Ski Rex Media Ski Trip Packing Guide -- Part 1 -- Single Person/Local Trip
Getting ready to head to the mountain is just as important as the day spent on the hill. For some, that can take a lot of work, but we'll discuss those tips at a later date. To start the official Ski Rex Media packing guide, we'll talk about the easiest trip one could ever prep for.
Single Person/Simple Trip
Now, I should start by explaining that when I use the word "single" that I mean that as just one person. I don't mean folks that have no husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or whatever. Though there will be future guides to address those instances, this particular guide will be geared towards a solo adventure.
While there is some truth in the idea that every trip outside can be an adventure, there is also truth in the idea that not every adventure needs a truckload of supplies. No, for a day in which one is going to the hill by themself and just going to have a simple day, one might only need a few things, maybe even a handful of things. This also means that packing the car for the day will be the easiest, or at least, one of the easiest packing jobs that one might have. With that said, let's start there and get the car ready for a day at the hill.
Packing The Car
For this example, a single person/local trip, this can absolutely be a quick and sloppy packing job. It really won't even be that sloppy because there really won't be that much to take.
Now, for a car like mine, a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, truck space can be at a premium. It's a small car. However, on this solo trip, that's all one really needs. All one really needs to pack is the clothes on their back, a backpack if they choose to bring one, and their equipment, be it skis or a snowboard. That's why it could be a slop job when it comes to packing. Just tossing two or three things into a car is nothing. This is doubly true if you carry your skis or snowboard on the outside of the car.
But, what if you don't carry your gear on the outside of the car? Can one still be sloppy? Of course! Take a look at the photos below. With my skis inside the trunk, with the seat down and the skis sticking almost into the front seating area, I was still able to just plop my bag and boots into the car. Again, this is a solo trip, so you not only don't have to take someone else's gear into account, but you don't have to worry about their comfort either. So, a situation like mine, skis inside the car, works out great. For those who have a roof rack, even easier and even better.
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| Being alone means not needing extra space, so not only does the crate that holds stuff in my trunk gets to stay, but so does that pair of rain boots that live in my trunk. |
As a side note in reference to the practicality of gear when it comes to packing and ski trip logistics, I offer up this second picture. That yellow and blue bag holds my skiboards. They are so small that I didn't have to put the seat down or change anything. Some people still make fun of skiboards, but you can't beat them for travel. In fact, a later guide will feature public transportation and you'll see how awesome they can be for that.
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| Skiboards, boots, & backpack, plus everything that usually in my trunk. That's how little room one needs for a trip like this. |
Packing The Backpack
Now, for some, any day on the hill is really about their EDC (Everyday Carry). For most people, this consists of their keys, wallet, and their phone, then anything else they see fit. Maybe something like a pen or a pocketknife or maybe even a small SD card just in case. For a local trip for a single person, this can be absolutely good enough. But, what if a person still wishes to use their backpack?
Now, in my opinion, a ski backpack can be set up with EDC in mind. Ski EDC. That's how I treat my backpack, which I will go into detail of exactly what and why in another guide in this series. For now, I can just give you the basics. My backpack has my goggles, my gloves, at least one hat and facemask, a multitool, some paracord, and my sunblock. That's it and it's ready to grab and go, which is perfect for a solo day at the home mountain. One really doesn't need more than that, unless you throw lunch and a drink in the bag, as well.
Again, with this little bit, there is really no reason that one has to do the best job in packing the bag because there isn't enough in there to worry about. In fact, in the case of my bag, my gloves, sunblock, and paracord are all clipped on the outside of the bag, so there is plenty of room on the inside. That makes it awesome for tossing sneakers in there (no need for a locker then, but one could leave them in the car) and still have some room in case I need to ditch a layer or two throughout the day.
In Conclusion
As I said way back at the beginning, a solo day on a hill just up the road really doesn't take much, which means this really isn't that much of a guide. This one is more of a way to say that it is okay to go by oneself and not make a big deal out of it. One could really get away with just taking equipment, keys, and a wallet, none of which take up too much space in the car when traveling alone.
However, once other people are added into the equation, then adding distance and days, then adding play that is more difficult than a day on the groomers, that's when a guide might be necessary. For that, keep an eye on Ski Rex Media as I continue this series with tips and tricks to pack the car and oneself for other skiing and snowboarding trips and scenarios.
Photo Credits: Trunk Photos - Tim Meyer For Ski Rex Media
Book Thumbnail - By Tim Meyer Using "Open Book, Blank" From Dougit Design/Flickr [CC BY-ND 2.0]
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