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vintage ski bindings
The Best Alpine Touring Bindings in 2019: Part 1 – 50/50 Bindings

The Best Alpine Touring Bindings in 2019: Part 1 – 50/50 Bindings

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Although there aren’t any game-changers like the Salomon/Atomic Shift this season, we’re still in what might be the best era ever in terms of choices for touring bindings. It’s a bit overwhelming, but we’ll try and narrow it down based on the type of skiing you do and what you need in a binding. This is the first of a 3 part series comparing the best bindings for backcountry skiing. Part 2 is about the best tech bindings for backcountry…

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flylow cooper jacket and smythe bib
Flylow Cooper Jacket and Smythe Bib Pants Review

Flylow Cooper Jacket and Smythe Bib Pants Review

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This past season I had the pleasure of testing the Cooper Jacket and the Smythe Bib Pants from Flylow. After hearing rave reviews of Flylow from friends (the Baker bibs seemed to be the most talked about) I knew I had to get my hands on something from this small company in the Pacific Northwest. These were my first pieces of Flylow gear but they definitely won’t be the last. Both the Cooper jacket and the Smythe pants are part…

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denali ski touring
Cody Townsend’s “The Fifty” Project

Cody Townsend’s “The Fifty” Project

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Ski season is over or very close to it for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere, but don’t be too sad. We can still live vicariously through others’ adventures on YouTube, and The Fifty project might be the coolest series out there right now if you like backcountry or big mountain skiing. Cody Townsend is one of the most recognizable big mountain pro skiers, due in part to his ridiculously fast and gnarly line of the year in 2014….

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big sky mountain products climbing skins
Big Sky Mountain Products Climbing Skins: Quick Review

Big Sky Mountain Products Climbing Skins: Quick Review

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Last year I posted a review of Climbing Skins Direct skins and had mostly positive things to say about the skins. Unfortunately, since then I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from readers that the company is hard to get in touch with, takes a long time to ship products (even not shipping them in some cases), etc. The good news is that I think I’ve found a viable alternative to CSD for anyone looking for budget friendly but high quality…

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contour hybrid mix climbing skins at the top of a mountain
Contour Hybrid Mix Climbing Skins Review

Contour Hybrid Mix Climbing Skins Review

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Earlier this season I posted a first look at Contour’s Hybrid Mix climbing skins and mentioned that I would be doing a long term test this winter. Well, winter is over and it’s time to give you readers some feedback on these topographic map patterned skins. Long story short, the Hybrid Mix skins from Contour are pretty damn sweet. They check all the boxes – good grip, good glide, easy to fold up and store, and the glue has been…

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deuter rise lite 28 pack
Deuter Rise Lite 28 Pack Review

Deuter Rise Lite 28 Pack Review

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The Deuter Rise Lite 28 is a lightweight ski touring pack that is meant for day-long ski touring trips. With 28 liters of volume, it’s big enough to stash all of the necessities for backcountry skiing and has plenty of attachment points for additional gear. At 1180 grams it’s one of the lighter ski-touring oriented day packs available and it still has most if not all of the features you could want in a day pack. I’ve used this pack…

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How to Layer for Backcountry Skiing

How to Layer for Backcountry Skiing

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Proper layering will help keep you warm and dry on your backcountry adventures but figuring out the right combination of layers can be a bit tricky. You want to stay cool (but not cold) on the way up. A great day can quickly be ruined by getting all sweaty while hiking and then getting chilled because you’re damp. Layering properly can keep the sweating in check and help keep you warm while resting and skiing down. I typically run pretty…

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8 Amazing Gifts for Backcountry Skiers

8 Amazing Gifts for Backcountry Skiers

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If you’re looking for the best of the best gifts for someone who deserves them, this is the list for you. These are gifts that will make pretty much any backcountry skier smile from ear to ear. If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, check out this article for some gift ideas. Read on for the hottest backcountry skiing gifts for this season. Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC Bindings Many are hailing the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC as the greatest technical…

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7 Great Low-Cost Gifts for Backcountry Skiers

7 Great Low-Cost Gifts for Backcountry Skiers

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The holiday season is almost here and if you’re anything like me, you still have to get gifts for at least a few people. This article should give you some ideas for the backcountry skiers on your list…or for yourself. I won’t judge. 1. Buff Neck & Head Warmer These things are like neck warmers on steroids. You can wear a Buff around 10 different ways and keep everything from your neck to your entire head and face warm. I…

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How to Trim Climbing Skins

How to Trim Climbing Skins

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Most climbing skins require some trimming in order to perfectly fit the shape of your ski. Trimming skins is a bit of an art, but anyone can do it with a bit of patience and attention to detail. This guide will help you learn how to trim climbing skins – leave yourself plenty of time to work so you aren’t rushed. I’m going to show you how to trim a pair of Contour Hybrid Mix climbing skins. We’re going to…

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