15 Ski Mountaineering Essentials
The best gear and accessories for the most punishing way to have fun this winter
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Euro-style ski mountaineering is fairly gear-intensive, and it's taking off fast in the U.S. These 15 essentials will make sure you can, too.
Dynafit TLT-Superlite Bindings ($550)
Dynafit’s 175-gram TLT Superlite bindings are about as minimalist as you’ll find. They come with removable brakes to lighten your haul on race day, and front and heel have adjustable releases for those extra-bad biffs.
CAMP G Comp Wind Power Gloves ($100)
The synthetic CAMP G Comp Wind Power gloves offer warmth with great race features, including a windproof overmitt that tucks away when not needed.
Light and Motion Solite 250 EX Headlamp ($180)
Light and Motion’s Solite 250 EX headlamp is versatile and powerful, and it provides four hours of 250-lumen light, brightening any nighttime powder run or skin track.
CAMP Flash Competition Anorak ($120)
The essential CAMP Flash Competition Anorak is built from tough, windproof fabric and deploys on the fly from a hip pouch—without removing your backpack.
Dynafit Radical Racing Suit ($250)
New colors and a revamped leg design to fit race-boot buckles highlight Dynafit’s Radical Racing suit, which includes plenty of stow pockets for skins, food, and accessories.
La Sportiva Syborg Boots ($749)
La Sportiva’s Syborg boots are light (800 grams), versatile footwear that won’t blow your budget for the season. A lever switches from ski to walk mode with an impressive 75 degrees of articulation.
Smith PivLoc Arena Sunglasses ($159)
Smith’s PivLoc Arena sunglasses fit securely, resist fogging, and come with swappable clear lenses for night missions and races.
Dynafit Performance Beanie ($30)
Dynafit’s Performance beanie is made of brushed polyester to provide high-output head warmth and fits easily under a helmet.
CAMP Speed 2.0 Helmet ($120)
One of the lightest lids in the world, CAMP’s Speed 2.0 helmet doesn’t compromise on safety, while ample vents provide a working chimney for all the heat you generate in a race.
POC Retina Big Goggles ($155)
POC’s Retina Big goggles deliver a massive field of view with quality optics—just what you need when blasting race turns at the end of the day.
CAMP Alp Racing Harness ($50)
The CAMP Alp racing harness offers a bulk-free way to tether a partner or protect you on exposed sections of the course.
Dynafit RC 28 Backpack ($140)
The anatomical, low-profile cut and minimalist build of Dynafit’s RC 28 backpack doesn’t sacrifice features like an external bottle holster and a ski-carry system.
Pocoma Pro Race Skins ($150)
Pomoca’s Pro Race skins are some of the lightest and most durable on the market.
Dynafit PDG Skis ($700)
Dynafit’s PDG skis get an upgrade with a new carbon-flex tip to drop weight and ease turning.
A Good Rescue Kit
Backcountry Access’s Tracker 3 avalanche transceiver ($335) is its smallest, lightest unit to date, and the reliable EXT shovel ($50) and Stealth 270 probe ($55) round out a race-worthy rescue kit.