Essential Packing List for a Trip to Ostrander Ski Hut (as someone who runs warm)

I am days away from heading out to my first Ostrander Trip! Planning a trip to Ostrander Ski Hut means preparing for an adventure in the snowy wilderness of the Yosemite. This historic hut offers a cozy refuge for backcountry skiers, but getting there requires backcountry navigation skills and expert ski ability. Having the right things on your back is key! My recommendations are cost effective, I do not always think you need to spend top dollar on gear (exceptions apply).

Here is our intended route: https://tours.snowlands.org/tours/13/1307_tour.htm

Ostrander in the Winter (Photographer: Andrew M. Upchurch)

Clothing Essentials for Cold Weather

I tend to run warm all year round, but I still pack to be prepared for unexpected storms. My kit always prepares me to be dry and warm at a moments notice.

• Base Layers: My base layers are always Smartwool. I do not have a particular set that I endorse, in fact, I normally buy them on sale at Sierra Outdoors. However, I also love these Patagonia Capilene base layer line.

• Mid Layers: My favorite mid-layer ever would be my Fastpacker Fleece!!!! I love Alpine Fit. A female owned brand in Alaska. I am obsessed with it. Paired with base layers and wind protection. It is incredibly warm. Worn on its own, it is amazing as well. For a mid layer, I wear hiking pants or down pants (these are great camp pants, too). I like the NatureHike brand. They are cost effective, yet compete with the big names.

• Outer Layers: For my outerlayers, I wear an Outdoor Research Carbide kit. I do have to say that I have had to do additional waterproofing on the jacket, especially along the shoulder.

• Insulated Jacket: My insulation this trip will be my ten year old Patagonia Puffy. If I don't grab that, I love my Outdoor Research SuperStrand puffy.

• Gloves: So, I wear $15 freezer gloves that are lined for backcountry skiing. Thank me later.

• Hat and Neck Gaiter: I wear a Skida Gaiter, I bring a thin buff style, fleece lined balaclava, and I also bring a random ball cap of choice. I pack a beanie too, made by a local artist.

• Socks: I love Smartwool ski socks, I also bring LL Bean wool socks for camp.

• Gaiters: I only bring Gaiters if I am on my cross country skis. I like these ones from NatureHike.

• Sunglasses: Sunglasses or ski goggles are completely essential. I wear Sunski's (Tera) with the side covers.

Here is how I wear my Skida buff! Hat is from REI.

Footwear and Equipment

Proper footwear and equipment make a big difference in comfort and safety.

• Trail Runners: I bring Trail Runners with me for camp shoes. I do this because it also gives me a shoe option if we encounter extended variable conditions. I am currently wearing Merrel Agility Peak 5's. I like them!

• Skis: I have two pairs of backcountry skis. One are backcountry cross country skis with metal edges and climbing scales. Those are for low slope adventures. I also have touring skis with climbing skins. Those are for more serious adventures with anticipated, fun downhill riding.

• Poles: My poles are great. They're adjustable and my favorite color!

• Backpack: If my gear if light enough, I'll bring my Exped Lightning 45. Especially if I don't anticipate boot packing my skis. If my gear exceed 35 pounds, I bring my Kelty 55. I also carry a rain cover!

Liz backpacking to Ostrander in July 2025.

Sleeping Gear and Hut Supplies

Ostrander Ski Hut provides basic shelter but you need to bring your own sleeping gear. You must always plan to sleep outside when doing backcountry travel.

• Sleeping Bag: I love my Big Agnes Daisy Mae degree bag. It is overkill for inside the hut, but would save my life on an unexpected night outside. That is why I bring a sleeping bag liner with me for inside the huts!

• Sleeping Pad: My sleeping pad is also Big Agnes, it is a Rapide SL. The hope is not use it at all!

• Pillow: I never bring pillows, luckily, my sleeping bag has a pillow sleeve, so I just stuff additional clothes in there.

• Headlamp: Essential for navigating inside and outside the hut after dark. Pack extra batteries.

• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, sunscreen, face wipes, SPF lip balm, aloe, and migraine tablets are my go to. Why migraine tablets? They not only have ibruprofen and acetaminophen but also caffeine, they are amazing for the trail and a boost of energy/soreness relief.

• Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer: The hut has vault toilets but bring your own supplies. You should also pack a wag bag to properly pack out your waste on trail.

  
  

  

Food and Cooking Supplies

The hut has a wood stove for cooking and heating, but you must bring your own food and cooking gear.

• Food: My go to food for backcountry ski huts are oatmeal for breakfast with coffee, cheese and salami for lunch, lots of candy and peanut butter crackers, and high carb/high protein dinners. I also cached food for a different backcountry trip, so I can break that down in a different post.

• Cooking Stove and Fuel: A lightweight backpacking stove with enough fuel for your trip. I like the MSR pocket rocket with a titanium stove. Remember, have enough fuel to melt snow for drinking water!

• Cookware: My GSI mug is my favorite. Super lightweight!

• Water Bottles and Insulated Containers: Bring at least 2 liters of water capacity. Insulated bottles prevent freezing. We always have TWO ways to purify water. I love this filter and I always bring iodine. Keep your filter close to your body to prevent freezing.

  
  

Safety and Navigation

Winter backcountry travel requires extra safety gear.

• Avalanche Safety Kit: Beacon, probe, and shovel if you are traveling in avalanche terrain. Horizon Ridge can be hazardous.

• Map and Compass: Please have 2 forms of navigation. I use my phone (Gaia) and my Garmin InReach mini.

• First Aid Kit: Include blister care, pain relievers, bandages, and any personal medications. Putting in another plug for OTC Migraine medication.

• Multi-tool or Knife: Useful for repairs and emergencies. Also 5-minute epoxy is great for binding repair!

• Fire Starter: Waterproof matches or a lighter and firestarter material.

• Emergency Shelter: A lightweight bivy sack or emergency blanket. Or bring a tent. I have carried both, this trip - I will probably carry my Big Agnes Shield tent.

  
  

  

  Liz and Luke backcountry skiing in Yosemite! (2025)

Comfort Items.

These items enhance your hut experience but are not strictly necessary.

• Camera: I love carrying my Fuji x100s.

• Nature Journal: I enjoy watercolor in the backcountry, so I bring my nature journal and water color supplies!

• External Battery: Here is a pricier, yet ultralight option with good charge capabilities. Love the Nitecore NB 10,000.

  
  

Packing Tips for Efficiency

• Be prepared to go waterproof, rain cover and dry bags (or a trash bag liner) is important.

• Throw dessicant packets into your electronics bag to keep them dry when humidity increases in your bag during a storm.

• Do NOT sacrifice your life by leaving behind the things that keep you dry AND warm.

I plan to vlog my Ostrander experience, as well as publish a blog post!

Learn more about the history here and support the Yosemite Conservancy, if you can: https://yosemite.org/experience/ostrander-ski-hut/