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Ski Touring Kit List
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Why avalanche safety equipment matters
Exploring the backcountry is rewarding, but avalanches remain a constant risk. No matter how carefully you plan, terrain, weather, and snowpack can still catch you out.
That's why, if you're heading off-piste, you need to take avalanche safety equipment with you and know how to use it. The three essential items that every person should carry are:
Avalanche transceiver
Avalanche shovel
Avalanche probe
Together, these give you the best chance of finding and rescuing a buried companion before time runs out.
To reduce the chance of being buried in the first place, many also use an avalanche airbag backpack as an additional safety tool. These feature a large bag that rapidly inflates when you manually trigger it during a slide, helping you avoid burial.
To learn more, see our avalanche airbag buying guide.
Avalanche transceivers
What they do
Avalanche transceivers, also known as beacons, use a standardised radio signal to send and receive signals. When switched on and in 'send' mode, a transceiver will constantly emit a signal that any transceiver set to 'search' mode can detect when in range. Once a signal is received, a transceiver in search mode can guide you to a buried victim by showing direction and distance.
Digital vs analogue transceivers
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Key features to look out for
Range
A transceiver's range determines the distance at which it can pick up a signal. This is important as it influences how quickly you can cover ground during a search.
Group check
Allows you to test that all other transceivers within your group are transmitting correctly. These checks should be carried out before venturing into avalanche terrain.
Automatic revert to send
Offers protection from the risk of getting caught in a secondary avalanche. When in search (or standby) mode, it allows the transceiver to automatically switch back to send mode if it detects a lack of movement for a period. This helps protect against a scenario where searchers are caught and buried by a secondary avalanche with their transceiver still in search mode - making them undiscoverable to any remaining searchers.
Multiple burials & signal suppression
Transceivers with a mark/flagging function allow them to isolate and suppress signals, allowing them to speed up a multi-burial rescue. When the first victim has been located, their signal can be flagged, allowing the transceiver user to search for the next strongest signal.
Bluetooth connectivity
This enables the transceiver to connect to an app for easy management of settings and software updates.
Interference protection
Transceivers can be affected by electromagnetic interference, which can come from anything electronic, magnetic, or metallic. Mobile phones, cameras, heated gloves, and chocolate bar wrappers can all disrupt performance. Some transceivers have features to mitigate this impact.
Even if it has this function, it is recommended that you always keep electronic, magnetic and metallic items 20cm from a transceiver in transmit mode, and 50cm when in search mode.
“Modern transceivers have evolved from one- and two-antenna systems and now feature three antennas. This development has brought significant improvements in accuracy when searching for a victim.” – Luke Scrine, Equipment Buyer
How to choose the right transceiver
When considering which transceiver to buy, your experience and the frequency you plan to use it should guide which model you choose. The best transceiver is the one you can competently and quickly use in the high-stress scenario of a rescue. In a rescue, speed is of the essence, so a transceiver that is intuitive and easy for you to use will win over one that is packed full of advanced features you don't understand. On the other hand, these extra features may speed up the search in skilled hands. It's all about finding the model that is right for you.
Avalanche probe
What they do
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Avalanche shovel
What they do
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Key features
Avalanche shovels vary in size and design. Models featuring larger grips, longer shafts and bigger blades provide maximum digging efficiency, while smaller, more compact models are packable and lightweight.
Handle
There are three main handle shapes, all tend to have ergonomic shaping for comfort:
D-shape handle: best grip & leverage
T-shape handle: most compact & lightweight
Hybrid handle: lighter, adaptable for both hands
Shaft
A longer shaft offers greater leverage and digging efficiency but is less packable. Telescopic designs offer good digging performance and pack down small to fit in your backpack.
Blade
A strong blade is essential, with a sharp edge to cut compacted avalanche debris. The shape and volume of the blade are also important, with high sidewalls and a large volume offering more effective shovelling. However, this must be balanced with a size that is easy for you to use and fits in your pack.
Some shovels have a clearing function, so you can flip the shovel blade by 90 degrees for fast snow clearing.
Avalanche airbag backpacks
What they do
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Avalanche safety training
Owning the right gear is only half of the equation. Without practising using your own gear, even the best equipment won't save lives. Take an avalanche safety course to learn:
Companion rescue drills
Transceiver search techniques
Avalanche forecast interpretation
Snowpack assessment & terrain management
Visit Henry's Avalanche Talk and Glenmore Lodge for their avalanche safety courses
Shop avalanche safety equipment
Final thoughts
Avalanche safety depends on preparation, practice, and having the right equipment. A transceiver, probe, and shovel are non-negotiable for backcountry travel, but they're useless without effective training. Invest in gear that suits your experience level and keep your skills sharp with regular practice. For expert advice on choosing avalanche equipment, visit us in-store and speak to our team.
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