Originally Posted: February 2022
Updated: December 2023
During the course of a backcountry ski tour, there are several ski accessories that I often find myself needing. Some items are used when skinning uphill, some when gliding downhill, and some when carrying skis. This led me to create a small accessory kit that I keep it in the top pocket of my backpack, where it is readily accessible even when I have skis strapped on. The following annotated list describes my accessory kit contents.
I should point out an important difference between my accessory kit described here and my repair kit described on a separate page. My repair kit is used only when things go wrong; as such, it gets pulled out very infrequently. In contrast, my ski accessory kit is used when things are generally going right, which means that it gets pulled out on almost every tour.
Affiliate Disclosure: The following descriptions may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something I’ve linked to, I might get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Be assured, though, that I mention only items that I currently use or would recommend to a friend.
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Ski Accessory Kit Contents
Ski Scraper for cleaning ice and sticky snow off ski bases. I use a simple but sturdy plastic scraper (similar to this) with a short cord attached so that I can find it if I drop it in deep powder snow.
Base Cloth for drying off ski bases before applying climbing skins or glider. I use a small Cascade Designs Pack Towel, but any absorbent cloth will work.
Base Glider for improving the glide of skis in sticky snow conditions. I’ve had good success with Swix F4 Universal Glide Wax, a fluoro-free liquid.
Skin Wax for improving the glide of climbing skins in sticky snow conditions. Black Diamond Glop Stopper is a good option.
Ski Hooks for holding skis in a higher position when carrying them in an A-frame configuration on a backpack. I use 3M Command Jumbo Utility Hooks that slide into corresponding brackets on each ski, as described on this separate page and pictured below.
Ski Strap for holding ski tips together when carrying them in an A-frame configuration on a backpack, as pictured below. I use a Black Diamond Ski Strap, but Voile Aluminum Buckle Straps are the originals.
Skin Cord for carrying skins around my waist when yo-yo skiing without a backpack. I use a short length of shock cord with end loops that catch the tail hooks of my skins.
Storage Pouch for holding all accessory items. I use a zippered nylon pouch (similar to this and this) that fits easily into the top pocket of my backpack. Shop around to find one with the right size and shape for your particular needs.
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