Getting started with A/T-ing

Any advice on getting going with this? Recommended starter gear without breaking the bank? Common mistakes people make getting started? I'm moving to Bend, OR in 2 weeks, from Boston. I lived in Jackson, WY for 6 years and did a decent bit of slackcountry stuff that you could bootpack and did one tour in GTNP with rented gear but know next to nothing about it beyond that. And I get the sense that it's more of a skinning-accessed game in OR. Fired up to get into it. Thanks

if you haven't already taken an avy class...thats money well spent (and if you have, taking a level 2 to cover more than just the basics and get you in tune with the cascades maritime snowpack might be helpful)...probably also a good way to meet some partners in your new hometown.

a couple common mistakes to avoid (at least my two cents).

-don't but a skinny set of used ancient skis just cause they're cheap and have AT bindings....anything less than say around 85mm and you'll probably be looking to upgrade way too soon if you're doing a lot of deep snow touring.

-when looking for AT boots, even if you're not planning to use dynafit bindings to begin with, go ahead and get boots that have the dynafit 'tech' fittings in them....sooner or later you'll probably ditch the Fritschis or Dukes or whatever heavy AT binding you might end up with and want to upgrade to a dynafit binding rig.

Have fun!

If your going to live in Bend you might want to add a used sled to your list. I’m not a Bend local, maybe a local can say otherwise. From what little I’ve toured there most of the backcountry ski terrain has a long approach in winter, IIRC they don’t plow the hwy past Dutchman Flat. Might be a good idea to find out what the touring options are while you scope for deals. Tumalo mtn would get old after a while...

And I agree with Pete A about Dynafit bindings… at least get compatible boots if you can. Actually, I agree with everything he said.

I've had good luck on ebay buying brand new ski's come late spring for used prices. (prior season's models of course)

@ Pete A -= Ditto
@ Koda -= Ditto

Get a Probe, Beacon, Shovel and a class to learn how to use them and leave your puffy at home or put it in your pack.... it doesn't get that cold here.

Tumalo Mountain is right across the highway from Mt. Bachelor and a good beginner zone (If you are comfortable skiing trees), no traps, not very steep, and the route is straight up from the road. Your other option is Cinder Cone. It is technically in bounds but getting to the top does not require travel on ski trails so no hassles... unless they changed that?

Thanks on all the replies. Good ideas on the gear Pete and Koda, thanks. I'll start looking around online. Looks like this site has a pretty active used gear forum. I have beacon/shovel/probe from days in WY and have used them a good bit but have not taken an avy class. I think there are some offered right there in the sisters so I'll look into that. And I kinda got the same impression about the necessity of a sled but hoped there were a few spots I got get comfortable touring in the year or two or more before springing for a sled. Is Tumalo Mt a bootpack trail up or usually skinned? Thanks again, appreciate the help.

Is Tumalo Mt a bootpack trail up or usually skinned? Thanks again, appreciate the help.

We skinned it with a bearing straight to the summit. I don't think you'd want to boot pack that, and you'll want to ski the bowl on the opposite side if it's stable.

I have beacon/shovel/probe from days in WY and have used them a good bit but have not taken an avy class.

forgive me for assuming anything here but if your shovel is plastic and your beacon is old analog you might want to add those to your list as well IMO