Category: Ski Reviews

  • SCOTT PATROL E1 40 BACKPACK (Avalanche Airbag Pack)

    I was an early adopter of avalanche airbag packs. I’ve been using them for over a decade, and have owned and used models by Snowpulse/Mammut ABS, and Dakine. My packs have all used compressed gas (either oxygen or nitrogen) to inflate the airbags. My first airbag pack was an ABS model, which uses nitrogen charged […]

  • Ski Pulk sled

      I’ve used sleds on occasion to carry large winter loads.  However, the sleds I’ve used have always been home made jobs.  I’ve bought kiddie sleds and modified them in various ways to make them serve as ski sleds.  My modifications began relatively simply, just drilling holes in the front of the sled and attaching […]

  • 2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Highlights

      The 2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market presents an overwhelming array of products to assess and be dazzled by.   After a couple of days wandering the halls of the  outdoor retailer show, here are some of my impressions: Backcountry Ski Touring: As the winter oriented show, it’s not surprising that there were tons of backcountry […]

  • Powder Cord Pouch

    This season I’ve been using Powder Cord Pouches on my skis.  These are powder cords, coupled with a pouch that buckles around your boot.  This is much better than trying to stuff the powder cords up your pants legs.  Even with built in gaiters, I’ve found that the cords tend to not stay in place […]

  • Backcountry ski gear update

    My backcountry ski gear has changed substantially in the past couple of seasons. I’ve changed over to new boots, new skis, and new bindings for most of my backcountry skiing. First off, the skis: Dynafit Manaslu (187 cm) For all-around, lightweight touring, I bought a pair of Dynafit Manaslus (187cm length.)  These were the replacements […]