no need for special touring poles. use the money on something that will make the experience more enjoyable (like skis or bindings) or something that will save your life (avalung or airbag)
my ideal setup would be:
snow pulse airbag backpack- AIRBAGS ARE BY FAR THE BEST TOOL IN AN AVALANCE!!!!! They are way more beneficial than any other any safety tool because they prevent burial but you also need a beacon/shovel/probe in case you or a friend does end up buried. if you do go with the help pro pack like people were suggesting then DO NOT PUT YOUR SHOVEL ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!!! people can lose shovel handles that way and that can cost a life in an avalanche. All my avy instructors at the silverton avalanche school went on a rant about how stupid that design is and how people have died because someone in a group's shovel handle fell out so they couldn't dig but dakine refuses to change the design because people think it looks cool to have the shovel handle outside.
avalung- i just got the harness but if you aren't going to get the airbag pack then might want to go with one of BD packs
BCA tracker 2 beacon- definitely go with a 3 antenna beacon. it will significantly decrease the time it takes to find you/ to find others.
bca shovel and probe (definitely get metal as plastic won't cut through any debris) i also like the semi circle not T handles so i can dig with mittens on and make sure your probe is long enough and sturdy enough to cut through debris. I have the bca companion shovel and probe where the probe fits in the shovel handle but got a different probe because the companion probe won't break through debris and is short plus it takes a full minute or two to get the probe out of the handle and set it up so make sure the probe is easy to put together quickly... seconds are precious and you don't want to waste any fumbling with the probe
Skis- whatever you want but make it light
Bindings- depends on how much touring your going to be doing but i would only go with 3 bindings
super light (not as durable and then must buy touring boots)- dynafit
fritschi free ride- not as light but can be used as everyday ski binding
marker duke/ mfd all-time with other bindings- these will be super heavy and you will get sick of them if you do much touring. I have dukes on my everyday ski and would only get them for side country tours.
I personally think the fritschis are the best combination because they are fairly light and feel more durable than the dynamist plus you don't need to buy extra boots.
I tour in my regular boots unbuckled to save money by not buying touring boots (spend the money on an airbag!!!!). touring boots aren't necessary unless your doing it a lot or using dynafit bindings
I use BD ascension skins and the guys at my local shop say they are the best but idk the differences between different skins
most important is having the knowledge of the BC and a partner or group that you trust to find you and dig you out if you are buried.
