Versatile, strong, 3-section poles. I use my poles primarily for backcountry skiing and backpacking. The Flick-locks are the best in the industry, and are easily adjustable. Don't even consider twist-lock poles, you'll regret it! The only negative is that my 9-year-old pair of BD Probe Poles eventually wore to the point that one of the baskets would no longer stay put in heavy snow - and after a couple of new baskets I decided to buy these! Lesson? Don't change/remove your baskets if you don't have to, and you'll never have any complaints! Also, if you have any issues, simply email the reps at BD - they are extremely responsive and eager to help! Black Diamond stands by its products! Black Diamond products are fantastic!!

The new C4's are great. The wired loop end makes hanging on to the cam feel very secure especially during a sketchy clip. They don't have the fancy "rangefinders" but if you need those you probably shouldn't be leading on your own anyway! A great product gets even better with these upgraded cams.

A thirty degree slope is steeper than most realize. Finding an objectively safe route is always best, and this is the best money you've ever spent on avy gear. Buy this BEFORE your first shovel, probe and pole. A must have!

These replacement baskets are similar in size to the originals, however, they are stiffer, and therefore are better in light powder conditions. I found that these baskets work better with the heel risers on my Silvretta bindings than the originals. More precise feel to them. Worth the money if your originals are a little soft!

These skis are very nice. I have Silvretta 555's mounted for AT applications, and find them to be very responsive in a variety of conditions. They are wide enough to float in all but the deepest powder, and light enough to lug up the trail without difficulty. The 67mm waist is a little narrow, however what it lacks in girth it makes up for in weight savings. I would highly recommend these for all AT applications.

This is my first pair of AT boots and I have nothing but good things to say. Product information claims this is an excellent compromise between downhill stiffness and touring comfort, and I have to agree. I also have some Scarpa Telemark boots and they are far from comfortable compared to these as far as walking is concerned. On the uphill the boots are extremely flexible and didn't give me any trouble out of the box, however I agree you may need to get some aftermarket insoles for arch support. On the downhill the boots clamped down relentlessly and were comparable to my Alpine Boots. My Black Diamond Sabretooth crampons fit these boots extremely well for those of us inclined to do a little front pointing at the top of the couloir. Fantastic boot!!!