Snowshoeing (Ski Touring) Gear List

Note: The club has some equipment in the library

The Essentials

• Navigation (map & compass)
• Sun/wind protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
• Insulation (extra clothing)
• Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
• First-aid kit
• Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
• Multitool with knife and at least 3m of cordage
• Nutrition (snacks and lunch)
• Hydration (1.5 L water)
• Emergency shelter (tent, garbage bag, bivvy, tarp, etc)

Clothing (No Cotton!)

• Clothes:
  • Synthetic or Wool mid-weight long-sleeve
  • Synthetic pants (you may opt for insulated pants)
  • Synthetic socks or wool socks for hiking
• Water/Windproof Shell: Pants and Jacket
• Warmth:
  • Toque
  • Synthetic mitts and gloves (a pair of each)
  • Puffy or Synthetic winter jacket
• Footwear:
  • • Sturdy water-resistant boots suitable for cold weather
    • Gaiters
• Rain pants/snow pants
• Rain Jacket (shell with a hood)
• Insulated jacket/puffy

Optional Clothing:

• Long Underwear, synthetic or wool
• Extra gloves
• Balaclava/Facemask
• Ski Goggles

Ski Specific items

• Touring skis (Alpine touring, Telemark or Split board)
• Boots that match your bindings
• Ski Poles (stronger than trekking poles)
• Skins
• Skinwax
• Avalanche equipment (probe, beacon and shovel)
• Helmet
• Ice axe
• Crampons

Extras Items:

• Straps/cordage for attaching snowshoes/skis to your backpack
• Hiking Poles with snow baskets
• Ski goggles
• Camera
• Sitting Pad
• GPS
• Personal Locator Beacon/ satellite phone
• Change of Clothes (waiting at the trailhead)
• dry shoes (waiting at the trailhead)

Snowhoe Recommendations

There are many styles of snowshoes available. For Island Mountain Ramblers trips, we recommend models designed for steep and complex mountain terrain, with strong traction and precise foot placement rather than flotation alone. Snowshoes intended for flat terrain may be adequate for simple trips but can pose safety risks on steep or technical routes.

Ideal snowshoes have:

• Aggressive traction: Steel crampons under the ball of the foot and sharp heel and toe cleats are essential for climbing and descending firm or icy snow.
• Parallel Bars (side hill bars): traction rails mounted along the length of the snowshoe’s decking
• Heel lifters: Built-in climbing bars reduce calf fatigue and improve efficiency on sustained steep ascents.
• Rigid or semi-rigid frame: A stiffer snowshoe provides better edging and stability on sidehills and hard-packed slopes.
• Compact size: Shorter snowshoes (22″-24″ max) are easier to maneuver in steep, technical terrain and reduce the chance of catching a tail while climbing. 
• Secure bindings: Bindings should hold the foot firmly with minimal play, remain reliable in cold conditions, and allow precise control on uneven slopes.
• The club loaner gear matches this criteria.