Ski straps

Rubber ski straps, made by Åsnes among many others, are completely brilliant. They can be used for everything. They’re great for repairs and hanging things, and for medical emergencies: splints and tourniquets.

Rubbish bags (bin liners)

Rubbish bags can serve as a sort of cross between a bivvy bag and cling film. They’re an emergency sleeping bag, instant waterproofing (they can even go in boots) and they way nothing whatsoever. You can even use them to collect rubbish, so it’s win-win. It really doesn’t hurt to have bin-bags in your ski-bag. With a little creativity and a solution-oriented approach, you can treat a number of injuries with relatively few items in the your kit. Find solutions where things have multiple uses. Take some courses in first aid; learn the art of improvising with what you have.

First aid

Do you know what’s required if you run into trouble? As always, it’s a question of preparation. You plan. You pack sensibly. If you’ve practiced first aid and you’re equipped to get in touch with the rescue services, you are, at least, somewhat prepared.

Read about first aid on tour

First aid kit essentials – the minimum, in waterproof packaging:

Painkillers

Sterile compresses

Sport stape

Clingfilm and a black bin bag

Compeed blister plasters

Matches

Resealable bag (fill with water, puncture, use pressure to wash cuts and wounds etc.)

Consider also bringing:

Sling or support bandage

Rescue foil (not necessary if you have bin-bag or clingfilm, but more handy)

Wound wipes and/ or disinfectant

Eye wash

Safetypins

Scissors

Sterile gloves

Plasters

Splinting roll

Headlamp – don’t forget a headlamp

We always carry a headlamp, wherever we go. If it gets dark, well – you need one. In the daytime, it’s also worth its weight in gold if you have to repair something. Or someone.

Repair kit

A length of of gaffa/duct tape around your ski pole, rope, steel wire, a couple of cable-ties, screws for bindings and a multi-tool are invaluable. Most things can be fixed with these, and it doesn’t take up much space. We also recommend bringing sports tape, some rope and clingfilm in any case – things that can cover several needs and are useful if, for example, you have to repair something. Rubber ski straps are very versatile for attaching, fixing and organising. We always bring skin wax too: hiking joy in stick-form. Can save the whole tour from ice-on-skins-disaster. We’ve long lost count on how many times it’s saved the day!

Don’t count on your mobile

Phones are great: great pictures, notifications, super useful apps. But in the Norwegian mountains (and in mountains generally) there are many places without coverage, and batteries fail quickly in the cold. Research also indicates that mobiles can interfere with the avalanche beacon. It’s recommended you have your phone switched off or in flight mode as far away as possible from the avalanche finder, preferably in the top flap of the rucksack. Save your power until you need it. As a bonus you can enjoy the tour and the world about you instead of thinking about Instagram.

Map and compass (GPS?)

GPS is a very useful aid. But in the same way as a mobile, it can run out of battery. And if we’re not depending on our apps and gadgets, it makes sense to take a map and compass. For a start, you never know when you’ll need a map because the fog’s set in or something. But it’s also a massively underrated pleasure to orient yourself with a map – and you may find an exciting ski line there that you wouldn’t otherwise have noticed. Think of your GPS as a supplement to the map, making it easier to find out where you are and to make navigation on the map easier and more efficient. Spend a little time understanding and practicing how to use a map and compass, so that you know how it works when you really need it.

Food drink and snackks

Skinning and skiing are energy expensive. Bring lunch – and at least 1 or 2 litres of water! Most things taste excellent when you’re tired and hungry, so its simple fridge sandwiches for the win. Fruit, berries and nuts are good and provide long-lasting energy. Many people also like to bring a Snickers, or some equally desirable chocolate-related snack. The classic “babysmoothie” in a pouch is cheaper, healthier and just as energy-efficient as any kind of energy gel. Very few “superfoods” are really so super. What’s always worked for you is often the best. As we mentioned earlier, if you have children or friends prone to “hangriness”, extra food or snacks are lifesavers. But in short: assume that you have to manage for 24 hours should something happen.

Always take your avalanche beacon, probe and shovel

Find a pack that sits well on your shoulders – light, solid and functional.

Pack things with multiple uses – preferably three different uses.

Eye wash

Safety pins

Scissors

Surgical gloves

Plasters

Splint roll

Packing list – alpine touring bag

35–50 litre pack designed for ski touring

Spade and probe

Beacon – on the body

Map and compass with clinometer and mirror

Bivvy bag

Sitting mat

First aid kit

Mobile

Painkillers

Small repair kit with knife, tools for bindings, steel wire, cable ties, etc.

Sports tape

Crampons

Skins and skinwax

Toilet paper and matches

Headlamp

Extra batteries for headlamp and beacon

Small binoculars

Camera

Goggles / skiglasses

Sunglasses (in season)

Water flask

Primaloft / down jacket

Food

Extra mittens and gloves (large)

Change of clothes

Crampons and ice axe (if necessary)

Glacier equipment (if traversing glacier)

35–50 litre pack designed for ski touring

Spade and probe

Beacon – on the body

Map and compass with clinometer and mirror

Bivvy bag

Sitting mat

First aid kit

Mobile

Painkillers

Small repair kit: knife, toos for bindings, steel wire, cable ties, other essentials

Sports tape

Crampons

Skins, skin wax

Toilet paper and matches

Hadlight

Extra batteries for headlight and beacon

Small binoculars

Camera

Goggles / ski glasses

Sunglasses (in season)

Water flask

Primaloft/ down jacket

Food

Extra gloves/ mittens in size large

Change of clothes

Crampons/ ice axe if necessary Glacier equipment if crossing glacier

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Norway’s famous for its changeable weather. Even in summer it can vary from 5° to 30° C. Such variable weather makes it difficult to know how to dress – which is why we say “ull er gull”: wool is gold. Wool keeps you warm in winter, and regulates your temperature in the summer. Wool is the best. A billion sheep can’t be wrong.

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