38 OUTSIDE MAGAZINE
Dispatches Backcountry Essentials
11.19
ABC DEFGHSafe Passage
NECESSITIES FOR TRAVELING
OUT OF BOUNDS
BY ABIGAIL BARRONIAN
A. Pieps Powder BT Avalanche beacon $340
The Pieps Powder BT has just about every fea-
ture you could ask for in an avalanche beacon,
including a range of 196 feet, Bluetooth con-
nectivity, and a mark and scan function that
can pinpoint multiple burials.
B. Black Diamond Deploy shovel $70
Opt for a light but solid metal shovel that as-
sembles quickly, because speed matters in an
emergency. The Deploy hits all the marks and
features a curved handle that sits flush with
the blade, saving space in your pack.
C. Garmin GPSMap 66i GPS $600
You should always have a map and compass,
but digital backup will keep you moving
efficiently and safely, even in a whiteout. Gar-
min’s new GPSMap 66i features both GPS and
InReach communication capabilities, replac-
ing your satellite messenger and supplement-
ing your paper map. It means carrying two
expensive devices, but it’s worth it.D. Smith Vantage helmet $260
Wearing a helmet in the backcountry is a must,
since a noggin injury six miles from a trailhead
is significantly more serious than one that
happens close to ski patrollers. The Smith Van-
tage features MIPS, which reduces rotational
impact, and Koroyd, a honeycomb-like material
that absorbs more impact than foam.E. BCA BC Link 2.0 radio $180
When you’re traveling through big terrain,
radios are a game-changer, easing communica-
tion during storms and when you’re thousands
of feet below your ski partners. But they can
also be heavy and hard to use with gloves.
BCA’s BC Link 2.0 is light and has a simple mic
that attaches to your shoulder strap, letting
you communicate without digging in your pack.F. Black Diamond Quickdraw Carbon
320 probe $100
Avalanche burials don’t stop at 240 centime-
ters—a common length for entry-level probes—
so get the longest available. The Quickdraw
Carbon 320 is over ten feet long and assembles
fast, with a large wire loop to lock the seg-
ments in place.G. Ortovox Ascent 28 S Avabag pack $720
Airbag packs tend to be heavy, but the
streamlined Ascent weighs about half as
much as most. The main compartment has a
clamshell opening for easy access, and a front
pocket keeps your shovel and probe out of the
way but at the ready.H. Pomoca Climb Pro S-Glide skins
$190 and up
Great skins can make the difference between
a smooth day and a frustratingly slow one.
These Pomocas offer superior glide for fast
travel, with just enough grip to keep you feel-
ing solid on a slick skin track.