Arc’teryx makes some of the finest gear in the business, and today we’ll find out if the Women’s Sentinel Gore-Tex Pants live up to that reputation. The Sentinel Pant isn’t aimed specifically at the backcountry crowd but are meant to be multi-purpose. They’re suitable for riding at the resort or for long touring days, so
Arc’teryx Women’s Sentinel Pant – First Impressions Read More »
I was lucky enough to get out into the mountains this past weekend for some early season powder turns, and was reminded of how complex the decision-making process can be in the backcountry. We ended up having two great days of skiing with no incidents, but I thought it would be worthwhile to remind readers
Early Season Avalanche Safety Refresher Read More »
In short, the new Barryvox S transceiver from Mammut is one of the most fully featured and best performing avalanche transceivers available today. Its only downfall is that it may be slightly too fully featured (read: complex) for beginner or novice users, but it’s an improvement in every regard over it’s predecessor, the Barryvox Pulse. Read on
Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Transceiver Review Read More »
The other day I got a nice surprise on my doorstep when I got home – a box from Camp USA with my new Contour Hybrid Mix climbing skins! There were also some sweet stickers in there, but that’s probably not why you’re here. Update: check out our Full Review of these skins I’m going
First Look: Contour Hybrid Mix Climbing Skins Read More »
If you’ve read my backcountry gear for beginners article, you know that you need a beacon (transceiver), shovel, and probe, along with some touring skis/bindings, climbing skins and a pack as the absolute bare minimum to get out in the backcountry. There is obviously a bit more to it, but those are the basics. This article is
5 Essential Pieces of Gear for Backcountry Skiing Read More »
As summer comes to an end, the mornings start to cool off, and we start thinking about the peaks we want to summit this winter, some of us might glance down and notice that all of those backyard margaritas and barbecue have found a new home in our waistline. That doesn’t bode well for our
How to Get In Shape for Backcountry Skiing Read More »
Being comfortable and familiar with the people you spend time with in the backcountry is important from an enjoyment and a safety perspective. There’s nothing worse than a bluebird, stable day in the backcountry that gets ruined by the schlub your buddy brought without telling anyone beforehand. You know the type: talks a big game
10 Tips To Be A Great Touring Partner Read More »
A growing segment of the touring boot market, ‘freeride’ touring boots are light enough that you don’t kill yourself on the way up but are still stiff enough to ski hard on the way down. Tech fittings are becoming pretty much standard. These aren’t ultra-light touring boots, but rather boots that are more suited for
Best Freeride Touring Boots 2018/2019 Read More »
Updated Feb 8, 2022 to include the Look Pivot GW One of the problems with having only one pair of boots for both touring and resort skiing is binding compatibility. The best touring boots have fully rockered rubber soles that don’t work in most alpine bindings. The best alpine boots are heavy as bricks and
Alpine Bindings for Touring Boots Read More »
When you’re ready to buy your first backcountry skiing setup, you might be wondering whether you should you get tech bindings or frame bindings. Each style has its pros and cons and is better suited for different skiers with different needs. We’ll go through each and help you decide which is right for you. When
Tech Bindings vs Frame Bindings Read More »