Jan 20 2014

1st Look: BD’s JetForce® airbag pack

 

Hello JetForce, goodbye TSA.

Hello JetForce, goodbye avy lizard.

If you have ever used an airbag pack, even just practiced with one, you realize pretty quickly that you don’t want to actually be using the pack for its safety features. It’s too damn expensive. Even practicing costs you, not only with paying for a new cartridge or refill, but the time it takes to run around town and deal with that silly stuff. And then there’s dealing with the Tyrannical Skies of America. Don’t even get me started on that one.

Thus, the method and the madness behind Black Diamond’s JetForce technology begins to look like a nice mix of convenience and cost, bordering on genius. Okay, genius might be overstating it, but from the standpoint of taking a concept to the next level, JetForce may render the cartridge style airbag packs evolutionary Dodos. Make no doubt about it, that is Black Diamonds economic intent, and Arcteryx hopes so too. The practical and economic issues do suggest a battle for the survival of the fittest, and lest you think that is all there is to this pack, consider the effect of software on the equation.
 
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 18 2014

News: Sugar Bowl modifies uphill terms.

Sugar Bowl announced today that the era of the free uphill ski pass is over effective immediately. According to a press release issued Saturday, January 18th, 2014, Sugar Bowl has taken it in the shorts regarding costs associated with uphiller travelers who apparently did not fully comply with terms they agreed to abide by.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 15 2014

Take 2: Fischer upgrades Ranger 12

Fischer's Vacuum series Ranger returns improved.

Fischer’s Vacuum series Ranger returns improved.

As one might hope, Fischer returns for 13/14 with heat moldable liners for their Vacuum series of boots, which means the Ranger 12 gets a much needed revision to the touring comfort possible. All the other aspects of the Ranger 12 remain: a progressive flex for arcing the fall line, three levels of cuff motion, rigid, soft, and touring, a shell that molds to the 3D shape of your foot, and as any decent AT boot should, an Intuition liner.

Now the only thing this boot needs to be taken seriously are Dynafit inserts, but you’ll have to wait until next year for that.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 13 2014

Can You Dig It?

 

Dostie gets dug out after an hour.

Dostie plays the dummy and gets dug out after an hour.

Next week is the beginning of the ski industry’s trade show season. It kicks off with the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, where the backcountry ski industry has been announcing next year’s products for two decades.

While the main focus of the week is going to be on gear, this is also going to be an opportunity to showcase something that might benefit everyone of us in dealing with our arch enemy, the avalanche lizard.

On January 21st, during the On-Snow Demo at Solitude ski resort, I will be hosting “Can You Dig It?” a shoveling competition to draw attention to the dirty deed — digging — each of us might someday be expected to perform flawlessly. Woe to those who need to, but don’t.
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Jan 11 2014

Review: Mammut’s Pro 35 PAS airbag pack

 

Mammut's Pro35 is their premier PAS pack - for good reason.

Mammut’s Pro35 is their premier PAS pack – for good reason.

As Mammut’s top of the line airbag pack you expect this to be the best they have to offer. Notwithstanding personal disagreements on what features should and should not be in a ski pack, the Pro 35+ is undeniably the pack with the most compelling feature set, and for a real backcountry ski tour, a good size for a full day or overnight on a hut-to-hut tour.

To begin with, the Pro 35+ uses Mammut’s proprietary Protective Airbag System where the airbag expands around your head, not just behind. This gives the user a bit more lift along the length of the body, and more protection around the head in a simple flow of snow.
Keep making backcountry turns

Jan 10 2014

BCTalk: New Year’s Turns for 2014

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Happy New Year. Photo by Matt Burt

Starting the New Year right with fireworks and a torchlight parade at Crested Butte, CO.
Photo by Matt Burt


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Jan 08 2014

Review: Ortovox Pro Alu 2.7 shovel

 

Ortovox' Pro Alu 2.7 shovel converts to hoe mode.

Ortovox’ Pro Alu 2.7 shovel converts to hoe mode.

Let’s face facts. If you’re involved in an avalanche rescue you want the fastest most accurate avy beacon, the smartest, self-guided probe, and an ultra-light backhoe for excavating your friend(s). Smart probes and easy to use beacons do exist, but the closest thing you’ll get to a backhoe is a human powered shovel that can flip the blade 90 degrees to transform into a hoe for moving lots of snow quickly.
Keep making backcountry turns