I like to keep bins organized by season and or activity. Right now, I have a general camping bin, a climbing bin and a skiing bin. This weekend, I’m going up to Tahoe and packing is as easy as throwing a duffel with some town clothes, the ski bin and my skis, boots and poles in the car.
My ski bin includes items for backcountry and resort like:
- Skins
- Avalanche beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles
- Sunscreen
- Bibs or snow pants
- Insulated resort ski jacket
- Softshell jacket
- Hardshell
- Medium gloves
- Heavyweight gloves
- Mittens
- Small backpack and water bladder
For my climbing bin, I keep:
- Padded climbing harness
- Ultralight alpine harness
- Climbing helmet
- Black diamond camalots small to large
- Nuts
- Sport quickdraws
- Alpine quickdraws
- Cordelette
- Grigri
- ATC
- Assortment of locking and non-locking carabiners
- Assortment of slings
- Rocket pack
My camping bin includes:
- Whisperlite stove
- Refillable fuel bottle and pump
- MSR Reactor stove
- Fuel canisters
- Lighters
- Headlamp
- Spork
- Mug
- Repair kit
- Inflatable Thermarest mattress
- First-aid kit
- SPOT emergency locator beacon
- GPS
- SteriPEN
With this kind of system — be it seasonal or activity-based — makes it so much easier to get out in the mountains whatever your schedule is. If you’re a busy guide, you always know where your stuff is and it’s easy to find in the correct bin. If you’re a weekend warrior, you can load up the car on Friday with your bin and whatever else you need and head out. I recommend it as a simple and efficient way to organize your gear.
–Shelby Carpenter, AAI Instructor and Guide Alumna