Dressing for a day of backcountry skiing takes a little practice. Getting it right for the downhill part is easy, but it’s common to overdress for the uphill. Layering is the key to temperature regulation. And layers that let your body breathe are critical to regulating your temperature when ski touring. If you dress too warm or without good breathability,… Read More
Pack Light. Go Far. It’s the rare day that look at a fellow backcountry skier’s pack and think, “Wow, that pack looks light and efficient.” More often than not, I wonder why a pack looks so big or full. Packing light, or packing smart as I like to think of it, is about more than just having the lightest weight… Read More
It’s that time again. Here’s our annual guide to cool gifts for skiers on your holiday list. Skier Gifts $100+ Give-r 4-Season Leather Gloves $119 We are big advocates of leather ski gloves, and it’s hard to beat the simplicity, durability and price of Give’r Gloves. They’ve got several glove and mitten options, but if you just want one pair… Read More
Arc’teryx Proton Hoody – Active Insulation Backcountry Skiing If you haven’t experienced the modern world of “active insulation,” it’s more than just marketing hype. It refers to an insulated jacket that maintains air permeability. In other words, it’s breathable. The idea behind active insulation is warmth across a broader spectrum of aerobic activity than a more traditional, less breathable jacket… Read More
Easy On, Easy Off — Hybrid Climbing Skins Most of us have struggled at one time or another while attempting to pull apart climbing skins stuck glue-to-glue. Sure, they eventually pull apart. But it’s no fun to struggle with them. That’s where the BCA Hybrid Climbing Skins come into the picture. The word hybrid in the name has a double… Read More
Ready. Set. Pack. Salsa EXP Handlebar Bag Review Choosing the best bikepacking gear is a lesson in weight, space, function and durability. Salsa Cycles strikes a nice balance in their bikepacking handlebar bag – the Salsa EXP Series Anything Cradle Handlebar Kit. The three-part set-up includes the EXP Anything Cradle, the EXP Dry Bag and an Anything Cradle Accessory Pouch. The… Read More
Waterproof. Durable. Secure. Ortlieb Handlebar Bag Review Well known for their bike panniers, Ortlieb has been making bomber-grade, waterproof bike packs since 1982. So, it’s no surprise that the Ortlieb bikepacking handlebar bag serves up secure, waterproof storage in a durable and easy-to-use design. Clean and simple describe the bag well. But it’s far from basic. It’s a minimalist dream… Read More
GORE-TEX 101 GORE-TEX is synonymous with reliable storm protection. Gore pioneered the waterproof, breathable membrane technology that dominates the outerwear we all use, but understanding all of the Gore options takes some research. How much do you know about all of the GORE-TEX levels? Read on to learn the details about the Gore variations and the latest on the newest… Read More
Lightweight Layering for the Uptrack and More So compact and light, there’s no reason to leave it behind; the Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody is a superlight shell for ski touring and high-output days in the mountains. It’s also the lightest weight model in the Arc’teryx Atom jacket lineup – a collection of synthetic-insulated shells designed for moving in the mountains.At… Read More
Headlamps for Backcountry Skiing Have you ever tried to finish a ski tour in the dark or found yourself chasing daylight through the woods? Darkness takes on new meaning in the forest far from trailhead or home without a headlamp to light the way. Ounce for ounce, a few pieces of gear can get you out of a jam with… Read More
A Perfect Storm – Reflecting on an Avalanche Accident Never have I fought so hard to suppress the overwhelming urge to panic. Before I realized what I was doing, I heard my own muffled screaming. I told myself to calm down. Again, I realized I was screaming. A few deep breaths later, I gained a small measure of composure. I… Read More
Leather Ski Gloves Can Do It All Put your skins on. Take your skins off. Buckle your boots. Loosen your boots. Adjust your bindings. Open your pack. Eat a snack. Take a photo. A typical day in the backcountry asks a lot of our gloved hands – far more than a day at the resort. Backcountry ski gloves must be… Read More
Backcountry Ski Packing List What’s in your ski pack? It’s a good question, and it’s one that I occasionally ask myself as I heft the weight of my pack to my shoulder in the morning. There’s no sense in carrying more up the hill than you need to, but there are essential items that you should always carry on a… Read More
2021 Skier Gift Guide What are you going to get that hard-to-shop-for skier on your list? We’ve got you covered with skier gifts large, small and literary. Happy Norwegian – Mr. Grippy – $119 Waxing your skis is easy when you have a good setup. If your favorite skier likes to wax and tune (or aspires to), Mr. Grippy is… Read More
Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Ski Pants Review As the song goes, “You gotta get up to get down,” and skinning uphill tests more than just your legs. It tests your outerwear, too. Unlike a jacket that you can change as needed for the up and down, you’re gonna wear the same pants all day. As a result, backcountry ski pants need… Read More
