Repair kits are like racing handicaps. Dead weight just for slowing us down. I often look at that 12-ounce bag and think, “I might just ditch you and bring a mega-roll of duct-tape.” But then I imagine skiing on a binding repaired with duct-tape. Suddenly the repair kit doesn’t seem like a handicap.

The contents of your repair kit will make or break a trip. A good way to establish your backcountry repair kit – and stockpile your home repair stash – is to purchase pre-made repair kits such as the MSR Tent Maintenance Kit, the Therm-a-Rest Repair Kit, and the Gear Aid Backcountry Repair Kit. Then supplement the kit from the ski shop and hardware store.

The junk bins at ski shops are gold mines of ski repair items. You’ll need to schmooze-up the ski tech by saying, “Been skiing lately?” let him spray about his latest foray, then say “I’m working on my ski repair kit. Do you have any junk bins I could look through?” Dig for boot buckles, screws and binding-specific parts. Make a pile and offer him $20.

Keep your repair kit light. Leave unnecessary items at home, like heavy packaging. Opt for a tiny stuff sack instead. Also, standardize equipment among team members so everyone can share the same repair kit. For example, if everyone is riding Fritchi bindings, then take a full, extra binding. Further reduce repair kit weight by selecting repair items that have multiple uses, such as duct-tape and wire. Some items may have one purpose – like a Dynafit toe piece – yet may be essential on a long trip. Be prepared for the worse case scenario.

Below are some repair kit suggestions. This is not the end-all be-all list, but it should give you some ideas.

The essentials:

• Multi-tool: File down the Phillips-drive into a posi-drive to fit your binding screws. Although the pliers are flimsy, I like the Leatherman Juice S2. Some prefer a Swiss Army knife combined with a Binding Buddy.
• Skin tip Loop: Such as the Black Diamond Reversible Tip Loop.
• Duct-Tape: Get the expensive Duck or 3M brand and wrap a few feet around your ski pole.
• Pole basket: Remember to match it to your poles.
• Ski Pole splint: Hacksaw lengthwise a 6-inch section of a broken pole and fix with 2 small hose clamps.
• Wire: 3-feet of rebar tie wire or bailing wire. Some prefer zip-ties, but I find wire more versatile.
• Cord: 10-feet of 2-mm accessory cord.
• Binding repair: Tele binding cable, binding screws, steel wool to tighten loose holes.
• 2 Ski Strap: Stretchy rubber straps made by Black Diamond or Brooks Range.
• 6-inch hose clamp: Ultimate last resort for binding failure. Clamp your boot right to your ski.
• Extra Batteries: Primarily for your headlamp and avalanche beacon.

Add for Multi-Day Tours:

• Stove repair: Purchase the standard repair kit for your stove, such as the MSR Expedition Service Kit. For more remote trips, consider an extra pump and fuel line. Think catastrophe: if one part broke would it render the stove useless? If yes, then bring an extra.
• Tent pole splint: Often included with tents.
• Seam Grip: The 0.5-ounce sample size included with pre-packaged repair kits is best.
• Ski binding toe piece: Super-schmooze the ski tech for this one.
• Sewing kit: Dental floss in the plastic container with a few needles inside works best and has multiple uses.
• Thermarest Hot Bond: For any unsavory holes your sleeping pad may acquire.

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