This
is the first of what I hope to be many future discussions on getting around
in the backcountry. Obviously from the TGR perspective, we look at techniques
that allow us to enter some pretty radical terrain with the least amount
of risk. To that end we will present issues ranging from basic backcountry
protocols to advanced techniques. Hopefully by sharing our knowledge and
experience we can help others rip in the backcountry without stumbling
into an avoidable emergency. Keep in mind; nothing you can read here or
in books replaces the training you get in an avalanche, mountaineering,
or first aid course. If you are green, get some skills. If you are into
the scene, keep learning and share your experience with others.
As Lead Guide for Teton Gravity Research,
I'm often asked what I'm packing around in the backcountry. It requires
some careful planning. My major considerations are snow pack evaluation,
first aid, rescue, and survival. I could throw in every conceivable
piece of gear to handle all scenarios, but that just isn't practical. Part
of the job involves being mobile in some pretty difficult situations. With
the TGR crew it's hard enough for me to ski some of the athletes 'warm
up' runs. No way I can lug a 60-pound backpack around and do my job. So
I have filtered things down to what I believe will handle the most likely
scenarios. Remember, besides a second guide, I also have a helicopter at
my disposal filled with more safety, rescue, and survival gear.
This interactive file shows
my most basic set-up. In my pack I have all the tools to evaluate the snow,
including a shovel, saw, probes, and snow study kit. I also carry a length
of parachute cord for dropping cornices, where appropriate, to dynamically
test the snow pack (don't try this without experience). Next I have my
first aid kit customized to handle many emergency situations from a simple
cut, to a broken bone, to severe bleeding, to CPR. My rescue gear is suited
to the high angle and glacial terrain we typically cover. I have enough
gear to do a simple crevasse extraction, although I have only used this
gear to drop the boys over cliff into their lines. Next I carry some extras
like survey flagging to mark pick-ups in flat light, extra baskets, and
a multi-tool. Finally I carry some basic survival gear including a bivy
sack, lighter, gu, energy bars, and headlamp. It is important to note how
many of these items can serve a multiple purpose. My ice axe, for instance,
can be used as a climbing aid, an arrest device, a snow anchor, or splint.
Besides the pack, I carry the Back
Country Access digital transceiver and a Black
Diamond fully adjustable harness. On the harness I have two mechanical
devices for making a z-pulley for crevasse rescue. I also have a 20-meter
cordelette, locking carabineers, and some webbing slings. There are few
things not in the illustration such as my Black Diamond Avalung and a radio,
which I am always carrying. All told, I am usually carrying 40 to 45 pounds
of gear on my body. The trick is to distribute it around as evenly as possible.
Even with the best organization though, I have had to rethink my old free
skiing strategies and mellow out a bit. It's tough to ski hard into the
outrun of some lines with all that weight dragging you down.
This
is the first of what I hope to be many future discussions on getting around
in the backcountry. Obviously from the TGR perspective, we look at techniques
that allow us to enter some pretty radical terrain with the least amount
of risk. To that end we will present issues ranging from basic backcountry
protocols to advanced techniques. Hopefully by sharing our knowledge and
experience we can help others rip in the backcountry without stumbling
into an avoidable emergency. Keep in mind; nothing you can read here or
in books replaces the training you get in an avalanche, mountaineering,
or first aid course. If you are green, get some skills. If you are into
the scene, keep learning and share your experience with others.
