Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25256
D Skis/snowboard D Boots D Bindings D Helmet D Skins D Travel case D Avalanche shovel D Snow tool + duct tape D Wicking layer transceiver, probe + D Soft shell layer D Shell and bibs D Mitts/gloves D Socks D Touring pack • Thanks to the crafty evolution of equipment, a trip to the board shop can improve your riding! Skis and boards have changed shape and materials to help at every skill level. Boots no longer require a "Pain Management Certificate" prerequisite and keep even the coldest feet warm. Hats, mittens, and jackets offer protection from everything Mother Nature can spin up. When heading for big mountains with lots of snow, skiers should con- sider Salomon's Pocket Rocket ($775, www.salomonsports.com. 800-654-2668), a freestyle backcountry ski whose soft flex is forgiving through varied terrain and wide build is great for powder. A backcountry itinerary will require that boots and bind- ings facilitate uphill walking. The classic Black Diamond Fritschi Freeride ($250, www.blackdiamondequipment.com. 801-278-5533) combined with the lugged-soled Life-Link Dynafit TLT 700 ski boot ($435, www.life-link.com. 800-443-8620), with increased forward flex, offers minimum weight with maximum performance. The Republik, by Burton Snowboards ($500, www.burton.com. 800- 881-3138) is a powerful blend of big-mountain flex and precision edge grip that floats through powder yet carves through crust with ease. The ultra responsive C14 Carbon High Back binding ($300) efficiently transfers leg movement to the board by using lightweight carbon fiber to support the back of the boot. When combined with the K2 Rival Boot with Pro Fit Gel Liner ($250, Www.K2snow- boarding.com), the resu lting package reduces fatigue and insures performance in the most extreme situations. Helmets are more accepted each day. They are obviously great for protecting your melon in rocky or gladed terrain, but they can also protect against reckless skiers. Most helmets are light so look for good ventilation, minimal weight and a comfortable fit. The Boeri Axis Performance model ($139, www.boeriusa.com.info@boeriusa.com) is well ventilated and comes in a range of sizes to insure good fit. To climb uphill, you'll need climbing skins-they adhere to the bottom of skis to provide traction and are easily removed for descents. Black Diamond/Ascension's colorful GlideLight Skins STS ($135, www.blackdia- mondequipment.com, 801-278-5533) give solid purchase uphill and the blue "cow print" design makes them easily identifiable in ski huts. Size matters so take time to get the correct fit. On multiple laps, store skins inside your jacket to keep the adhesive warm and to help them dry out between climbs. When hauling your gear around the world, protect it with a hard-shell Sportube case ($150, www.sportube.com. 800-814-1311) that can accommodate two boards (Series 3) or two pairs of skis (Series 2) with boots and binding. They have wheels to make transport easier. Skiers headed to the Alps, the Himalayas or glacial terrain should 58 study Andy Selters' Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue ($19, www.mountaineers- books.org, 206-223-6303) . The book clearly explains glacier travel safety and illustrates rescue techniques. The essential item of an avalanche transceiver should be strapped over the innermost layer of clothes. That location insures it will not be pulled off in an avalanche and it keeps batteries warm. The Backcountry Access Tracker ($300, www.bcaccess.com. 303-417-1345) is the choice of most backcountry guides. Other important items include a probe and shovel. Some ski poles transform to "probes". Though better than nothing, they can be too short and even lost if partially caught in the slide. The G3 Professional Avalanche Probe by Genuine Guide Gear, at 240 cm long ($52, www.genuineguidegear.com. 866-924-9048) is long enough to get through deep debris piles and fits nicely inside a pack. Plastic-bladed shovels are again bet- ter than nothing, but avalanche debris is usually more like concrete than mashed potatoes. The aluminum- bladed Lynx by Black Diamond ($40) is super tough and very light. Last is the two-piece ski repair kit: duct tape wrapped around your ski pole and a Leatherman Wave multi-tool ($98, www.leatherman.com. 800-847-8665) attached to your pack. The Wave provides pliers, screwdrivers and multiple knife blades for backcountry repairs and duct tape can mend any- thing but a broken heart. All this fits perfectly in the 2.5-pound Arc'Teryx Khamsin 38 backpack ($155, www.arcteryx.com. 604-451-7755). Backcountry clothing is similar or the same as mountaineering cloth- ing. The goal is to take the fewest things to give the most versatile range of comfort. Though layering is a righteous concept, it can be very time-consuming and impractical in dicey terrain, better to pick more versatile systems. The heart of versatility is in soft shells like the Arc'Teryx Gamma LT Jacket ($185) and the Cloudveil Prospector Pant ($90, www.cloudveil.com. 888-763-5969). Their tech- nical stretch fabrics extend range of motion and are warm and weather resist- ant. Burton's first layer Tactic top and pants ($35 and $35) move body mois- ture from the skin toward the soft shell's breathable assets. In deep snow or compelling weather, seal yourself up with a waterproof layer. The North Face Ama Dablam Gore XCR Stretch Jacket ($380, www.northface.com. 800-447-2333) comes in at 21 ounces yet gives unparalleled protection from the elements. Mountain Hardwear's FTX Ultra Pant ($295, www.mountainhardwear.com. 800- 953-8375) sports full side zips and powder cuffs. Mountain Hardwear's Absolute Zero Mitts ($135) are insulated and tough, with a Duraguard palm. Socks choice is dictated by boot and activity. Smartwool's Ski Sock ($13 to $18, www.smart- wool.com, 800-550-9665) comes in three weights and is recognized as the unparalleled best in the backcountry.-David Schipper