Snow Season Essentials
Top Backcountry Touring Tools for Winter
Snow season is upon us, and with it comes exciting new safety features and cutting-edge technology. Here are our top picks for backcountry touring this season:
#1 – OnX Backcountry
The OnX Backcountry app offers a multitude of features for backcountry adventurers, especially when venturing into areas with no cell service, unpredictable weather or avalanche-prone terrain. The app’s latest update includes an improved slope angle classification tool, 15 additional Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) regions and five new expert-curated Guidebook Content ski tour zones.
One often-overlooked safety feature is the Tracker, which allows users to pinpoint their current location and mark their route, making it easy to backtrack safely. With its comprehensive tools, OnX Backcountry ensures adventurers are well-prepared for any situation.
#2 – CalTopo app
The Caltopo app combines NOAA weather updates, snow reports, slope angles, water resource locators and public lands information, all while providing real-time satellite imagery. Users can conduct detailed terrain research and customize their backcountry plans directly within the app or website.
By layering maps, slope shading, aerial imagery and weather data, Caltopo helps users create a detailed view of their intended terrain, highlighting critical details for safer, more informed exploration. It’s an invaluable tool for planning efficient and secure backcountry adventures.
#3 – ORTOVOX Voice Beacon
This groundbreaking voice beacon provides spoken instructions to guide rescuers during an avalanche search. Designed to keep searchers calm and focused, the ORTOVOX Voice Beacon delivers clear directions for every phase of the search, including movement guidance and digging radius instructions when used with another ORTOVOX Voice Beacon. If one ORTOVOX Voice Beacon is in use, navigational directions only will be provided.
Equipped with Smart Antenna Technology, the device uses three antennas to connect to the best signal of another beacon of any brand automatically, ensuring rapid location of the lost individual. Paired with an app for automatic software updates, the ORTOVOX Voice Beacon remains up-to-date with the latest technology, making it an essential tool for backcountry safety.
#4 – Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L
The Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L represents the latest in backcountry touring technology. Its lightweight, battery-powered electric fan airbag is easy to recharge and provides added safety in avalanche-prone areas.
Bluetooth connectivity allows users to perform diagnostic tests, update software and customize settings. The modular “booster” system allows for capacity adjustments, while additional features include a helmet-carry option, diagonal ski system, dedicated avalanche tool pocket and ice axe attachment. This pack is versatile, reliable and ideal for backcountry explorers.
A European favorite is now making waves in the U.S.: helmets with integrated lens shields. The Orbit Spherical Helmet is perfect for glasses wearers, offering built-in eye protection that provides excellent ventilation and comfort.
Featuring MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) Spherical technology, the helmet delivers superior safety. Its shield, designed with a foam liner similar to traditional goggles, sits comfortably on the face, while the structure, fit system and thermostat are consistent with Giro’s renowned helmet quality.
Exploring untouched terrain and finding fresh powder fuels our passion for backcountry activities. Thanks to advancements in technology from satellite mapping and terrain analysis to voice-command beacons, portable airbags and innovative helmet designs, backcountry touring is safer and more accessible than ever.
At TREAD, we are excited to embrace the season’s opportunities, discover untouched landscapes and enjoy winter to its fullest. See you out there!