Backcountry Awareness

A replay of our LIVE interactive conversation with our panel of experienced professionals who between the four of them have a century of collective mountain experience to discuss safely navigating the backcountry.

Let's be real, backcountry and out of bounds, un-controlled snow sport popularity is on the exponential rise with more people going to get out after it in the hopes of scoring those coveted fresh conditions.

That's why we've got our Backcountry Awareness panelists, Bryan Iguchi, Pat Moore and Jeff Pensiero toshare the equipment they carry when venturing into the backcountry. With safety being the top concern when heading out-of-bounds into uncontrolled country, it's essential that you have the proper gear and the knowledge of what to do when faced with a potentially life and death situation.

Bryan Iguchi

The G.O.A.T and a true Volcom Legend, Bryan originated in Southern California surfing waves, grinding curbs, and innovating Snowboarding in the surrounding mountains. Since then he has followed the snowboarding path to Jackson Hole, WY where he has resided for the last two decades. With both quick and easy access to a plethora of outdoor and mountain terrain, it's safe to say that Bryan has become "one with it" by living his life frequently exploring the local ranges from top to bottom in all seasons.

Bryan's Backcountry Essentials:
  • Arcteryx Kamski 38 L Pack
  • Pieps Pro BT Beacon
  • Black Diamond QuickDraw Tour 320 Probe
  • Black Diamond Evac 7 Shovel
  • BCA BC Link 2.0 Group Communication System
  • Garmin inReach Explorer+
  • Black Diamond "Snows Saw Pro"
  • Ruschblock cord
  • First aid kit and repair kit
  • Extra puffy
  • Headlamp
  • Lighter
  • Ski straps
  • Webbing
  • Snacks
  • Toilet Paper
  • Monocular
  • Water
  • Cell phone with Garmin inReach map app, Topo map app and "Wilderness first responder" e-book downloaded on phone

Pat Moore

Veteran Snowboarding Pro and Volcom Team Rider, Pat Moore grew up on the east coast chasing his snowboarding passion at a very young age. His decorated-close to-2 decade long career has taken him all over the globe filming high profile video parts and competing in world class events. Driven by safety and awareness through his own experiences, Pat hosts an extensive annual Avalanche/First Aid course for his fellow professional Snowboarding peers at the beginning of each season.

Pat's Backcountry Essentials:
  • BCA Stash 30 Backpack
  • BCA Tracker4™ Avalanche Transceiver
  • BCA Stealth 330 Avalanche Probe
  • BCA D-2 EXT with Folding Saw
  • BCA BC Link 2.0 Group Communication System
  • Garmin inReach Explorer+
  • First aid kit
  • Splint
  • 4 ski straps
  • 2 carabiners
  • Webbing
  • Emergency snacks
  • Water

Jeff Pensiero

Twenty years ago, Jeff created and co-founded what Snow enthusiasts call "heaven on earth", a place that exists just north of the U.S./Canada border in the mountains above Nelson B.C. called Baldface Lodge. Jeff's vision has always been to bring the coveted fruits of the backcountry accessible to the everyday snow enthusiast in a safe and comfortable way that accommodates a wide range of skill levels.

Jeff's Backcountry Essentials:
  • Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32 (M​/L) Pack
  • Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon
  • Black Diamond QuickDraw Tour 320 Probe
  • Black Diamond Evac 7 Shovel
  • G3 Bonesaw
  • The James Brand The Chapter Knife
  • Fenix headlamp
  • Cashmere v neck sweater
  • Dry socks
  • Small battery and cable to recharge my phone
  • Bic lighter
  • First aid kit
  • Notebook with some tools in it for snow and weather observations

More Backcountry