8 Ugly Backcountry Skiing Gear Items that Rock — Can You Make it 10?

by Lou Dawson
written by Lou Dawson

(From the archives, this post deserves more reader contributions! Can’t believe I missed duct tape, added at the end.)

Fire Starter

Fire starter made from petroleum jelly and dryer lint.

Fire starter made from petroleum jelly and dryer lint.

Why it’s ugly: Petroleum jelly is ugly. It is the definition of ugly. Mixed with dryer lint, it is beyond ugly.
Why it rocks: Add a few shavings from your fire starter stick, strike a spark, and you’ll ignite anything but floating driftwood.

Paper Towels

Paper towels in the bushes.

They work, but pack out what you pack in.

Why they’re ugly: Because you will imagine what they look like after use.
Why they rock: A classic multiple purpose item, unlike toilet paper will continue to function when moist. Also doubles as fire starter when twisted up with wax or PU ski strap shavings.

CPR Mask

CPR mask

CPR mask

Why it’s ugly:A CPR mask represents stuff we don’t like to think about.
Why it rocks: Save your buddy’s life.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen.

We couldn't face publishing an ugly sunscreen shot. Use your imagination. You've been there.

Why it’s ugly: Because spring skiers slather it on their faces till they look they’re dying of face fungus.
Why it rocks: Because melanoma is worse than imaginary face fungus.

Custom Footbeds

Footbeds for backcountry skiing.

Footbeds for backcountry skiing. Some define gross but we luv 'em.

Why they’re ugly: Anything your feet stood on for ten hours a day would eventually be defined as the last word in grossness.
Why they rock: They prevent blisters, make you ski better — and some chiropractors claim they even cure rabies.

Energy Gel

Energy gel might take the prize. Even so, we like the stuff.

Energy gel might take the prize. Even so, we like the stuff.

Why it’s ugly: Wow, that is a complex question we are not qualified to answer.
Why it rocks: The stuff works like rocket fuel. Use it and big days are yours. We prefer the GU brand variety, but it all works to one degree or another. Main thing is to test and see what agrees with your stomach. Beware of caffeine versions if you limit your buzz bean intake.

Old Skins (that still rock, and carry small rocks.)

Old climbing skin glue.

Yuck. Old climbing skin glue.

Why they’re ugly: They look like something from a pathology lab. And it gets on your fingers.
Why they rock: You made them that way, because you did so many laps your skins finally gave up. And they include rocks.

Duct Tape

Duct tape, is it alive?

Duct tape, is it alive?


Dean shared the details in his comment:
Why it is ugly: “It’s always wrapped haphazardly around something else essential. And by the time you make it home, it’s peeling a bit in an attempt to imitate your old skins.”
Why they rock: “Because of the age old tool box rule: if it moves and it’s not supposed to…”

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