BCA Backcountry Basics Step 1: Get the Gear - VIDEO

Backcountry Access has some great backcountry skiing video tutorials and this one gets you thinking of the coming ski season and how prepared you might be,... or not be. While we are still in the thick of summer it might seem odd to think about the ski season for some, but this is a great time to check over your ski touring kit and ensure you have everything ready. Most gear is a lot less expensive in the summer so this is a great time to get a deal on some new gear from last season that brands may be blowing out at discounted prices.
  The best time to start is thinking about your gear is well before you want to get out ski touring, so you have time to get the gear you need or replace what is broken. In this video BCA guide ambassador Lel Tone and BCA/TGR athlete Colter Hinchliffe talk about the essential avalanche safety and backcountry equipment every skier, snowboarder and snowmobiler should bring into the backcountry.

Essential:
avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, avalanche airbag, and knowledgeable partner!  

Also important: two-way radios, navigation kit,  terrain photos, map and/or gps, smartphone, first aid, portable shelter, and evac gear.