Don’t leave for your trip to the slopes without stocking up on all the necessary kit. We give you the low-down on your off-piste suitcase essentials…

Transceiver

Don’t even think about going off piste without one. Keep your beep charged at 90 per cent or more at all times.

Tracker DTS, £225

Probe

Probes start at 2m in length and are lightweight, collapsible and designed to stow easily in a backpack.

Super Tour Avalanche Probe, £39.99

Shovel

Avalanched snow is typically packed solid so snowboards and hands are no substitute for a sturdy shovel. Store in the mesh panel of your pack. Shovels are handy tools for building kickers, too.

Deploy 3 Shovel, £49.99.

Pack

You’ll need something to cart this stuff around in, so get a backcountry pack that’s big and comfy enough to fit it all in, and has straps for you to attach your skis or board to
when you’re hiking.

Salomon E Loly, £50.

Helmet

Previously considered a little kooky, more riders are wearing helmets to minimise the high risk of head injury. they’re not bad looking these days.

Giro Bad Lieutenant, £60.

Goggles

Shades or goggles? sunglasses cut down the classic alpine panda tan, but if you lose your sunnies in the backcountry, you’ll be at the mercy of snow blindness a long way from home.

Scott Women’s Radiant, £49.99.

All-Weather Gear

Granted, hardy mountaineers once climbed everest in tweeds and cloth caps, but there’s just no point any more. today’s Gore-tex fabrics allow your skin to breathe by letting out sweat while repelling the harsh elements of snow, rain and wind.

Try Mountain Hardwear’s Hooded Synchro Jacket, £179.99, and Tenacity XCR Pants, £199.99, plus Level’s Butterfly Glove, £65.

Base Layers

Wicking fabrics let your skin breathe and keep your body warm and dry. store extra layers in your pack for when the wind blows.

Peak Performance Base Zip, £55, and Base Tights, £40.

First Aid Kit

Don’t be helpless when your buddy’s in pain. Take a first aid kit and some basic knowledge whenever you head into the backcountry.

Lifesystems’ Mountain first aid kit, £21.99.

All products available at ellis Brigham in store and online at www.ellis-brigham.com or 0870 444 5555