This is one of the more difficult pieces of gear to pick and there is no clear consensus among guides. Two types of pants however, seem the most flexible.

• A style often referred to as the "guide pant", because it is used year-round by many guides, is popular due to its durability, stretch (often Schoellar fabric) and flexibility. A standard pant is often used in the summer and a lined version is popular in the winter.
• The other popular style is the standard ski/board pant of water resistant nylon with good snow shedding properties and good breathability. These pants often have side vents to spill heat and a good over the boot cuff system that won't lift when skiing crud. Some are insulated, others not and your choice will be based on the expected temps.

Note: Unless you are skiing in the rain or wet snow avoid Gore-Tex style garments as your primary pant as they often lack the breathability needed for high aerobic activities like touring. See Windproof Vs Waterproof.

When choosing a shell consider the level of activity and the prevailing climatic conditions. Are you on the coast where rain is not an uncommon event, the interior were rain is unusual but wet snow quite common, or the Rockies were cold dry conditions are the norm. Like the pant issue the nature of the fabric will be crucial. Waterproof-breathables make sense in maritime climates whereas windproof water-resistant materials may be better in the Rockies. One of the more workable systems, chosen by many guides, is a combination of a wind shell for most conditions with a light Gore-Tex type jacket in the pack to act as additional insulation/weather protection. See Windproof Vs Waterproof.

Generally speaking stick to shells over insulated garments for better flexibility. Look for shells with limber fit that can be layered over different thickness of insulation. For the most part touring is less hard on clothing than climbing and your shell will spend lots of time in your pack and we all want light packs so look for light weight shells.

Fortunately the days of heavy shells that entomb the wearer in a coat of stiff nylon armor are fast coming to a close. New materials and designs combined with a renewed interest in keeping it light have given the consumer lots of great choices.

In touring the outer pants are most often backups to be worn when stopping for breaks, digging a pit, stormy weather or emergency. Preferably you should be able to get into these pants with your skis on so full zips are an advantage. Again there are several options depending on expected weather and activity.

Two choices stand out:

• Gore-Tex type pants (you are not usually skiing in these so breathability is less of a concern) for mild to cool temps.
• Insulated over pants for cold temps or spending lots of time standing around looking at snow crystals or winter camping.

Note: Although optional, the colder the temps the more important another pair of pants becomes. We often use little insulation over our legs when working but we will cool rapidly if we hang out for to long. It is important in any weather conditions to have extra clothing in the group to deal with injuries and other emergencies.

Like the pants above this is the touring equivalent to a belay jacket. This piece will spend most of its time in the pack, therefore it should be light, packable, and warm.

Three options present themselves:

• The down jacket. Down is still the best insulator and compresses better than any of its synthetic competitors. The best choice for dry cold.
• Synthetic filled jackets are often preferred in damper climates or multi-day trips where the jacket may be difficult to dry out.
• A third alternative for milder conditions when you are using a wind shell for protection is to have a Gore-Tex type shell as your backup piece.

Note: Although optional, the colder the temps the more important an outer insulating jacket becomes. It is important in any weather conditions to have extra clothing in the group to deal with injuries and other emergencies.

The glove manufactures have finally gotten their act together and put some effort into glove design after years of cold, clumsy, fragile designs that forced us to use mitts or gloves designed for downhill skiing. A light pair of gloves will often be enough when touring uphill but you may require a warmer pair for skiing down or fending off ridge top winds.

• Lightly lined water-resistant nylon gloves with leather palms make great warm weather or high-energy output choice.
• Another option is WindStopper fleece. Although not as weather resistant these fleece gloves will do the job as long as they do not spend much time in the snow.
• For colder conditions and as a back up, heavier gloves with removable pile insulation along with a good DWR finish or Gore-Tex bladder and leather palm are the way to go. We have yet to see a more durable palm material than leather and with good waterproofing they stay flexible and dry.

So this has got to be simple right? Wellll… sort of. Keep in mind that a large percentage of the body heat is lost through the head and it works as one of the body's best regulators. In mild temps and no precipitation, uncovering the head will help cooling. As the temp drops covering the head will help conserve heat. So far so good; but what happens when its warm and snowing.

Check out the two hat system:
Look for a wool ball cap. This will conserve a little heat on mild days, keep the sun off on blazing days and more importantly keep your head and hair dry when its warm and wet. Once your hair gets wet it will cool you many times faster than if it were dry. This is heat you cannot afford to lose in the backcountry.

The second part of the system - the toque. Material and weight will depend on temps and personal preference. Fleece hats are often preferable in wet climates since they dry more quickly. In cooler temps wool with a fleece lining is often preferred.

Make sure there is an extra hat in the group in case of loss. Neck tube type face warmers can double as a hat in a pinch as well as doing their intended job.