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Mar 26, 2024 by Megan Michelson
Photo: Dave Steiner | Courtesy Chris Davenport

Trade Secrets: Chris Davenport | Packing's 10-Second Rule

The famed guide on how not to forget what you need to pack.

Home Base / Aspen, Colorado.

Activities / Backcountry skiing, mountaineering

Insider Knowledge

“One thing I always share with my clients is this idea of the 10-second rule,” Davenport says. “Before I close the door, I take 10 seconds and look around and make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. At the top of the mountain, when you’re transitioning from touring to skiing, take those 10 seconds and check: Are my boots buckled, are my skins off, am I in ski mode? The euphoria and the nerves that come with getting to the top of mountains makes people forget. The 10-second rule is about introducing an intentional pause that you can incorporate into everyday life.”

The one question you don't want to ask after dropping in is: "Am I in ski mode?" Photo: Courtesy Chris Davenport

Quick Tip

“The 10-second rule can save your life in the backcountry, but it’s also helpful with more mundane tasks. When I leave my house to go to the airport for a trip, I stop and quickly run through everything I need: passport, wallet, phone charger. It’s a nice reminder to slow down.”