Jun 18 2015

Waterproof apparel formulas voluntarily change

Editors Note: This is a fairly technical report on a change that has occurred to the technology we commonly refer to as “waterproof/breathable” for outdoor apparel. The short version is the chemical composition changed from C8 to C6 while you weren’t looking. What follows is the reason why, and what it means going forward.

 

The nut of why we like PFCs.

The nut of why we like PFCs.

In 2005 an EPA Science Advisory Board report found PFOA to be a likely human carcinogen.

One year later Stephen L. Johnson, EPA Administrator obtained commitments from eight major producers of perfluorooctanoatic acid (PFOA), to phase out its manufacture. The EPA’s aim was to eliminate PFOA from “facility emissions and product content” and other precursors or similar chemicals that could break down or function like PFOA. Known as the 2010/15 Stewardship Program, the Agency’s goal targeted 2010 with a 95% worldwide reduction of PFOA and to eliminate it by 2015’s end.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jun 15 2015

Review: BCA’s Scepter ski pole

 

BCA's family of Scepter ski poles.

BCA’s Scepter ski poles.

Adjustable length backcountry ski poles have become a commodity. Now that everyone has figured out how to make their own Flick-Lock style adjustment mechanism getting a decent adjustable ski pole is as simple as figuring out what your budget is and buying the most conveniently available model.

There are certainly differences among the many brands and models, but the latest to the plate has what could be considered an artful blend of functional utility with a price that is bound to fit any budget loose enough to allow a dedicated BC pole.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jun 04 2015

Spring Skiing 2015

 

Ripping freshies at Sonora Pass, end of May 2015. JeremyD photo.

Ripping freshies at Sonora Pass, end of May 2015.
JeremyD photo.

Even though we’ve been conditioned to think of June as Summer, since Memorial Day kicks off the summer vacation season, according to the calendar it is still Spring. For years I’ve maintained that spring skiing is the best season for BC skiing, not the cold wintry months of December and January as the herd believes.

It is true that if you get a big dump in those months the skiing is indescribably fantastic. Such conditions are neither guaranteed, or as it has been lately, even likely. More likely the snow will be thin with obstacles abounding, and generally cold enough to hold what little snow exists.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jun 02 2015

Review: The God of Skiing

 

An appropriate mug for The God of Skiing's cover - Fritz Stammberger.

An appropriate mug for The God of Skiing’s cover – Fritz Stammberger.

With a name like The God of Skiing you can’t help but wonder who or what Peter Kray has written about. It’s a heady title to say the least. After reading it I can say he does a stellar job of describing the experiences that are endemic to a skiers life, and some of the characters who have shaped the culture of skiing.

From the get go Kray misleads you into thinking he’s recounting history when he references an article from Sports Illustrated on the story’s protagonist, Tack Strau. In classic Kray style he pulls you through a forest of picturesque metaphors while meandering through incidents real and concocted that lull you into thinking you’re finally getting the inside scoop on a mythical figure you somehow missed. As the story unfolds, you realize that’s how Tack would have wanted it, even if he didn’t plan it that way.
Keep making backcountry turns

May 21 2015

Upgrade details to Meidjo v1.2

Update 09dec15

When this article was first published, we called this version of Meidjo v2. Since then M-Equipment has made further changes rendering this version 1.2 (retroactively) and subsequent changes in December 2015 as v2.0. Please excuse any confusion on versions below.

Meidjo v 1.2, from M-Equipment. 2-pin tech meets NTN.

Meidjo v 1.2, from M-Equipment. 2-pin tech meets NTN.

Those who stood by and watched while the first wave of Meidjos was beaten upon the shores of reality will be thankful they waited. The M-Equipment’s founder and inventor, Pierre Mouyade, recently detailed the numerous changes that have been made to improve the durability and functionality of Meidjo (pr: may’-zho).

Meidjo is the first telemark binding to connect to a boot via Rottefella’s patented NTN second heel and tech inserts at the toe. The result is a binding that has the touring efficiency of Dynafit, with step-in convenience, safety release (verified but uncertified), and moderately active telemark performance.
Keep making backcountry turns

May 18 2015

Mammoth shoot out: Outlaw VS Meidjo

Mammoth Mountain.

Mammoth Mountain.

The rule of Winter ’15 season has been to act fast when fresh snow arrives, otherwise there won’t be much left. A couple of late storms hit the Sierra last week. Though characteristically weak for this season their freshness coincided with fresh updates to 22 Design’s beta version Outlaw, and a host of revisions to Meidjo that will hopefully overcome weaknesses with the plastic claw assembly and the 2-pin tech toe. It was time to make turns to see if any new flaws were introduced as unintended consequences of fixing others.
Keep making backcountry turns

May 13 2015

Changing the claw on 22D’s Outlaw

 

New claw assembly for Outlaw beta binding.

New claw assembly for Outlaw beta binding.

Early feedback on 22 Design’s Outlaw, their new NTN binding, indicates that it skis great. Downhill performance was, as hoped, reminiscent of the Hammerhead in position #3 or #4 depending on how strong the spring tension is set to.

Touring is also very similar to an Axl, with the same basic limits to range of motion of only 45°+, but frictionless within that range. More ROM might be nice on occasion, like on a tight switchback on a steep slope in deep snow, but 90% of the time it is not a noticeable limit.
Keep making backcountry turns