After getting back from my surf trip to the northwest, I came home psyched for the seasons to change and for winter to begin. Having got my fill of water time in, I was getting psyched to start surfing water in a different form: ski season! 4 days and 6 loads of laundry after my Oregon/Washington Trip, I turned around and headed up to Big Sky, Montana, to help some buddies set up their backcountry ski yurt for Montana Backcountry Adventures.

Montana Backcountry Adventures, started by a couple of “old ski bum bros from Tahoe,” encompasses 3 very unique backcountry experiences based out of Big Sky, Montana. MBA consists of The Bell Lake Yurt, a 20′ diameter backcountry ski yurt situated in the heart of the Tobacco Root Mountains, The Montana Dinner Yurt, a fine dining experience at Big Sky Ski Resort, and new for this year, The Shedhorn Grill, an on-mountain eatery blasting reggae and grillin’ burgers at Big Sky Ski Resort.

The Bell Lake Yurt, which sleeps up to 6 guests, allows backcountry skiers to access some amazing terrain with a moderate approach. The guys at MBA offer a variety of ways for you to access those sweet couloirs of Branham Peaks or the beautiful bowls of Bell Lake Basin that sit just behind the Bell Lake Yurt; fully inclusive trips or overnight yurt rentals. New to the backcountry scene and wanting a seasoned pro to show you all the sick shots? A Montana Backcountry Adventures Guide will meet you at a local coffee shop, coordinate logistics with you, take you into the yurt (a 3 mile snowmobile transport to the trailhead plus the additional 3 mile, 1700 foot skin up the yurt), cook for you, and serve as your in-house resource for locating all the sweetest pow stashes. A backcountry aficionado and just wanting to reserve the yurt for your own use? MBA is psyched to help you out with that too! Self service yurt rentals are totally possible- the guys just require that you take an “Orientation Guide” with you your first time up there, so you know the best and safest way to get to the yurt, etc (You’re only required to have an orientation guide for the 1st little bit you’re up there- so if you’ve got a multi-day trip planned, the guide heads back down right after showing you around, and you’ve got the place to yourselves!) After you’ve been up with an orientation guide, so long as you have a “group leader” with first aid and an Avalanche 1 certification, The Bell Lake Yurt is yours to enjoy without a guide. However you arrive at the Bell Lake Yurt, with or without guide, you’re stylin’ when you get there! 6 cots, wood stove for heating, propane stove for cooking, kitchen supplies, and a nearby pit toilet- what more could you need?

Each season, The Bell Lake Yurt gets transported into its home at 8500 feet just below Branham Peak by some combo of helicopter, a caravan of Toyota Tacomas (seems to be the vehicle of choice up there in MT), snowmobiles, ATVs and sheer manpower. As a member of the “Salt Lake Contingent” of Montana Backcountry Adventures (read: one co-owner of MBA and several friends enticed into hard labor with the promise of out of state beer and possibly some skiing),  I headed up to the Tobacco Roots to assist with the manpower section of yurt installment. 2 days, countless loads, and a few cases of Moose Drool (no, not actual Drool… A great beer brewed by Big Sky Brewery) later, the majority of the yurt materials were settled up in their home, just below Bell Lake. The guys up at MBA plan on setting up the yurt in the next few weeks, now that all the materials are up at the site. Peak yurt season begins in the end of December, so the guys are crankin’ to make sure the yurt is set up and dialed before the big snow flies. Don’t worry though, there’s already snow- when were were up there in mid-October, there were FEET of snow on the ground already.

Psyched about The Bell Lake Yurt? So was Skiing Magazine. Be sure to check out the article in this month’s magazine or online.

So psyched that you want to head up there and check it out yourself? Check the online reservation calendar to see when the yurt is available. Make your reservations soon, the yurt fills fast, especially on weekends. Follow the Bell Lake Yurt blog or check out Montana Backcountry Adventures on Facebook for current updates on snow and skiing conditions.

I’ve got some central pieces of clothing that keep surfacing – no matter the season, no matter the sport. One of those is a Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket which I use for biking, running, and even backcountry ski touring. But what I don’t see is why so many companies make so many niche-focused pieces for each of those individual sports, when they all seem to require similar performance. Lightweight, compact, breathable, warm. So…why isn’t someone making something billed as a cycling-to-skiing crossover mid layer? Sure, a bike jersey or jacket might require a shorter cut in front than a ski jacket. Same with climbing (I learned that the hard way when I bought a Mountain Hardwear climbing jacket for skiing, and the front always rode up above my belt buckle). But I think having a form-skimming thermal cycling jacket that’s a little long in the front is a small price to pay to make it worthy of skiing cross over.

So this year I’m looking for a great versatile base-to-mid layer for ski touring, trail running, and even a bit of cold weather cycling. I want it to be bright-colored for when I’m in avalanche country. And I keep coming back to cold-weather cycling jerseys and jackets as my best options. Check out the Forza Thermal Jacket, or the Capo Atlas Thermal Jacket, or even this cycling jacket by Castelli.

Maybe I’m just uninformed, but for now I’m thinking that cycling gear is the first place to look for versatile base and mid layer items. So that’s where I’ll keep searching. And to all you clothing manufacturers out there — if you have some mid-layer jackets and such that are designed to be crossover items for multiple sports, let me know! Sorry if I’m just missing them.

Extra-thin socks have been standard-issue my ski socks now for years. I prefer the close-to-boot feel and have typically had a very slim, race-fit with my ski boots. I have since come off that just a tad in favor of all-day comfort instead of rock-solid race-fit, but I still prefer a thin sock for skiing.

From the legendary mills of Bridgedale, I now have in my hands (and on my feet) a comfortable, moisture-wicking and thin pair of ski socks, the Bridgedale Ultra Fit, Ultra Lightweight ski socks. They are thin, but have been built with lightweight support in mind (hence, they aren’t just a simple thin sock).

Built with WoolFusion (Merino Wool, Polypro, Nylon and Lycra) yarn to provide comfortable, stink-free and moisture-wicking performance, the Ultra Fit socks look and feel promising.

At this point I’ve only worn them on dry runs indoors as I’m getting dialed in for the ski season, but the fit and comfort out the gate is phenomenal. Just the right mix of materials for elasticity, support and comfort with minimalist weights in high-flex areas for a bunch-free fit. I will provide a detailed report on performance during the season, so stay tuned.

Features of the Bridgedale Ultra Fit ski socks:

• WoolFusion yarn blend: 38% Merino, 38% Endurofil, 22% Nylon and 2% Lycra
• Lightweight fit for snug-fitting boots
• Machine washable (see care instructions)
• 3-year Guarantee!
• Colors: Grey or Black
• MSRP: $24.95

Buy Now: Search for Bridgedale Ski Socks

Looks like Backcountry.com is stepping it up with their new Stoic brand. I’ve been very impressed with the variety of Backcountry-branded gear I’ve reviewed in the past and envision the new Stoic pieces to be even better.

Here’s the news release on the official launch of Stoic.

Sheets of light-density snow blanket the mountains before an epic powder day. Solid ice has finally formed on a classic mixed line that rarely exists. The suffocating deluge that has kept a climbing team holed up in their tent for five days at 20,478 feet has abated, giving way to a welcoming ridge of high pressure for the first ascent summit push.

It’s game on. It’s time to thrive in your element. You need Stoic.

Stoic is a new line of premium technical gear that has captured, cultured and distilled mountain adventure into everlasting bomber apparel.

Every Stoic piece works as part of a whole. Whether you seek an ascetically spare shell system or a fully featured alpine expedition suit, an ethereal second-skin base layer or a bulletproof backcountry bib, Stoic delivers. Every feature, fabric and construction method is tried and thoroughly tested not only by human hands, but by the terrain and conditions that surround us, and the community of alpinists who share and stoke our drive.

“Stoic is made for people whose gear and skills are tested by alpine terrain and conditions,” says Bill Hartlieb, Stoic Brand Manager. “We built this line with the innovation of welded construction and weather-protecting materials, and an ideal synergy of weight, function and durability to provide maximum comfort and performance when you’re charging in the mountains.”

Stoic has a fresh fall ’09 line-up, featuring a number of super technical pinnacle pieces:

Stoic Bombshell Insulated Jacket

Weighing in at less than two pounds, the fully weld-seamed Bombshell Insulated Jacket is your new backcountry friend that quietly keeps you warm and dry thanks to Cirrus microfiber synthetic insulation and a proprietary Bombshell waterproof breathable material that allows a bit of stretch. The burly Bombshell Bib flows unobstructed with your every move, from precise front-pointing to dynamic knee-dropping while farming turns.

Welder Collection: Softshell & Gloves

The softshell jacket Welder Collection – Lo, Hi and Insulated – will out-breathe the best Lamaze gurus and fend off precip like a Cockatiel’s oily feathers. And for your digits, the softshell Welder Glove features fused dynamism with superior dexterity, welded technology and a wool liner that means warmth and comfort for your hands.

Ladies Bombshell Pant

For the ladies, both in- and out-of-bounds, the Bombshell Insulated Ski Pant uses the same comfy flat welded seams and just the right amount of Cirrus insulation on the legs. The adjustable waist pants combine inbounds fashion and side- or backcountry function.

Stoic is the more focused newcomer, born from its predecessor, Backcountry.com brand gear. Over the past three years, what is now Stoic has been formed and refined with the help of feedback from hundreds of members of Backcountry.com’s Gear Guru community. It’s the honed and tested result of the people that push their gear to the limits and tell us about it. Core gear users helping build gear for other core users, that’s Stoic.

More Info: www.stoicgear.com

Spyder, the world’s leading skiwear and mountain-based apparel brand, announces the debut of a completely re-engineered speed suit for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics to be worn by the U.S. and Canadian teams. The new race suit system incorporates three key innovations that will improve the suit’s aerodynamics and result in significant time savings for North American athletes. It will be available for consumer purchase in 2011.

“The focus of Spyder’s research during the last few years has been about how we can make our speed suits more slippery against air,” says Spyder Product Director Phil Shettig, “Our goal is to manipulate airflow properties to make all of our suits faster against the competition.”

Spyder refined the surface texture on the top face knit, reducing the co-efficient of friction against wind. The new slippery surface has less texture than past fabrics, and was tested in wind tunnels to shave off precious hundredths of seconds from racers’ times, a margin by which many ski races are won and lost.

To replace traditional padding, Spyder worked with d30™ Labs to create a pad that has 40% less volume than prior protection. d30™ pads are made from intelligent molecules that flow during movement, but reactively lock together on impact to absorb shock. The padding system is more aerodynamic due to its lower profile and a lack of abrupt edges that can “catch” wind.

Finally, Spyder moved their protective pads from their slalom and GS suits to a separate underlayer in order to reduce the amount of thread, seams and needle holes on the outside fabric, all of which contribute to wind friction.

Phil McNichol, former U.S. Ski Team Men’s Alpine Coach says, “Spyder is at the forefront of developing these technologies through wind tunnel and on-snow testing. Without a doubt we will have the best technical advantage at the Vancouver Games.”

Spyder’s Slippery Technology is the latest in a long line of innovations that have historically allowed Spyder race suits to stay far ahead of the competition. From the brand’s first padded slalom sweaters in 1970s to the Speedwyre suits that were banned by the FIS in the 1990s for being “too fast,” Spyder will once again charge ahead and separate itself as the leader in speed suit engineering.

About Spyder Active Sports
Spyder revolutionized ski apparel in 1978 with a padded slalom sweater designed “for racing, by racers.” Spyder products continue to dominate the race circuit and are the choice of the US Alpine and Canadian Alpine World Cup Ski Teams. Renown for integration of high-tech fabrication, function and fashion, Spyder is the world’s leading skiwear and mountain-based apparel brand. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Spyder products are distributed in over 50 countries worldwide.

In 2008 Spyder acquired Cloudveil Mountain Works, credited as starting the modern day soft shell revolution. Cloudveil draws inspiration from its home-base of Jackson, Wyoming, building innovative and functional apparel for the outdoor, snowsports, fly fishing and casual apparel markets. For more information, visit www.spyder.com and www.cloudveil.com

Continuing to lead in the realm of new media, Teton Gravity Research is proud to announce its most recent ski and snowboard film, Re:Session, now available on iTunes for distribution and purchase. The 65-minute ski and snowboard film is available for digital download for $7.99.

Making use of the latest forms of digital distribution is a growing trend for TGR. When TGR launched podcasts on iTunes 3 years ago (a free service where subscribers can download weekly high-resolution video webisodes to their computers or iPods) an organic subscriber list of over 70,000 quickly amassed. TGR was also one of the first action sports company’s to launch it’s own iTunes Studio, where customers can buy it’s films and television shows.

“As a youthfully-driven multi-media company, we’re very aware that we have to embrace new forms of media,” co-founder of TGR, Todd Jones said, “whether it’s opening up our films for digital download, selling digital music, fostering online community or producing podcasts, we’re constantly on the lookout for creative new ways to distribute our message.”

In recent years, TGR’s online brand has taken off. TetonGravity.com currently boasts more than 300,000 unique visitors and over 5 million pages views every month. With over 25 percent of those users coming from outside the US, digital distribution in iTunes could make a significant impact on sales and brand awareness.

Todd Jones said, “When you think of all of the hassles and costs of international distribution, digital formats offer instant, easy and inexpensive options for everyone. We are pushing to expand into the international iTunes market in the near future.”

Buy Now: Visit TetonGravity.com

I just got word of the release of the new Kastle FX ski line for the 2009/2010 ski season. At first blush, these skis appear narrow (well, they are), but they are built for hard-core mountaineering ascents and descents with highly-technical terrain and variable snow conditions. With Chris Davenport driving product development, that all now makes sense since hauling your butt to the top of a 14-er requires lightweight gear that will work in a variety of conditions–not just wide-open pow.

The typical European “touring” skis are ultralight and super-narrow. While the FX74 and FX84 aren’t fat skis, they are built with lightweight materials while still offering extra girth to make the ride more enjoyable.

Here’s more detail on the new Kastle FX ski lineup:

Austrian ski brand, Kästle Ltd., announces the release of its FX line for the 2009-10 ski season. Two models, FX74 and FX84 kick off Kästle’s new Freeski Mountaineering collection.

Freeski mountaineering combines the physical challenge of backcountry skiing with the technical ability required for high alpine accents. This evolving sport requires tremendous experience and skill as well as lightweight, high performance gear for efficient climbing and fast ski descents.

“Skiing has changed dramatically in the past few years: boundaries have been pushed and the modern skier demands more their equipment,” states Kästle Ltd. president, Siegfried Rumpfhuber. “We’re excited to introduce our new breed of skis that combine the performance of a freeride ski with an alpine touring weight range. We anticipate that weight-to-performance ratios will be a main focus in ski engineering in the next couple of years and we hope that our FX skis are setting the bar high.”

Both the FX74 and FX84 models feature Kästle’s proprietary dual Hollowtech technology, a lightweight sandwich sidewall construction consisting of two fine titanal laminates and an ash / silver-fir / poplar wood core. Dual Hollowtech technology reduces the mass of both the tip and tail of the ski dampening vibration, allowing faster edge transition and providing better tracking.

With a 112 mm tip, a 74 mm waist and a 100 mm tail, the FX74 prefers short to medium radius turns ideal for tight couloirs to open tree skiing. The lightweight construction (6.7Ibs / pair) makes for effortless hikes without sacrificing the performance of the ski whether in difficult off and on-piste conditions. The MSRP is $980.

The FX84 (122-84-110) is a smooth and stable ski boasting the response and control to handle any speed, terrain or snow-condition. The FX84 (7.7Ibs / pair) is the ultimate ski for off-piste excursions yet has the versatility to carve on groomers. The MSRP is $1,080.

“The FX 84 has been a godsend for me because I finally have an ultra light mountaineering ski that doesn”t compromise on performance,” Chris Davenport, Kästle Team Athlete. “The FX 84 allows me to ski fast and with confidence in all sorts of conditions. It truly performs like an alpine ski but allows me to climb without being bogged down with added weight. I think the FX will define a whole new category in skiing”

The FX skis and custom skins will be available in North America and Europe at selected retailers this fall. Skis will be sold flat to allow for individual set-up with various AT binding makes.

Electronic devices, argon gases… what will the modern ski jacket look like next? Well, the future is now with the all-new Mountain Hardwear Radiance and Refugium jackets that include a built-in, flexible battery pack to power the integrated heating elements or external devices such as mobile phones or an iPod.

Cold and unconnected?

Mountain Hardwear solves both problems this winter with the industry’s first pre-wired jacket that not only provides on-demand heating, but also simultaneously provides power and re-charging capabilities for handheld electronics including GPS devices, PDAs, MP3 players and digital cameras.

More than 60 percent of the U.S. population uses handheld electronics to stay connected, oriented and entertained, whether riding a lift, skiing in the backcountry, attending a winter sporting event, or walking the streets of SoHo. Mountain Hardwear partnered with Ardica Technology, the creators of the Ardica Moshi Power System, to deliver today’s “plugged in” consumer this year’s jacket of choice.

Now available at retail, Mountain Hardwear® Men’s Refugium and Women’s Radiance jackets are designed with a specialized, integrated pocket to accommodate the portable Ardica Moshi Power System, which provides power necessary to generate heat into critical areas of the jackets, as well as power for handheld devices through cables located in the jacket pockets.

• Enjoy 8.6 hours of continuous heat on the low setting, and 3 hours on the high setting.
• Runs power on any electronic accessory requiring less than 10 watts – cell phones, MP3 Music Players, GPS devices, lights, satellite phones.
• Rechargeable power source. Charge electronics by a USB cable (included) – provides approximately 20 charges without needing a recharge.

Learn more: Visit Mountain Hardwear.com

I just received the following release from Intrawest (owners of Whistler-Blackcomb, Copper Mountain, Steamboat, Tremblant, Winter Park and more) about their new helmet policy. I think it makes complete sense… I’ve worn a ski helmet for nearly 15 years and can’t see why anyone wouldn’t wear one, but that’s just me. Here’s the release

SAM Magazine–Vancouver, B.C., October 1, 2009–Intrawest announced that starting this season, the company will recommend that all visitors at all of its North American resorts wear helmets. In addition, there will be mandatory helmet requirements for all youth participants in ski and snowboard school programs, as well as students participating in freestyle terrain park programs, regardless of age. The age span requirements will vary from resort to resort, but will be between three and 12, 13, 14 or 17.

A helmet will be included with all kids’ rental packages at Intrawest-owned outlets and parents can no longer use an opt-out clause for certain programs and activities. The company will also step up efforts to educate both employees and customers on the importance of helmet use. In fact, much of Intrawest’s future marketing visuals will contain helmeted skiers and riders.

As for employees, by 2010-2011, Intrawest will require employees to wear a helmet while on-duty in the terrain parks and staff at the ski and snowboard schools will also be required to use a helmet if they are participating in any program that requires mandatory helmet use by the guest. Several resorts will begin these helmet use guidelines this season, with the rest coming on board for next season.

Do you think this is going overboard or do you think it’s a smart move that more resorts will follow?

What has 25 water bottles, a lumbar strap, and three zippers? The Mountainsmith Recycled Day Pack of course! Except the water bottles are in, well, a different form. Pretty impressive Mountainsmith has stepped it up by re-using that much plastic for their bags and still sustain a good performing waist pack.

The pack can be used for just about everything. I have seen photographers pack this full of padding to rally a SLR camera, moms packing it with diapers, and soil scientists using it to carry planting supplies in the field. Compared to the previous models of the Day lumbar pack, I noticed this model has a zipper upgrade making opening easier with one hand. The straps are trimmed down a bit also, it can be annoying when you have an airport travel bag that seems to have unnecessarily long straps flopping around.

Light or Heavy, it doesn’t matter
When I hit the farmers market to pick up my favorite cranberry-jalapeno salsa, I sport the pack on one shoulder briefcase style. After picking up the freshest produce I throw the shoulder strap across the chest to help carry the extra weight. Then when I want to buy that really heavy rock sculpture I strap on the lumbar strap to transfer the weight on the hips. The Day pack exceeds versatility expectations.

The Day pack offers 854 cu. in. capacity compared to the trimmed down sister version, the Tour, coming in at 488 cu. in. If you aren’t carrying 850 cubic inches of stuff around you probably want to nab the Tour pack. If the Day pack isn’t filled up it can be a bit annoying with the sagging empty space. The outer yellow bungee has been great for attaching a rain jacket and the lower compression straps help suck in the un-used space.

The top gear loops are very easy to grab on to when passing the bag to someone else. Compared to the Osprey Float bag, the Day gear loops are way better. I can never seem to grab the Floats tiny top gear loop and end up grabbing a handful of material. The Day shoulder strap comes off literally with a snap which has been really nice for hiking use. Other waist packs have their shoulder straps sewed on making them less versatile. The lumbar straps also tuck away when not in use, nothing says ‘gomer’ more than un-used straps flopping around while at the coffee shop.

My Criticism
To make this bag more competitive against other waist packs I would include a cell phone holder. I know us outdoor gear freaks all think we don’t carry a cell phone, but lets be honest. Mountainsmith makes the Amp Cell Phone holder so maybe retailers might consider selling it as a coupled deal to keep up with the times? However maybe keeping them separate would be cool to mix and match colors and give us the ability to put the holder exactly where we want.

The inner hideway pocket is made with a nylon that I think could be replaced with a felt material that is attached to the inner wall of the pack rather than the outside wall. I found when I had my keys in the pocket it was a pain opening the zipper and retrieving other stuff inside.

More colors than a kaleidoscope
Mountainsmith offers a TON of colors to choose from in all their waist packs making this a great gift idea to fit any personality. I like their design and I’m glad they are keeping it the same. I really hope they don’t do multi-color in the future, their style is untouchable.

BUY NOW: The Mountainsmith Recycled Day Lumbar Pack.

I have to admit that I love football season. It means the temps start dropping, rivalries heat up, and old friends start emailing each other again. It means speculation and conspiracy theories about the BCS and all that drama runs rampant. It also means any underdog can triumph so I’m watching my Cougars, Huskies, and Utes with lots of anticipation! And fall always means that you start into that great time of anticipation and gearing up for ski season while the smell of snow is in the air….

Having suffered four major shoulder injuries in my skiing career (not unlike a typical quarterback might suffer) this fall my eye is on some of the good protective gear that’s out there. My favorite brand is POC. They make gorgeous and functional helmets, gloves, and gear for ski racers and downhill mountain bikers. But I am shocked at the prices. Over $300 for an armor shirt? Almost $200 bucks if you want a set of elbow pads and knee pads?

So this fall I was looking at football gear and I see Reebok making sets of shoulder pads for juniors for sale around $50 (see third pic at right). Sure, it doesn’t have the spine guard. But couldn’t Reebok integrate some spinal protection, lighten up the structure and profile of the shoulder pads, and still come in under $100 with a bike/ski offering? What about brands like CCM that produce hockey and lacrosse protective gear? I’ve got to believe they could do it too. And skateboarding is a great example of competitively priced armor — you can find sets of of knee/elbow pads from Pro-Tec or Triple Eight for under $40. It may not be as full-featured as other brands, but it is half the price.

Maybe I’m missing some technological wiz-bang thing that POC and others have, but I’m glad to see Race Face making something that at least approaches that price point: The Rally Body Armor shirt that is currently going for about $120 from JensonUSA (see pic of black armor shirt at right). Maybe I’ll have to check it out. And if any of you can guide me into understanding why POC and some others have such high prices, please comment below and point me in the right direction. I guess I just don’t know what justifies the prices of some armor brands out there.

Over the past few years, it seems like both the amount of ski binding manufacturers have decreased while a slew of others are hitting the market as re-badged Tyrolia bindings. I suppose that’s not too out-of-the-ordinary given the fact that 1) the manufacturing technology is expensive to develop and tool and 2) Tyrolia makes a solid (but sometimes heavy) binding.

The reason this is coming to mind is that after thumbing through the Powder Magazine Buyer’s Guide, I kept wondering why half of the ski bindings listed were even on there. Of the 12 bindings listed, 3 of them were Tyrolia (4Frnt Deadbolt 15, Head Mojo 18 and Fischer X17), Two of them were Look (Rossignol Freeski2 180 and Look PX 14 XXL Legend) and two were Salomon (Atomic FFG 16 and Salomon Sth 12 Oversize). So, in reality, there are only 8 ski bindings to feature, not 12.

I suppose this is really not much of a surprise or a big deal, just a gee whiz moment on my part. But, just be aware as a consumer when shopping for ski bindings. You may be able to get the exact same binding at a lower price because it’s not branded as a Marker, Salomon, Tyrolia or Look. And, another suggestion… if you don’t know how old your ski bindings are, it’s probably time to pick up some new ones. With surefire killer deals this Winter, now is a great time to shop.

Buy Now: Search for Ski Bindings

I just got this press release from Garmont about their new 2009/2010 ski boot lineup. While things have only been refined for this year (e.g. new colors and tweaks here and there), the lineup continues to impress both inbounds and in the backcountry. We’ve been big fans of the Garmont Radium, Endorphin, Axon and G-Ride for years. Now with their no-nonsense alpine boots, like the Shaman, you can ski Garmont boots tele, backcountry or at the resort.

August 28, 2009 – Backcountry, Skiing, and Powder magazines have hit the newsstands with their gear guide issues. Among the three magazines, Garmont ski boots have been awarded Backcountry Magazine Editor’s Choice Awards, Skiing Magazine Official Ski Test Selection, and Powder Magazine Skier’s Choice Awards. Totally 14 awards for the 2010 ski season, Garmont won awards in all of their boot categories – Alpine Power Performance, Alpine Freeride, Ski Mountaineering, and Telemark.

The most award-winning boot in the Garmont collection is the new Prophet NTN Telemark ski boot. “Outstanding tester response, exceptionally high scores, and category-leading overall performance contributed to our selection of the Prophet and Voodoo as 2010 Backcountry Magazine Editors’ Choices,” said Backcountry Editor Drew Pogge. Paul Parker comments, “When we decided to develop an NTN boot, we weren’t going to modify existing boots. We committed to a completely new telemark boot design, using what we had learned from our new a.d.d.™ Overlap AT boot design, and the unique anatomic fit of our newest Alpine and AT collection. We were committed to taking telemark skiing to the next level. It’s gratifying to have that effort acknowledged.”

The new Voodoo and the softer flexing, lower-cuffed Kenai Telemark boots, built for the 75 mm bindings system, feature the same award-winning a.d.d. Overlap design. One tester’s comment on Voodoo was, “Smoooooth flex… It fits great out of the box, and drives like a European sports car on the Autobahn.” Voodoo won Backcountry Editor’s Choice and the Skiing Official Ski Test Selection. Women’s Elektra also won Skiing’s award.

Skiing magazine complimented Garmont’s powerful Alpine model Shaman saying, “Bravo to Garmont for not messing with a good thing” and “Testers universally admired it.” Skiing Magazine comments “Garmont did its homework here, drawing from veteran designers with years of successful race-boot engineering.”

Garmont focuses on designing ski boots for skiers who seek adventure and extraordinary experiences. Garmont boots have skied many noteworthy lines on the feet of ski mountaineers Chris Davenport, Kim Havell, and Dave Watson. Earlier this month, Dave Watson skied the Bottleneck on K2 from 8350 meters to Camp 3. In June, Kim Havell skied from the summit of Denali as part of the “Electric Eels,” all female expedition. Last Spring, Davenport completed his quest to ski four of the highest and most famous peaks in the Alps: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Eiger.

View all of the award winning boots at www.garmontusa.com/awards.html

Buy Now: Search for Garmont Ski Boots

This past weekend, I headed down to Moab for my last multi-sport weekend before it gets way too hot down there. I grabbed my climbing gear and my road bike and headed south with the intention of some cragging on Potash Road and a ride through Canyonlands National Park. After a sweet day of biking, my partner in adventure suggested something a bit more exciting than the Potash crag- Ancient Arts, a well-known tower in the Fisher Towers area outside Moab. Looking at my gear, I was never so happy to see my “Oh S#!t” kit packed inside my duffel. This little orange stuff sack and its contents come with me EVERYWHERE, including on multipitch climbs. Knowing that I had my little kit with me, I transitioned my day from a day at the crag to my first day of desert tower climbing. I thought I’d offer you some insight into what I bring with me any time I go outside, and why I chose the products I do. Much like the Boy Scouts “10 essentials,” this kit is what I consider my essentials any time I go outside. Do I use every part every time? Nope. Have I been SUPER psyched to have it with me on a few specific occasions? Absolutely.

For all the products that our vendors carry, I’ve included a link to a more detailed review. Be sure to give it a click and check out specifics for each product.

1. Granite Gear Air Bag: Keeps all the below items with me! Lightest stuff sack I’ve been able to find that is still durable.

2. Purell Hand Sanitizer Wipes: Like carrying hand sanitizer with you, but with the added bonus of it being in wipe form, and no danger of it exploding all over your stuff if you change altitudes. Sanitize your hands and wipe off grime at the same time.

3. Coppertone Kids SPF 30 Stick Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen (anyone else remember that sweet song!?). To avoid getting it all over your hands before a climb, I’d use a stick form, and my fav is Coppertone Kids. It’s waterproof and lasts for 6 hours.

4. Adventure Medical HeatSheet Emergency Bivvy: Super compact, and keeps you warm in a pinch.

5. Leatherman Juice Xe6 Multitool: 18 tools in one, including 1 straight knife, 1 serrated knife, screwdrivers and pliers. Great for unlocking frozen ‘biners, severing cord, chopping up dinner or opening the post-climb celebratory beverage.

6. Mini Bic Lighter: Never know when you’re going to need to set something on fire!

7. Honey Stinger Energy Gel or Clif ShotBloks: Delicious! Quick energy when you really need it. Be sure to avoid that bonk!

8. 1 Luna Bar: Something with a bit more substance to snack on.

9. Charmin To Go Toilet Paper: No internal cardboard roll, just TP rolled on itself in a great tiny plastic container to keep the sand out. Great for emergency poos, nose blowings or wiping off your bloodied hands from the gnarley desert chimney you just sent.

10. Potable Aqua Iodine Tablets: If you ever end up somewhere and you’re out of water, yet have access to some source of liquid (snow, river, ice), iodine will keep you hydrated and bacteria free!

(ok, there are 11 things. No one ever accused me of being good at math!)

11. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp: I never, ever, ever, ever leave without a headlamp. Even when you’re leaving at 6am. You never know what’s going to go down that is out of your control, and adding darkness to an already deteriorating situation makes it that much worse.

Depending on the environment and weather forecast, I sometimes also take my Marmot Ion Windshirt, which compresses small enough to fit into my original granite gear stuff sack along with all of my other crucial materials.

So, at full retail, the emergency kit I’ve put together costs about $80 dollars if you don’t include the Leatherman (the most expensive item on my list, by far). If you’re good with watching for deals, you can easily put the whole thing together for under $50, and then add the Leatherman the next time it goes on sale! The whole thing weighs about 2lbs (Leatherman also weighing the most). This way, I’ve got the essentials I feel I need, instead of some formulaic kit!

Not too shabby for a homemade essentials kit, huh?

I particularly enjoy the high-quality photos and insightful articles filled with soulful recollections of killer powder days and the glory days of yesteryear.

This Summer, let The Ski Journal keep your winter wanderlust in check with its pages of winter bliss. You can browse the featured articles from the latest issue online and then subscribe to get it in your home for years to come.

Subscribe: Visit TheSkiJournal.com

“We are thrilled to enter this partnership with Jackson Hole,” said Chip Coe, CEO of TEKO. “Our two companies share a deep respect for the environment as demonstrated by our mutual and unwavering commitment to its conservation. Also, as a producer of both winter and summer high performance socks, TEKO has a natural place at Jackson Hole year round.”

JHMR has long respected the natural beauty and ecological significance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem that surrounds it. The resort maintains a comprehensive environmental program that was developed in harmony with its environment. In 2006, JHMR achieved ISO 14001 certification, the second of only two ski resorts, and one of the smaller companies in the US, to achieve this recognition. ISO 14001 certification is the most widely known and respected environmental stamp of approval, which demonstrates responsible management of environmental impacts.

“Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is focused on partnering with companies that share our environmental values and we are proud to add TEKO to our team,” said Jerry Blann, President JHMR. “It is great to see a manufacturer in the outdoor industry that has met the high demands of adventure seekers while not compromising on their corporate mission.”

For more information about Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, visit www.jacksonhole.com

About TEKO:

TEKO Socks: Best Socks ON the Planet, Best Socks FOR the Planet. Based in Boulder, CO, TEKO was founded on the belief that making high-performance outdoor products doesn’t have to leave a heavy impact on our ecology. Using only high-performance fibers and sustainable manufacturing processes, TEKO creates performance socks that are safer for the environment. From the raw materials, all the way down to the recycled paper packaging, TEKO’s product line features environmentally sound materials, such as organic tekoMERINO™ Wool, organic tekoCOTTON™ and tekoPOLY™ recycled polyester. TEKO buys wind energy credits to ensure that 100% of the electricity used in manufacturing and operations is put back onto the energy grid from clean, sustainable American Wind. TEKO is unique in that their eco-friendly commitment extends to its entire product line, supply chain, and daily business practices.

Despite my attempts at changing the weather with my summer-oriented dressing, it doesn’t seem to be working. To brave the snowing weather, I’ve been running around in my Backcountry.com Shift Hooded Softshell Jacket.

I’ve had a few different softshells before, but never one with a hood. I’m never going back! In terms of weight, I’d say this softshell falls in the midrange. Certainly heavier than the Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket, but not as heavy as the classic Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket.

Backcountry.com Shift Hooded Softshell Jacket

• Wind-Resistant Polar-Tech PowerShield Lining: Makes the Shift wind resistant yet breathable. Certainly not the most wind resistant softshell I’ve owned, but definitely the most breathable. So, if you’re looking for a jacket with less wind resistance but more breathability, the Shift is right up your alley.
• Pockets galore: Inner iPod pocket (if you’re like me and wondering what exactly makes it an iPod pocket, it’s that small hole that your headphones can come out of without keeping the pocket unzipped), outer upper sleeve pocket that’s just large enough for an ID, credit card and GU shot, plus fleece lined hand warmer pockets.
• Sizing: This is the only area I’d say the Shift goes a bit awry. Normally an XS to a S in jackets, I am a Medium in the Shift. Also, I have a shorter torso, and it fits me perfectly. If you’ve got a longer torso, I’d be sure to try it on!
• 4 Way Stretch Material: Makes it a great jacket to run/ski tour/climb in. It moves with you!

I just got an email from the crew at Bluehouse Skis.  They have a limtied number of skis and they are putting them up on the block via reverse auction.  Don’t worry… it’s not to complicated.  They will lower the prices every day until the inventory is gone.  If you think it’s a good enough deal, you better pull the trigger because with every passing day, quantities get lower and lower.

Bluehouse Skis End-of-year Reverse Auction

It’s been another incredible year and although resorts are beginning to close, with a 140+ inch base in many spots in Utah there will surely be skiing until June. What a perfect excuse for you and your friends to pick up the last of the Bluehouse inventory at year end pricing and still ski it for another two months!

End of Year Liquidation

We just took stock of the remaining Bluehouse inventory and found we only have a few pairs of bindings, a few pairs of the Shoots, and a handful of Mavens. Given the very limited quantities of our remaining inventory, we figured we might as well have some fun cleaning out the Bluehouse Basement, so here is the deal we have for you to help us get rid of the remaining product: REVERSE AUCTION.

Many of you are probably already familiar with the concept of a reverse auction, but for those who are not, I’ll explain….a reverse auction is just as it sounds – an auction in reverse. Instead of bidding up an item as you would on eBay, we set the original price. The price will then be dropped every couple/few days by increments that we choose. So long as product is available you can purchase the skis or bindings at the then current price. You bid on a product by purchasing.

But here’s the catch: if you hold out too long hoping for an extremely low price and the product sells out before you pull the trigger, you are out of luck. When the product is gone, the product is gone. (Seriously, we have very limited quantities to begin with so we don’t want whiney emails when you complain to us that you missed your chance to snag a pair of Shoots or Mavens).

Starting Prices:

• Mavens – $350
• Shoots – $350
• Look Px18 – $260
• Look Px15 – $225
• Look Px12 Jib – $160

Buy Now: Visit Bluehouseskis.com

After years of designing skis, Black Diamond ventured into the boot market this year, releasing a whopping 9 new boots! With 6 tele boots and 3 AT boots, Black Diamond has done a great job addressing their target market- backcountry skiers. Since they’ve been making probes, avalungs, skis and all sorts of backcountry gear for a while now, the would seem to be the experts on anything backcountry.

Black Diamond Shiva Alpine Touring Boot- Design

• Alpine overlap construction- allows for a bit more rigidity in the boot
• Liner- Liners are thermo-moldable with a BOA lacing system. For those skeptics out there, the BOA has been bomber in testing and held up just fine! Keeps your liners nice and tight.
• Interchangeable sole blocks- The Shivas come standard with a dynafit compatible rockered lug sole. However, if you want to use this boot in your alpine bindings, you can! With purchasing the Alpine Sole Blocks, you can change out the sole of your boot to be compatible with whatever binding you chose.
• Tour mode- there’s no tongue with these guys, so the whole upper cuff of the boot pivots forward and you’re not fighting that tongue as you move forward. Though not the lightest boot on the market for touring, the extreme pivot on these boots does make touring easy.
• Ski Mode- these boots have been rated at a 100 flex index, and based on the other AT boots I’ve tried, I’d say that’s accurate within the realm of Alpine Touring boots.

Black Diamond Shiva Alpine Touring Boot- Fit

Black Diamond boots are lasted for those with a wide, yet low volume foot. Toe box is the widest currently available in AT boots, yet the heel is narrow and supportive. These boots are definitely low volume! If you’ve got a lower arch, a narrow heel and wide toes, these boots are PERFECT for you. The Alpine Overlap design allows for some pretty tight torquing of the buckles on the forefoot as well, so you can really take up volume if you need to.

Comes in sizes 23 through 26.5. The 23 measures in at 277mm (6mm bigger than Scarpa’s equivalent size 23), so they run a slight bit bigger than other AT boots, but not much.

Overall, I was impressed. A bit stiffer and a bit heavier than my other boots, they made for a better crossover boot into the resort!

Check It Out! Black Diamond Shiva Alpine Touring boot

Over the years I’ve been real particular about which ski socks end up on my feet whether it be for backcountry skiing or resort skiing there is a certain type and often times brand of ski sock that will end up on my feet time after time. For backcountry skiing I like a more thin sock and almost always go strictly merino wool. For resort skiing, my ski sock of choice is a synthetic sock that’s medium thickness with padding on the shin and a good heel cup.

So it was when I recently donned the Wigwam Snow Xenon Pro ski sock, that I was particularly interested to see how my feet responded. To give it the full review I spend a couple of days backcountry skiing with them and then a couple of resort days. I lucked out by skiing in cold stormy temps, warm spring temps and a day of standard Utah bluebird powder.

Backcountry Skiing

My first outing with the socks was a long one – a 9 hour tour that took me up and over Timpanogos (click link for video), skiing from the summit and down the front side. Our hike out was a little over a mile on a dirt trail and then an hour of riding in the car back to Aspen Grove where we started. When we got back to the car I realized that my feet were comfortable enough that I chose to wear the socks home, another hour drive. Despite all the skinning, bootpacking and climbing with crampons I didn’t have any hot spots.

The socks were a little thick for my likes while backcountry skiing/touring, but they were comfortable. The only complaint is that they were warm, which on this particular day when it warmed up to solid spring temps it was a bit much.

My next backcountry ski day in these socks was a very cold and stormy day touring in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Once again, comfortable feel, no sliding of the socks which happens a lot with socks and they kept my feet warm. I had a meeting to get to after my tour so the socks were on my feet for nearly 9 hours and almost as cozy as my Wigwam Mountain High hiking socks.

Resort Skiing

I skied the Wigwams on a day of skiing Alta with my son so we were sticking to groomers in the blue to light black range. With my alpine boots which are a bit more roomy (read: older) than my touring boots, the socks were a perfect fit. Not too thick, not too thin – medium thickness in spots, thin in others, just like I like it.

My most recent chance to ski with these socks came Saturday when I was at The Canyons once again with my son. We skied 5 hours in all types of terrain. Afterward we went to Old Town Park City for some eats and then home. I ended up wearing the socks all day and the coolest part, aside from the comfort, was the fact that my feet weren’t sweaty. The Snow Xenon Pro’s pulled the moisture away from my feet and dried out very fast.

Aside from the surprisingly great comfort of this ski sock, I was also quite impressed by the fact that the sock didn’t slide down my leg as so often happens at the end of a long day.  They stayed in place during skiing, hiking, climbing and kicking it around the house.

Features of the Wigwam Snow Xenon Pro Ski Sock

• Stay put leg and top that won’t slide down
• Lightweight design
• 32% stretch nylon, 30% merino, 21% olefin, 12% X20 acrylic and 5% spandex.
• Cushion sole and shin
• Snug yet comfortable heel cup
• Virtually seamless toe closure
• Foot hugging fit

Bottom Line: I’ve got to say, I’m very impressed with the Wigwam Snow Xenon Pro ski sock. So comfortable they don’t feel like ski socks and the performance for backcountry or resort skiing is one of the best I’ve used. I’m certain that I’ll be reaching in my sock drawer for the Wigwam’s quite often.

Buy Now: As of now these socks are new enough that they are not found online in any of our affiliate websites, although I suspect that REI will have them soon.   Check the Wigwam site for a retailer near you.

Ski poles are ski poles are ski poles, right? Well… if you’re satisfied with some $10 metal pipe poles with hard plastic grips, then you’re set.  But, if you’re looking for comfort and function in the backcountry, then there’s no sense in looking anywhere but Black Diamond.

The BD Carbon Fiber ski poles are the gold standard (or should I say carbon standard) when it comes to durable backcountry poles. Here’s what Black Diamond has to say about them:

A backcountry essential, our lightest adjustable poles are built from a lightweight combination of ultra-strong 7075 aluminum and featherweight carbon-fiber for excellent balance and an optimized swing weight. The solid FlickLock® mechanism makes height adjustment simple and secure. Carbon Fiber Poles come with BD ¾ Baskets and our comfortable, grippy dual-density grips.

Having used several adjustable-length ski poles over the years, I can truly appreciate the power and ease-of-use provided by the FlickLock mechanism. Easy-open and easily locked-down, the FlickLock holds your adjustment in place come hell or high water. No need to worry about your poles getting shorter throughout the duration of the tour like you do with twisty poles.

I’ve found these poles to be very durable (I’ve whacked my fair share of dead Aspen branches) and sturdy when they need to be.  The 3/4 baskets are sweet when touring in firm conditions since they still allow the tips to hit the snow first instead of getting basket deflection and whiffing like Babe Ruth.

The dual-density grips are comfortable in all temperatures and swing weight is perfect. I don’t think about these poles at all while out in the backcountry–and that’s a good thing.

The only negative I’ve found is with the baskets.  They tend to twist around so you don’t always have the open side facing front.

The Good

• FlickLock mechanism holds adjustments in place
• Dual-density grips are comfy
• Swing-weight is perfect
• Durable and stiff

The Bad

• 3/4 baskets are good and bad, but they twist around at will

Buy Now: Search for Black Diamond Ski Poles

NOTE: For Fall 2009, the Black Diamond is introducing a slew of carbon-fiber ski poles including fixed-length, full-carbon adjustable (called Pure Carbon), a carbon probe and a few more. Look for more details on the new pole line in the Fall. Click the pics on the right to see the Black Diamond Pure Carbon… sexy!

I don’t know about you but I’m rough on gloves. I put them through the ringer. I guess between backcountry skiing, resort skiing and all the hiking I do with my skis that gloves don’t stand a chance. The fact of the matter is that beyond being built tough a glove has to be dexterous, warm, and just feel good on the hand. Otherwise, why bother, right?

Over the years I’ve had a number of gloves from companies like Reusch, Black Diamond, Swany, Gordini, and Head but it had been a while since I slipped my hand into a pair of Swany gloves.

My first pair of Swany ski gloves lasted me for a few years and were some of the best I have ever owned. But like all of my gloves, they too saw some extra stitching after some time but still gave me an extra year or so of enjoyable use in the mountains.

It was with anticipation then that I tried out the X-Change II.

Review of the Swany X-Change II Ski Glove

First slipping on the Swany X-Change it was quite comfortable and not too bulky. The fingers are pre-curved to add to the fit and feel. I was glad to see a glove with “idiot cords” which I really like since I take my gloves off and on quite often for photos or to dig into my pack or jacket. The gauntlet is minimal, unlike some gloves that feel like they go to the elbow. I was stoked on the design.

My first time using the X-Change II was on a SUPER cold day with air temps at -5 degrees and wind chill near -15. They felt good on my hands as we set out to skin up to the top of Wolf Creek Pass here in Utah. But after a few minutes I got cold hands and my fingers never warmed up. I shrugged it off and figured no glove would keep me warm that day.

Over the next few times skiing I would say that these gloves were more cold than warm. I started to wonder if the plastic like material that was on the inside of the fingers was conducting the cold and making my hands cold. I do get cold from time to time regardless of the glove, but it was more often than not that the Swany X-Change II had me tucking my fingers back into the palm area to warm up.

I found a pattern one day after skiing Alta where we hiked to Gunsight and High Eddies. When I did something to warm up my hands, like hiking, the gloves seemed to stay warm. So I made sure that over the next few times skiing that I was warm to start out with and they performed better, but still not to my demands.

I’ve now put almost 3 months of use on these gloves over 25 days of skiing (resort and backcountry) and they are starting to show some wear and tear on a couple of seams. I didn’t notice it until riding the lift at Brighton last Tuesday when we were enjoying 25″ of new powder.

If I had to estimate how long they will hold on, I’d say that I could put another 10-15 days on them until they would need some stitching. Remember, I said at the start, I’m harsh on gloves. But this was my experience with this model.

Features of the Swany X-Change II Ski Glove

• Uni-pull cuff cord is easy to use
• “idiot cord” so that you don’t drop them when you take them off
• Quick release strap for better fit
• AquaGuard lock-down zipper utility pocket – fits a heater pack
• Swany Dry Lining tri-plex insulation with Dryfinger II insert
• Leather reinforced palm

My recommendation if you’re hard on gloves like I am then spend the extra $40 and purchase the Swany X-Cell II Glove that is all leather. But if you’re not harsh on gloves, ski a few times each year and sensitive to the wallet, the X-Change will likely last you and serve you well.

Buy Now - Get the Swany X-Change Ski Glove from REI or you can buy it direct from SwanyAmerica.com

Update: So I was skiing Alta today and bumped into a guy that had the X-Change II and after 10 days of use his looked nearly brand new. Admittedly he did say that he hasn’t been using poles since he’s teaching his kids to ski, but that these gloves have held up well for him and he has been warm in them. Goes to show that each user of a product will have different results.

It used to be that I owned a few pairs of goggles – one with a yellow lens for white-out days, one with a bronze lens for the stormy/sunny combo days and the one with a flash mirror lens for those super bright bluebird days.  Before that I just owned one pair of goggles and made them work, much like everyone else.

Then I got a pair of goggles with multiple lenses, but changing them out or even worse remembering to bring along my spare lenses to either the resort or into the backcountry was a boondoggle at best.

Around Christmas I picked up the Spy Soldier Ski Goggle (with the Spherical Blue Spectra Lens) and my troubles, or my worries about which goggle and which lens to rock was over. After a couple months of use (about 15 days on the hill) it’s due time the for the Solider.

Review of the Spy Soldier Ski Goggle

Out of the box I was first surprised at how well they fit my face (I have a little larger face) even though they are a lower profile goggle and secondly how comfortable and soft the micro fleece and foam is. Add to that the silicon on the goggle strap keeps it in place so that not even Chuck Norris could move it. This has come in handy after more than a few diggers on powder days.

The stock model of the Soldier in the Wall Street design comes with a bronze lens (pictured to the right) which is also spherical. This is a pretty good lens for most conditions but I think for the ultra bright bluebird days it needs to be darker.

I opted to pick up the Blue Spectra Lens and despite the extra cost, I would recommend this lens as a do all every condition lens. It’s been solid on snowy days at Brighton and Solitude where visibility could have been less than stellar due to driving snow and clouds. But the clarity of the Spy goggle lens actually accentuated conditions, leaving me stoked and seeing every little bump, feature and powstash. Just how I like it.

After they performed so well in the flat and stormy light, I was a bit hesitant to bring them out on the brightest of bright days but they didn’t disappoint. In fact, they performed better than other flash lens goggles I have. A friend who was skiing with me one bright sunny day commented on how nice the goggles were and so I swapped with him for a while – he too was a convert to the Solider.

Spy Soldier Ski Goggle – The Good

• Great fit, for a wide variety of face sizes
• With the Blue Spectra Lens – it’s hard to beat this goggle for every use
• Silicon on the goggle strap is bomber at keeping the goggles in place
• Microfleece that wicks moisture to keep the goggle free from fogging
• Anti fog treatment with great ventilation

Spy Soldier Ski Goggle – The Bad

• A bit pricey if you’re on a budget

Buy Now: Get with it and get the Spy Solider from Gear.com or a more complete selection of the Spy Snow Goggles at SpyOptic.com

Re-designed for this year, the new Opedix S1 tights (like all Opedix tights) are built to “unload” the knees and allow them to do their jobs better. While skiing, your knees bear a lot of load and take some serious punishment. With the Opedix system, your knee joints are in a more natural position to provide just the right support. Here are a few more details:

When skiing or boarding, forces travel from the snow through the feet and up to the knees. These forces can push the knee joint to the outside creating wear points on the inside of the joint where most of the “load” is borne. The Opedix Knee Support System acts to counter these forces and reduce the load.

Ingrained in Opedix S1’s DNA are principals of traditional un-loader knee-bracing theory which reduces the knee-adductor moment to reduce medial knee-compartment load – a combination of muscle, ligament, and ground-reaction forces which significantly, and often detrimentally, increases in magnitude during physical activities. This mechanical process is referred to by scientists as “unloading” the knee and is a established strategy for reducing pain, increasing physical function of the knee joint, and mitigating the progression of lower-extremity pathologies including osteoarthritis.

Features of the Opedix S1 Ski Tights

• 4-way stretch compression for muscle support and stabilization
• New, shorter length to fit above ski/snowboard boot cuffs
• Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric
• Anti-odor and anti-microbial technology
• MSRP: $190

Opedix S1 Pro Tights Review

Last year, I was able to test the first version of the Opedix ski and snowboard tights. Though I felt the technology working, I didn’t get the full effect because the length was too long. As a result of my feedback (and likely others), Opedix has introduced the S1 Pro ski and snowboard model, which offers a shorter length that sits just above my boot cuff (much, much better).

When you put these tights on, there’s an instant feeling that they are working. The powerbands are tight on your legs to provide the proper support and unweighting necessary to achieve a neutral position.  The size large fits me well (5′ 11″ – 175 lbs) and seems to provide just the perfect amount of support.

While wearing the S1’s, my knees felt smoother and more stable. I could really feel the tights taking a little load off, thus making me more efficient and my knees much happier.

My primary use thus far has been backcountry skiing, so I’ve put these through a much more rigorous test than simply inbounds skiing at Alta. Uphill skinning, the tights do seem to restrict the most extreme knee-bending instances, but more than anything, I felt like I was cheating because of the extra support these provide. Downhill performance was equally solid with smooth turns and no drawbacks at all.

I have found a few drawbacks to these tights, though.  The first is the lack of a front fly. To relieve myself, I had to perform the dreaded untuck/re-tuck process–believe me, this is no fun during heavy snowfall and wind.  Also compared to Merino-based thermal underwear, they don’t breathe quite so well and if you need to remove the tights when they are damp, it’s quite challenging to get them situated properly again.

The Good

• Provides support you can feel
• Kind of like cheating
• Feels like you’ve got robotic legs
• Short length is now perfect (sits just above the boot)
• Places your knees in a neutral position

The Bad

• No fly
• Duck bill tuck-in tab is useless
• Difficult to put back on properly when damp
• Breathability isn’t as good as your typical base layer

The new Opedix S1 Pro’s may well be considered cheating in many circles, but in my book, they are definitely much more acceptable than anything from BALCO labs.  You’ll notice them working immediately with extra stability and efficiency. And, the next day, you’ll notice less muscle fatigue.  This year’s changes make them much-improved and more suitable for skiing and snowboarding

More Info: Visit Opedix.com (Get 15% off with ’skistronger09′ promo code)

When Bruce Tremper, Director of the Utah Avalanche Center, came out with the first edition of his book “Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain” it would be safe to say that most of mainstream media and the general population had little concern or care for avalanches. On January 14, 2005 a lot of that changed.

It was on that date when a huge avalanche in the adjacent sidecountry of The Canyons Resort cause a frenzy of news stories and speculation that up to 15 people had been caught.  A popular sidecountry destination, Dutch Draw has been the site of many close calls, including one that I was witness to.

Despite the media and general populous gaining more interest and knowledge of avalanches, albeit superficial and often time incorrect, that was not the reason for Bruce to come out with a Second Edition of Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain. The fact is that Avalanche Safety is a science, one that is continually evolving and the skills and knowledge necessary to keep you safe in the backcountry are being refined each day by pros like Bruce.

Review of Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper

When comparing this the second edition to the first, there are more than a few changes. For starters the amount of reading went up from 284 pages to 310. With this edition is an expansion in Chapter 10, The Human Factor. Avalanche survival and accidents involve the human factor more than was previously attributed and Tremper dives into a number of personal experiences as well as the Dutch Draw slide and others to cite how the human factors play an even bigger role in an avalanche.

Listed below are the factors that Tremper cites along with the number of times they are involved with fatal avalanches from 1990-2000:

1. Overconfidence – 15
2. Attitude – 12
3. Group Management – 8
4. Complacency – 6
5. Poor Communication – 6
6. No Error – 6

I like how the book presents a large number of images, charts, illustrations and graphs that add to the learning. If I had a criticism it would be that a number of the charts are dated, like the info above.

One of the highlights for me throughout the book are the “Hot Tips” where Tremper often opens up with personal insights, almost like you were taking a class from him and he gave you a “by the way…”.  I’ve been in a one day course with Bruce and this is just how he teaches.

Of course, reading this book won’t make you an avalanche expert like combining it with field experience and on snow classes can, but it’s definately worth picking up and reading (and rereading).

Buy Now: Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain is not available until March 6, 2009 but can be pre-ordered from MountaineersBooks.org.

Most people who know me would likely say that I’m not much of an in bounds kind of skier, saying that I prefer the skin track and quadriceps to the bull wheel and, well, sitting on my rear end. I would have to agree with that assertion. Despite this glove from Backcountry.com being called the Inbounds Glove and my preferred venue for sliding on snow being the backcountry, I’ve found reason to test this glove in both the resort and the backcountry this season…and it’s not just for in bound performances.

The first time I used ithem was while on a backcountry tour to the Wasatch classic Coalpit Headwall, a north facing 5,000 foot line. My first impression was that it was too cold of a glove, despite the wool-liner. But I kept giving it a chance and glad I am.

It was while cat skiing at Powder Mountain a couple weeks ago and the Ski the 13 Challenge a few weeks before that when I realized I was falling in love.

Comments from friends along the lines of “man, those look like comfy gloves” and “nice looking gloves, who makes them?” reinforced what I was starting to realize – that they were keepers.

The pre-curved articulated fingers allow for a great fit right out of the box. I like how the cuff, made of softshell material, is independent of the main leather part of the glove, allowing the glove to act independent of the cuff, much like your hand acts independent of the wrist. The result is the type of glove function and performance that I’ve not often experienced.

For guys with larger hands, the cuff can be a point of distaste as the narrow cuff may present a challenge to pull over the hand, but once on the fit is seamless.  The gloves come with a DWR treatment on the leather but I’ve not yet felt the need to retreat them after more than a dozen uses.  The extra soft goat leather on the palm increases the durability to edges and tree limbs while ski touring.

Backcountry.com Inbounds Glove Specs:

• Leather shell with Pittards Goat leather palm (how appropriate – Goat leather)
• DWR coated leather for increased water proofing
• Soft wool liner
• Polartec Power Shield softshell cuff

Buy Now

Pick up the Backcountry.com Inbounds Glove today and put to rest your in bounds and out of bounds struggles – this glove goes both ways.

First thing’s first – I’d have a hard time placing this piece in the jacket category, but rather in a category of it’s own. Mid-layer? Hard to say.  4 season layer? More likely. But my criticism of the RIme stops there.

The Rime Pullover from Backcountry.com is just the piece of gear I’ve been wanting and yes, needing for some time now.  Similar in style to the old Alpine Shirt from Black Diamond which was a single layer Schoeller pullover, the Rime ups the ante with a couple of added features and a better fit.

Made with PowerShield as the outer, which is darn near weather proof,  it includes a very thin micro fleece inner making this piece so versatile that I’m going to be using it year round.  Ok, summer may be a bit warm but it will have it’s uses.  I’ve used it for a few ski touring days and when worn with a zip-neck base layer it all but replaces my soft shell.

It has a high collar that has a little fleece liner but is unusually stiff (easy on the starch) but it provides good protection from the wind unless you get on a ridge line where the winds are honking with spindrift, like I encountered two days ago.  For times like those a hardshell with a hood is the ticket.

A small zip chest pocket is a nice addition and the logo hits are subtle, which I appreciate.  Best of all for me is the fit – I went with an XL because I knew it would be a layering piece with a zip-neck base layer or a performance tee underneath.  But the bonus is the arm length – I have a 36″ arm length and the old Alpine Shirt from Black Diamond was like wearing a size too small on the arm length. The Rime fits perfect for longer arms.

Features of the Rime Pullover Include:

• PowerShield stretch material
• High collar with light fleece backing
• 1 zip chest pocket
• Lightweight for 3-4 season use

I’ve seen the Rime come up on SteepandCheap.com a few times but the fact of the matter is that it’s worth paying the retail price, and that’s not something I say about too many pieces of gear.

Buy Now: Pick up the Backcountry.com Rime Pullover and once you do, you’ll wish you would have done so sooner.

For those skiers who don’t really fit the Dynafit profile (strictly backcountry, and looking for a superlight setup), there are 2 basic ways you can go in terms of choosing an alpine touring binding. Fritschi, who makes the Freeride Plus and the Explore, or Marker, who makes the Baron and the Duke.

Fritschi Freeride Plus and Explore Bindings

Fritschi is the way to go if you’re a 60/40 backcountry to resort skier, and not a crazy charging alpine skier. The Freeride Plus comes with a brake (though not included with the Explore) and an added stability plate. However, this “stability plate” raises the binding, elevating you more than normal. For high speed skiing, this added height ends up costing you some stability, and adds unwanted lateral flex. DINs on the Freerides go up to 12 and Explores only to 10, so if you’re a larger charger, these DINs might not cut it for you.

Biggest advantage of the Fritschi over the Markers? The touring mode. Freerides and Explorers are both significantly more user friendly for touring, and can be popped into tour mode without taking off your boot. The climbing mode on both the Freerides and the Explore’s have 3 different height settings, Marker bindings only have 2. The tallest Freeride touring “heel” is longer than the Marker’s longest climbing bar. Fritschi’s touring heels can be adjusted by maneuvering your pole the right way, Marker’s require you to bend down and engage it with your hand.

Marker Duke and Baron Bindings

Are you a monstrous resort skier who occasionally ends up in the backcountry or sidecountry? The Marker’s are the way to go for you. A much more stable binding that skis just like an alpine binding, you won’t be sacrificing any of your power transfer just for a tour mode on your binding. With DINs up to 16 on the Dukes, the burliest of skiers can work with this binding, no problem.  The Duke and the Baron are both the exact same binding as the Jester and the Griffin, mounted on a different plate which allows for touring mode.

Disadvantages of the Duke and Baron? Touring in these guys is kinda a chore. The Dukes and Barons require you to take your boot out to switch to tour mode, the climbing wires are small, and the bindings themselves are heavy. Though only 10 oz more than the comparably size Freeride, weight starts to add up.

Overall, both companies are making a killer alpine touring bindings! The big decision comes down to where you’d like the most performance- skiing or touring. Personally? I’m a small, non-aggressive alpine skier who loves to tour but still wants resort capability, so the Freerides are for me. My ski partner? Very aggressive expert alpine skier who occasionally joins me on a tour or two- he’s in the Markers!

Check ‘em out! Fritschi Freeride Plus Bindings OR Marker Duke Bindings

I’ve been on a Smith kick as of late. A year ago, I owned none of their product, and I now sport the Smith Interlock Whisper Sunglasses, the Smith Variant Brim Helmet and most recently, the Smith Heiress Goggles.

Single greatest features of the Heiress- the size! My previous goggles dwarfed my face. They hung down over most of my nose and were basically massive. Granted, there’s a good chance my older goggles were manufactured in a decade that I might not have been alive in, but age aside, they were not a good fit for my face. My other option had always been kids goggles, which usually didn’t have a wide enough strap to fit around my helmet and head!

Smith Heiress Goggles

• Part of the “Spherical” series, the Heiress is a great option for those who the I/O is too big for, but still provides lens interchangeability and Vaporator Lens technology.
• “Articulated outrigger positioning system”- basically means that the straps aren’t fixed directly to the goggle, but to a pivoting plastic joint, so you can wear the smaller lenses with a helmet and not have your frames yanked off your face.
• If you’ve got a Smith Variant Brim, you’re psyched about these goggles! The integration is seamless. No gaper gap (that unsightly space between your helmet and your goggles). The venting is incredible! The brim keeps the top of your goggles snow free, allowing for optimal airflow through your goggles. No fogging! Even when you’re sweating on those warmer days, the vents in the helmet and the vents in the goggles integrate and keep your vision at 100%.
• Stylin’ designs! Normally I’m a simple kinda gal, black or white is about the extent of my color palate. However, I now own the “South Beach” design of the Heiress, and I rock the pink and green stripes like a pro. They match my pinstriped Variant Brim!

Check ‘Em Out! Smith Heiress Goggle

My old ski helmet was a joke. It was big and bulky, didn’t fit right and had a hideous pattern on the side. Nonetheless, I loved it. However, after prodding and some mockery from my friends, I finally got a new Smith Variant Brim Helmet.

1st and most important- fit! Smith Variant Brim Helmets come with a “Helmet Fit System,” a ratcheting system similar to those found on bike helmets, so you can really customize it to fit your head. They come in 3 sizes (S, M, L) and you can adjust each as needed. No more helmet drooping down over my eyebrows! This one fits right and stays in place.

Smith Variant Brim Helmet

• Venting system! I’ve never had a helmet with vents before. If you’re sweatin’ up a storm on the hill, flip your vents open and you’ve got an instantaneous breeze on your dome. Too cold? Close em up with the simple flick of a finger.
• X-static lining fabric- Supposedly regulates odor and eliminates static… Your hair won’t stand on end when you take the helmet off.
• Sweet designs! Smith has really pioneered the market of making helmets and goggles fashionable. The Variant Brim comes in several different designs, from a matte black for those conservative types to a blue floral or white pinstripe for those of you wanting to make a statement.
• Ear pads are removable, and can be interchanged for audio compatible ones or a bluetooth compatible phone system.

Last thing- the brim! I was not psyched on this idea at first. Why do I want a brim? I almost got a regular Variant Helmet, but after some convincing, went with the brim. Definitely the right choice! When paired with Smith Goggles, the venting system that is created is the greatest! The brim redirects airflow, keeping your goggles fog free. Also, it’s great for keeping some of the sun out on those sunny days and the snow out on the days it’s nuking. My only gripe- I ride with my goggles up on my helmet unless the weather absolutely necessitates some ocular protection, and getting them to sit up there takes a bit of finesse.

Buy Now: Search for the Smith Variant Brim Helmet

Along with the helmet craze I think another trend is rocking low bulk ski gloves. For a while it seemed like the big gauntlet gloves were the trend but now the slim gloves are the norm. I jumped on the boat last year and have been amazed with how warm these little mitts can be. My new favorite finger jacket is the Outdoor Research Criterio glove.

The best part about the Criterio is the zipper instead of the strap. Straps are lame. I already have a strap on my jacket, I don’t need another strap. The Criterio zippers are nice because they are easy to use but aren’t gnarly big and annoying.

From my wrist to the tip of my finger it measures one BIC pen and a tootsie roll and the Criterio fits me perfect in a large. Getting the glove on is a bit tough, however once your in it’s a solid fit. As far as dexterity goes I didn’t have any problems with using my pant side zip to get to my boot buckles. Buckling my boots were easy too, I felt like this glove has a higher dexterity then the OR ExtraVert glove.

The GORE-TEX is ideal for any use along with the 100g EnduraLoft which kept me plenty warm this morning at Alta at 20 degrees. The pointer and the middle finger have padding which I am still trying to figure out what the use is. Maybe a lift line boxing match for first tracks? I’m very happy with this glove overall and would gift it to even my worst enemies.

Gripe

My gripe to OR is when I pull my hand out of the glove the liner comes out in the pinky sleeve. It’s almost impossible to get my pinky back in. I reckon they could make a sewing alteration to overcome this.

BUY NOW: The Outdoor Research Criterio glove at Moosejaw.com.

In for review is the all-new Nomad altimeter watch from Freestyle. With all the features you’d come to expect for a mountain-friendly watch, plus Freestyle’s lifetime warranty, the watch has a lot of promise, but we’ll see how it fares in the lab.

My first thoughts on the Nomad are mixed actually. The function of the watch is superb and for the most part, all settings and configuration have been easy to manipulate sans instructions.  I’ve used enough of these types of watches that I can typically get them up and running without looking at the fineprint.  The only one I’ve yet to figure out is the logbook, but I’ll dig into the instructions to get that rolling.

After wearing it for a few days and taking it on a backcountry ski tour, all functions appear to work well and there are a variety of display options within each mode (nice feature). I like being able to easily scroll back through the graphical altitude display. On Saturday, this looked like a pretty steep mountain right in the middle of the graph–cool.

The downsides thus far stem from the size of this watch.  This watch is likely the largest face of any altimeter watch I’ve worn (altimeter watches are notoriously large). Even the behemoth Suunto Vector seems smaller.  You do get plenty of screen size and nice, large buttons that work well with gloves on, but it is a large watch–no question about that.

I’ll post my thoughts after a more thorough long-term flogging.

The Good

• Intuitive function
• Design is glove-friendly
• Large screen shows tons of data, but can get confusing in some modes
• Scrollable altitude display
• Extra watch band hook loop actually keeps things in place
• Lifetime warranty
• Price is good at $160 msrp

The Bad

• Likely the largest face of any altimeter watch on the market
• Rubber strap feels too stiff and hard
• No subdued color choices (all or mostly black)

Buy Now: Search for Freestyle Nomad Watch

Last week, before the crowds descended for the Ouray Ice Festival, I had an opportunity to get away from work and spend 4 days climbing in the Ouray Ice Park. Though the weather was beautiful and temps optimal, I still relied on my Black Diamond Mercury Mitts to keep my hands warm between climbs.

After years of trying different mittens to keep my low-circulation hands warm, the warmest mitt I’ve found (with the exception of OR’s Expedition Altimitts and BDs Absolute Mitts, both intended for extreme cold weather mountaineering and certainly NOT dexterous or practical for daily climbing use) is the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt. With removable liners, the mitt is ideal for warming your hands up after a cold climb or for spending a day resort skiing in. The gloves still have enough dexterity to belay in, and have a great leather palm that offers resistance for those same belays and for great grip on ski poles.

Cool Features of the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt

• Removable Liner- allows you to efficiently dry the mitts out and ensure both the shell and insides get dry. :Liner is made of primaloft, and it provides some primo insulation! Also, “lobster claw” feature isolates your index finger from the other 3, allowing for more dexterity.
• Big gauntlet! I can put these gloves on over my softshell and MH SubZero Hooded Puffy, and they fit easily over the layers around my wrist, and still come with a drawstring to tighten.
• “Dummy Straps”- certainly not the technical term, but I can’t seem to find the official name for them. Know the straps that come on the mitts so you can attach them to your wrist, and then be able to yank them off real quick without losing them? Crucial feature for me. I can’t count the times my mitts would be down the hill if it weren’t for those guys. Surprisingly, many adult mitts don’t come with these! Apparently when you’re past the age of 6 you’re supposed to be able to keep track of your stuff without strings on it… Right…

With a temperature rating down to -20, these are great mitts for cold days at the ski resort to to warm up pumped hands after a cold climb! The only disadvantage might be that these gloves can be too warm for regular resort days or all day wear. Toasty toasty!

Check it out! Women’s Mercury Mitt

A relatively new brand in the sunglass and goggle market, Haber Vision is backed by two former Bolle executives who have jumped back into the industry with products they believe the market needs. Haber Vision is an online-only retailer with high-quality products at excellent prices.

I’ve had the new Highline snow-specific goggles on-hand for testing over the past month. When I got them, I was impressed with the overall quality and the clarity of the optics.  Slipping them on, the Gun Flash spherical and polarized lens offers just the right color for most light conditions.

On the hill, the Highline goggles offer fog-free, no-fuss performance and fit well. I’ve enjoyed fog-free performance in the backcountry and inbounds on cold/cloudy and mixed sun days.

The frame itself fits my medium-sized face and nose well. With a helmet, the nose does pinch my nasal passages just a tad, but not any worse than 90% of the goggles on the market.  It must be the helmet/goggle combo on my face that causes me issues in this way–oh well, I’m used to it.

The hinged strap attachments keep the goggles sitting flat on your face whether you use a lid or a beanie. I missed having a strap clip, but it’s not that big of a deal once you get the goggles on.

The Good

• Excellent optical quality
• Lenses are scratch-free so far
• Fog-free performance
• Excellent fit with or without a helmet
• Good quality for the price – $75 (polarized, spherical lenses are usually much more)

The Bad

• No strap clip
• Not available in local stores
• Relatively-unknown brand

Buy Now: Visit Habervision.com to Buy the Highline Goggles

“With an unsurpassed degree of engineering and complete attention to detail, the ONYX represents G3’s commitment to industry-leading innovation,” says Oliver Steffen, G3’s President. “This product is built for skiers who want outstanding uphill usability and rock-solid downhill performance from the same binding.”

More Info: Visit www.g3onyx.com

After switching back to skiing after 12 years of snowboarding, boot comfort was of high importance to me for my Alpine Touring setup. After trying on several different boots, the best choice for my foot was the Scarpa Diva AT Boot.

A great lightweight 4 buckle touring boot, the Diva also charges the downhill effectively as well. This versatility is created by the interchangeable tongue system. The Diva is normally equipped with a hinged walk tongue, which puts the boot at a flex index of 90, which is great for all day tours. When you’re out for a resort day and want that extra downhill stiffness, swap the tongue out for the additional Ski tongue, which increases the flex on the boot to a 110. This makes the Diva a great crossover boot for those wanting something that will perform equally well in the backcountry and for resort days.

The Heel Retention Strap system and 4 buckles allow you to really crank down on this boot, offering great stability and support. The walk mode on these boots is great with the walk tongue in it, though not as free-pivoting as Black Diamond’s new Shiva AT boot.

Scarpa Diva AT Boots- Fit info

• Wider last than Garmont AT line
• Higher shell volume than Garmont AT line-  great for high arches or higher volume feet
• A word for those with smaller feet- Scarpa shells are the smallest AT shells available. A 22.5 in Scarpa is comparable to a 23 in Garmont, but actually 2mm smaller.
• Heel is a bit sloppy after some packing out, but a pair of butterfly fit modification pads seems to eliminate that problem entirely. If you have wide heels, no problem!
• Thermo-Moldable liners allow for great flexibility in fit. Though you can wear them right out of the box, thermomolding fixes any hot spots you may have and adds comfort. Specifically, the Diva comes with an Intuition Precision Lady liner, which is slightly narrower than their regular liners and engineered for a womens’ foot.

Scarpa Diva AT Boots- Pros

• HRS Strap really does help keep your heel in place, and the ratcheting buckle system can be easily cranked down in gloves.
• Ski/Walk button is a great big knob that is also easy to access and use with gloves on. No more fumbling with the light switch style toggles.
• Comfy! Not quite a snowboarding boot, but as close as I think I’m gonna get!

Scarpa Diva AT Boots- My only gripe!

• How many women’s products can the outdoor industry possibly name the Diva? I believe I own a harness, headlamp, pack and now ski boots, all with the same name! But, princess names aside, I love my boots!

Buy Now! Scarpa Diva AT Boot

If bullet proof vests were any thinner you could probably just go with the Arcteryx Alpha SL jacket. I know eVent is the big topic right now but Gore-Tex Paclite is a tough contender still standing in the waterproof-breathable ring.

Of all the shells I have tried the Alpha SL is probably my favorite. It is so low-key you really forget it’s there even with the rain coming down. I’m not a huge fan of velcro wrist straps on sleeves however on the SL Arcteryx made them thinner and more “out of the way”. My worst nightmare is when I bend my wrist skiing and it won’t budge due to bunchy wrists on my jacket.

The jacket is long enough to cover your hide but still gives you movement for backpacking. I even layered this jacket on Rainier with my Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero jacket and the SL layered well. At a mere 12oz. this is the do-it-all jacket for all the seasons. The SL stands for SuperLight, and believe me, thats what you get.

Add the waterproof zippers and a helmet compatible hood and the Alpha SL makes all your other jackets obsolete. For me Arcteryx fits big, I usually wear a medium in most brands but a small is what works in this brand. I am 5′8″ and 165lbs. dorky looking non-smoker…if that helps.

BUY NOW: The Arcteryx Alpha SL Jacket at Backcountry.com.

A recent dump to the Wasatch flooded our streets with white and our mountains with 20+ inches of fluff. With a recent addition to the family I couldn’t partake of the epic powder but was assigned to keep the sidewalks walkable in my neighborhood. I threw on my new Backcountry.com Shift Welder jacket in an attempt to give it a gear performance pop-quiz during one of the many SLC snow puke sessions.

Under the reviews on the jacket one guy is saying the Welder is “comparable if not superior to the Arcteryx Gamma MX”. I’m not sure if its up to the Gamma level but here are my thoughts.

The BC Design

The material is very soft, well duh its a softshell but I swear the backcountry.com team threw something else into the brew on this jacket. I like that aspect because it makes it super packable and doesn’t restrict any arm movement. For all that crazy snow shoveling I was doing it kinda felt like I wasn’t wearing anything. As far as resisting the moisture it did ok, but I was really wanting my hardshell or my Sigma SV during the snow storm. With the fully welded seams, hence the name, your mind can be put to rest.

I also took this for a run in the cold to see what it could do. The heat regulation was impressive with my merino baselayer underneath. And it also kept me just warm enough to withstand the 19 degrees it was that night.

The wrist cuffs don’t have a velcro strap but has a 3 inch section of lycra (I think) to reduce the bulk. That really makes this jacket a solid touring choice. Along with the teeny foam pads they use to hold the multiple drawstrings, you can tell the design team didn’t let any details slide.

Not my favorite

Ok speaking of details and call me knit picky if you want, but the front zipper. For one it can open from the bottom which I’m really not a fan of. And maybe I got a funky one but its just not very smooth. Maybe the team considered waterproof zippers or a more high-quality zipper but they kinda missed it on this aspect of the jacket.

Bottom Line

I would buy the jacket again because I think its bomber alternative to my array of jackets. It fits with a helmet and has a nice micro fleece lining. The arms fit long so get ready, I’m 5′8″ and usually wear a medium and this jacket in a medium fits perfect. The Tahoe blue color is also really snazzy!

BUY NOW: The Shift Welder Softshell jacket at Backcountry.com.

My friend is visiting from Boston this week, and today we went skiing. As I pulled out my plastic tub full of baselayers to outfit her for the day, she commented that I looked like a North Face long underwear ad! The tub is brimming with silkweight and midweight tops and bottoms, most of which are The North Face. Here’s a quick smattering of my favorites!

General Info- The North Face Baselayers

• The North Face makes 4 different weights of baselayers- lightweight, midweight, expedtition weight and wool weight.
• Carbon from Bamboo Technology- adds increased wicking powers and better odor absorption than regular baselayers

Carbon from Bamboo technology is a method of enhancing the performance qualities of fabrics used for active outdoor endeavors. In this highly specialized process, dried bamboo is carbonized in a kiln at nearly 800 degrees Celsius, then ground into a fine powder. The Carbon from Bamboo powder is blended with a polymer to form fibers that are woven or knit into fabric

• All Baselayers come with flatlock seams for added comfort.
• Because of Carbon from Bamboo Technology, the baselayers have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30.

My favorites for resort days include the Women’s XTC Midweight Crew and Women’s XTC Expedition Tight. For Ice climbing, I’m usually in the Expedition Tight and Expedition 1/4 Zip, and for backcoutry touring days, where wicking is key, I’m usually rocking the XTC Lightweight Tights and Crew. Check em out!

Patagonia is dedicated to providing the most durable and functional outerwear and accessories on the market. That direction has been guiding them for years as others have played “me too” in the market. They continue to push the limits of sustainability and fabric technology by using recycled fibers and mixing it with high-tech blends to provide the best product on the market.

Case in point is the new Patagonia R1 Hoody. This tight-fitting base or midlayer hoody is made from a combination of Polartec® Power Dry® and Capilene® fabrics utilizing 60% and 50% recycled fibers respectively. This proven combination provides warmth, breathability and durability with the knowledge that at the end of its life, it can be recycled.

Patagonia R1 Hoody Review

The fit of the Patagonia R1 Hoody is athletic and form-fitting. The fabric is comfortable next to the skin and provides extra warmth when needed, but without much bulk. Thumbholes in the sleeves keep the sleeves in place when putting on additional layers and prevents unwanted snow entry during inevitable crashes or during deep powder excursions.

The hood is nice to have, but can get in the way if you’re not too keen on using it much. In a pinch, though, it could provide the extra warmth necessary to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

I’ll give it a more thorough flogging over the coming weeks and post my thoughts, but for now, I’m liking the R1.

The Good

• Polartec Power Dry / Capilene combo is warm and comfortable
• Breathes well and wicks away moisture
• Tight fit is great as base layer
• Longer length keeps it tucked in (no plumber’s crack)
• Thumbholes keep sleeves in place
• Good use of recycled materials

The Bad

• Hood can get in the way… maybe a collared option would be better, or going with the similar Patagonia R1 Flash Fleece instead

Buy Now: Search for the Patagonia R1 Hoody

A beanie is a beanie right? Not in my experience. After trying hat over hat I have finally found the best: the Dome Perignon by Mountain Hardwear. You can lose a lot of heat from your head but with this beanie your brains won’t freeze.

The hat is made with Gore-Windstopper making it your new all around use beanie. The stitching and detail in the design really beat the rest. If your not a helmet fan while skiing, this hat works great even with snow coming down because it blocks moisture to keep your noggin’ dry. It’s not waterproof, but compared to other lids it reigns superior.

Has a soft inside and once you put this thing on get ready for the warmth. Imagine a down jacket for your head but without the down. My only warning is the sizing. I wear a medium helmet and the size medium works well for me in this hat. However I have heard a ton of sizing complaints with the large saying it is HUGE. So consider sizing down a notch.

All your other beanies will shy away to the corner with envy when you come home with the Perignon, prepare accordingly.

BUY NOW: The Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Beanie at Backcountry.com.

On Christmas Eve, we hit Alta for some pre-Christmas powder. Conditions were stellar, but the temperatures were frigid and the winds were howling.  Summit temperatures were in the single digits and with the wind chill, I’m guessing we were in the double-digit negative temps… it was COLD.  But, there was no stopping us from enjoying the excellent conditions and untracked powder.

My Head World Cup Ti ski boots were custom-fit by Surefoot and provide an awesome fit with thin socks. But, after an hour on the hill, my toes are always cold.  I’ve just dealt with it in the past and my toes have eventually warmed up after a few hours.  However, this time it appears I’ve actually gotten frostbite on my toes.

It’s not so bad that my skin is turning white or black, but it’s bad enough that my big toes are still numb and sensitive to the touch. What was previously a minor issue is now a bit more problematic–I don’t want to get severe frostbite on my toes.

I’ve been hesitant to try boot warmers because they will add height to my footbed, thus messing up my snug boot fit. So, I started looking around and have found the DryGuy BootGlove as a possible alternative to battery-powered boot heaters.

About the DryGuy BootGlove

Designed in the frigid Alaskan Arctic, the DryGuy BootGlove™ provides a Thermal Protection Layer of Insulating neoprene for your Ski Boots to keep your feet warm in extreme wind chill and winter snow conditions.

Skiers will appreciate the lasting warmth BootGlove™ provides adding up to +20°F/7°C to your boots toe box and conserving heat loss where it’s most important… YOUR FEET!

• 5 Mil N2s Neoprene outer shell
• Adjustable Velcro heel strap
• Wind and water proof
• Side abrasion patches
• 30 day warranty
• MSRP: $29.95

Has anyone used these? I’m curious just how well they work… my numb toes would appreciate an uptick in the temperature the next time I’m up on the hill.

Buy Now: Search for the DryGuy BootGlove

This year, I made the switch from snowboarding back to skiing after 12 years of boarding. Naturally, I couldn’t be seen wearing my ridiculous and baggy snowboarding pants while ski touring, so the switch in sports necessitated new pants. I went with a bomber pair of versatile bibs, the Arc’Teryx Theta SV Bibs, and man, did I end up with a killer pant!

The Arc’Teryx Theta SV Bibs are made of GORE-TEX Pro Shell material, so they’re fairly light and very water repellent. The bib style was new to me, after years of low-hip riding Burton snowboarding pants, but it’s quickly growing on me for skiing and alpine climbing.

Arc’Teryx Theta SV Bibs- Favorite Features

• Bibs are high waisted! Definitely took some getting used to, but in the end, it keeps all the snow out of your backside on pow days (which have been plentiful in the Wasatch as of late!). The back panel on the bibs is a stretch panel, so you still have some moveablity. Also, they come with a built in “belt” so that you don’t have extra material sagging around your waist.
• Suspenders on bibs can be unhooked at the front- so if you really don’t want those bibs to feel like bibs, you can unhook the front, and roll the top down over the “belt.” I tried this, and though it seemed to work, in the end, I just got so comfortable with the bibs and suspenders that I left it alone!
• Articulated knees and seat- great for the newbie skier (me!) who might be spending some time on their “seat”!
• Powder cuffs on pant- really adjustable! Fit around every boot I could try them on with, from alpine touring to ice climbing boots. Inner powder cuff has a great hook that attaches to shoelaces like a gaiter.

Overall, Arc’Teryx was right on with the sizing, and did a great job engineering these pants, from the chapstick pocket to the 3/4 length leg zippers for venting. I’m excited to take these pants out on an extended day mountaineering excursion, and experience what a truly waterproof shell pant feels like.

My only complaint would be that I’ve worn these pants for this season only, and after a few days of touring, I had ripped a small tear into the reinforced inner panels of the bottoms of the pant. Reinforced though they may be, they don’t appear to be “Claire-proof!” With a little bit of repair time and some seam grip, I’ll be back out in them, and happier than I’ve ever been with a shell pant. I’m taking them to Ouray next weekend for some ice, we’ll see how they hold up down there!

Buy Now! Arc’Teryx Theta SV Bibs

I am glove shopping again. No need to call GWA (Gear Whores Anonymous) I just need some good gloves to get me through the rest of the season. I promise its my last pair. After talking to fellow gear nuts Hestra usually dominated the conversation. The company started in 1936 and started making gloves for lumberjacks. If I ever have a deep desire to chop wood then make a raft out of that wood and leave home for 6 months; Hestra has me covered.

From looking at reviews, these gloves look down right tough. The thing that caught my eye about the Hestra Heli Glove is the big strap thingy attached to the gauntlet. It goes around your forearm so you don’t drop your glove into a crevasse while opening a gel. And yes I actually saw this on Rainier, guy totally dropped his BD Guide glove into a crevasse. Ouch!

I’ve heard a lot of ski patrol are using Hestra because of the ultra tough leather. I don’t mind paying a little more for a glove that is going to last. Translation: I’m super cheap and despite my gear addiction I need a tough glove. Seth Morrison is also rocking Hestra so I hope TGR doesn’t expect me to start dropping crazy cliffs if I sport these while teaching my two year-old how to ski.

Hestra Technology

I am liking how Hestra has dialed in the details. They make their gloves with an Eagle Grip which has a pre curve for a more solid grip. Their Fiberfill insulation is looking toasty with the Snow Lock drawstring. Overall I am impressed and stoked to strap into these warm hand jackets.

BUY NOW: The Hestra Heli Glove at Backcountry.com

The Garmont A.D.D. Wrap overlap ski mountaineering boots set a new standard in ski mountaineering boots. Their unique overlap more closely follows the anatomy of the foot and lower leg for crisp, precise downhill performance, while cradling it comfortably and securely for touring comfort. The unique overlap design eliminates the restrictive tongue to allow more independent movement between the cuff and lower shell. That means better walking, climbing, and skinning, with a progressive downhill flex. These boots’ balanced design provides the best of all worlds: light and comfortable on the tour, formidable on the descent.

Radium and Shogun utilize the Rapid Thermoformable liners, the most refined fully-thermoformable liners available. Helium has the lower Flash liner with the same technology. Four foam thicknesses and densities each serve a specific purpose. A new softer, thinner elastic thermoformable toe insert offers warmth and additional comfort. Extra reinforcement around the cuff aids in comfort when leveraging over fat skis and in high-speed turns. The tongue is reinforced with a plastic T-Bar® made of Pebax®. The new Stobel-stitch sole design allows the footbed and foot to sit flatter and more anchored in the liner, while it maximizes forefoot width for comfort.

The Radium is the highest-performance ski mountaineering boot on the market, truly the best of both worlds—touring and skiing. It is light and very easy-walking, yet as stiff and responsive as an alpine boot. The Radium’s unique overlap design allows the cuff and lower shell to function very independently when hiking, yet it buckles down securely to descend like the best alpine boots. Its responsive multi-injected lower shell and cuff are built from Pebax® for the lightest weight and least temperature sensitivity.

The new Shogun is the benchmark for step-in Touring Norm binding compatibility. Like the Radium, it is flexed for performance. Its multi-injected lower shell has a unique flex insert for touring ease, multi-injected cuff for a close, responsive fit with awesome leverage. Burly enough to rip the toughest terrain and conditions on big skis, it’s still light enough for extended tours.

The Helium walks like an ultralight and skis like a 4-buckle. Its multi-injected Flex Insert is tuned for easy touring and scrambling, while its High Overlap shell and cuff close around the foot and leg securely for ripping the descent. The Helium’s High Overlap panel provides the forward contact and skiing control of a much bigger 4-buckle model—a huge advantage in such a tourable boot. TECH* or UNI compatible, the Helium is our choice for long tours and more technical terrain that requires scrambling and crampon work.

The Daemon balances superb walking with outstanding skiing performance for the varied demands of all-around ski mountaineering. Thanks to its innovative a.d.d. Wrap overlap design, its cuff and lower shell move independently for easy touring, with precise, aggressive downhill performance. The Daemon is compatible with both the TECH* binding system and the ISO norm for step-in ski mountaineering bindings.

2009/1010 Garmont Radium

Liner: Rapid Thermoformable
Sizes: 25-30.5 Mondo
Color: Aubergine
MSRP: $759.95
Binding Compatibility: Universal Ski Mountaineering, TECH*

2009/1010 Garmont Shogun

Liner: Rapid Thermoformable Sizes: 25-30.5 Mondo
Color: Red/Grey Pearl
MSRP: $659.95
Binding Compatibility: Universal Ski Mountaineering

2009/1010 Garmont Helium

Liner: Flash Thermoformable
Sizes: 25-30.5 Mondo
Color: Spring Green
MSRP: $729.95
Binding Compatibility: Universal Ski Mountaineering, TECH*

2009/1010 Garmont Daemon

Liner: Rapid Pad-Lock
Sizes: 25-30.5 Mondo
Color: Blue/Grey Pearl
MSRP: $629.95
Binding Compatibility: Universal Ski Mountaineering

More Info: Visit GarmontUSA.com

Garmont defined a new category with the development of the Adrenalin, the first freeride boot with the functions of a ski mountaineering boot. For 2009/2010 Garmont updates the Freeride line with new graphics and improved Rapid thermoformable liners.

The Garmont 2009/2010 comprises of four styles, Endorphin, Xena, and men’s and women’s Axon, each designed for big-mountain backcountry skiers. The boot shells are powerful, high, and stiff to turn the fattest powder boards in the most-difficult conditions, yet lightweight, agile, and articulated for ski mountaineering.

Each style includes a gender-specific Rapid Thermoformable liner, the most refined fully-thermoformable liners available. Four foam thicknesses and densities each serve a specific purpose. A new softer, thinner elastic thermoformable toe insert offers warmth and additional comfort. Extra reinforcement around the cuff aids in comfort when leveraging over fat skis and in high-speed turns. The tongue is reinforced with a plastic T-Bar® made of Pebax®. The new Stobel-stitch design allows the footbed and foot to sit flatter and more anchored in the liner, while it maximizes forefoot width for comfort.

All four styles – Endorphin, Xena, and men’s and women’s Axon feature Garmont’s anatomically directed design shell. The shell is anatomically-shaped for warmth, skiing sensitivity and a secure fit. The tongue is higher and reinforced on the medial side to instalntly transmit pressure to the downhill ski. It’s lower on the lateral side for smooth ankle flexion to edge the uphill ski. The instep area is tapered laterally for a precise fit.

The Endorphin and women’s Xena are popular with on-mountain professionals who need downhill performance and walk-ability, such as ski patrollers and alpine coaches. For 09/10, the Endorphin features the new Rapid thermoformable liner and new graphics. Xena features the new women’s Rapid thermoformable liner and new graphics. Endorphin and Xena includes two sets of interchange-able soles; ISO Alpine and Ski Mountaineering.

Axon is available with either a men’s or women’s specific Rapid liner. For the growing popularity of big
skis mounted with lightweight bindings by many big-mountain backcountry skiers, Axon has molded in TECH* fittings for use with the lightest weight AT binding setups. Axon is available with either men’s- or women’s-specific Rapid thermoformable liners.

2009/2010 Garmont Endorphin

Men’s Sizes: 25-30.5 Mondo
MSRP: $689.95
Color: Red/Black
Binding Compatibility: Alpine, Universal Ski Mountaineering

2009/2010 Garmont Xena

Women’s Sizes: 23-27.5 Mondo
MSRP: $689.95
Color: Blue Pearl/White
Binding Compatibility: Alpine, Universal Ski Mountaineering

2009/2010 Garmont Axon

Men’s Sizes: 25-30.5 Mondo
Women’s Sizes: 23-27.5 Mondo
MSRP: $749.95
Color: Bronze/Dark Silver
Binding Compatibility: Universal Ski Mountaineering, TECH*

More Info: Visit GarmontUSA.com

Athalon has created a new, and better, way to protect your skis and poles–a hard-sided wheeling ski bag which folds into thirds for easy storage, and reduces the cost of shipping freight for retailers.

The Athalon Platinum Armored Wheeling Ski Bag comes in both single and double sizes, in varied lengths. All sizes have two in-line skate wheels for easy transporting. Designed of graphite-colored ABS plastic, and “tear-proof” ballistic nylon, these bags have a fully padded and lined interior, and weigh less than 10 lbs. each! They will retail between $150 and $175 each and will be available this Spring.

More Info: Visit AthalonSportsGear.com

I love good gloves. I mean who doesn’t? It’s so nice when you can go skiing with confidence and not worry about your hands getting cold. The Outdoor Research ExtraVert Glove has been going strong for two seasons for me and I’m looking forward to to a third.

I also use these for mountaineering because being able to work ropes and fiddle with ascension gear is key. The light insulation they put in is just enough to keep your hands warm. The softshell backing keeps your temp balanced so your not too warm. To be honest I don’t think I have had many gloves that have been TOO warm. I wouldn’t use this for ice climbing but it works great as a belay glove.

The wool liner is nice too keeping your hands dry and not itch at all. In recent years wool has definitely gotten a better reputation with natural fibers so really ‘itchy’ is no longer tied to wool. The leather wrap-around makes it easy to go to work. I telemark so its nice to be able to fiddle with leashes, skip songs, and be a hippy without having to take my gloves off. Definitely give the ExtraVert a go this year, I promise some serious stoke.

BUY NOW: The Outdoor Research ExtraVert Glove at Backcountry.com.

Looking for a lightweight and minimalist pair of ski pants that’s suitable for backcountry skiing or winter hiking? Check out the new Arc’teryx Fury AR Pants made from Windstopper® softshell fabric with a brushed knit backing to wick away the sweat. These pants are well-fitted and perfect for backcountry assaults. Heck, with the brushed backing, they offer a tad more warmth than plain shell pants, so they will also do well inbounds.

I’ve got the new Fury AR pants to flog in the backcountry for the next few months and am looking forward to putting them through their paces. So far so good… they are a slim, no-nonsense fit that won’t feel too comfortable in the terrain park, but they are the perfect pants for efficient backcountry adventures.

A couple of nice things I’ve noticed so far about these pants:

1. The knit backing pulls the moisture away from your skin and out the breathable Windstopper fabric
2. The grippy cuffs will keep your pant legs down… no matter what
3. The removable suspenders are a nice touch… I prefer no suspenders, so it’s easy to remove
4. The back-of-thigh ventilation is perfect for long uphill slogs–just don’t fall over on that tricky switchback!

Features of the Arc’teryx Fury AR Pants

Designed as a slightly warmer and more breathable substitute to a Hardshell, the Fury AR Pants excel at climbing and skiing in frigid climates. Made exclusively of Windstopper® fabric, these highly articulated pants effectively block wind and have posterior thigh vents to dump heat during uphill charges. Featuring powder cuffs, Keprotec™ instep patches, and removable suspenders.

• Windstopper® stretch Softshell
• Increased breathability
• Belted waist pant with front fly
• Soft brushed lining
• Powder cuffs with adjustable static-cord closure
• Posterior thigh vents
• Articulated seat and knees
• Arc’teryx finishing tape
• WaterTight zips
• Moulded Zipper Garages
• Gusseted crotch
• Removable suspenders
• Two hand pockets with laminated zips
• Two thigh pockets with Velcro® closure
• Keprotec™ instep patch
• Snap waist closure
• DWR finish
• Weight: 566 g
• MSRP: $349.95

Buy Now: Search for Arc’teryx Fury AR Pants

When I think of skins I can’t help but laugh. Such an amazing and great invention and yet so easy to really screw up when your cutting them. For my first pair of un-used skins I jumped on to TGR and searched around for tips. Luckily I had some great advice that prevented some massive mistakes. Even if you do make a couple junky cuts the Black Diamond STS skins make up for it with solid performance on the up and up.

The great thing about the STS skins is the rear attachment is all ready to go. I had to attach that thing back in the day for another pair of skins and it is super tough, and in the process I think I lost 30% of the pieces. Not good. Ok back to the STS. Fit super strong on the ski and don’t flop around as your climbing.

You can always get the Nikwax skin waterproofer that helps keep them dry and working primo, but as is these skins kill it. You will notice on the sticky side that their is about an inch wide strip that goes from the tip to the tail. Not exactly sure of the mind set behind this but I am pretty sure it is to decrease the amount of glue that your using to make taking the skin off easier. Leave it to BD to keep up on the innovation.

Throw in a reversible tip loop to fit a wide range of tips and the ultra solid camming device for the tail and your on your way. You can also check out this video from Brig reviewing the Glidelite skins.

BUY NOW: The Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS skins at Backcountry.com.

Backcountry.com has been hard at work building out their house-brand outerwear and accessories. With the quality and quantity of gear that flows through their warehouse and the hard-core staff, these guys know what makes a good jacket. On top of pure design, they also realize what fabric is at the top of the waterproof/breathable foodchain and it’s not GoreTex.

About the Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Jacket

The little secret of the Backcountry.com Stoic shell is its use of eVent Fabrics. If you don’t know what eVent Fabric is then you’re in for a bit of a wakeup call. You ready? Here goes… GORE IS LIKE WEARING A PLASTIC BAG COMPARED TO EVENT FABRIC! Yup… darn toonin’ I’m telling it like it is.

The Stoic Jacket is the top-of-the-line shell in the Goat-brand lineup. This straightforward jacket is built with all the goodness you’d expect from a high-zoot shell: taped seams, fleece-lined chinguard, adjustable built-in hood and all that goodness.

To further hit home how awesome eVent Fabric is, you’ll notice one thing about this jacket off-the-bat… it doesn’t sport pit zips! What?!?! You mean, with eVent I don’t need pit zips? Nope! You don’t need them and as a result you get a more streamlined jacket that tips the scales at a scant 14 oz.  At that kind of weight, this jacket can be your only shell for winter and summer adventures.

Look for a full flogging of the Stoic Jacket in the coming months, but for now trust me… eVent Fabric is the goods and the Stoic Shell is a steal for the money (currently on sale for $237)! One note.. I’m 5′11 and 175 lbs. The Men’s Large fits perfect as-is or on top of a midweight fleece. Nice, athletic fit. Read my long-term review of the Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Jacket.

Buy Now: Check out the Backcountry.com Stoic Jacket

Goggles can be our best friend or our worst enemy. I mean don’t we just want to see clearly? Is that too much to ask? Ask and ye shall receive with the Electric EG1 goggle, straight forward specs to help you dodge groms, tree stumps, and yard sales.

I have been trying these goggles the past couple of ski days and I love the simple design. The anti-fog coating has been great and I haven’t had to put cat crap on. The elastic band fits a helmet perfect and it doesn’t have a ton of extra material that bunches up or anything.

For the price I really feel like I am getting a ton of bang for my buck. I can see perfectly through the Gold Chrome lens they come with. The lens increases contrast and I don’t feel like I am skiing in some toon land with crazy colors. I feel like the medium fit is perfect for my face. They don’t have a ton of extra lens or frame that I am lugging around.

You even get a free lens from Electric which is always sweet. I got the rose lens because they work for me while I go night skiing. Compared to the Spy and Oakley goggles I have used in the past, these Electrics bring it for sure. Not to mention the high steeze factor.

BUY NOW: The Electric EG1 Goggle at Backcountry.com.

After a long day of classes yesterday, a friend and I decided that to waste the new snow would be sinful, so we headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon for some nighttime touring. I ran straight from classes to the hill, again totally psyched on gear that can perform in both situations. This time I was wearing my Arc’Teryx Rho LTW Zip Top.

The Arc’Teryx Rho LTW Zip top is a great layering piece for adding warmth and still keeping you dry. The Merino wool (see, I told you all I was addicted!) insulates when wet, wicks great, and of course, keeps the stink to a minimum.

Arc’Teryx Rho LTW Zip Specs

• Great fit! Close to skin, but not 80’s spandex tight. Definitely true to size, and nicely cut for a woman’s figure.
• Laminated sleeve pocket is great for credit card, driver’s license or iPod
• Zippered collar allows for some extra ventilation when you want it, or keeps your neck toasty when it gets a bit colder.
• Works great as a mid layer. I wear a super lightweight short sleeve underneath this most days. Functions as either a heavier next to skin layer or a lightweight mid layer, depending on what your system is, what the outside temp is and how active you’re planning on being.

BUY NOW! Arc’Teryx Rho LTW Zip

It was a nice sunny day at Snowbird. The ski area was buzzing with shredders, the slopes smelled of pine, and the clouds seemed to twinkle…errr hold up! Before this turns into poetry hour lets get into the gear. Had the chance to try out the Arcteryx Beta AR pant today and I am pleased to share my findings.

The Good

This pant is beefy. The ankle panels feel like alligator skin and the GORE-TEX has a Chuck Norris beat down feel to it. Durability has never been a question with a brand like Arcteryx. The pant has nicely placed side zips to keep air passing through. The vent starts at the top of the pant a little below the waistline so you can actually grab it rather then fiddle around with your jacket. I used my Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch tight underneath and it was a good match for the semi-chilly temps.

No back pocket, just a little pocket on the right to fit chapstick and two forms of I.D. I like the one pocket because it forces me to leave stuff in the car. The other thing that was missing, that I didn’t miss, was that gator thingy that bunches up and hardly ever fits around my ski boot. They replaced that cuff with a cord cinch which is more minimalist. For the record the bottom of the pant fit perfect around my boot.

The Not So Good

I know these pants are focused towards mountaineering but for the price tag I would also like to use them for my telemark trail blazing. I found these pants really hard to drop a knee in. The knee is articulated somewhat but I think it is only slightly for ice climbing and hiking. When I did drop a knee I felt like the pant was either hiking up my leg or pulling my pants down. I’m gonna have to get with the program and match my sport with one of the many Arcteryx fraternities.

Beta AR Specs

• Weight: 16.6oz.
• 3/4 length side zips that are waterproof.
• Straight forward belt with elastic waist band.

BUY NOW: Arcteryx Beta AR Pant at Backcountry.com

If I ever start boxing my choice of vest weaponry would be the North Face Nupste Vest. The thing is straight up beefy and if anyone ever bit my ear off I could use it as a pillow to wait for the ambulance to arrive. My sorry 150 lbs. won’t be entering the ring anytime soon so I’ll probably just use this vest for keeping the vitals cozy in the cold.

The Warmth

In the past I used my down jacket under my shell for the super cold days. The problem with that is I limit my arms to little or no movement. Overheating is also a problem when sporting a full down coat. That all goes away when I slip on the Nupste underneath and in most cases has plenty of feathers to lock in the heat. For running a muck downtown late at night this vest also keeps my hands warm with the fleece lined pockets. Gotta keep the paws warm when your throwing snowballs at strangers.

The Fabric

Over the years The North Face has made a stronger more water resistant nylon with their insulated jackets. The nupste has a mini-ripstop weave nylon which is very durable however I wish it was even more water resistant then it is. That is my only gripe. Not that your going to be using this in a down pour but it’s always nice to keep the feathers inside toasty and dry.

The Low Down

• 700 goose down fill, good for all around use.
• Weight: 19.2oz and has a stow pocket to make that pillow mentioned above.
• I usually wear a medium, the nupste is a bit big on me so consider sizing down.

BUY NOW: The North Face Nupste Down Vest at Backcountry.com.

Like Claire said, the Wasatch is getting the flakes and the chilly weather no doubt. I am glad to have the Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Tights on hand to get that extra warmth for making turns and avoiding hypothermia. Stretchy pants aren’t just for Nacho Libre.

These pants are going to be more of a heavyweight layering piece which I like for cold days and mountaineering. I am not a yoga person but I am sure if your into winter yoga the athletic fit will provide all the desired freedom. The stitch near the ankle is very low profile which is great for tucking it into my ski boot and not having it bunch up. The Polartec fleece also does wonders for keeping dry which surprises me for such a heavyweight bottom.

I have been using capilene for a long time and its great for touring and for warmer conditions. The Power Stretch is ‘the bottom’ to sport for those colder temps where you need to be generating heat rather then focusing on the wicking power of a lighter bottom. I don’t see that Mountain Hardwear has come out with the Nacho red and blue scheme, maybe next year.

Stretchy Pant Highlights

• Elastic waistband to reduce bulk.
• Snug athletic fit all around, no bagginess.
• I am 5′8″ and the medium works great, around a 30″ inseam.
• Impressive price for such a hardcore piece of gear.

BUY NOW: Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Tights at Backcountry.com

It DUMPED here in the Wasatch yesterday! So, between my 8am mid term and 12:20pm class today, I headed up to Alta to get some pre-season touring in. I cruised up in a pair of shell pants and my Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms.

Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms are great for those of us who get cold legs when kickin’ it in the outdoors. Even while touring, my lower body is always cold. Top half, I’ll be in a short sleeve shirt, but my bottom half seems to always require a bit more insulation. Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms appear to be just the right weight for me, from touring to keeping warm on the downhill as well.

Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms

• Mid rise waist fits nicely compared to other bottoms. You’re not dealing with fabric all the way up your rib cage, but there’s enough there to get the job done.
• Gusseted crotch allows for a great range of motion, ideal for that back and fourth touring motion.
• Sizing runs on the larger size. At 5 foot 3 inches and 110 lbs, I needed an extra small to get the waist to fit just right. I’m usually a small in bottoms, not an extra small.
• Great wicking! Moisture is drawn away from your body very efficiently.

BUY NOW! Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms

There are a ton of options out there for ski pants and you’ve tried most of them. I telemark myself so the most important things I need in a pant is articulation and breathability. Whether it be through side zips to open on the lift ride or a stellar material, at some point I need cool down time. The great thing about the Westcomb Vapor FX is you don’t have to wait till the lift ride or bury your legs in snow. The eVent shell releases that heat as your charging or hiking the skin track.

The basic run down of eVent is that the pores on the material are open to actually release the moisture created when your baking while skiing. This helps keep you dry keeping you warmer. On the Vapor, Westcomb reinforced the butt of the pant which I think is very useful. So what if I want to do some slopeslide luge in my Vapor pant? They’ve got me covered.

And just because the pant can breath doesn’t mean it won’t keep you dry. eVent has been praised time and time again for its bombproof shell blocking out the moisture. The Vapor was rated “Best in Test” by Skiing Magazine this last month giving it that cushy street cred we all adore. I really am digging the concentration on articulation by Westcomb. Their jackets have it too, giving us ‘freeheelers’ that ‘freedom’ we constantly search for.

After hearing it from the other guys for such a long time that your going to ’stay cool’, slip on the Vapor and experience what it really feels like.

BUY NOW: Westcomb Vapor FX Ski Pant at Backcountry.com.

Just like the iPhone, you can update your Ortovox S1 beacon with the new 2.0 update. Except the iPhone can really only take pictures of the snow and chances are the coverage isn’t that great to call anyone for help. The S1 has stellar new features for backcountry use but won’t be playing music or videos anytime soon.

Ortovox has added filters to eliminate noise that confuses your buddy with radio signals bopping around the area your in. This has also made the program on your S1 find your friend faster and more accurately. The S1 has a screen to easily display multiple burials in a slide. As advanced as the beacon is, I wish it could also speak and tell you what friend to help out first. If you have an s1 I am sure most of your ski partners are going to be picking up the beer tab, drive to the hill, and even pack some of your stuff. You have that going for you, which is nice.

The overall update is increasing the signals from 6 to 8 making all the new features possible. To update your beacon send it to:

Ortovox
455 Irish Hill rd.
Hopkinton NH 03229
603-746-3176
ortovoxusa@aol.com

http://www.ortovox.com

Include a $14 check to cover return shipping and insurance. To avoid sending your precious beacon away and if your not in a huge rush, check with your local Ortovox retailer as some of them will be receiving the update tool.

WARNING: Attend an avalanche education course before heading into the backcountry. Buying this device does not make you invincible or magically turn you into a super hero.

BUY NOW: Ortovox S1 Avalanche Beacon at Backcountry.com.

Anyone remember the old Subzeros? It was my first pair of Oakleys and they built the foundation of steeze.This last year I used the A frame, the fit was great for my helmet and the view it offers is great for spotting speedsters in your peripheral. Buzzing around the mountain I didn’t think polarized was an option. Time to switch things up.

I used the persimmon lens and it seemed to work well for all around conditions. I mean it would be great to have a handful of lenses in my glove box to switch out at any time but lets be serious. The polarized lens is great for increasing contrast and cutting down glare on my sunglasses but goggles? If the polarized can replace the 3 lenses that are recommended for various ski conditions sign me up.

Oakley claims to rise above everyone else by cutting down the haze and distortion other polarized lenses come with. Worth a try, definitely when your dealing with the brightest thing ever; snow.

I didn’t notice a huge fog issue with the A frame, Cat Crap is always a good remedy if your going blind. I really tried to keep these babies on my face as much as possible so my beanie didn’t heat them up. If your rocking a helmet though it shouldn’t be a problem. My request from Oakley is to bring back the Subzeros and the old school Oakley logo on goggles, but the polarized lens will definitely be popping into my A frames this season.

BUY NOW: Oakley A Frame goggle at Backcountry.com.

Many of you may not have heard of KJUS Skiwear (pronounced ’shoos’; visit gear.com/kjus for more info about the company and its products). And if you don’t follow World Cup ski racing you may not know of KJUS’s founder: Norwegian ski racing phenom, Lasse Kjus. His ski racing achievements are amazing (including several Olympic medals), and many young racers have grown up idolizing him right along with Bode Miller.

But, not unlike Willy Bogner, Lasse may ultimately end up more well known for his skiwear than for the undeniable stamp he has left on the ski racing world. Founded in 2000, KJUS Skiwear takes its designs seriously — with a clean, sleek aesthetic. And then lays supreme technology over the top, because no one takes their gear quite as seriously as racers and KJUS Skiwear is no different.

KJUS Skiwear has gained much-deserved praise, and is now available in dozens of countries worldwide. They were even approached by — you guessed it — Bode Miller to strike up a partnership, and several of this year’s KJUS items carry the Bode badge. And Bode is working with KJUS on the Bode line, which will be available in the near future as well.

Attached to this post are several men’s and women’s items from the 2008-2009 KJUS Skiwear collection, but to get the most complete view of the KJUS brand and products (including video clips and product details) visit the brand page that we have built and dedicated to KJUS Skiwear: gear.com/kjus

After having a couple unwanted run-ins with groms I was sold on a helmet. My biggest hold-ups in sporting a helmet was it being too heavy, too cold, too hot, and too bulky. ‘Coolness’ wasn’t really a factor, I figure that won’t happen for me in this lifetime. After trying on a couple brain buckets I snagged a whatever one with a Mp3 hook-up, plugged in, and loved my new found confidence. I should have held out for the Smith Variant Helmet, most helmets these days are keeping up on the tech but you’ve gotta check this lid out.

The Variant brings your noggin AirEvac 2 technology which moves air from the front to the back of the helmet keeping you regulated. Teamed up with their regulator goggle this reduces fog to keep you groovin’. The other cool thing about the Variant is the adjustable vent system up top. There are left and right vents you can open and close with your glove on. Talk about personalization.

The fit feels great, super easy to adjust and really connects with the dome. If the AirEvac tech and 18oz weight doesn’t get you stoked, chat it up with Chris Davenport. Looks like he is in Antarctica right now so just ping him when he gets back. If you still haven’t gotten on the helmet train this would be a great ticket to buy to not stick out on the hill. After wearing a lid for 5 minutes you’ll forget its there. Oh and its safe and stuff.

BUY NOW: Smith Variant Helmet at backcountry.com.

You don’t mess with another mans gloves. And you don’t leave them at home either. Probably in the top 5 for most important pieces of gear along with cell phone, iPod, and back-up cell phone. I’ve used the Black Diamond Guide glove for just about anything under the clouds, including digging a car out of the snow.

The inside of the gloves give your hands the soft cushy goatskin they deserve. The lining and the Primaloft insulation not only provide warmth but a nice padding for the ice climbing crowd out there. Slamming your knuckles on jagged sharp ice repeatedly, talk about pain. For mountaineering I have really liked them because I can still tie my knots and manage my prusiks without having to take my gloves off. The leather in the palm is super grippy with the axe, skis, and snow shovels.

On a deep day skiing, the gauntlet is key for keeping the snow out and your hands dry. This may sound weird but this glove supports my thumbs really well. Every once and a while my ski pole will jerk my thumbs, maybe Black Diamond was compensating for this I’m not sure, but my joints are grateful for the mini-pillows. The gauntlet drawstring is easy to tighten but loosening it up can take some getting use to. Don’t worry you’ll have plenty of time to practice while at dinner parties showing off your new BD gloves.

Glove Specifics

• Material: 4-way stretch Shoeller and Gore-tex XCR.
• Weight: Medium 11.1oz.
• Kevlar capped fingers to keep them movin’.

BUY NOW: Black Diamond Guide Glove at Rei.com.

Seems like these days graphics are becoming more and more important. Underfoot? Flex? Core? Forget about it, how are the graphics dawg?!? Just because people are throwing down some steezy ink doesn’t mean you don’t get a killer plank. The Icelantic Shaman brings you a stout 110 waist along with rockin’ features making it a great addition to your ever expanding quiver.

When I pick up a pair of skis for some reason I go right to the sidewall, I have no idea why. The white waxy finish threw me for a second. Yep, thats P-tex alright. Good for easy repairs, avoiding blowing an edge, and transferring energy. It’s nice to see a ski company address such issues. Not too bad of a website either.

The 160 mm clover looking tip is quite competitive in this years line up. Everyone is wanting the big momma wide skis. But what happens when you forget your skinnies and powder isn’t on the menu? The Shaman’s construction is going to be nice for busting crud and getting you down the hill after taking face shots in the secret stash. The burly flex will keep you stable at high speeds (speed suit sold separately) and the weight is ideal for the backcountry. And the graphics are arguably the steeziest on the hill, which remember is the most important part.

Ski Specifics

• Weight: 173cm 8.43 lb (pair).
• Poplar wood core.
• Handmade in Colorado with 2 year warranty.

MOUNT EM’ UP: Icelantic Shaman Ski at Backcountry.com.

I have gone through more packs then all my gear. Jackets come close, but I have been through a ton of packs. Were my packs wearing our rapidly? No. I’m a gear freak and don’t have the self control to avoid buying new toys that do amazing things. Check out the Black Diamond Covert pack that comes with all the things you need for your avy goods. Don’t worry, you can find space in your gear closet for this one and you won’t be switching this out for a long time.

This is definitely the pack you don’t wear on college campus to cart your books around. People are going to give you gnarly looks as they stare at the Avalung oxygen hose coming out of your shoulder strap. In the backcountry this integration is key to get the extra fuzzy feeling of safeness. I also like the shape of the pack, its not super long or short. It doesn’t feel like your packing an expedition pack yet doesn’t feel like a dinky daypack.

The bottom straps for your skis actually cinch down to keep those planks secure on the up. The inside of the pack has sectioned off compartments for everything which is nice to keep your probe separate from your turkey-cranberry sandwich. BD also covered the little details like having clever zippers, low bulk design, and even a cute little orange whistle on your sternum strap.

Pack specifics

• Comes in 22L (1343cu in) or 32L (1953cu in).
• Thermoformed waist belt, shoulder straps, and back panel.
• Weight: 22L – 2lb 14oz 32L – 3lb 7oz.

WARNING: The little hose coming out of this pack does not make you invincible. Goto an Avy class, ’nuff said.

BUY NOW: Black Diamond Covert with Avalung Winter Pack at Backcountry.com.

Remember when you had to get the bindings that had the cartridges on the outside of your boots? If you’re like me you’re probably not a huge fan of your cartridges clanging down the hill as your trying to get into your groove. No need to worry when rocking the Black Diamond 01 binders.

I’ve been on this binding for a season and have really enjoyed the power and functionality compared to BD’s 02 binding. The 01 has a snappy response and is ready to move. Coupled with the easy switch-to tour mode, I won’t go with anything else. If you’re suave enough you can actually keep your skis on at the end of the hike, pull off your skins, and hit the button and go. Maybe that’s why the color is green?

The other thing I like about the tour button is that there is no way your accidentally going to pop into tour mode on the way down. Unless you’re just nuts because you ski with your poles right in front of your boots and have amazing aim. As your looking around for a killer tour tele-binding, give the 01 a chance at the runway, they will definitely be crowned.

Tech Specs

• Comes in three cartridge options; free flex, mid-stiff, and ridiculously stiff.
• Weight: 3 lb. 11 oz.

BUY NOW: The Black Diamond 01 Telemark Binding at backcountry.com.

Are you in a softshell yet? Take the dive, you won’t need much push and shove after feasting your eyes on the Apex Bionic by The North Face. First off, go to your closet and pull out that old duct taped jacket. Now stick it into a picture frame and proceed to hang it on the wall. Use that extra space for your new softshell. Results may vary.

My favorite part about this jacket is putting it on over a t-shirt and feeling the nice soft micro-fleece lining for a cold night on the town. Mixed with an athletic fit and a DWR treated outer softshell, this thing will replace quite a few of your old fleeces and shells alike. I also like wearing my softshell with a down vest underneath for skiing, does wonders for blocking wind.

This jacket repels snow super well and even kept me dry while walking through the rain. I also like how the Apex looks on the ladies compared to a fleece, makes them look thin and sporty. Do you and your closet a favor; go with the softshell this season.

BUY NOW: The North Face Apex Bionic at Moosejaw.

Had the chance to fondle this boot the other day and personally it takes a lot for me to get stoked about a piece of gear. I mean, its just a ski boot right? WRONG! Dalbello has hit some killer details that I normally overlook in a boot.

I thought if you have 4 buckles then your set and that 3 buckle boots were only good for the antique roadshow. Not so. The 3 buckles on the Krypton are placed in the right place so you don’t need that 4th buckle and can get the stellar performance you need. The plastic on the outside is placed against a leather tongue so it takes away friction when you flex the boot. This helps give your feet the freedom needed for quick response to dodge tree stumps, land mines, and ski patrol sleds.

Ever had cold feet? Check your sock system first but also slip into these babies and enjoy the more open area above the arch. Apparently there is a big artery on the top of your foot that needs flow and the Krypton compensates for that. Check out the hinge on the boot and how low it is. That is lowered to give a more natural feel when your doing your thing on the hill. Switch out tongues for a stiffer or softer ride to absorb shock according to your preference. Kinda like Burger King; have it your way.

Krypton Pro Boot Specs

• Thermo moldable liners. (Who isn’t these days?)
• Multiple tongues for a race or freeride fit.

STRAP EM’ ON: Dalbello Krypton Pro I.D. Ski boot at backcountry.com for $699.95

Whenever I leave the house for a hike, no matter the length, one item always tossed into the back of my truck is my Black Diamond Expedition Trekking Poles. Collapsing down small, they fit on the side of any of my packs when not in use, and extend out to my length of choice when I need them. Along with hiking, I use these poles as my backcountry ski poles, for many of the same reasons. They work great for the ascent and descent.

Black Diamond’s poles use their patented FlickLock system, which I have yet to see fail in a variety of different uses. Once you set the lock at your chosen length, it stays there. No problem with your poles collapsing when you don’t want them to!

Black Diamond Expedition Trekking Poles

• Patented FlickLock system keeps poles adjusted to your length, no matter what terrain you take them on!
• Poles come in 2 sizes (125cm and 140 cm)
• Plastic/Rubber combo on the grip doesn’t freeze with snow like many of the foam grips do.
• 3 piece design allows the poles to collapse down smaller

BUY NOW! Black Diamond Expedition Trekking Poles

It finally snowed today! And what was the first thing I did amidst the blowing wind and 6 fresh inches? Headed to the mountains, armed with all my winter gear, including my Patagonia R1 Balaclava. Headed for the summit, my R1Balaclava is always in the top of my pack, ready for when the weather gets to be too much for my face alone to handle. The Patagonia R1 Balaclava is thin enough to fit under a helmet easily, and yet thick enough to provide some serious warmth.

Key Features of the Patagonia R1 Balaclava

• Face opening covers nose, but can easily be pulled down to expose mouth, depending on the weather!
• Long cowl of balaclava keeps your neck covered
• Sized! Comes in Small, Medium and Large, so you can be guaranteed to get just the right fit.
• R1 material has some stretch to it, making the balaclava form fitting.

BUY NOW! Patagonia R1 Balaclava

When I was a little grom, I took a nasty dive at Snowbird on my elans and completely tanked. I got to the lift and noticed my top sheet coming off and learned the term, “de-lammed”. Back then graphics, ski appearal, underfoot, and radius didn’t matter; it was all about the down and the snow. The down and the snow are the same but elan is definitely stepping up the tech and you won’t be having any de-lam problems with these skis. Take a peek at the new Pogo Sticks from elan that have what you need for serious ups.

The big scuttle on these planks is the fact they have a bottle opener on the tail of one of the skis. Isn’t there a sign at Park City saying not to drink and ski? This ski paired with pole flasks could bring many good times coupled with responsibility and errrr…. safeness. The elan guy I talked to also said to “take off the ski” before using the opener, it’s a little easier that way.

For the park rat that wants the pop and landing performance; the pogo is your plank. Ok back to the bottle opener, lets say your skiing switch in 12 inches of powder…does that hole in the tail of the ski shoot snow in your face? Just a thought. 90-92 underfoot this is going to be a great backcountry jib pow ski, most preferably facing forward. If I see someone skiing pow switch this year I will provide pictures.

Elan Pogo Sticks Specs

• Burely RST sidewall for that extra durable steeze.
• Response Wood core providing the mentioned pop and response.
• Sizes: 165, 175, 185.

MOUNT EM’ UP: The Pogo Sticks at backcountry.com for $649.95

Most of us on gear.com are more into self-propelled outdoor adventure than motorized outdoor pursuits. You know, backcountry skiing, road biking, mountain biking, trail running, etc, instead of motocross and snowmobiles. But I have to say — I have a lot of respect for snowmobilers and am even considering picking one up myself. However, I have a bad impression that most snowmobilers do NOT respect avalanches like they should until they see it first hand. A good friend of mine lost his buddy while snowmobiling in Idaho. Saddest story…just highmarking, not thinking anything of it, and released a slide.

It seems if you are motorized, it’s easy to just blaze out into the backcountry and quickly get in over your head in avalanche terrain. Whereas with backcountry skiing, you are going slower and don’t have the hubris to think, “Hey, if I see an avalanche I’ll just punch the throttle and out-run it!” Instead you realize your vulnerability a bit more and (I hope) have taken classes and carry the right gear.

So against that backdrop, I am thrilled that KLIM (a snowmobile gear company) now has the rights to distribute the ABS avalanche pack in the United States.

I first heard about the ABS pack from Bruce Tremper (an expert avalanche forecaster) when I was taking an avalanche class from Exum Mountain Guides in Salt Lake. This was several years ago, and Bruce mentioned this very interesting new backpack that was available in Europe. The pack has CO2 cartridges, and if you found yourself caught in a slide you just pull a cord and it inflates a large airbag. That effectively makes you a larger, lightweight object, so you get sifted to the top of the debris as it slides. It’s just like when you shake a bag of potato chips and the bigger ones settle to the top. Here is how KLIM describes the pack:

“With the ABS avalanche airbag, you have 170 liters (6.0 cu ft) of additional volume within seconds that can prevent you from dropping back into the flowing masses of snow and/or can reduce the depth of burial. This separation process in which items having a larger volume float to the top is called the “Inverse Particles Principle”. Cold dry powder snow has a very low density but a large volume. A person on the other hand has a high density but less volume. In order to be able to float on the snow’s surface and to avoid sinking, a person needs an additional volume of approximately 1.5 times of the persons total weight, which the ABS Avalanche Pack System provides.”

The ABS Pack also boasts a 98% survival rate. That’s almost unbelievable, given the lower average survival expectancy of people who happen to get caught in avalanches.

Now, it isn’t all rosy — the pack retails at almost $1,000. Though that isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, I will have to see it personally before I make up my mind.

And you’ll get a chance to do just that, if you live in Salt Lake City. We will have one of the packs with us at the OSH Theater on the University of Utah campus (the building just south of the Union bldg), at 6:30pm on Friday October 3rd. This is immediately before the Poor Boyz Production ski movie premiere at the theater, so please stop by the OSH at 6:30 to take a look, and stick around for the ski movie.

FOR MORE INFO: http://www.klimusa.com

Almost two years ago I received a message from Kris Kaiyala who was at the time running a cool little online ski journal and essay site called Aspect Journal.

Aspect was seeping with the soul and stoke of skiing as it’s essays and stories captured the why and the how behind the joy that comes from sliding on millions of frozen water crystals.

Kris and a handful of others were starting up a new kind of ski magazine, one that for the lack of comparison or equal would be like the snowboarding magazine Frequency, which with its over abundance of images and a severe diet of advertising had gone from your run of the mill bathroom read to “put it on the mantle for all to see” status.

The message? Kris wanted to me to pen a piece for the inaugural issue of a new kind of ski magazine – The Ski Journal. The result of that first issue?  SOLD OUT!

The Ski Journal – Volume 2, Number 3

If you’ve read ski magazines for any amount of time, you too have likely become accustomed to reading perhaps one or two good articles in a ski publication along with a half a dozen top notch images while otherwise enduring an endless amount of “bro-brah semi-stoke/semi-puke educing propaganda” (advertising) in the process.

Not so with The Ski Journal. It was in the middle of my 3rd solid article when I thumbed through the remaining pages, spying enough reading to keep me up all night, or to keep you on the “throne” long enough for your legs to be well asleep.

I was having flashbacks of POWDER Magazine of old, back in the late 80’s and early 90’s when I started subscribing.  When I began using POWDER as a sort of “Zen and the art of ski bumming” as I became indoctrinated into the world of skiing by writers like Steve Casmiro, David Goodman, Chris Noble and David Mo.  It was a time when photographers like Scott Markewitz, Bob Woodall and Wade McKoy were cutting their teeth.

This issue of The Ski Journal features fresh photographers like Erik Seo and Grant Gunderson with writers like my friend Tim Cartwright or Lisa Richardson and Majka Burhardt, names you may not heard of…yet.

But it hasn’t forgotten the past and what brought us to this point in skiing. Case in point – the Hexcel and the Honecomb Revolution article.

So it feels to me like I’ve come full circle as The Ski Journal not only brings back the “glory days” of ski publication but also presses forward breaking new ground, uncovering new talent and regaining the Coffee Table status that once was reserved for former times.

Subscribe:

Don’t miss out on the next issue of The Ski Journal.  It’s worth the price.

So this past weekend I went back to the Tetons to climb, and it poured. Absolutely bucketed. Amidst all the rain, at the trailhead, I managed to leave on of my most treasured pieces of outdoor gear sitting out on a log, and didn’t realize this until about 2 hours later, when we had already driven out of Jackson Hole and were well on our way home. I turned the car around, and headed straight back to pick up my beloved Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket.

What piece of gear is worth driving a grand total of 4 hours extra for? The Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket. It’s synthetic construction (made of recycled polyester fibers) keeps you warm even in the wettest of conditions, its primary advantage over down. Cut slightly longer so as to keep your lower back warm, but not so long that it becomes a hindrance with a pack on, Patagonia has hit it right on with their Micro Puff design.

Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket

• At 20 oz, a super lightweight choice for a puffy jacket
• Large, adjustable hood fits around helmets, but can also cinch down to fit around small heads!
• Adjustable drawcord hem allows you to tighten the bottom when the elements get the best of you
• 3 pockets allow for lots of storage
• Comes with a matching stuff sack for extra portability

BUY NOW! Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket

Later in the afternoon it was getting warm of course and I found the Havoc really powered through the snow and was very stable edge to edge. Verdict was a bit too stiff for me, the thing is great for the big boys but my 150 lbs. couldn’t control those hunks. Kilowatt is very impressive, I was really on the fence between that one and the Havoc. I wanted something a bit more all around and the Havoc just did it for me.

The Havoc may not be as wide as the computer screen your reading this review on…*cough* Megawatt *cough* but the ski has done me right this past season and I’m looking forward to another Havoc season. The 3D pockets BD added last year are great for the torsion box along with the Dual Torsion Bow Tech giving the powerful stability that excels in the corn. BD’s mantra “its all about the down” rings true when you slap these babies on.

Black Diamond Havoc Ski Treats

ADD ANOTHER PAIR: Pick up these planks on REI for $539.95

Alpha LT – Alpha = Hardcore shell. LT = Lightweight.

Gamma AR – Gamma = Softshell. AR = All around.

Fission SV – Fission = Insulated. SV = Severe use.

I have had my Fission AR for about 6 months now and compared to my shells, softshells, and even down jackets this thing absolutely rules it. Why? The waist doesn’t come down very far like other jackets Arc makes. For climbing this makes a big difference when putting on a harness and being able to move around. Plenty warm for winter climbing, this is coming with me on my next Rainier trip no doubt.

Gore-Tex XCR anyone? I love throwing this in my pack because I don’t have to string along my rain jacket. Hard to imagine an insulated waterproof jacket but Arc nailed it with this one. The insulation is great for warming up in the morning and skiing without feeling like the marshmallow man on Ghostbusters. Cuffs that represent. Do you ever get bugged with velcro and tight cuffs? The cuffs on the AR went with a lycra opening so its not a tight uncomfy fit and yet keeps you secure. Genius.

Fission AR Key Specs

• Waterproof zippers
• Primaloft sport insulation, SV jackets have a warmer rating. 200 g/m2 to the 133g/m2 on the AR.
• Weight size medium – 27 oz.
• Stowaway hood for the bar afterwards.

TAKE IT HOME: Pick it up at Backcountry.com for $314.96

Black Diamond is like that ice cream truck that comes around every summer. Reliable. Great product. Always coming out with something good. Down right delicious. I finally got to try on the Custom Telemark boot the other day in a gear shop and I am impressed. Compared to my Scarpa T-Race, the Custom delivers less bulk and more heel support. I hate it when I feel like I am lugging around more plastic then I need.

BOA and BD Boots?

Granted I haven’t dropped in strapped with these kicks but the Boa system is a nice addition to the tele-boot world that I think most free-heelers are going to enjoy. When I first heard about boa on the new BD boot line I thought “Boa = snowboarder gear”. But hey, can’t knock it tell you try it. Then after you try it, give it hell.

The Custom is the most aggressive boot in the Telemark Power series. I also tried on the Push, the mid-stiff, and that is comparable to the Ener-g and Terminator. BD also came out with the Efficient series for your 3-buckle paradise. Tele-skiers are always looking to cut weight and slim up their setup so the BD boot line is definitely going to rock the slopes this season.

Black Diamond Custom Telemark Boot

• Weighs 8lb 6oz (380g)
• Strobel liner w/ Boa system
• 130 Ridstiff mofo flex

BUY NOW: Snag the Black Diamond Custom Boot on Backcountry.com for $719.95

For backcountry skiing this past season I picked up the Westcomb Mirage Jacket and have been more than stoked on it’s performance. I think I’ve found the jacket built for me.

The specific jacket that I picked up was the Westcomb Mirage Special Edition Jacket that Westcomb and Backcountry.com teamed up on this past winter. It varies slightly from the standard Mirage Jacket which has a few more bells and whistles but either way you go the functionality and dependability of this jacket is tops!

The jacket has an athletic cut and you’ll also notice the asymmetrical sleeve ends that cover the outer portion of your wrist a bit more. The other standout visual feature of this jacket is the “S-curve” zipper that ensures zero chaffing of the jacket’s collar on your chin. It’s certainly not your ordinary jacket off the shelf. Westcomb spent some time on this one rather than just pumping out yet another sku.

Features of the Mirage Jacket include:

• eVent shell material
• 3 external pockets -2 hand, 1 chest
• Internal pocket with iPod port – handy for those ultra long ascents
• Articulated elbows
• Compact storm hood that fit over my ski helmet
• Contoured obstruction-free front zipper
• The standard Mirage includes a sleeve stash pocket with “window”

Quick Review of the Westcomb Mirage Jacket

I’ve put about 25 days on this jacket in wicked cold and wind, snow, rain, and everything else mother nature threw at me this season and I didn’t once regret the choice of buying it.

Utilizing eVent material for the shell accomplishes what any backcountry skier or adventurer needs: keep the water and wind out but allow for the most amount of breathability. When putting on the Mirage I feel confident that regardless of any aerobic activity, like climbing and then skiing Reids Peak in the Uintas two weeks ago, that the jacket will do it job while I do mine. Despite the many scrambles and 5th class rock that we climbed I didn’t feel all sweaty and balmy with the jacket on.

Considering that it is very lightweight when I needed to stow it in my pack it took up little to no volume. I raved enough about it that three of my friends each picked one up as well. Really, what else could I say to review this jacket?

You can’t go wrong with the Mirage if you’re in need of a lightweight, bomber jacket that actually breathes rather than tell you it breathes.

Buy Now: Visit BackcountryOutlet.com to pick up the Special Edition Westcomb Mirage Jacket

The North Face Gotham jacket is a heater like no other — it is a puffy down jacket from The North Face that will keep even the most anemic girl warm on the coldest of days. I should know — I finally got my wife a gift she is stoked about!

Okay, okay — I’m not terrible but I do admit to sometimes getting her a gift that’s more for me than for her. Like that Flip video camera? I thought she’d love it — which she does, just not as much as she would have loved a spa treatment. Me on the other hand? I’m using that Flip video thing every time I go skiing with my little boy so I can pull it out of my pocket & shoot pics of him.

So this Mother’s Day, get that special mom in your life something that will keep her warm when winter rolls around next year. Heck, with the way it is STILL snowing here in Utah, she may be pulling it out right now! Snowbird is open until June with a 134″ base this year, by the way….

I picked up The North Face Gotham puffy jacket for my wife last year, and she has loved it on the slopes — since she is chronically cold on the hill. I had picked her up a Marmot shell and (a fleece to layer under the shell) but in the Utah winters it just wasn’t enough.

In Utah, you really don’t need as much waterproofing on your outerwear as in other places like the Sierras or the Cascades. The snow has a water content of only a few percentage points, so it really just fluffs off of the jacket. And when the sun comes out (as it does almost every day in a desert climate like this) then those cold smoke flakes just plain evaporate.

So the Gotham puffy is perfect for a gal who rides in the Rockies, and needs to just plain stay warm — no eVent fabric, no triple-layer black tag Gore-Tex XCR material, nothing. Just warm, soft down and a furry hood. The knit cuffs are a great no-fuss comfort fit, and same with the knit waist band. It also looks great around town, and unless you are wealthy then you usually need your gear to play double-duty like that. And how often do you get a piece of killer gear that is also trimmed with faux fur? Come on, you’ve gotta think that’s cool!

The downfall is that it can get really warm when the temps are above freezing or when you are really over-exerting yourself. That makes me wish that there were some pit zips. I know — pit zips on a puffy? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose? I think not — my wife says she likes the warmth, but it would always be nice to let the breeze flow a bit to cool down the core for a moment in between runs.

All in all, a solid jacket for casual skiing or snowboarding. But not the jacket you would want for backcountry skiing — you would get sweaty and stinky before you took your seventh step. Also, it isn’t as packable as many non-down puffy jackets, so it really is just for staying warm on weekend riding and around town. But for those activities, it excels.

Click here to find out more about The North Face Gotham puffy down jacket, or to buy it on Backcountry.com.