BACKCOUNTRY GEAR
Backcountry Access 110D Low-Fat Skins
Backcountry Access $140
The Low-Fat skins from BCA are designed specifically for fat skis that will be seeing just as much vertical going up as skiing down. The durable, hydrophobic synthetic material repels water and will last longer than other skins on the market.
Backcountry Access Traverse Shovel
Backcountry Access $45
At a mere 21 ounces, the Traverse shovel is the lightest available from BCA. Its ergonomic oval handle is super-strong and the T-grip end keeps it simple with a low-profile. The aluminum blade will stand up to frozen debris and the shaft easily connects and disconnects to the blade for quick setup and take down.
Ortovox S1 Transceiver
Ortovox $500
The all-new S1 is raising the bar for digital transceivers. With a large, illuminated display that shows the position and distance of up to three buried people, the S1 makes locating buried friends more efficient. To further assist in location, new pinpoint circle interpretation technology has been installed to help quickly direct you to the buried.
Marker Duke
Marker $500
All new from Marker this year, the Duke binding introduces the company to the big mountain touring scene. Marker took its new freeride technology (found in the Jester) and added a touring feature. The lever to switch to touring mode is under the foot to prevent unwanted opening while skiing and when open, the binding moves the rider back 30 mm to a position more tuned for skinning.
Black Diamond Covert 32L with Avalung Pack
Black Diamond $200
The Covert with Avalung features just that, an Avalung in the left shoulder strap that, when used properly, can help you breath if buried in an avalanche. The Avalung takes in the air from the snow that surrounds you through a filter on the left shoulder strap. It then takes the CO2 emitted from your lungs and disperses it to a different area of the snowpack via a filter in the side of the pack. Using this device is a good safety option for anyone spending time in the backcountry.
Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus
Black Diamond $425
To expertly transition from inside the ropes to out, check out the Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus binding. With a titanial plate underfoot to increase torsional rigidity and a free-gliding bar that allows the ski to flex naturally, you won’t lose any performance by opting for an alpine touring binding instead of the traditional locked set-up.
Backcountry Access Carbon 260 Probe
Backcountry Access $75
The 260 probe is incredibly lightweight despite its substantial girth and durability. Because of its size, the probe won’t fit inside the handle of a shovel like many on the market today. But, for the deepest and thickest snow, you’ll be in a better position to find a friend with this seven-section, eight-foot probe.
Scarpa Hurricane
Scarpa $700
This incredibly light, eight-pound, four-ounce boot will stand up to the toughest conditions you can throw at it. It comes with two soles, the standard Ride sole that works in both AT and alpine bindings and the rugged leather sole for durability. Its rigidity and stiffness is created by power ribs on the cuff yet it manages to remain comfortable with premium SCARPA Intuition liners.
