So Your Ski Just Went Reverse Camber (aka: What's in My Self-Rescue Kit)

Why Bring a Self-Rescue Kit?

I was about 2600 meters in the Japanese Alps on a westerly aspect, gorgeous day despite the lack of Japow. We were skinning switchbacks up a couloir when suddenly my ski gave out. I nearly went for a long slide on dense wind deposits but arrested quickly. I picked up my ski, and could hardly believe what I was looking at; my cambered ski was suddenly reverse camber! Or, there was that time in 2017 when my tech toe kept releasing in one of the most wonderful powder days ever! Have you ever had a ski pole break? How about that unexpected storm at 3000 meters during a sunny-forecasted day in the French Alps? How do we deal with the unexpected in the backcountry?

Don't worry, you got this because you came prepared with a self-rescue kit.

What I carry in my backcountry skiing self-rescue kit

For me, as a gram counting weight weenie, I could probably carry a bit more. But here a few things you may want to consider:

• High-calorie snacks, usually gels, in addition to my planned rations
• Torx and Pizi-drive kit. Sometimes a loose tech toe can be fixed with a few tight turns.
• Knife; I prefer a lightweight multi-tool with scissors and pliers. Or separate lightweight scissors. Both always come in handy.
• Emergency shelter or bivy.
• Leukotape, alcohol pads; can be used for pretty much anything. Yes, I skip the bandaids.
• Extra Voile straps–they are the best, don’t skimp on these. I usually carry a few but my kit has 2 longer straps that can stabilize a leg.
• SAM splint.
• Pair of hand/toe warmers.
• Zip-ties; not always on me, depends on the trip length.
• Sled improv kit

Next, Add a Small Pouch for Navigation and Observational Tools:

• Avalanche observation book, measurement tools
• Compass
• Inclinometer 
• Pencil
• Cornice cutting cord

Again, these are all standard tools in addition to plenty of food, layers, and water. Some outings require more gear. 

Check out our safety first backcountry ski packs, the Vivid 27L and the Vivid 35L packs.

Got your own self-rescue must-haves? Hit us up. We’re always refining.