THE ESSENTIALS

No one should head into the backcountry without these basics of avalanche safety.

OSPREY SOELDEN PRO

The Soelden Pro (along with women-specific Sopris Pro) is Osprey’s first airbag backpack, at 1.28 kg, the lightest electrical system on the market. It combines the company’s proven pack-making skills with the easy-to-use, multi-inflation (i.e. easy to practice with) and airline-friendly Alpride E1 airbag system. Powered by a supercapacitor, it charges in 20 minutes with a USB cable or 40 minutes with two double-A batteries. $1,700; osprey.com

BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS TRACKER4

The fourth generation of the Tracker may be the most intuitive yet. It makes it easy to perform rescues with an easy-to-hold design, simple operation, a large LED and the ability to sort through multiple signals. $420; backcountryaccess.com

MAMMUT PROBE 240

In an avalanche rescue seconds count and so does every detail, like a new assembly system and clear measurement markings on this 240-cm long probe. $75; mammut.com

G3 SPADE

Light, packable and ready to move snow, the Spade’s slightly pointed blade penetrates hard snow and the newly insulated shaft makes shovelling friendlier on hands, especially on cold days. $75; genuineguidegear.com

FOX 40 CLASSIC

Tracking down a partner in the trees or calling for help from deep in a tree well, this is essential gear. It won’t freeze and the sound carries 1.5 km. $5; fox40world.com