Since I started working again about three years ago, backcountry skiing (BC) has personally become a mainstay of winter activities for the past few years. Twenty years ago, when I first started playing at BC, it was called "Mountain Skiing" by a rude name, but I learned that there are so many extremely cool and incredibly useful tools available, which are the exact opposite of those then, so I've been working hard to restock them in the last few years.
As a result, personally, I feel that although it's not perfect this season, I have a lineup that I can really agree with, so this time I'll share my list of backcountry ski equipment (for high season day trips from January to February) that are currently regular equipment.
Just to be honest, although I am convinced about this choice, it is just my own personal opinion and preference, and is just the equipment I have at this point. There may be some choices that are outrageous to more advanced ladies, or some things that are lacking, and there is a possibility that your choice will change soon.
In addition to the environmental factors that there are very few opportunities to try ski equipment, I still feel that there is still a lack of research myself, so I hope you will not be too prepared and focus on your way of thinking. If there is a better choice, I would appreciate it if they could give me a comment from my Facebook page or something.
table of contents
- Things to keep in mind when gathering tools
- Equipment list
- Comments on each item
- Underwear base layer (tops and bottoms): MILLET drynamic mesh and merino wool base layer
- Middle layer: MILLET Trilogy Edge Alpha Hoodie
- Hardshell (tops): Patagonia Stormstride Jacket
- Hard shell (pants): THE NORTHFACE Purist Bib
- Skis & Binding: ATOMIC BENT CHETLER 120 / MARKER KINGPIN M-WERKS 12
- Ski boots: TECNICA COCHISE 120
- Ski stickers (climbing skin): POMOCA FREE PRO 2.0
- Snow Gloves: Mountain Hardwear Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Gloves
- Balaclava: Fine Track Merino Spin Balaclava
- Continue next time (second half)!
Things to keep in mind when gathering tools
When choosing tools until you reach this point, I was particularly conscious of the following three factors:
- I want to enjoy buff buff powder as I please.
- Be safer.
- Lighter than ever.
The reason I was able to accept these three points is the bitter experience of having to do anything about the route "Happoone Mumeizawa - Garagarazawa" that I went to three years ago, as it had been reopening BC for the first time in a while, and I had no choice but to do anything and fell into pieces like a snowman, falling into pieces. That was terrible even thinking about it now.
Of course, the reason for this was that I lacked skiing skills, but it was also a major factor that I had been working with the classic mountain skiing that I had enjoyed 20 years ago (ski touring that I mainly traverse the mountains, ridges, staying in a tent, ski touring that I don't think I should fall) that I had enjoyed 20 years ago. At that time I realized, "We have to choose our tools based on a different concept than before!" In other words, it is a three-point weight: its suspension for stable sliding of powder, preparation for thicker avalanches and disasters, and it is less likely to be a burden even if the amount of luggage increases (because I want to have a lot of cameras too). Also, self-evaluation is "downslide technique (physical and climbing techniques), so I take the stance of actively covering any techniques I lack with physical strength and money.
I would like to add an initial note to the fact that the equipment list that I will explain is based on the grudge and determination that I will never again experience such a sad feeling.
Equipment list
With that in mind, I'll be revealing a list of the equipment I currently carry when I'm backcountry skiing (click on the photo below to enlarge).
By the way, the things I forgot to put here are cold drinks such as underwear pants, socks, sports drinks, general cameras (SLR cameras, 360-degree cameras, GOPRO), and spare gloves (sometimes I bring them with me and sometimes I don't).
We also judge the climbing equipment (ropes, carabiners, eight rings, harnesses, crampons, axes) and radio systems that are bundled at the left edge of the photo depending on the route (I think this backpack will not be able to fit all of them all...).
Comments on each item
From here, I will comment on the equipment list introduced above as much as possible.
Underwear base layer (tops and bottoms): MILLET drynamic mesh and merino wool base layer
Basically, I prefer something merino wool-based that isn't too thin (bottom top and bottom). Recently, Millet Drynamic Mesh first on my scalp, so I can stay comfortable without having to be too particular about the type and model of the base layer above. The key is to use synthetic fibers that keep the fabric tightly attached to the skin and prevent it from sticking to the skin, avoiding the stuffiness and discomfort when sweating. In addition, during the high season from January to February, base layers with balaclava hoods, such as Patagonia Caprien Air, will warm your neck.
Middle layer: MILLET Trilogy Edge Alpha Hoodie
Polartech Alpha Direct which traps and keeps the heat from the body warm, while also quickly dissipating sweat from the skin, reducing cold and discomfort . the Millet Trilogy Edge Alpha Hoody has been handy since last year, as it can be stretchy when combined with fleece, and the full and double zip design makes it easy to adjust, and the ease of use of the hood and chest pocket Depending on the situation, we may also consider fine adjustments such as thicker, thinner, windproof, or no hood, but this is the most versatile item.
Hardshell (tops): Patagonia Stormstride Jacket
There are also many options for this, so it's difficult to choose one for the first one, but if it's just for this year, I would like to recommend the Patagonia Stormstride Jacket There are also issues with preferences such as not being good at long ski jackets, but this one is a very simple, minimalist, lightweight shell with the bare minimum of functionality, making it perfect for me right now. In addition to the slim silhouette, there are minimal pockets and parts. It has moderate stretchability, the fabric itself is well-ventilated, and the underarm pit zipper makes it light, easy to move around, and is perfect for high-speed backcountryers. The small pockets can be covered with other clothing or bags.
Hard shell (pants): THE NORTHFACE Purist Bib
has been wearing the North Face Purist Bib since last year This product uses the unique waterproof and breathable material "FUTURELIGHT™" that is stretchy and has a good feel, so you can move your lower body thoroughly when hiking up, and feel stress-free and comfortable without any discomfort. Also, since it is a bib type, it gently keeps the abdomen warm, and there are plenty of pockets to cover the lack of Stormstride jackets above. However, it is a bit prone to cold air, so depending on the season and location, the thickness of the tights worn inside can be changed.
Skis & Binding: ATOMIC BENT CHETLER 120 / MARKER KINGPIN M-WERKS 12
I haven't even compared many boards or bindings, but I chose the ATOMIC BENT CHETLER 120 . The wide waist and rocker shape that are compatible with powder, the rocker is moderately hard, easy to handle, and the camber has not seen much difference in the edges when turning, and I liked the excellent lightness of the maneuverability that doesn't make you feel like a fat ski.
binding MARKER KINGPIN M-WERKS 12 is a model with lightweight tech bindings and excellent sliding performance. Until recently, I used Dynafit's ST ROTATION10 lightweight tech binding that emphasizes balance, but is there any model that is also better gliding? So this is the choice I came across. Personally, I'm pretty sure I'm right, and although it's not a very aggressive slip, no matter how rough or steep the slopes, there's no sense of a heel floating, and it's stable enough to allow you to slid in the same way as bindings for slopes.
It's scary to ski at a speedy crunchy iceburn due to the width and lightness of the skis, but I can start skiing anywhere without worry.
Ski boots: TECNICA COCHISE 120
Actually, when I resumed BC, the first boot I bought was the SCARPA F1 EVO. As mentioned above, at first I was touring-oriented without any hesitation, so I thought that light and easy to walk in would be a good idea. I tried out these lightweight touring boots and it was bounced back miserably at Happo-Rone, so I bought this TECNICA COCHISE 120 (17/18 model) .
To put it in extreme terms, the boots mentioned earlier were "sliding mountaineering boots," but this time they are "freeride boots that you can walk in." The cuffs are deepened with four buckles, and the softness of the shoes, known as flex, is significantly increased to 120, so even though I'm a bit unskilled, I feel much more stable even when I slip on a steep, powdered slope, which I'm very satisfied with. However, although I was prepared, it is not very good for a pair of boots when it comes to comfort, lightness, and sole shape, so you will need to cover this with walking skills and physical strength.
It is undeniable that they are fairly extreme at the downskiing performance (although it is still a good balance at the very least), so recently I have started to consider a balance that is more balanced with a more comfortable walking experience.
Ski stickers (climbing skin): POMOCA FREE PRO 2.0
From my past experience, I remember that maintenance is a hassle when the adhesive strength decreases, so I first used a model called Clariden from Colltex. This is characterized by an acrylic-based adhesive layer rather than an adhesive glue, and the appeal of its ease of use is that once the adhesive strength is reduced, you can just re-stick a new adhesive layer. I've never used it yet, but there's one problem. With twin tip tails like the BENT CHETLER 120, the hooks are likely to come off, and the stickers will peel off almost every time while walking.
So I began looking for a new climbing skin and settled on this POMOCA FREE PRO 2.0. First of all, it is light and thin, so it is easy to handle. The climb and slip are well balanced, and most importantly, using the optional "twin tip tail hook" will allow you to securely secure the seal even with BENT CHETLER. At the moment, the glue is hard to peel off, it doesn't easily fade, it doesn't melt easily, and it's a combination that I don't currently have any complaints.
Snow Gloves: Mountain Hardwear Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Gloves
The Mountain Hardwear Exposure 2 Gore-Tex gloves are easy to use, with three characteristics: heat retention, operability, and durability Naturally, GORE-TEX is completely waterproof, but it is thin, so it is sure to have heat retention even though it is thin. Flat rubber leash cords are also easy to use. The full leather palm is highly abrasion resistant and is extremely durable, so it will last a long time. However, when the straps on my wrist are not closed, my wrists are spacious, so if I wander off my wrists while I take them off, it's easier for me to get into the snow, which makes it difficult to get into my fingertips, making it difficult to remove.
Balaclava: Fine Track Merino Spin Balaclava
Balaclava is essential for ridges where cold wind blows, and while heat retention and stuffiness are essential as a prerequisite, it is surprisingly important to have a mouth that is designed to be worn for a long time. If the mouth is completely covered, the area around the mouth will become wet due to exhalation or other factors. Also, when it comes to backcountry skiing, you should avoid making it too thick, considering it goes well with a helmet. All of these are well-made by this fine track Merino Spin Balaclava . It can also be worn as a neck warmer and is easy to adjust for temperatures, so this is the easiest to use anyway.
Continue next time (second half)!
That's just my personal list of backcountry ski equipment (first half). It's been too long so that's all for today. Next time, I'll talk about the rest of the gear, such as the backpack and avalanche gear, in the second half (all the full item list will be included).