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ADJUSTABLE POLES Whether you snowboard or ski, adjustable poles are essential pieces when traveling up steep, snow-cov- ered slopes. An adjustable pole can be shortened to pack well on the way down (snowboarding), and lengthened to help negotiate deep snow or steep side- hill traverses on the way up. While there are litanies of poles out there that get the job done, some offer functions above and beyond the core virtues of bal- ance and physical efficiency. Paramount in our test- ing were strength, weight and reliable adjustability. LIFE-LINK VARIANT COMPOSITE POLES Due to their high degree of functionality, with a number of options that don 't sacrifice strength and weight, Life-Link has built the uber-backcountry pole in their Variant Composite model. The two-part adjustable unit has an oval alu- minum upper section, which helps prevent the locking mechanism from spin- ning, and a composite graphite lower section fo r lightweight and extreme durability-you'd need a truck to break them. A textured grip on the lower sect ion helps for adjusting and taking the unit apart to form the avalanche probe option. Grips with breakaway straps- crucial shoulder-savers if poles get caught in sliding snow or on a t ree- and large snowflake touring baskets make sure all the bases of the industry 's best backcountry pole are covered. Life-Link, 800-443-8620; www.life-link.com. 170zs, $140 HYDRATION SYSTEM Backcountry touring is sweaty business-even when the temperature is well below zero. Climbing snowy mountains can be a grind, and since most creeks and lakes are either frozen or buried, if you're not carrying a significant amount of water you could be in trouble. Dehydration and winter are a deadly combination in the mountains. The most effective way to carry water in the backcountry is a hydration system that uses an insulated cover to keep liq- uids from freezing. CAMELBAK STOAWAY ANDSNOBOWL Built to fit into the hydration pocket of a backcount ry pack, or rest in the small of your back underneath your jacket, both the Stoaway and SnoBowl feature an insulated valve, tube and bladder cover so water keeps flowing right to your lips even on the most frigid winte r days. Bladders can take hot liquids and the insulated tube option enables quick access to fluids. CamelBak, 800-767-8725, www.camelbak.com. Stoaway 4.8 pounds filled, $30; SnoBowl3.9 pounds filled, $40 64 SNOW SAW If you're riding avalanche prone slopes (anything over 25 degrees), someone in your party should always carry a snow saw to conduct shear tests within the snowpack to determine the stability of the snow. Digging a snow pit will expose poten- tially dangerous layers on which an avalanche could run. Using a saw to cut foot-square columns in the snowpack and then leveraging a shovel at the back of the column will reveal how easily those suspect layers might release causing an ava- lanche. A good saw should be sharp, strong, thin and light. ........... LIFE-LINK SNOW SAW At 190 grams the Life-Link saw is not only the lightest on the market, it's also the only multi- task saw. The saw comes with an optional extender at tachment that accepts the male end of one of Life -link's Variant Composite touring poles. The extension enables rapid cutting of a 6- foot square Rutschblock pit, the best test for determining slope stabilit y in the backcountry. A thin, light profile allows easy packing and good cutting ability through dense snow. Life-Link, 800-443-8620; www.life-link.com. 1909, $50.00; with extender, $61.00 ~ ~ . - D Avalanche beacon D Shovel and probe D Backcountry pack D Adjustable poles D Snow saw D Hydration System o Headlamp o Sunglasses o Waterproof/breathable mitts or gloves CHECKLIST ND ALONG WITH THE GEAR REVIEWED BOVE, o Windproof fleece gloves o Wicking socks o Winter hat o Eyewear (goggles & glasses) o Basic medical kit o Backcountry repair kit with o spare parts for touring o equipment o Ducttape o High quality wicking underwear top and bottom o 200W fleece jacket o 100W fleece shirt o Waterproof/breathable parka with hood o Visor or baseball cap o Gaiters, or ski pants o Lighterl Waterproof matches o Solar emergency blanket o Down vest or jacket o Camera and spare film o Thermos with gaiters o Snow study kit FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVALANCHE SAFETY CHECK OUI hy.;~~tlJ:;H.I;..s.P.,f:ElY fOR !2.!SJ.E.RS, CLlM6.,I;RS ANtL!2JiQ'l!'.B.MBQ~BS. 2ND EDITION. BY TONY DAFFERN. PUBLISH EO BY ROCKY MOUNTAIN BOOKS.