Dynafit TLT ST Tech Bindings Dynafit Khion Carbon Touring Boots Marker F10/12 Bindings

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1 NEW ZEALAND BACKCOUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING COURSE EQUIPMENT NOTES Due to the nature of the mountain environment, equipment and clothing must be suitable for its intended purpose. It must be light, remain effective when wet or iced, and dry easily. These notes will help you make informed choices, which will save you time and money. Bring the mandatory clothing and wet weather gear, and any equipment you already own that is on the equipment checklist. This gives you an opportunity to practice with your gear and equipment, so that you become efficient at using it out in the field. Adventure Consultants is able to offer clients good prices on a range of clothing and equipment. Please feel free to contact us, if you need assistance with making a purchase or advice on specific products. Ski Touring Options Option One: Touring Skis / Touring Boots /Touring Bindings/ Climbing Skins Touring Skis The best touring ski is one that is lightweight, wide and short to allow for good performance in the difficult conditions found off piste. Some general purpose skis such as the Volkl Mantra, Rossignol Sin 7 or Salomon Q105 are suitable, or specific touring skis are also available including the Dynafit Denali or Black Diamond Carbon Convert. We recommend that you visit a reputable ski shop to assist you with purchasing the right ski for you. Touring Bindings Touring bindings are much lighter than the standard ski binding and feature free heel mode for uphill touring, and lock down mode for downhill skiing. The new ultra-light tech bindings utilize a pin system, which will require compatible touring boots with pin notches in the toe piece. Top of the range tech bindings include G3 Ion, Marker Kingpins, and Dynafit TLT models suitable for those who will be mostly touring. Touring step-in bindings are an excellent choice for those needing a hardwearing binding for on piste and touring. Top of the range step-in bindings include the Salomon Guardian 13 and Marker Tour. Bindings must be fitted with brakes. Dynafit TLT ST Tech Bindings Dynafit Khion Carbon Touring Boots Marker F10/12 Bindings Touring Boots When selecting a touring boot, please ensure that the hinge is flexible enough to allow for comfortable walking. We recommend Scarpa, La Sportiva, Atomic or Dynafit ski touring boots. It is important to have your boot fitted by a qualified technician and if you have problems with your feet, consider purchasing foot beds.

2 Climbing Skins Climbing skins are available in different widths and should be wide enough to cover the entire ski base, except the metal edges. This maximizes climbing ability, especially when traversing hard snow. Keep self-adhesive skins out of the dirt and grass, and assure they are dry before storing them in a sturdy plastic bag which prevents the glue from drying. Fold the ends of each skin to its centre, sticky sides together. We find that nylon skins are the most durable for our NZ conditions, so we recommend these over alternatives such as mohair. Option Two - Telemark Skis and Bindings/Telemark Boots/Climbing Skins. Only use this option if you are already a competent telemark skier! Ensure that your telemark skis are equipped with a runaway leash, and if you are using a cable binding, bring a spare cable with you. Telemark Bindings Runaway Leashes Black Diamond Telemark Boots Telemark Boots Modern plastic telemark boots featured in the picture above are essential for our backcountry terrain. Leather telemark boots are not suitable. Because telemark boots have a toe welt at the front of the boot, it is important that you find crampons that will fit contact us for advice. Climbing Skins See Option One above. Snowboard Touring Options Option One - Split Board / Climbing Skins - RECOMMENDED Specifically designed with backcountry touring in mind, the splitboard splits in half lengthways to allow climbing skins to be attached for travel in touring mode. This eliminates the need for snowshoes which means much faster travel and more runs! Regular snowboard boots are suitable for use with a splitboard, but make sure that your crampons are compatible with the boots contact us for advice. Collapsible ski poles or walking poles with ski baskets are essential if using this option. We recommend Voile Backcountry Split Boards and Climbing Skins.

3 Option Two - Standard Board /Snowshoes Bringing your own board is usually the most economical option for snowboarders, although you will find travel slower with snowshoes compared to those with skis and split board. SNOWSHOES Snowshoes can be hired or purchased from Adventure Consultants. The latest models are lightweight with ice-claws for firm snow conditions. We recommend MSR Revo Explore Snowshoes TREKKING POLES A collapsible model with snow baskets for use with your snowshoes. We recommend Black Diamond and Leki Poles At Adventure Consultants we are happy to offer you a range of ski and snowboard touring equipment. Package deals can include climbing skins, avalanche transceivers, shovels, probes and snowshoes. Contact us for advice on what products would best suit you! If you require rental equipment or are looking to purchasing a touring setup, then our local Wanaka and Queenstown ski shops can assist you in finding the right gear. We recommend booking rental equipment early to assure you secure the best options available. MT Outdoors Small Planet Outside Sports Dunmore Street Shotover Street Dunmore Street Wanaka Queenstown Wanaka TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT HARNESS The sit harness type is used for most mountaineering situations. These should be lightweight and adjustable around the waist and legs. A specially designed harness is easier to get in and out of, and can be put on while wearing boots and crampons. Many rock climbing harnesses have fixed leg loops and hence cannot be adjusted for different clothing layers. Wear your mountaineering layers when trying on a harness to ensure it fits over the clothing layers. You can use a regular alpine harness, which is suitable for all types of mountaineering, or a lightweight ski touring harness such as the Black Diamond Couloir. We recommend Petzl Adjama, Black Diamond Aspect or Couloir Harnesses Petzl Adjama Harness Petzl Verso Belay Device BD Screwgate Locking Carabiner BD Snap-Gate Carabiner

4 CARABINERS Bring 2 screw gate pear shaped carabiners and 3 non-locking carabiners. We recommend Petzl and Black Diamond Carabiners BELAY DEVICES You ll need one belay device. We use tubular style units which have two holes for the rope to pass through. They are lightweight, easy to use and are compatible with single or double ropes. We recommend Black Diamond ATC-XP or Petzl Verso Devices PRUSIK CORD Generally 6mm kermantel cord is used for prusiks. We require 3 prusik cords; one in a 3.2m length and two in 1.6m lengths. A double or triple fisherman's knot is generally used to join the ends and create the loop. Your guide can help tie these during the course. *Adventure Consultants has prusik cord available for purchase SLING One 3 metre untied sling is required. Adventure Consultants has unsewn sling available for purchase ICE AXE We recommend a lightweight mountaineering ice axe rather than a heavy tool. The axe should be of walking length, roughly cm depending on your height. The axe should have a basic wrist leash. We recommend Black Diamond Raven Pro Axe CRAMPONS Clip on style with a toe harness is best and choose a lightweight aluminium model. Do check that the set-up is secure on your ski or snowboard boots, and that the strap is long enough. Snowboarders should contact us for advice on which crampons will fit the best. We recommend Grivel Air Tech Light New-Matic Crampons BACKPACK There are many models available which are suitable. Your pack should have at least a 50 litre capacity but no more than 65 litres, and have an expandable lid as well as compression straps. Make sure the pack has attachment points for your skis, ice axe, and crampons plus a top pocket. A sleeve for your shovel is also useful. We recommend The North Face Prophet 52 or Lowe Alpine Metanoia Backpacks Black Diamond Venom Axe Grivel G12 New-Matic Crampons TNF Prophet 52 Backpack Singing Rock Sling

5 AVALANCHE RESCUE EQUIPMENT Winter conditions require the following avalanche safety items, which we will supply free of charge. If you own avalanche safety equipment then bring it along so you can practice and become efficient with your particular model. AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER Transceivers are used to locate a buried victim in the least amount of time possible. If purchasing a transceiver, look for a digital 3 antenna model that is easy to use. All avalanche transceivers transmit on the same 457kHz frequency and are compatible with all other analogue or digital models. PROBE Avalanche probes are made up of multiple aluminium sections, tensioned by a cable. These sections extend to form a 2-3m pole for probing avalanche debris deep into the snow. SHOVEL Shovels should be a lightweight avalanche-specific model. Plastic shovels are not recommended. A telescopic handle and a large metal blade will allow you to move more snow at a faster rate. We recommend the Ortovox Zoom+ Transceiver and Black Diamond Shovels and Probes Ortovox Zoom+ Transceiver Black Diamond Snow Shovel Black Diamond Probe A Climbers Guide CLOTHING There are numerous fabrics, which are both water resistant and breathable such as Gore-Tex, Event, Polartec Neoshell, Pertex Shield and Entrant etc. These fabrics are expensive but can last for years if well looked after. Shell clothing should be seam sealed during the manufacturing process (tape sealed on the seams) or it will leak through the stitching. It also should be easy to move in and easy to put on and take off, when wearing gloves or mitts. Shell clothing made of PVC or similar totally waterproof non-breathable material is not suitable as moisture cannot escape when you are exerting energy, resulting in getting wet from the inside out! Therefore fabric breathability is very important when you are active in the mountains. JACKET / WATERPROOF SHELL This can be made from Gore-Tex or similar waterproof breathable material. Look for a model with a full front zipper and a large attached hood with draw cord for adjustability, so it will fit snuggly over a helmet. Preferably, the jacket should be long enough to allow a generous overlap with your overpants. Obviously a technical mountaineering jacket is ideal, but many general purpose jackets are sufficient. We recommend The North Face Front Point, Marmot Spire or Rab Neoshell Alpine Jackets

6 OVERPANTS Gore-Tex or similar waterproof breathable material. These must have full length zips down the legs so they can be put on and taken off when wearing boots and crampons. The bib/salopette types are warmer as they extend above the lower back / kidney area giving a good overlap with your jacket. Make sure they have sufficient movement to enable you to lift your legs high and enough room to wear light fleece pants underneath. We recommend The North Face Point Five, Marmot Precip or Rab Latok Alpine Pants Marmot Spire Jacket TNF Point Five Overpant Rab Photon X Hoodie TNF Alpinisto Softshell Pants DOWN / PRIMALOFT JACKET During the colder winter months a good quality down or Primaloft jacket can be a lifesaver! A midweight down or Primaloft jacket with a hood is recommended. Although some jackets have a waterproof breathable outer fabric, these fabrics are not totally waterproof unless they are seam sealed. We recommend The North Face Nuptse, Marmot Ama Dablam or RAB Positron Down Jackets, or the Mountain Equipment Fitzroy and RAB Photon X Primaloft Jackets SOFTSHELL JACKET Insulated softshell jacket with a full front zip for ventilation. Zip up pockets help avoid losing stored items. A hood is also a bonus. We recommend the RAB Exodus Jacket, or Marmot Driclime Ether Jacket or Hoodie LIGHTWEIGHT FLEECE TOP A micro weight (100 weight) fleece top is a good addition layer to keep your thermoregulation perfect. Wear it as your top layer when warm and then put your midweight jacket over it, when it gets colder. It can be a light fleece pullover or have a full zip. A zip chest pocket is useful for keeping sun cream and snack bars accessible. We recommend The North Face TKA 100 Glacier ¼ Zip, Marmot Reactor Jacket or RAB Power Stretch Hoodie SOFTSHELL / FLEECE PANTS Preferably not too heavy a fabric as they can cause overheating and these can be loose or tight fitting. 100 weight fleece pants or alternatively, the more versatile insulated softshell pants are recommended. Softshell pants have water and wind resistant qualities that can be used independently of your Gore-Tex pants in fine weather. However, these are not a replace Gore-Tex overpants. We recommend Marmot Scree, Mountain Equipment Epic Touring or RAB Exodus Pants LONG SLEEVE TOP Long sleeve thermal tops made of polypropylene, merino, silkweight Driclime or polyester are excellent. A high neck with a zip gives good temperature control. Bring at least two tops (one for climbing in and one for wearing in the evenings or to double up if you are really cold). We recommend The North Face Warm Neck Zip or RAB Meco 120 L/S Tops

7 LONG-JOHNS Thermal long-johns made of the same materials as thermal tops. Long-johns should be lightweight and provide a change, if your fleece pants are wet or too warm. They also provide lots of additional warmth, if worn under your fleece pants. We recommend The North Face Warm Tight or RAB Meco Pant Rab Vapour Rise Alpine Jacket TNF TKA Glacier 100 ¼ Zip Top TNF Warm Neck Zip Top TNF Warm Tights UNDERWEAR Bring sufficient changes of underwear. Polypropylene, silk or merino briefs and singlets are warmer and dry faster if you get wet. However, your normal and most comfortable underwear are usually suitable. We recommend the Icebreaker and RAB Meco Ranges SOCKS Have at least two complete sets with you for a trip. Wool or a mix of fibres with good thermal properties are a good choice, and you want a long sock that comes up over your calve. Ski socks have extra padding on the shin and top of the foot to help with boot fit and comfort. Try your socks out with your ski touring boots if possible beforehand. We recommend Smartwool or Icebreaker Ski Socks HEADWEAR SUN HAT A wide brimmed soft hat or baseball cap in conjunction with a bandana or buff to protect you from the sun. We recommend the Adventure Consultants Sun Hat and Buff (available from our office) HAT Made of wool, windstopper or fleece, extending over the ears with a secure fit to prevent flying off in strong wind. We recommend The North Face Bones or RAB Logo Beanies BALACLAVA A polypropylene, fleece or silk balaclava is necessary. We recommend Mountain Equipment Powerstretch or RAB Meco Balaclavas SUNGLASSES Preferably the glacier glasses style with side protection, though there are some excellent wrap around styles available. Light reflecting in from the side can cause lots of damage with the high levels of sunlight in the mountains. The lens should be dark enough to withstand the intense reflection from the snow, and must filter 100% of UV light. We recommend Bolle, Julbo and Smith Sunglasses

8 SNOW GOGGLES Otherwise known as ski goggles these are required for stormy conditions. If you wear prescription glasses, please ensure they fit under your goggles. We recommend Oakley, Bollé and Smith Goggles SCARF, BANDANA OR BUFF A fleece or silk neck gaiter, neck warmer or Buff is also a good idea for added warmth or sun protection. We recommend Adventure Consultants Buff (available from our office) Smith Goggles Rab Alliance Gloves TNF Powerstretch Gloves TNF Logo Beanie HANDWEAR SKI / MOUNTAINEERING GLOVES A warm pair with a wind and waterproof shell is essential. We generally use Gore-Tex (or a similar waterproof fabric) gloves with removable fleece liners for faster drying. A good model will also have abrasion resistant palms, and shaped fingers. We recommend RAB Alliance, Black Diamond Guide or Marmot Randonee Gloves FLEECE / POLY LINER GLOVES Have at least two pairs of liner gloves; one pair of polypropylene and a second of polypropylene, fleece or windstopper. Additional liners can be used as spares for your removable liner gloves or doubled up, if it is really cold. We recommend Mountain Adventure Polypropylene, The North Face or Marmot Powerstretch Gloves CAMPING GEAR AND ACCESSORIES SLEEPING BAG A down filled sleeping bag is preferable as they are extremely warm, light and compact. It is a good ideal to store your sleeping bag in a dry bag or plastic bag inside a stuff sac, in your pack to avoid it getting wet as down loses its insulating qualities when wet. Bring a bag rated as 4 season or 700g+ down fill (approx. -5 to -10 degrees Celsius). We recommend Marmot Sawtooth, Mountain Equipment Glacier 750 and RAB Neutrino 600 Sleeping Bags WATER BOTTLE The wide mouth plastic bottles are good. Camelbak style water bladders are good in theory but can often freeze and are easily punctured. It pays to have sufficient capacity to carry two litres as you dehydrate easily in the dry mountain air. If you like add an insulated flask for hot drinks. We recommend Adventure Consultants Branded Nalgene Bottles (available from our office)

9 TNF Prophet 52 Backpack Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag Petzl MYO RXP Headlamp Nalgene Water Bottles HEADLAMP You will need a good headlamp, and don t forget spare batteries. We recommend Black Diamond Storm or Spot Headlamps SUN BLOCK A small tube of max protection sun block, plus sunscreen lip balm (with SPF 15 or higher) for application during the day. We recommend Snow Skin Sunscreen (available from our office) TOILET BAG Bring a small toilet kit flannel or small towel, tiny soap, toothpaste, toothbrush. FIRST AID KIT A basic personal first aid kit is necessary. Blister tape, 2nd skin (optional), gauze pads, crepe bandage and painkillers. Also any personal medication required (Please remember to inform your guide if you are on any medication). Store the first aid kit in a waterproof container or in a plastic bag inside a stuff sack is often adequate. STUFF SACKS AND PLASTIC BAGS For keeping your gear organised and dry We recommend Sea to Summit Stuff Sacks and Dry Bags OPTIONAL EXTRAS SKI HELMET A ski helmet can be brought for additional safety. If you normally wear a ski helmet, please bring it with you. EARPLUGS Can be a good idea if sharing a hut with a snorer! THERMOS FLASK A small Thermos flask (500ml) vacuum insulated bottle for hot drinks made from stainless steel. DOWN BOOTIES Down booties or other warm and comfortable footwear for wearing around the hut. We recommend RAB Expedition Slippers NOTEBOOK & PENCIL Preferably waterproof paper notebook or wrapped in plastic bags. MAP The relevant map can be bought at our office.

10 COMPASS Any compass which is suitable for orienteering will do. Remember that the magnetic declination is different in the Southern Hemisphere, so compasses designed for the Northern Hemisphere will stick if you try to use them here. We recommend the Silva Ranger 3 Compass TOOL KIT / POCKET KNIFE We recommend the Swiss Army style, Leatherman or equivalent. PERSONAL ENTERTAINMENT Consider taking an ipod and/or a good small book. Please check your Equipment Checklist as there may be other requirements not listed here. And of course give us a call if you have any questions, as we are happy to answer them. Contact us: Adventure Consultants Ltd PO Box 739, 20 Brownston Street Lake Wanaka 9343, New Zealand info@adventure.co.nz Phone: Fax: