Bushwacking through the backcountry

You have to be careful about cutting vegetation or your own trail, if it's own federal or state land some land managers will ticket you. It's happened to friends of friends, but they may be stricter out West since we're on more federal land out here.
Having bushwacked in Appalachia and Utah, Utah actually can be tough at lower elevations in the scrub oak. I've been stuck hanging in terrain, my skis and pack mixed up in scrub oak branches. Took 5 minutes to get unstuck, etc.
Wear clothes that are tough, maybe not your best and newest. Tie down or elimate anything loose on your pack. Try to only have your skis (if bootpacking) on the pack. When skinning, you can use your ski quite a bit to hold a fair amount of brush down to help you pass.
Best tool considering weight and size is a machete. The swing weight is important, and that's what they're designed for. Learn how to use one, they can be versatile and quick to use. Also clean cuts, which is easier on bush and tree. If you're using a bushcraft knife or a hatchet, make sure they're really sharp so that you're cutting clean and not hacking the poor bush or tree. Clean cuts!
I'd try as hard as possible to not cut vegetation. You'd be surprised what you can squeeze through. And all the scratches you get are a badge of honor.
I've watched videos of Australian skiers bushwack jungle in Tasmania to get to lines, all without major disruption to vegetation. If you can learn to move through thick stuff, it's quicker than cutting it.

Looking for some loppers I can fit in a backpack. I've found they're great for cutting branches and are usually less effort than a machete but suck to store. Seen some telescoping ones but they usually go between like 27"-40" instead of ~15"-27".

jompcockLooking for some loppers I can fit in a backpack. I've found they're great for cutting branches and are usually less effort than a machete but suck to store. Seen some telescoping ones but they usually go between like 27"-40" instead of ~15"-27".

Oh yeah loppers rib, I recommend fiskar. Telescoping loppers are garbage for what we are doing. They extend when you dont want them to, and tend to be less durable due to more moving parts. Plus any thing you are cutting should be within an arms reach.

Check these:
https://www.fiskars.com/en-us/gardening-and-yard-care/products/loppers/powergear-super-prunerlopper-15-379721-1005

macfiveOh yeah loppers rib, I recommend fiskar. Telescoping loppers are garbage for what we are doing. They extend when you dont want them to, and tend to be less durable due to more moving parts. Plus any thing you are cutting should be within an arms reach.

Check these:
https://www.fiskars.com/en-us/gardening-and-yard-care/products/loppers/powergear-super-prunerlopper-15-379721-1005

Those look good. I have some huge ones from Fiskars that are great for clearing trail but I wouldn't wanna ski with them.