“Saving lives starts with understanding the snow under our feet and avoiding avalanches before they happen,” says Brint Markle, co-founder and CEO of AvaTech, a new company focused on developing proactive avalanche safety technology. Their new probe, the SP1, launches today alongside AvaNet, a cloud platform for sharing avalanche data.
Dynafit Announces Beast 16 DIN ISO Certification
On the heels of Marker’s Kingpin tech binding launch, Dynafit is announcing the TÜV certification of their Beast 16 binding. Both products now meet DIN ISO 13992:2007, the TÜV certification standard for safety release in alpine touring bindings. And while the Kingpin and Beast are the only tech bindings with this certification, the Beast is the sole DIN-certified tech binding currently available.
A New Kingpin: Behind Marker’s Tech Binding
Tech bindings have traditionally offered safety release at the toe and/or heel, but the new Marker Kingpin is the first to meet DIN ISO 13992. That means it’s the first tech binding acknowledged by the TUV—the international certification body that validates product safety—to offer a certified DIN safety release. Here’s how Marker built a better tech binding.
Ace of Base(layers): Arc’teryx Phase SV Zip Neck
It’s borderline unsanitary how often I wear this layer. Literally every day that I’ve skinned over the last several seasons, the Phase SV has been my go-to top. It’s surprising that the collar isn’t crusted with sunblock, the cuffs aren’t permanently pasted with snot, and the pits haven’t discolored to a murky green….
2015 Editors’ Choice Awards: Boots
From a crop of more than 50 backcountry boots tested in March at Powder Mountain, Utah, we’ve selected the best six models for 2015 based on overwhelming tester feedback and cutting-edge innovation. Looking for the lightest, auto-locking touring boot or the most versatile, in- and-out-of-bounds option? You’ll find it among these six standout backcountry boots….
2015 Editors’ Choice Awards: Splitboards
From a crop of nearly 40 splitboards tested in March at Crested Butte, Colo., we’ve selected the best eight models for 2015 based on overwhelming tester feedback and groundbreaking innovation. Looking for the lightest, carbon board or the most versatile, all-mountain split? You’ll find it among these eight standouts….
2015 Editors’ Choice Awards: Skis
From a crop of nearly 200 skis tested in March at Powder Mountain, Utah, we’ve selected the best 12 models for 2015 based on overwhelming tester feedback and groundbreaking innovation. Looking for the lightest, carbon-infused powder ski or the most versatile front-and-backside ski? You’ll find it among these 12 standout skis….
2015 Editors’ Choice Awards: Bindings
This March at Powder Mountain, Utah, we tested every backcountry binding available, and, based on overwhelming tester feedback and groundbreaking innovation, we’ve selected the best bindings of 2015. Looking for the most affordable tech binding or the stoutest, do-it-all touring option? You’ll find it among these three Editors’ Choice bindings.
Palm Pilot: Black Diamond Pilot Glove
After spending my first several days of backcountry skiing with freezing fingers (and subsequent bouts of Screaming Barfies—that burning, rewarming feeling that makes you want to puke), I invested in some real touring gloves….
Troller’s Stamp of Approval: Kinco Lined Grained Pigskin with Cuff (#1927)
I’ve been running Kincos since I started patrolling in 1998. They last about a year of ski patrolling and working construction. They’re not waterproof on their own, of course, but I treat the pigskin with mink oil….
