Equipment List

To help others who consider a similar XC ski adventure, here's a list of equipment I've taken along (see corresponding pics). With food and water my max pack weight is 25 pounds. It's light enough that I really don't notice it. Note that my trip has been inn to inn, so no camping equipment was required).

Of all the equipment the only things I haven't used are my rain jacket, rain cover, matches, and compass. I'm glad to have them anyway. In particular, I've been in Stowe skiing in the rain before.

Skiing alone, the only thing I should have in my sack, but don't, is an emergency satellite locator.

I've been happy with all of my equipment choices. No failures yet with 1 week to go. I spent the most time on boot selection - fit, warmth, durability and I'm really pleased with the Alpina Alaska.

1)

 Rossignol BC 90 skis

Rotefella magnum NNC bindings

Alpina Alaska boots (weather has been unusually cold this year, but my feet have never been cold)

OR rocky Mtn Gators (my shins have been cold a few times when breaking trail, but not worth having insulated gators)

Swix ALU Touring poles

North Face Prophet 52 backpack (really comfortable)

2) 

North Face lightweight rain jacket

Columbia ski jacket (omni wind/heat)

Arc'Teryx down jacket

3)

OR shell mittens with fleece glove inserts

Serius ski gloves

Very lightweight gloves from Costco (I use these the most when skiing, either alone or with the OR shells)

Patagonia fleece/wool hat

Skull cap

North Face balaclava

4)

32 oz Thermos (to keep water from freezing - works well)

Climbing skins (magic carpets, a must for long steep climbs)

Maxi glide

EasyAcc auxiliary phone charger (iPhone freaks in cold weather, this charger has saved me several times when I needed to make a call or use gps in the cold)

Pocket knife

Ibuprofen

Band aids

CT guide book

Insulated lunch bag (never had a frozen lunch)

Black Diamond headlamp

Matches

Duct Tape

Handkerchief

5)
Waterproof sacks

6)

North Face XC primary layer x 2

LL Bean fleece (for after skiing)

Swix XC secondary layer (only used on the coldest days and for long downhills)

7)

Columbia rain pants

Sporthill XC pants

EMS hiking pants (for after skiing)

Alpine Lowe nylon tights

8) Merrell hiking boots (I did have vasque snow hiking boots for the first part of the trip, but traded them for a lighter pair - i'm only using them to walk to dinner)

Not shown)

iPhone & charger (with CT Map app)

Wallet

Toothbrush & paste

Sock liners x2 (wicking & blister prevention)

Smart wool socks x2

Ex officio nylon briefs x2

Backpack rain cover

Ski scraper

Sunglasses

Compass (in case iPhone fails)

Tiny notebook and pencil (for journal)