If your heading out into the backcountry, there are a few essential items that should be in your pack every time. Beacon, Shovel, Probe--just like American Express--don't leave home without them. Also, a partner is pretty much mandatory. Even for a ski that you've done a hundred times before, it's much harder to get yourself out of a sticky situation by yourself. Here is a basic list of items that will make your excursion into the backcountry a little easier. Don't forget, you'll need a compact pack (1200-2500 cubic inches) to carry all this stuff in.

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