Touring on a split snowboard, near Eiseman Hut

Choosing the correct gear for Colorado hut trips can be perplexing -- and expensive. After hours of shop clerk advice, and research worthy of a doctorate scholar, many people still wonder exactly what equipment to use.

The problem is twofold: Myriad choices in gear, and trips that vary between basic walks and mountain climbs on 13,000-foot peaks.

To clarify your options, first identify your goals. Next, talk to knowledgeable shop employees, expert friends, and perhaps take a backcountry ski class from a guide service or community college. For trips where the goal is simply to ski to and back from a hut, or connect huts via the official trails, light-weight "backcountry" free-heel ski equipment is a good choice. Snowshoes also work well, but are not as efficient as skis. Use heavier equipment for more aggressive skiing once you're based at a hut: telemark, alpine touring, or a split snowboard "touring board." If you're going after ski mountaineering or extreme skiing, pick gear that's familiar to you, and well tested.

The list:
PERSONAL GEAR
) Insulating hat, such as a wool or fleece ski cap
) Scarf or neck gaiter
) Mittens for extreme cold (and use as spares if you lose a glove)
) Ski gloves
) Leg gaiters (high-top, or ski pants with built-in)
) Long underwear top and bottom
) Fleece jacket
) Light layer such as fleece vest
) Ski pants (no cotton)
) Shell parka and pants
) Alarm wristwatch
) Socks, including extra pair (no cotton)
) Ski boots
) Hut shoes (slippers or lightweight running shoes)
) Skis, split snowboard, or snowshoes
) Ski poles
) Climbing skins
) Backpack
) Sleeping bag (lightweight, about 20-degree rated)
) Pillow case (oversized for large pillows at the huts)
) Widemouthed water bottle (at least one liter)
) Earplugs
) Pocket knife
) Fire-starting kit (matches, lighter, starting fuel, etc., for unplanned night out)
) Headlamp (can be minimal, but always bring one)
) Goggles and sun glasses
) Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
) Shovel
) Avalanche rescue beacon (optional, depends on route)

GROUP GEAR
) Ski wax selection
) Stove and pot (for emergency)
) First-aid kit
) Repair kit
) Bivouac shelter
) Maps, compass, altimeter, route pages printed out from HutSki.com
) GPS unit (optional, depends on route)
) Thermometer
) Food (be sure some food is edible without cooking, and that each person carries their own trail food in case they get separated from the group)