Feb 10 2014

Review: Crispi’s NTN boots – Shiver & Evo

 

Crispi Evo Rando - w/tech inserts.

Crispi Evo Rando – w/tech inserts.

It has been hard to find choices in tele boots recently. Garmont shot themselves in the foot and Scott has been slow to pick up the ball. Under their breath retailers say they can’t give BD boots away. Now I’m not complaining about Scarpa being the only easy choice for tele boots out there, afterall, they fit me well. But they’re a bit soft for some folks, and maybe the fit just isn’t it for you.

Welcome the return of Crispi to the American market, albiet a mere pinky toe of a slice of the total US market. The fit difference between a Crispi and Scarpa is small, but significant. They are more accommodating for feet with a higher roof, the height of the instep, and perhaps a tad wider, but not much. In the downhill department is where most people will notice the difference.
Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 06 2014

BCTalk: BC Dog Days in Tahoe

 

It may not be chest deep for men, but it's delightful from a dog's eye view.

It may not be chest deep for men, but it’s delightful from a dog’s eye view.
Photo by tahoebc

We were doing it “doggie-style” today with my BC canine buddy Jake
— mchin

Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 05 2014

Review: Arc’teryx Caden Jacket

 

Caden provides all the adjustments and pockets a skier wants or needs.

Caden — clean lines, pockets galore.

PR guys can tell you all sorts of things. If you just regurgitate them, you’re not practicing journalism, you’re shilling for them. In the ski world, where we’re all just pumping each other up with the opportunity to schuss through the ever dwindling offering from the heavens, any piece of gear that does it better is worth a plug to share the stoke. A lot of times that becomes an excuse for stoking the fires of consumerism, not practicing the passion itself.

Nonetheless, when Chris Denny, Arc’teryx’ chief bull slinger in the US said, “Don’t forget, Arc’teryx wasn’t the first to do Goretex, just the best,” that was no bull. It is embarrassingly obvious in their Caden jacket.
Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 04 2014

Review: Ortovox Tour 30+7 ABS pack

 

Orotovx Tour30+7. Lots of room, pockets, straps, and ABS.

Orotovx Tour30+7. Lots of room, pockets, straps, and ABS.

Once you decide to go with an airbag pack, it is a quick conclusion that you want the best system you can get, and the reality is, as of Winter 2014, the ABS system remains the premier system for a number of reasons. It has two airbags for a total volume of 170 liters, in a long configuration to help float the entire body. Plus you can add a remote trigger, and a ton of retail outlets to pick up replacement canisters.

When it comes to the pack itself, ABS has more licensees than anyone, so there are a number of pack makers to consider. Ortovox’ Tour 30 +7 is worth a close look. It is not a good pack for half day trips unless you’re always bring extra stuff just in case, but it is a good size for overnight hut trips where you routinely need the extra space.
Keep making backcountry turns

Feb 03 2014

DIY: Mounting ski bindings

Measure twice, cut once
—Carpenter’s Rule

Mounting bindings is a pretty simple operation if you’re dealing with a popular binding that your local shop has a jig for. Save yourself time and hassle and pay them to do it. The only exception is if you know they don’t sweat the details. In that case, you need to make sure your bindings are mounted right; find another shop or do it yourself.

Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 31 2014

Going, going…Orgone

 

Orgone with Fanny Franklin at SLC's State Room. 23jan14

Orgone with Fanny Franklin at SLC’s State Room. 23jan14

The majority of live bands worth paying to hear are good, but the great ones have a clarity, energy, precision, and showmanship that confirms their popularity. Those who attended the concert Voile sponsored at the Outdoor Retailer show last week (23jan14) were privvy to a club experience with a band that shone like some of the best I’ve ever seen. Over the years I’ve attended my fair share of concerts and seen some impressive bands live, including The Beatles’ McCartney, Seger, Genesis, Pretenders, the J. Geils Band, Freddie Mercury and Queen, plus jazz greats like Herbie Hancock and George Benson. The band that took the stage at the State Room in Salt Lake City was Orgone, pronounced Or-Goen (rhymes with own). Against such greats they held their own.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 30 2014

SIA reports record equipment sales

Snowsports Industries of America released sales figures for the current season at the start of the annual trade show for SIA members in Denver, Colorado. Amazingly sales are healthy despite drought conditions in California, and below average snowfall throughout western states.

Record holiday sales of $2.2 billion for the August to December period were up $193-million over last year, even $25-million more than the epic 2010/11 season when the Pacific west received over 150% normal snowfall. Balancing the lack of snow in the Sierra and Cascade ranges are record cold temperatures and higher than normal snowfall in the Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic states.
Keep making backcountry turns