I might have been drunk when I found this beat-up, scratched Suunto Vector pinched between two rocks in Vermont’s Brewster River. From a distance, its black housing looked faintly like a tin of chewing tobacco (which is why I actually ran to check its contents). Upon further inspection, what appeared to be a can of […]
Pack ‘N’ Play: What to Bring on your Next Hut Trip
If you’ve ever been winter camping, then you’re all-too-familiar with the crushing heft of an expedition pack. But carrying a load for a hut trip is far less weighty—that is, unless you’re on 30-rack duty. Hut essentials vary depending on location, approach method and amenities offered, so check in with the operation for a final packing list (and consult your partners for their thoughts on appropriate sauna attire). Regardless, these necessities should keep you covered.
Tried & New: Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pole
As a ski magazine editor, I’m fortunate enough to upgrade my quiver, boots, apparel and accessories almost annually. But one constant in my gear over the last several years has been these Black Diamond poles. In fact, beyond some foot beds, a few pairs of underwear and one particular flask, my poles might be the […]
Shred Test 2015: It’s A Wrap
I gave away an avalanche airbag today. And the winner deserved it. She worked hard all week. They all did. My splitboarding gear testers kick ass. I only wish I had more airbag packs to give away…. Fortunately, conditions were stellar in Crested Butte this past week, stoking the crew for long, productive days of […]
Back to the Butte: 2015 Board Test
Backcountry Magazine’s annual Board Test kicks off on Monday, attracting riders to Crested Butte, Colorado from across the country for a week of testing next year’s boards, boots and bindings. Fortunately, Mother Nature has favored Crested Butte this winter, and the mountain is open with wall-to-wall fun and technical terrain.
2015 Gear Test Week Dispatch: Day Zero
Backcountry Magazine’s Gear Test Week, our annual pilgrimage to Powder Mountain, Utah, kicks off tomorrow. More than 40 testers will evaluate some 200-plus skis and 100 AT and telemark boots for five days to create next fall’s 2015 Gear Guide. Here’s how the first day unfolded.
Testers’ Choice: DPS Wailer 99
A five-year ski tester, Marla Bailey has teled exclusively for 12 years since her start in Winter Park’s “No Pain, No Jane” bumps. She enjoys skiing what she calls “balls-deep powder, knee-deep powder and piles of powder from other people’s knees or balls.” Her pick of the test? The DPS Wailer 99.
The Future Of Telemark? TwentyTwo Designs’ New NTN Binding
Is telemark dying? Chris Valiante and the binding builders at TwentyTwo Designs say no chance. That’s why they recently announced a licensing agreement with Rottefella in order to build their own NTN bindings. New NTN options from TwentyTwo may not be available for at least another year, but the Driggs, Idaho-based company was offering a […]
What’s Next: 2015 Gear Primer
Last week was the annual Winter Outdoor Retailer trade show, the Consumer Electronic Show for outdoor nuts. And the only thing more glaring than the convention center’s fluorescent lights was the prevalence of backcountry gear. Here are a few highlights.
Testers’ Choice: Atomic Charter
Jay Prentiss has eight years of racing, 18 years of touring and six years of ski testing experience—plus a first descent of the East Face of Pyramid Peak, Colorado. He skis between 60 and 100 days, and spends down days surfing, mountain biking or sipping tea. His pick of the test? The Atomic Charter.
