How to Build an Avalanche Kit
Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing, exploring the backcountry is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with others. Yet, with a risk of avalanches, you need to be sure to keep safety as your top priority and that includes investing in the proper avalanche gear. Our Winter Sports Experts cover the basic gear you need to include in your avalanche kit.
Please Note: It’s always important to attend classes and complete all the proper training to learn about avalanche safety. Remember that staying safe on the mountain is your responsibility.
1. Avalanche Airbag Pack
When building your avalanche kit, you’ll want to start with finding a high-quality avalanche airbag pack. An avalanche airbag pack offers two functions when exploring—holding your gear and helping to prevent you from being buried in the snow. Featuring a pillow that inflates upon pulling a cord, this type of pack helps you “float” towards the top of an avalanche in order to narrow down rescue time. There are two types of avalanche airbag packs to choose between:
2. Beacon & Avalanche Transceiver
Within your avalanche kit, you’ll want to be sure to have an avalanche transceiver. It’s very important to understand the difference between an avalanche transceiver and a personal locator beacon so that you're equipped with the proper gear.
3. Avalanche Probe
An avalanche probe is a collapsible pole that’s used to poke around the deep snow for someone that’s been buried. Using the avalanche transceiver allows you to locate the area of the victim, while an avalanche probe allows you to pinpoint the depth they’re at faster than shoveling.
4. Avalanche Shovel
An avalanche shovel is an important piece of equipment to include in your avalanche kit in case you need to dig out a companion or snowmobile. These avalanche shovels are designed to collapse down to a smaller size making them easier to pack.
5. Food & Water
Fueling your body is key to any outdoor adventure, so always pack plenty of food and water to stay hydrated and energized. Carrying extra rations also ensures you're prepared with lifesaving nourishment if an avalanche or emergency leaves you stranded.
When planning to explore the backcountry, preparing your avalanche kit is incredibly important. This is just the basic avalanche gear that’s needed, and it’s important that you attend training to help build your knowledge on how to use your avalanche pack, transmitter, and other gear. For further guidance finding the right gear for the backcountry, reach out to a Winter Sports Expert at your local SCHEELS.
