What do you need for your trip?
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- Avalanche probe
After the transceiver search, the probe pinpoints a buried person. Everyone carries their own in their backpack.
- Avalanche shovel
A sturdy metal shovel is what gets a buried person out quickly. It goes in your backpack with the transceiver and probe.
- Avalanche transceiver
Everyone in the group wears one, switched to send, under the jacket. Check the batteries and do a group check before every tour; practise the search.
- Blister plasters
Special plasters that cushion blisters and help them heal.
- Climbing skins
Skins stick to the base and stop you sliding back on the ascent. They must be cut to your skis; keep the glue clean and dry.
- Pilgrim passport (credencial)
On the Way of St James you collect stamps in it. Pilgrim hostels often ask for it, and you need it for the Compostela certificate. Get it before you go or at the start.
- Ski Goggles
Protect your eyes from sun, wind and glare on snow. A lens for flat light helps in fog.
- Sleeping bag liner
Many mountain huts require one for hygiene. Light and small to pack.
- Thin gloves
Cross-country skiing or skinning uphill, thick ski gloves get too warm. Thin windproof gloves are enough; keep warm ones for breaks and the descent.
- Touring skis and boots
Touring bindings free the heel for the ascent and lock it for the descent; the boots need a walk mode. Many ski resorts rent them.
- Trekking poles
Take strain off your knees on descents and give you balance on rough trails.
- Walking boots
Sturdy boots with ankle support and a good tread for mountain trails. Break them in before the trip.
- Walking socks
Padded, quick-drying socks prevent blisters on long walks. Avoid cotton.