Archive | Features

Check out our feature stories about backcountry skiing.

GORE-TEX in action

The Future of Waterproof, Breathable Outerwear is PFC-Free

PFC-Free GORE-TEX GORE-TEX has been setting the standard for waterproof, breathable outerwear for more than 30 years. Now, they’re shaping the future of waterproof, breathable outerwear, and it’s PFC-free. The GORE-TEX fabrics we all know feature a combination of materials laminated to a thin membrane called ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) — read more about the different types of GORE-TEX. PTFE is… Read More

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pre season gear check

Preseason Backcountry Skiing Checklist – Dial in Your Gear

Skis, boots, skins, poles, goggles, beacon, pack, shovel  . . .  It’s time to scour your garage, search the basement and rummage through the closet. Winter has returned, so wherever you stash your ski gear for the off-season, it’s time to dig through the boxes and round up your backcountry kit.But is your backcountry ski gear ready to roll? Check… Read More

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WIWASLGR

Skier Gift Guide

Gift ideas for the skiers on your holiday list ‘Tis the season. We’ve compiled some of our favorite skier gift ideas to help seed your holiday shopping plan with fresh ideas. Black Hole Gear Tote Bag – $69+ A tote bag, you say? Don’t laugh; totes are awesome for hauling gear to and from the car on day trips. The… Read More

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ski boot fitting01

Ski Boot Fitting 101 – 10 Tips for the Best Ski Boot Fit

Measure twice. Buy once. Ski Boot Fitting Tips Whether you’re shopping for ski boots at your local ski shop or buying them online, knowing how to measure and size your foot plus understanding how a boot should feel are the first steps to getting the best boot fit. Buy boots that are too small, and you’re guaranteed cramped, sore feet…. Read More

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lightweight bikepacking tents

Ultralight Bikepacking Tents – MSR FreeLight, Marmot Superalloy

How Light is Right for a Bikepacking Tent? My first bikepacking tent was an REI Half Dome—a roomy two-person tent with two doors and a bomber build that handles rainy nights and gusty thunderstorms with ease. But at 4.75 pounds, it’s not exactly ultralight. Nonetheless, I packed it for several multi-day bikepacking trips, including the Oregon Outback, and always appreciated… Read More

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gravel bike tires

Gravel Bike Tires – How Wide Should You Go?

As the adventure cycling category grows, gravel bikes continue to evolve. One of the best evolutions in gravel bikes is improved tire clearance. Tire clearance is important for a variety of reasons. Clearance translates to versatility, making a gravel bike a quiver-of-one bike. Run 30mm tires for all-purpose road rides. Run 40mm for all-purpose gravel riding. And run 50mm for… Read More

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MADE Handmade Bike Show Flier

MADE – Handmade Bike Show in Portland, Oregon

Whether you’re in the market for a new ride or just love the culture that surrounds the craft bike world, you should put MADE — a handmade bike show — on your radar.  It’s coming to Portland, Oregon August 25-27, 2023. MADE is a multi-day trade event dedicated to spotlighting custom and boutique frame builders and domestic bike production. Celebrate… Read More

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Nikwax DWR renew

What is a DWR and How to Renew the DWR on your Jacket?

Ever feel like your waterproof jacket looks like it’s getting wet? Well, that’s because it is likely getting wet — on the outside anyway. Here’s why: Your jacket’s DWR (durable water-repellent) finish is worn out. All waterproof, breathable jackets (and pants) include a DWR treatment, even with a waterproof, breathable membrane like GORE-TEX.First, it’s essential to understand that there are… Read More

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packing light layer choices

Down vs. Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Insulated Puffy Jackets – Down v. Synthetic A warm, puffy jacket is required equipment for backcountry skiing (read our backcountry ski packing list). It’s your ticket to comfortable transitions, warm summit breaks and lightweight insurance for staying warm in the case of an emergency.  I usually carry two insulated jackets in my backcountry ski pack—one light-to-midweight synthetic puffy jacket (that… Read More

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climbing the skin track in a ski mid layer

What’s the Best Ski Mid Layer for Backcountry Skiing?

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

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A colorful pile of ski jackets

Made-to-Order Ski Jacket and Pants – MADE Custom Technical Apparel

I’ve worn a lot of different ski jackets over the years—waterproof, breathable shells from the biggest names in outdoor technical apparel—Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Outdoor Research, Norrøna, Dynafit, Black Diamond, Helly Hansen, Stio, etc. For the most part, they’ve all done a great job keeping me dry and protected in stormy weather, but very few have fit the way I wanted them… Read More

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