Small as they are, pole straps can be a divisive piece of gear. Anti-strap advocates know that they’re overwhelmingly dangerous as anchors in avalanches or tree wells and as shoulder-separating leashes while skiing trees. But straps can be helpful on long approaches and while tethering poles to packs on certain climbs. Thankfully, a few companies have developed quick-release systems that allow you to have your straps and remove them, too.
Gearbox: An Editors’ Choice steep-skiing setup
Creating the ideal steep-skiing setup isn’t an easy feat. The gear, after all, must offer specialized and polarized traits to handle the ascent and descent with equal aplomb. Skis and boots shouldn’t fold under duress, instead holding up to variable and often firm conditions. Conversely, stable and confidence-inspiring gear must be light enough for big days and long pushes.
Gearbox: An Editors’ Choice all-mountain setup
For some people, having a dedicated tool for every job is the ultimate dream. And many of today’s skis, boots and bindings are so specialized that there are hyper-focused options to maximize every type of snow, terrain or pursuit.
ORTOVOX ISSUES RECALL OF 3+ AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVERS RUNNING SOFTWARE VERSION 2.1
Today, Ortovox announces an upcoming recall, effective May 25, of its 3+ avalanche transceivers relying on the company’s software version 2.1. The software error, not evident in prior testing, was found to temporarily disrupt the transceivers’ transmission function, potentially increasing search times in a burial. While Ortovox says there have been no known accidents as […]
Gearbox: Three avalanche airbags shrink systems to increase space
This year, the race is for space, with new units boasting sleek, compact designs that maximize usable volume for storing more necessities.
Marker’s Alpinist: A new, lighter tack for the alpine-focused brand
The Alpinist is Marker’s new binding, and it debuts with a heavy emphasis on the uphill. And considering that Marker’s Duke once held the heavyweight title among backcountry bindings, this two-pin tech represents a dramatic shift in Marker’s priorities, tipping the scale at a mere 245 grams (8.6 oz.) per foot.
Salomon launches S/LAB Shift MNC binding, targeting freeride tourers who want it all
Annecy, France-based skiing powerhouse Salomon has upped their do-it-all binding game with the December 8 launch of the newly minted S/LAB Shift MNC. Salomon designed this binding in the vein of the freeride-focused Marker Kingpin, but a few notable differences could place the Shift MNC in a category unto itself.
2018 Testers’ Choice: Cat Ambrose’s Picks
Testing skis for the Backcountry Magazine Gear Guide can be a grueling endeavor—with hours upon hours of hot powder laps, edge-to-edge action on groomers, the occasional crud-busting run, and of course, flip cup practice—and our testers for the 2018 Gear Guide found it all at Powder Mountain, Utah. Skis, boots and bindings are all put through the ringer to find the standouts, with each ski tested eight times, three for boots and bindings. To get a sense of who’s putting in the work, we introduce Testers’ Choice profiles and picks, so you can be sure you’re getting the info right from the source.
2018 Editors’ Choice Awards: Touring Skis
This year, we’re mixing things up. We’ve historically organized skis solely based on width, but we’ve realized this approach can ignore a ski’s purpose. So for 2018, we dove into the psyche of our testers—who hammered the slopes of Powder Mountain, Utah for a week in March—to hone in on what skis were best suited […]
2018 Editors’ Choice Awards: Freeride Skis
These skis are all about the descent, prioritizing downhill-focused stability over weight. They target the upper end of width (118 to 98 mm underfoot) and offer varying degrees of rocker and stout construction for confidence in conditions from crud to hardpack. They’ll bring power into the backcountry, but demand muscle going up and down.
