CRL — Cardiff Research Lab

Cardiff Research Lab — Gear

Kit

Gear manifest — updated each expedition

⚠️ Safety items are highlighted in gold. Beacon, probe, shovel, and communication device are required for any backcountry or side-country terrain. Never leave the trailhead without a full partner check.

47 items — all expeditions & builds

ItemNotesSource
⚠️Beacon
Japow 25/26
⚠️Probe
Japow 25/26
⚠️Shovel
Japow 25/26
⚠️First aid kit
Japow 25/26
⚠️Garmin inReach
Communication & SOS — always on bodyJapow 25/26
⚠️Med evacuation insurance
Every day out — resort or otherwiseJapow 25/26
116+ Powder ski
Suited for Hokkaido's maritime snowpackJapow 25/26
Touring / hybrid boot
Walk mode for touring approachJapow 25/26
Touring / downhill binding
Pins + brakes for resort + backcountryJapow 25/26
Ski roller bag
Full-length bag, wheels for airportJapow 25/26
Skins
Mohair blend — low drag on long approachesJapow 25/26
Touring backpack
25–30 L with shovel/probe sleeveJapow 25/26
Touring poles
Japow 25/26
Touring gloves
Lighter liner glove for skinning upJapow 25/26
Touring sunglasses
Photochromic for approach legsJapow 25/26
Water bottle
Insulated — freezing temps on ridge linesJapow 25/26
Base layer top
Merino preferred for multi-dayJapow 25/26
Base layer bottom
Japow 25/26
Puffy jacket
800-fill minimum for Hokkaido tempsJapow 25/26
Helmet
MIPS, compatible with gogglesJapow 25/26
Beanie
Japow 25/26
Full face cover
Essential in Hokkaido wind eventsJapow 25/26
Ski socks
Smartwool Ski Full Cushion, 2× minimumJapow 25/26
Mittens
Lobster-style for powder daysJapow 25/26
Hand warmers
Pocket warmers × 4 per day on cold toursJapow 25/26
Foot warmers
Japow 25/26
Clear lens goggles
Night skiing + flat-light daysJapow 25/26
Sunny goggles
Bluebird days — polarizedJapow 25/26
Snow boots
Insulated pac boots for town + travelJapow 25/26
Camp shoes
Japow 25/26
Boot dryer
Essential in ryokan with no dryer accessJapow 25/26
Garmin watch
Route tracking + altitudeJapow 25/26
Rocky Talkies
Comms on-hill between crewJapow 25/26
Phone leash
Japow 25/26
Headlamp
Early starts + long skin outsJapow 25/26
Multi-tool
Japow 25/26
Ski wax
Cold temp wax for Hokkaido's powderJapow 25/26
Ski strap
Japow 25/26
Hestra glove wax
Japow 25/26
2×6 Douglas fir (8 ft)
Main uprights + crossbar stockSurf Rack 001
1×6 pine board (6 ft)
Mounting plate backingSurf Rack 001
1×4 pine board (4 ft)
Arm stockSurf Rack 001
1¼″ hardwood dowel (3 ft)
Pegs — oak or maple preferredSurf Rack 001
Linseed oil
Raw boiled — penetrating base coatSurf Rack 001
Beeswax paste
Top coat, food-safe and water resistantSurf Rack 001
3/8″ drill bit + 1¼″ spade bit
Dowel hole + peg socketSurf Rack 001
Lag bolts 3/8″ × 4″
Wall anchoring into studsSurf Rack 001

This manifest is updated after each expedition and build. Items reflect what was used in the field — not a generic recommendation list.