In recent years, backcountry equipment has changed quite a bit but those old wooden skis that may be collecting dust in your parents/grandparents basement may still work.  Many members still use them, especially in cold powder snow conditions.

Ski widths:    Backcountry ski width range varies from about 59 mm to 99 mm.  If you already own classic skis, dimensions slightly narrower may still work for you if you are unsure about purchasing new equipment. Many people ski with classic skis in the backcountry without using more specialized skis. Narrow racing skis, 44-46 mm width would be challenging. Skate skis will not work.  You want to have stability and flotation, not speed.  As an analogy, think of skate skis as stilettos, classic skis as dress shoes with a "sensible" heel , and backcountry skis as hiking boots, and you're walking on a cobblestone street.  What's going to give you the best balance and control? 

Dual Purpose skis:  If you want to use your skis for both trackset and backcountry, you will need to buy skis in the lower width range.  Check with your retailer or specs to see if they can be used as in-track skis.

Ski lengths:  It will be based on your ski width, height and weight.  If your skis are on the wider end of the spectrum your skis can be shorter.  e.g. If a person is skiing  on skis in the lower width range at 180 cm , they could use a 170 cm or less on the higher width range skis. Very few of our taller members use skis longer than 205-210 cm.  Those long skis just simply are difficult to maneuver on our trail system.

Metal edges:  Nice to have especially in icy conditions, side stepping, and can help you better control your skis while snow plowing with less effort or technique.  Your skis will be a little heavier.

Waxable or Waxless: 
Waxable skis can have better glide but grip can be lacking at times if the proper wax is not applied.  You do have to spend the time to wax your skis dependent on the temperatures, and it could vary throughout the day, so you may need to re-apply wax.

Waxless skis have become the overwhelming norm for most skiers because they are effective in most conditions of southern Ontario. Waxless skis have less glide than their waxable counterparts in colder conditions.

Some members own two sets for different conditions (waxable skis when conditions are cold; waxless when you're near the zero mark or above), while others just use one pair all the time.    Many of our members who are now in the market for a new pair of skis, are now going to the wider skis for easier maneuverability because you can have shorter ski lengths.  We usually spend some time off-trail as many of the groups like to bushwhack at times.  The short fatter skis also make it easier to "break trail" especially if you're trying to ski with 1 or 2 feet of fresh snow.  As the first couple of people go by, you will have "broken trail" and the "ski tracks" are made.

Boots:  Ideally, boots for backcountry skiing should be like hiking boots, with more support, more height, and rigidity. Boots may be classified as a classic cross-country ski boot or light touring.

Bindings:  This is dependent on the boots you buy, three-pin, New Nordic Norm (NNN) system, Salomon system.