First time at Mt. Baker ski area.

Taking a trip to seattle in a few weeks and have a place to stay near baker. I've noticed everyone seems to ski/ride with a pack there. I know it's for their avalanche gear because everyone is going into the backcountry, but I have no bc experience being from the midwest. Am I going to stick out like a sore thumb as the tourist guy with no pack? I plan on staying inbounds and have never needed a pack for skiing, but I'm tempted to buy a small one to just carry basic stuff with me like water, spare lens, gloves, etc. also in hopes of blending in a bit better. Id love to start learning about what it takes to begin exploring out of bounds but havent really factored renting touring gear and a guide in to this trip. Maybe next time. Ive read this mountain can be pretty intimidating but im excited about the far out, small ski area feel as opposed to the big resorts. Have taken all my ski trips to Utah thus far so I'm sure it will be a quite different experience. Any advice for a first timer to Mt. Baker?