THE BACKCOUNTRY CAN BE A BEAUTIFUL but DANGEROUS place!!! Get all the BEST info here
to get there and back safely...

UPDATED FOR THE 2006/2007 SEASON

If you get the itch to get into the backcountry after riding the lifts alot and you decide it's time to get "Out Of Bounds", then you are going to a whole different ball game...You need the right knowledge and equipment and attitude to get out there and back safely...
I want to say RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW!
If you duck that rope or head through that gate or contemplate that climb up your favorite mountain thats been calling you...

You need to take responsibility for you and your buddies your well being and lives...That means you need the equipment and knowledge to SELF RESCUE because you cannot expect help to arrive very fast especially in the event of an avalanche...These days you can expect any rescue in the backcountry to be an $expensive$ operation for the VICTIMS!!!
Cruising in the backcountry is all about being prepared for anything.
Prepared for that blizzard to move in and whiteout conditions, prepared to help one of your partners or anyone else, prepared for equipment breakage ,prepared for falling into that crack you couldnt see, or that creek in the gully...
ABOVE ALL ELSE be prepared in case you, your partners or someone else is
.......CAUGHT IN AN AVALANCHE.........

AVALANCHE GEAR AND RESOURCES

You can find out all about AVOIDING AVALANCHES, AVALANCHE GEAR, AVALANCHE EDUCATION AND TRAINING with links to some of the best avalanche resources and places to score avalanche gear here at the AVALANCHE RESOURCE PAGE
Then head on back here to read about lots of all the necessary gear needed for backcountry snowboarding...

Being prepared means you got ALL the right equipment and you know how to use it in your sleep, without thinking...
Lets deal with Backcountry Equipment first...
Then how to get the knowledge you need to avoid emergency situations ...
Finally how to use this equipment in case of an unavoidable emergency...

BACKCOUNTRY GEAR FOR ENTRY AND EXIT
This section is all about snowshoes, approach skiis, split boards, and any other gear you need to get you into and up into the backcountry...and back out again safely...
There are a few ways to get into the backcountry used by most backcountry snowboarders.Snowshoes are probably the least expensive and most widely used way to get around or climb to the top of your favorite run.They offer a steady and reliable cruise and they are easier to carry out on or in your backpack than any other
means of getting in and out of the Backcountry...

Another method widely used are approach skiis, they are a shorter fatter version of skiis and can be faster and easier to use than snowshoes, plus they can usually climb a little bit steeper incline depending on the snow conditions than snowshoes...The downside is you need more cash for these skiis and bindings...They are more difficult to carry out on your back while snowboarding down...

Another popular way that is being used to get into the backcountry now is the split snowboard. This type of snowboard gives you the best advantages of approach skiis and none of the disadvantages...You can add skins to these and then kick and slide your way up to your topping out point and then assemble the board and stash the skins and board your way down...A BIG advantage is not having to carry your board up and not having to carry snowshoes or approach skiis downhill. Another advantage is they are fairly fast compared to snowshoes.
The two disadvantages are the cost and the performance issue of using a split board...
I have heard split boards work well in the powder, but perform poorly on hardpack or icy conditions as they tend to lose edging and have excessive flex...

If any of you know about a good split snowboard , I would love to hear about it , where to buy, where you used it and what makes it better than the few split boards usually found on the market now...
So as usual in real life there are compromises to each approach method...The best advice is to research whats being used in your local area and if possible try to beg , borrow or rent snowshoes, or approach skiis and then decide what you like... NEW TIP This years split boards are a vast improvement over the last 2 years models...They handle much better in hard conditions...

Right now I am using the Atlas 1230 snowshoe which work real well for me. My pow poaching partner is using MSR Evo Ascents which she digs cause she is always askin me to carry the tails for her.So I end up overweight and she ends up poachin the pow ahead of me...She likes the MSR Evo Ascents as she can use em small when the snow is not too deep, but she can book when the pow is deep and she adds the Evo tails...

We have also been using prototype Miyuki split boards during snowy powder days and seeing how they compare to using snow shoes in deep snow conditions...Get back to ya on that later this season...

Another important piece of equipment for backcountry treks are extendable snowshoeing or trekking poles used with all three of these approach methods...The best poles are fairly short when nested and the best poles are usually made of carbon fiber or aluminum/titanium to be lightweight and strong. The carbon fiber poles are always way more expensive than a standard type pole...They will fit into or onto your backcountry pack easily...They make any kind of walking, climbing or traversing much easier, helping with balance and take up some of the strain of climbing...

WHO HAS GOT THE GOOD GEAR?
Ok lets look at who carries the goods...A fine place to start is Backcountry.com this company carrys many of the necessities for backcountry trips... They got so much stuff and so many different places to look , you just gonna have to check it out for yourself and find the good stuff !!!

Redfeather 25 Powder Snowshoes Strapping on Redfeather snowshoes. Breezing through an Aspen glen. Trekking up the mountainside. Evergreen branches heavy with snow, glittering in the... more	Redfeather 30 Powder Snowshoes Slapping on Redfeather snowshoes. Breezing through an Aspen glen. Trekking up the mountainside. Evergreen branches heavy with snow, glittering in the ... more	Redfeather 36 Powder SnowshoesStrapping on Redfeather snowshoes. Breezing through an Aspen glen. Trekking up the mountainside. Evergreen branches heavy with snow, glittering in the... more
Redfeather 25 Performance Snowshoes Instead of loading on pounds this winter, pack down some fresh powder with these Redfeather performance snowshoes. With the ability to burn up to 1,00... more	Yakima Stargazer 25 Snowshoes These 25” performance snowshoes from Yakima can handle flat to aggressive terrain. Easy dual-strap binding with buckle hooks. PivotMaster™ strap adjus... more	Redfeather 25 Sport Snowshoes Redfeather snowshoes are a surefire way to keep fit and have fun in the great winter outdoors! V-tail design makes for a consistent, easy ride. ATB I... more

Another good place is to hit it over to ALTREC.com They also have lots of snowshoes by Redfeather that can be used for backcountry and powder.Check out their guide series for men and women...Altrec also carries adjustable poles by Leki... Altrec has a good avalanche safety gear selection by Lifelink and Ortovox...While you are there get that avalanche gear list going...essential for the backcountry

Alright...next is REI.com They do not have alot to look at in this gear catagory right now, but they have the MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes for now ....check back later in the year to see what they bring in for the upcoming 2006 season...

So lets move on and see what the
Snowshack.com has to offer...They have Redfeather snowshoes in both the guide series and powder series which are both solid for the backcountry...Snowshack.com also has the Tubbs Mountain Elevation series for women and men in their snowshoe section...

BACKCOUNTRY GEAR FOR ROUTINE AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

Being prepared to call for help...OR... to say you are delayed due to bad weather is a very important part of backcountry gear, whether it is a basic two way radio to keep in touch with your partners if separated or lost...
A cell phone to call for help or reassure friends and family that you are OK just delayed or an expensive satellite phone or satellite connected laptop for those trips into very isolated areas...

The best place to find out is at the Communications page which covers all the different types of communications gear for each backcountry situations. The PROS and the CONS for each type of communications equipment including limitations and costs...
You can hit it over to the EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PAGE then head on back over here to finish up with the rest of the info in this section...

BACKCOUNTRY GPS NAVIGATION
This section deals with GPS navigation in the backcountry with discussions on using GPS in the backcountry, when it can be a lifesaver, where to buy GPS units and the types of software that can help you plot your courses in and out of the mountains...Plus a common mistake that can get you into real trouble with GPS...
Read about the story... "How GPS almost led me to hell...o what is this ? " ... Learn from others mistakes...

Navigate your way to the GPS RECIEVERS AND GPS NAVIGATION PAGE and then find your way back here to read on!!!

BACKCOUNTRY GEAR FOR EXTENDED STAYS

You can find out about shelters and every other kind of equipment for snowcamping...
So you want to camp out in the backcountry and it's winter time and its snowing...What are the best ways to deal with shelter and keeping warm...

WINTER SHELTERS
The there are three ways to deal with shelter.
#1 You build a igloo...
#2 You dig a snow cave...
#3 You carry and set up a tent...
Lets look at the first two methods...You need to decide between building a igloo or digging a snowcave or even a combination of the two...The benefits are you aren't weighed down by the extra weight of a tent and snow is one of the best insulators there is...and (hopefully) theres plenty of it...

Plus you are using one MANDATORY tool you should already have in your pack, a snow shovel.By adding a snow saw to your gear arsenal you are now well equipped to build a igloo or dig a snowcave AND to dig snow pits to assess avalanche conditions ...
I tend to go with the snowcaves as it has been easier for me to dig than to spend the time to find the right areas and snow consistency and then cut and stack snowblocks...I feel from personal EXPERIENCE IT IS EASIER to dig a snowcave than to build a igloo...

Sometimes it has been easier to dig AND stack blocks than do one or the other...It depends on the weather, the snow conditions and your conditions, usually you can tell within 10 minutes what will be the quickest and most efficient method for your current situation... Ok you want to dig a snow cave, now what?

The best way is to find a place that is facing away from the direction of the wind and start to dig down and into a snowbank ...It is easier to dig into a slope than into a flat spot as you can push all the excess snow downhill with less energy and it is usually easier to find a good place to dig a larger cave in a sloped or banked area facing away from the wind...

You can dig and or saw blocks or chunks out of the hole/cave and pass or push them out of the hole/door...
It is wise to leave the roof of your cave at least 1 feet thick, 2 feet is preferable... If you plan to cook or heat you need a vent hole... If you can make the vent hole small and try to make it in the shape of a snorkel facing away from the wind it helps keep snow from blowing in and heat from escaping...

Another good idea is to cut a block of snow to block up the door/hole of your cave/crib and even better to make the entrance lower than the floor... so now you have a warm and relatively protected place to call home for a day or a week...A light weight tarp for the floor in the snowcave is also a optional luxury...

TENTS
Lets look at tents now....There are some advantages to tents....
The #1 advantage is ...TENTS are 10 times faster to set up and provide a dry floor which a snowcave does not...That is the positive side in a nutshell...

The downside to a tent is they protect you from wind, rain and snow but are not anywhere close to being as protected and warm as a snowcave...AS USUAL IT IS A TRADE OFF JUST LIKE THE REST OF LIFE...A tent will be much noisier in windy conditions and more prone to collapse in a snowstorm...
But if you plan to move every day to a new location, a tent is the way to go...

If you plan to stay more than one day in a certain location , I feel a snowcave or igloo is the way to go...
Now lets look at the rest of the gear you need to enjoy a night in the snow...

SLEEPING BAGS
Sleeping bags, WARM sleeping bags and insulating pads are a necessity whether you choose a tent or cave...Any good quality sleeping bag with a rating below 32 F. or 0 C. can be used, it does matter if it is down or synthetic fill...Although I personally like synthetic...You can learn all about the latest sleeping bag technology and knowledge and find out more about choosing and buying sleeping bags at BIG AGNES .com This is the one sleeping bag company I can recommend...

They get a HOT PRODUCT rating from me. The Big Agnes line can be found at Backcountry.com and ... They are constructed so that you have a sleeping pad slipped into the bottom pocket and the pad doesn't wander during the night when you are thrashing around in your CONSTANTINE nighmare...same goes for the pillow...

It is important to have a insulating pad at a minimum or inflatable sleeping pad of some sort as your body heat will melt the snow under you if not on a waterproof tarp or tent floor, plus it is just much warmer and comfortable...

CAMPSTOVES
A camp stove is a must have necessity... Unless you plan to eat only snacks or non cookable items....I tend to want a stove to melt snow for water , heat soup and to cook anything else that might make my stay more enjoyable...

I also hate waking up in the morning without coffee or hot chocolate...I gotta have it, even if it is instant and I feel better if I have some kind of hot or even warm beverage in the morning...Ok you natural guys can have the hot oatmeal, I will drink the coffee/chocolate first, then food later...

A camp stove also provides some heat while cooking and although not a full source of heat it can make life just a little easier...

HEAD LAMPS are a necessity... a small lantern is a extra luxury due to the added weight...
You have to decide if it is worth the extra weight versus the convenience, again...
real life trade off...That is the minimum gear you need to enjoy a night or a week of snowcamping...You can add more based on how much you are willing to carry or how far away you must trek from your drop off point...

WHO HAS GOT THE GOODS
One of the best places on the internet is naturally Backcountry.com They have 4 season tents, sleeping bags camp stoves, head lamps and lanterns and every other kind of gear you might need or want for backcountry snowboarding...

New for 2006/2007 is MountainGear.com You can check out all the backcountry gear that MountainGear.com has that you could use for backcountry snowboarding...Alot of it for extreme snowsports, mountaineering, climbing and winter trekking...

Another good place that has 4 season tents and the rest of the gear is REI.com The 2 tents I would reccommend to check out are the MSR Fury 2 person tent and the Kelty Orb 3 person tent...The Kelty tent to me is preferred even for two people as you have room to stash lots of extra gear and use as a home base it's only a lb or two heavier than most 2 person tents...REI also carries the MSR whisperlite internationele stove which I recommend plus they have the MSR stand for this stove which is a good value and serves to secure the tank and stove and will prevent you from losing your dinner if you should bump the stove even slightly...Check out REI also for sleeping bags , sleeping pads, and other essential gear for winter camping...
Paragon Sports.com has a good selection of sleeping bags that could be used for winter time stoves ,headlamps and other accessories with decent prices, but lacks 4 season tents and sleeping pads...

Check out Paragon Sports.com but you will have to look elsewhere for 4 season tents...
Another good place to check for 4 season tents and 3 -4 season convertible tents is USOUTDOOR.com These guys have a great selection of just about everything you need for winter camping...

Now check out all the tents Altrec.com has to offer plus a full selection of sleeping bags and pads and all the other accessories needed for winter camping...
IF you are using the Internet Explorer browser or ANY browser that is restricting content (scripts)
AND you CANNOT see any of the camping gear on this page... Then Please change the browser setting to ask you to allow blocked content so you can see all the cool stuff...

Click on any of the sleeping bags and you can also check out the sleeping pads and some of the other sleeping bags they have in stock...
Make sure to check out the MSR stoves...

Altrec also has a full selection of headlamps by Petzl,you can check most of em out here...

EXCUSES EXCUSES AND MORE EXCUSES
It has been on my priority list cause I want each and every one of you to have a safe session...But I have nothing but excuses for not gettin it together...My APOLOGIES... BUT let me tell you it ain't easy to research and talk with all my buddies and come up with the best places to get gear and what's the best gear and the best places to get "in the know"
I want to make sure I get it right as this is very important info something that can mean the difference between life or death.......Yah I know...no excuse!!!
SO YOU CAN THANK Steve McKean of New Zealand for layin it out to me straight the other day..I quote him here...
"But yeah man, big reality check about the avalanches. Up until now I`ve been a cowboy out there. I know it. I can admit it. I`m also not afraid to admit on a public forum, in the hopes that other people out there might think "Damn, that could`ve almost happened to me too." I know plenty of other people out there that go into the backcountry unprepared. That`s stupid, and so am I.
However I checked out your Snowboard Master website, but was disappointed that the backcountry section was not on the go. You say it`s a priority, but I guess snowboard accessories take a higher status, so thanks for the info on snowboard bags. I`ll know what to buy next time I'm in the market" ...

So thanks to Steve and his straight up talk, I vowed to get this section up and on the go
........Starting TODAY 3/24/2004...
NO EXCUSES.............Thanks BRO for the wake up call and the extra motivation to get this info out to as many people as possible!!!
Well its been over a year now since this page has been up and running and I hope it has helped Someone...Anyone going backcountry...

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE SECTIONS IN SNOWBOARDING SAFETY GEAR
AND THE SECTION ON AVALANCHE SAFETY avalanche education, awareness, avalanche safety gear and survival gear...BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT GOING BACKCOUNTRY!!!

LATERS FROM THE SNOWBOARDING MASTER

One last thing... I am a Snowboarding Master but I am NOT an Internet Master, see how this site was PLANNED then BUILT and is QUICKLY and EASILY maintained... PLUS ...more importantly how to attract the right traffic to your business website by clicking on the graphic!!!

If You are like Me, Then I KNOW you want to be out doing some outdoor activity, not sitting in front of your &$@?* computer all day................ See how with SBI ! .....Check it out TODAY !
IF you have ANY questions here is a convenient way to ASK OTHER SBI USERS A QUESTION

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
INFORMATION IS KNOWLEDGE!!!!
INFORMATION IS YOUR POWER!!!
USE YOUR POWER!!!!

Copyright 2005-2007 TLC Enterprizes

THE BACKCOUNTRY CAN BE A BEAUTIFUL but DANGEROUS place!!! Get all the BEST info here to get there and back safely...

UPDATED FOR THE 2006/2007 SEASON

THE BACKCOUNTRY CAN BE A BEAUTIFUL but DANGEROUS place!!! Get all the BEST info here
to get there and back safely...