10 Essential Pieces of Backcountry Gear

Photo by Christoph Schoech

Well into an epic snow year for Northern California and the Sierra Nevada mountains, no doubt you will need some gear for your backcountry adventures. Having the right equipment is often the leveraging factor between an enjoyable day in the wilderness and really unpleasant circumstances. From the perfect pair of poles and skis and warm apparel for the extremities to a life-saving avalanche airbag and beacon, these 10 winter backcountry essentials will have you prepared and protected off-piste.