SEEING THE LIGHT
The Gospel According to Nils
circa 2001
Nils skis on heavy gear at resorts, but for touring he looks for the ideal compromise between mobility and turnability. Here are his picks.
-SKIS: No-wax Karhu Pavo (73/60/76, 4.9 lbs/pair). “For spring conditions, ski ‘em short (175 cm for a 6-foot skier).”
-BINDINGS: Rottefella Super Telemark, 3-pin binding (13 oz/pair).“Cable bindings are too restricting.”
-BOOTS: Karhu Nomads (4.25 lbs/pair, size 10.5). “This boot isn’t stiff enough to drive a wider ski.”
PACKING LIGHT
Another Nilsian Axiom: Halve your load and you’ll quadruple your skiing pleasure. Here’s some appropriate technology to consider.
-TENT: Warmlite 2Rtent (2.75 lbs). A bombproof 2-person tent.
-PACK: GoLite Gust Pack (1.25 lbs). A 4500-cubic-inch pack that handles 30-pound loads admirably.
-SLEEPING BAG: Feathered Friends Swallow (2.1 lbs). Be willing to sleep in your clothes and this 20-degree bag is warm enough for any springtime tour.
-HEADLAMP: Petzl Tikka (2.4 ounces with batteries). An LED lamp supplying all the light you need around camp.
-RAINCOAT: GoLite Newt Jacket (10 oz). Though fragile for general use, if saved for foul weather this waterproof/breathable jacket does the job.
-RAINPANTS: GoLite Newt (5 oz). If saved for foul weather, these waterproof/breathable pants will keep you dry.
-SLEEPING PAD: Therm-a-Rest ¾-length UltraLite Pad (14 oz). Use your pack to insulate your feet while sleeping.
-FOOD: If planned carefully, 1.5 lbs of dry food per day is plenty. Shed all excess packaging.
-LEFT OUT: Camp shoes, spare change of clothing, camp chair, insulated mug, coffee maker, book, towel, toiletries (except toothbrush and toothpaste).
© 2002
What are your go to pieces of equipment for keeping it light?
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