BACKCOUNTRY SKI ESSENTIALS
Hi! I'm Viktoria. I live and work in the mountains of Banff National Park! I began ski and splitboard touring as a way to experience my favourite mountains in winter! You won't find me on strava, but you will find me cruising up slow and enjoying the ride down!
SMARTWOOL INTRAKNIT STRAPPY BRA
Part way between a bralette and a tank, I love it! Outer fabric is made from a supportive and quick drying nylon blend and the lining is a merino wool blend that is super soft, wicking and stretchy
MEC t2 MERINO BASELAYER BOTTOMS
Because I don't wear either an insulating midlayer bottom or ski pants, the heavier weight (180gsm) of these are perfect for all temps! I do find them to be a little short (29" inseam) in the leg for my 5'8" frame, but they get the job done!
MEC t2 HOODED MERINO BASELAYER TOP
Love the full coverage fitted hood for extra warmth on windy approaches. For warmer climbs, the heavier weight (180gsm) allows for me to wear this piece as a breathable stand alone.
VIM & VIGR MERINO COMPRESSION SKI SOCKS
I don't get cold feet often, and prefer a thinner sock whenever possible for both my ski and snowboard boots. With a merino content of 40%, I find these socks to be very warm and have good moisture wicking properties. Because they have a slight compression to them (15-20 mmHg) I find these socks to offer a tight, wrinkle-free secure fit, that increases blood flow and keep my feet toasty!
LIMITED ARTISTS EDITION BUFF
Everyone needs a good Buff and I teamed up with fellow artist Balance Explore and Buff to create one! Made of 100% recycled REPREVE® Performance Microfiber this 4-Way ultra stretch multi purpose buff is seamless and features UPF 50 sun protection.
SUNGOD ZEPHYRS Polarized SUNGLASSES
These beauties are a favourite of mine. Made from 100% recycled materials, scratch resistant lenses and cool to boot. Sungod is awesome because you can fully customize your frames, lenses and details!
MEC NORTHERN LITE HOODIE
I spend most of my day ski touring wearing only this jacket, my ski pants and my base layer and there's a reason why: this jacket slams. It uses 60g EcoSoft recycled synthetic insulation which makes it warm and stuffable (it weighs 400grams and stuffs into its own zippered pocket like a hot pocket). I'm a big fan of its wind stopping abilities, especially around the neck and cuff thanks to elastic edge binding.
MEC RADIATOR LITE DOWN JACKET
A lightweight and warm hooded down jacket doesn't need any fancy features to do its job which is why I chose the MEC Radiator Lite Down. It's got a fill of 850, fits over my other jackets when I'm in a hurry, doesn't weigh a whole lot and stuffs into its own zippered pocket.
MEC COULOIR GORE-TEX PRO SHELL
This jacket has it all and I agree with MEC that it is the pinnacle of their performance outerwear. I love the roomier fit and the articulated cut means I can move with style! It's got all the features I need in a high end touring jacket: Gore-tex, tapes seams, armpit vents, high neck cuff, big pockets, and wide cuffs with velcro closures. It's lightweight enough to carry me through to spring skiing too!
MEC COULOIR INSULATED GORE-TEX JACKET
MEC COULOIR GORE-TEX PRO BIB PANTS
MEC T1 GORE-TEX GLOVES
MEC 32L TOURING PACK
EVERTHERM DOWN MITTENS
SNAPBACK HAT
VANGUARD GOGGLES BY SUNGOD
METHOD HELMET BY SMITH
BARRYVOX TRANSCEIVER BY MAMMUT
GARMIN VENU GPS WATCH
GARMIN INREACH MINI2
If you're on a budget when it comes to building out your backcountry ski kit, I recommend that you skip spending money on expensive outerwear and invest in one of Garmin's InReach products. This piece of technology could be what saves a life.
ALUGATOR RIDE SHOVEL/HOE BY MAMMUT
320CM SPEEDLOCK PROBE BY MAMMUT
BONESAW SNOWSAW BY G3
LEXAN SNOW CRYSTAL CARD BY BCA
DREAMWEAVER SPLITBOARD BY JONES
ARC ST BINDINGS BY SPARK R&D
POMOCA CLIMB 2.0 145MM SKINS
COMPACTOR Z POLES BY BLACK DIAMOND
IBEX ST CRAMPONS
CADENCE BOA SOFT BOOT BY RIDE
LICENSE FREE RADIO BY ROCKY TALKIE
10X25 WATERPROOF BINOCULARS
SNOW PROFILE KIT
REPAIR ITEMS:
BINDING REPAIR KIT BY SPARK R&D
MISC ITEMS:
Suncreen Chapstick and Stick from Salt + Stone
Bear spray
spare batteries
Fully stocked first aid kit with lots of bandaid brand blister bandages
A pair of spare contacts, ibuprofen, benadryl, tensor, tick key
Spare pair of socks
Airpods
HERE ARE SOME (NOT ALL) OF THE ITEMS I USE FOR MOUNTAIN RUNNING
This list is not sponsored, the items are simply what I am currently using for trail running.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT GEAR?
SEND ME A MESSAGE BELOW!
