Pieps Tour beacon: Pieps made the three-antenna Tour with sidecountry skiers in mind, keeping it simple with a multiple-burial indicator and single mark button. It has upgradable software and a lightweight, user-friendly interface, crucial when efficiency and speed are paramount. [$399; pieps.com]
G3 320 (328cm) Speed TECH probe: G3 redesigned its assembly mechanism, making the deployment even faster, more resistant to ice build-up, and 15 percent lighter. Laser tech 5-mm measurements aid in snow study use. [$65; genuineguidegear.com]
Voile T6 shovel: Full size, professional grade avalanche shovel with telescopic T-handle uses heat-treated aluminum for stout durability. T6 shovel scoops also have dead-man holes that can be used as snow anchors or for fashioning rescue sleds. [$48;voile-usa.com]
Kästle 108 ski (132-108-122): Wood core, sandwich construction, and early rise tip, the 108 physique floats through powder, mank, and crud, while progressive sidecut feels at home back inbounds. Double hollowtech (tip/tail windows) reduces swing weight and makes turn-initiation a breeze. [$1,090; kaestle.com]
Marker Tour Baron binding: For freeriders who want alpine performance and dependability when they go beyond the gates. Accommodating alpine and AT boots alike, the new Baron still gives immediate boot-to-ski power transfer, while the updated climbing aid (comes from the Tour F12 design) means higher angles and quieter climbing. [$445; markerusa.com]
Scarpa Hurricane Pro boot: Scarpa’s upgraded Hurricane, the stiff but svelte, four-buckle PRO has a more robust upper cuff, Intuition tongue liner, and features the Powerblock Tour mechanism, which engages the upper cuff for hard charging performance, but releases when you need to bootpack or skin back over the ridge. Sold with DIN and AT bock soles. [$739; scarpa.com]
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody: It’s always a good idea to pack a puffy for the backcountry. Synthetic, light, and packable, the Nano Hoody keeps you warm at the top of the skin track and is an ideal security blanket when the unexpected happens. [$199; patagonia.com]
Marmot Backcountry 30 backpack: Full-featured with separate shovel/probe sleeve and back panel access make the 30 easy to negotiate and provide enough volume for daylong outings beside the resort or farther out. [$120; marmot.com]
