Hut & Yurt Trip Packing List

This packing list covers what to bring for guided multi-day backcountry skiing trips, hut trips, and yurt-based programs with The Mountain Guides — including overnight ski touring, multi-day avalanche education courses run from yurts, and extended backcountry expeditions across the Tetons, Beartooths, Wasatch, and other Mountain West ranges.

The core difference between this list and our single-day Winter Equipment List is the camp kit — sleeping bag, eating utensils, and yurt-specific items you'll need for overnight stays. Everything else (layering, ski touring setup, avalanche safety gear) closely mirrors a standard backcountry day, just packed for multiple days out.

Which Winter Gear List Do I Need?

We maintain three winter equipment lists for different trip types:

Winter Equipment List — single-day backcountry skiing, AIARE Level 1 and Level 2 day courses, day tours

Ski Mountaineering Gear List — technical ski mountaineering objectives requiring harness, ice axe, and crampons

Hut & Yurt Trip Packing List (this page) — overnight backcountry skiing, hut trips, multi-day yurt-based courses

If you're not sure which list applies to your trip, contact our office and we'll point you to the right one.

What to Expect on a Multi-Day Backcountry Trip

A typical multi-day backcountry trip starts with a tour into a hut or yurt — usually 2 to 5 miles, often with a substantial elevation gain — carrying your overnight kit. Once at the base, days are spent skiing surrounding terrain, returning to the hut each evening for meals, dry-out time, and recovery before the next day. Expect:

Cold mornings and warmer skin tracks — layering systems matter even more on multi-day trips

Limited drying space — bring extra base layers; wet gear dries slowly in winter huts and yurts

Shared spaces — sleeping quarters are often communal; ear plugs and a few personal comfort items go a long way

Bigger packs — your pack will weigh 30-45 lbs depending on trip length and your packing efficiency

What's Included vs. What You Bring

The Mountain Guides provides group rope systems, group safety equipment, and (for most multi-day programs) shared cooking gear and meals at the hut or yurt.

Rentals are available for ski touring setups, avalanche safety gear, and avalanche airbag packs — coordinate with the office in advance.

You provide your personal clothing, ski touring setup, avalanche safety gear, and overnight camp kit (detailed below).

Upper Layers

Long-Sleeve Mid-Weight Backcountry Top – synthetic or merino wool base layer Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Mid-Weight Insulated Jacket – synthetic insulation for skin tracks and transitions Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution 2.0 Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Shell Jacket with Hood – waterproof, ski-cut Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell (Men's / Women's)

Insulated Puffy Jacket – hooded; sized to fit over all other layers for hut/yurt warmth and emergency use Guide Pick: Black Diamond Access Down 2.0 Hoody (Men's / Women's)

Bottom Layers

Long Underwear Bottoms – synthetic or wool Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Pants

Shell Pants – ski-cut with full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Pants (Men's / Women's)

Ski Socks – synthetic or wool, sized for your boots; bring at least one extra pair per day so you're not putting on damp socks in the morning

Head & Hands

Three pairs of gloves – one lightweight, one mid-weight, one heavyweight insulated Guide Pick: Black Diamond Tour LT Gloves, Tour Pro Gloves, Guide Gloves

Mid-Weight Warm Hat Guide Pick: Black Diamond Active Beanie

Sun Hat – 5-panel synthetic cap or visor for sunny skin tracks

Buff or Neck Gaiter – sun, wind, and warmth protection

Camp Kit (Overnight Items)

This is what makes a multi-day list different from a single-day backcountry list. Bring:

Sleeping Bag – with compression sack; rated for the conditions of your specific hut or yurt (your guide will confirm)

Ear Plugs – shared sleeping spaces; not optional for light sleepers

Bowl, Spoon & Insulated Mug – for meals and hot drinks at the hut or yurt

Personal Toiletries – minimal; pack out everything

Yurt Trip-Specific Items

For yurt-based programs, also bring:

Pillow (small or compressible)

Twin Sheet – for the yurt mattress

Camp Shoes or Slippers – for indoor wear; keeps the yurt floor cleaner and your boots drying

Ski Touring Setup

(Packages available for rent through The Mountain Guides — coordinate sizing in advance.)

Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Splitboard Boots

Skis or Splitboard – with compatible touring binding Guide Pick: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 102 Skis, Fritschi Xenic 10 Bindings

Climbing Skins – fit to your skis or splitboard Guide Pick: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Skins or Ascension Splitboard Skins

Adjustable Ski Poles Guide Pick: Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro Poles

Helmet (optional but recommended)

Ski Crampons – for spring and technical trips; ask your guide whether your itinerary requires them

Avalanche Safety Equipment

All multi-day backcountry programs require complete avalanche safety equipment, worn and carried every day on tour.

Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon) – modern 3-antenna with fresh batteries

Shovel – metal blade Guide Pick: Black Diamond Transfer LT Shovel

Probe – 240cm minimum, 280cm preferred Guide Pick: Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe 280

Rentals available — coordinate in advance.

Backpack & Hydration

30–40L Avalanche Pack – with airbag system recommended for multi-day backcountry travel Guide Pick: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32 Pack, Black Diamond JetForce Pro 35L Avalanche Airbag Pack

Insulated Water Bottle or Thermos – hydration bladders freeze

High-Calorie Trail Snacks – bars, jerky, cheese, crackers, dried fruit, candy, PB&J; mix sweet, salty, fat, and protein

Electrolyte Drink Mix

Other Essentials

Sunglasses with case

Ski Goggles

Extra Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses

Sunscreen — 35+ SPF

Lip Balm with SPF

Headlamp with fresh batteries Guide Pick: Black Diamond Cosmo 350-R Rechargeable

Small First Aid Kit — blister care and personal medications (guides carry full kits)

Related Trips & Resources

Avalanche education courses — including yurt-based AIARE courses

Skiing programs — guided backcountry skiing across the Mountain West

Winter Equipment List — for single-day backcountry tours and day courses

Ski Mountaineering Gear List — for technical ski mountaineering objectives

Questions About Gear?

We're here to help. Contact our office with any questions about gear requirements, rental availability, or specific items required for your hut or yurt program — particularly around sleeping bag temperature ratings, which vary by program and season.