Welcome to a special Backcountry Issue installment of Gear Spotlight from FREESKIER. Here, we provide a close-up look at the equipment and accessories that everyone should know about when heading off-piste. Can’t get enough gear? Click here to see our entire 2019 Buyer’s Guide.
O’Neill PW Frozen Wave Anorak
Part of the O’Neill Reissue Collection–a nod to the brand’s on-snow heritage–the Frozen Wave Anorak is inspired by the past but built for the future. Not only does this jacket come in a variety of colors for serious slope style but it’s made out of 50-percent recycled threads, giving its wearer a bit of peace of mind. It also comes equipped with a 10K/10K waterproof/breathability rating, meaning it resists exterior moisture and wicks it away from the interior, while its firewall insulation provides maximum warmth.
Dalbello Lupo AX 110 W Alpine Boots
The first women’s boot to appear in Dalbello’s Lupo line, the AX 110 W will take female rippers wherever they want to go on the mountain. Tech inserts and a removable external tongue make the uphill a breeze while the cabrio three-piece design combines downhill response and stiffness, while ensuring a smooth flex. For optimum comfort and fit, the Lupo AX 110 W boots have an IF AIR thermo-formable liner and come equipped with GripWalk soles that make traversing sketchy, icy routes a cinch.
Black Crows Atris Birdie
Sporting the same shape as the beloved Atris from the Chamonix, France-based Black Crows, the Atris Birdie is the ultimate big-mountain ski for hard-charging females. This birdie utilizes an energetic poplar wood core, with tip and tail rocker and camber underfoot for a ski that can surf powder, rip chutes and stomp airs.
RMU Core Pack 35L
The Core Pack from Breckenridge, Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Underground is as dependable on an airplane as it is standing atop a backcountry pillow stack. With a 35 liter capacity, this pack is voluminous enough to hold all of your gear—lunch, après beverages, safety tools, extra layers, water, etc. It also has compartments for your laptop and other travel necessities. The exterior includes two ski-carry systems–diagonal and A-frame–an exterior helmet sling, oversized climbing axe loops and a dedicated skin pocket.
Gordini Polar II W’s Glove
Nothing ruins a good day like frozen philangees. Keep Mother Nature at bay on your next off-piste pursuit with the Polar II Women’s Glove from Gordini. Made from genuine deerskin leather and lined with 750-fill water-resistant DownTek insulation, these gloves will keep the heat in and the moisture out. To take the waterproof and breathability up a notch, this glove also comes with an Aquabloc waterproof/breathable insert for those days when Mother Nature throws a tantrum.
Atomic Shift MNC 13
The Shift MNC 13 from Atomic is the perfect set of bindings for skiing both the resort and the backcountry. Skiers can tour uphill via a set of pin-tech wings that are opened by pulling down a lever on the dual-mode toepiece. When it’s time for descending, the lever clicks back up, revealing a fully TÜV-certified alpine binding. Compatible with all adult boot sole types, the Shift MNC 13 is light enough for long uphills yet reliable enough for a full send on the downhill.
