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Ingrid Backstrom

Skier

Ingrid Backstrom: #253 of 91,688 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

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30 Reviews:

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7 Answers:

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10 Photos:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Squaw Valley, CA and Crystal Mountain, WA
  • Bio:

    I'm a skier who enjoys deep powder, and really any type of skiing, actually. I've been lucky enough to get to film with MSP for their movies Claim, Seven Sunny Days, The Hit List, and Yearbook, two Warren Miller films, and the documentary Steep. I'm a correspondent for Powder Magazine, and I have some amazing sponsors: The North Face, Volkl, Tecnica, Scott USA, Giro, Subaru, Squaw Valley, Crystal Mountain, Clif Bar, and backcountry.com. Thanks to all of them!

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somewhere in Nevada....

somewhere in Nevada....

Giro Lyric Goggles - Women's

June 10, 2009

I always wear these with a helmet, and they work amazingly well; also, I love the lens changeout system. This particular lens is sweet for low-light days.

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love these...

love these...

The North Face Ridearchy Pant - Women's

June 10, 2009

just showing an alternate use for the "glove-holder" band in the pocket...very handy!

and I love the fit of these pants, so much.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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somewhere in Nevada....

somewhere in Nevada....

The North Face Mammatus Jacket - Women's

June 10, 2009

this jacket is incredibly simple with impeccable functionality--just vents, pockets, and waterproofness. Perfect for backcountry skiing in any weather in my opinion!

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climbing the "banana" ridge on GII

climbing the "banana" ridge on GII

The North Face Mammatus Bib - Women's

June 10, 2009

these pants are extremely functional and comfortable for long days and lots of movement (ideal for temperature control when you're moving and stopping lots through all conditions)

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camp 1, GII

camp 1, GII

MSR Reactor Stove

June 10, 2009

this stove is amazing for melting snow & boiling water quickly at altitude. idiot-proof to use, as well--just DON'T try to warm up the fuel canister to try to get it to work better when it's cold out (with any stove, for that matter..)! Danger!

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love the changes

Volkl Gotama Ski

Volkl Gotama Ski

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

These skis are sick. The mounting point is very crucial with the reverse camber--you don't want to go too far forward as it makes the tip go lower, but if you mount them on center or back, then that might be what causes you to feel your tails washing out. I mount them 2cm forward (I usually mount my skis forward anyways) and find it just right for my weight & skiing style on the 186cm length. Enjoy!

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes | 0 No

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indoor slipper bootie!

The North Face NSE Tent Bootie III - Women's

The North Face NSE Tent Bootie III - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

These are awesome for mainly indoor (inside tents or houses in the winter) use, or outdoors on dry ground--they don't have a thick sole for outdoor use in snow or wet ground, but I've used them winter camping where I run to go pee or something (but mainly stay on dry ground) and they stay perfectly dry and warm.

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normal feet; these fit well.

La Sportiva Katana Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Katana Climbing Shoe

Rating for this product: 4 September 15, 2009

My feet are fairly average size, and I absolutely love this climbing shoe. It's not, like, super comfortable or anything--but it's the right type of fit to performance ratio for a pretty beginner climber like me. The velcro is awesome!

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best lounging pant

The North Face Mossbud Fleece Pant - Women's

The North Face Mossbud Fleece Pant - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

these are the best possible combo between a sweatpant and a fleece pant, but they look better than both of them. So comfortable & soft!

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super soft

The North Face Mossbud Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt - Women's

The North Face Mossbud Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

this sweatshirt is so cozy and soft!

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Tahoe storm day glove

The North Face Patrol II Glove

The North Face Patrol II Glove

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

I guess it never really gets THAT cold in Tahoe, but I find these to be super comfortable and always warm enough even on the stormiest days at Squaw. I personally cut those strings off, they bother me; but otherwise, these are probably my favorite gloves.

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handy, but..

MSR MIOX Purifier w/ Batteries

MSR MIOX Purifier w/ Batteries

Rating for this product: 4 September 15, 2009

I like this product; it's small and very easy to use, and awesome for traveling in places where you want to treat the water from the tap. In the backcountry, I guess I prefer a pump...I found the taste of the water we treated with this to be overly chlorine-y. We might have been overdosing it, though. At any rate, I'm glad I have it, and continue to use both methods depending on the needs.

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backcountry ski pant of choice

The North Face Apex Big Wall Pant - Women's

The North Face Apex Big Wall Pant - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

These feel like a sweatpant when you're wearing them; stretchy and comfortable and very easy to move in. They are my favorite pant for touring on sunny days, or snowshoeing, etc.

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perfect layering piece

The North Face TKA 100 Masonic Hooded Fleece Jacket - Women's

The North Face TKA 100 Masonic Hooded Fleece Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

a micro-fleece hoodie with a little bit of gathering to give a good fit--I wear this one all the time.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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a fave, for sure

The North Face Oso Hooded Fleece Jacket - Women's

The North Face Oso Hooded Fleece Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

I have a black one, and I have been wearing it for over a year; I haven't experienced any shedding whatsoever! I love how comfortable and soft it is, and the silky (shiny) look makes it feel like you're a bit more "fancy" than wearing a plain old fleece. ;)

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storm days....

The North Face La Fonda Down Jacket - Women's

The North Face La Fonda Down Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2009

getting stoked for winter. This jacket is perfect for storm days when it's dumping out--keeps you warm and dry if it's snowing (you might get wet if you're out in the pouring rain for a while, but otherwise you'll stay toasty) and it's a longer length, which I love. Good pockets & features, too.

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Tecnica Moon Boot - Women's

August 6, 2009

I would recommend the 42-44; they might feel snug at first but the inside liner is soft and comfy, and they do pack out a teeny bit with use. Enjoy! I LOVE my Moon Boots!

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Tecnica Moon Boot - Women's

August 6, 2009

I know guys who wear these boots and love them! They just have to be secure with themselves and ready to rock them--use the Euro sizing, and just order the size that would fit the guy. Unisex for SURE!! (maybe not the pink ones, but there are plenty of manly colors--they guys I know rock the black usually, but one extremely flamboyand Australian that I know likes to wear the white ones!)

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comfy, thick front

The North Face Diana Sports Bra - Women's

The North Face Diana Sports Bra - Women's

Rating for this product: 4 August 6, 2009

I like this sports bra better in the colder months--it is really comfortable for wearing all day long (skiing, etc.), and has two layers of material in the front which I appreciate for layering, etc. I still wear it in the summer for running, biking, etc., but I love it in the fall, spring and winter the most!

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the perfect activity sunglasses!

Giro Havik Compact Sunglasses

Giro Havik Compact Sunglasses

Rating for this product: 5 August 6, 2009

These are super light, stay put, and never fog--they sit in such a way that the sweat doesn't get on the lenses either (when I'm running or biking), which I like, because they rest fairly high on my nose.

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the go-to choice this summer

Giro Instigator Sunglasses

Giro Instigator Sunglasses

Rating for this product: 5 August 6, 2009

I have been using these almost every time I've biked or ran this summer, and I love the fit and the coverage of these glasses. They stay put, feel lightweight on my face, and are a perfect larger sunglass for active stuff.

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The North Face Metropolis Parka - Women's

April 20, 2009

I would say if you want to wear layers like a sweater or hoodie or fleece to go with the medium. If you're just wearing it over stuff that's tighter to the body, the small would be good, definitely more of a fitted look. I wear a medium and am 5'4", about 140lbs if that helps.

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simple, breezy

The North Face Stretch Miwok Short - Women's

The North Face Stretch Miwok Short - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 April 20, 2009

These shorts are a breeze--comfortable, lightweight, no chafe...a perfect running short.

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best insulation layer

The North Face Thunder Down Jacket - Women's

The North Face Thunder Down Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 April 20, 2009

This jacket is the perfect weight for all year--it's so useful that I just keep one in my backcountry ski pack all season just in case. It packs down really well, and is so comfortable on--great for winter when you just got to the top of the hill and are cooling off a bit to go under your shell for the way down, or for chilly nights outdoors in the summer you wouldn't need anything heavier.

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best 3-season jacket for sports!

The North Face Stretch Diad Jacket - Women's

The North Face Stretch Diad Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 April 20, 2009

I use this jacket for spring skiing, spring/summer/fall running/snowshoeing, biking, hiking...whatever. It is super lightweight and packable and comfortable.

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perfect weight for under a helmet

The North Face Peruvian Cable Beanie - Women's

The North Face Peruvian Cable Beanie - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 April 20, 2009

This hat is my favorite for wearing under a helmet when skiing.

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good for everything

The North Face Cayenne Pant - Women's

The North Face Cayenne Pant - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 March 17, 2009

These pants are super comfortable and sweet for everything from hanging out, yoga, gym, airport, etc. I have the black and they are awesome!

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perfect for everything...

The North Face Flyweight Duffel Bag - 1950 - 2870cu in

The North Face Flyweight Duffel Bag - 1950 - 2870cu in

Rating for this product: 5 March 17, 2009

This bag is super fun and handy for everything...I've even started using it as a de-facto purse if I don't feel like carrying a "purse..." It is small and light and awesome for traveling, or hauling gear to the mountain, gym, wherever. You can throw it in your luggage to put dirty laundry in while you're traveling, too!

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good one to have

The North Face Flyweight Rucksack Travel Pack - 1950cu in

The North Face Flyweight Rucksack Travel Pack - 1950cu in

Rating for this product: 5 March 17, 2009

This bag is super light and very cool looking....I love it, and it's a good one to take on a big trip or even backpacking when you are going to be staying in one spot for a few days--you can just throw it in your luggage for day hikes or cruising around a city.

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as with any beacon,

Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Beacon

Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Beacon

Rating for this product: 5 March 17, 2009

it's all about the practicing and knowing how to use it--but I absolutely think this beacon is straightforward, simple, and I haven't found it to be bulky or weird to wear, perhaps I'm just used to it.

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perfect for day-long tours

The North Face Patrol 35 Backpack - 2150cu in

The North Face Patrol 35 Backpack - 2150cu in

Rating for this product: 5 March 17, 2009

This pack is awesome for all-day backcountry skiing--the skis go on easy, and I love the top compartment for snacks and camera and sunscreen, etc. Not the lightest pack out there but the function and fit make up for it.

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perfect mt. bike pack

The North Face Hammerhead Backpack - 730cu in

The North Face Hammerhead Backpack - 730cu in

Rating for this product: 4 March 17, 2009

I love this pack for long-ish mountain bike rides (but I use it on short ones, too)--I can fit a pump and spare tire and small tool, etc., in the same compartment with the water, and then I just use the bungees to put a light jacket on the outside, & snacks in the snack pocket. My only advice is not to store water in the bladder when you're done for the day (overnight, etc.)....I feel like it wears down the seals over time and makes it a bit more drip-prone.

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loving this one

Giro 2008 Shiv Helmet

Giro 2008 Shiv Helmet

Rating for this product: 5 March 17, 2009

This helmet is really light and easy to wear, and I love the magnetic goggle clip. I always wear it with a beanie underneath, and sometimes I wear the goggles under and sometimes over--it's nice to have the option in the same helmet with no fuss.

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The North Face Flyweight Duffel Bag - 1950 - 2870cu in

March 16, 2009

The North Face Flyweight Rucksack is a good option--super light, packs up tiny, and then, presto, you have a backpack when you need one..!

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The North Face Denali Fleece Jacket - Women's

March 16, 2009

I think M would be perfect--I am 5'4" and usually around 140lb or so and a M fits me well, it's a pretty classic fit; although I wear a large just because I like to wear it kind of baggy.

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My all-time fave trail shoe

The North Face Rucky Chucky Trail Running Shoe - Women's

The North Face Rucky Chucky Trail Running Shoe - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 February 18, 2009

My favorite trail running shoe--I run in Tahoe on trails with sharp rocks, and these hold up quite well and are nice and grippy. The fit is great, I have a pretty standard foot and these feel like a traditional fit. They feel great hiking, as well, and I only run on a little bit of pavement but haven't noticed a problem there at all.

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super comfy wool

The North Face Softwool Crew Long Underwear Top - Women's

The North Face Softwool Crew Long Underwear Top - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 February 18, 2009

This top is really comfortable--I love that it's wool and it's still so soft. I am a standard medium and it is a bit baggy but I like that--I don't like a skin tight top usually, and it feels more like a normal shirt than a "long underwear" looking thing. The best thing about it is that you can wear it multiple days in a row and it never smells and is always warm! ;) Helpful if you can't always do laundry.....

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most comfortable long undies

The North Face Softwool Long Underwear Pant - Women's

The North Face Softwool Long Underwear Pant - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 February 18, 2009

These are SO comfortable--super soft wool that keeps you warm even when snow gets down your back. They are definitely a baggy fit, and they might stretch just a bit, leaving them loose and SO comfortable--you can totally wear them to the grocery store with a long sweatshirt and not feel like you're wearing long undies. I wear them every day that I can!

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Roomy & straightforward

The North Face Minibus 33 Tent 3-Person 3-Season

The North Face Minibus 33 Tent 3-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 4 February 18, 2009

This tent is super cool as a backpacking/car-camping tent--it has straight walls on each side making it incredibly roomy, and the mesh sides and top are awesome on a clear night--it feels like you are sleeping outside. It is easy to set up after you do it one time, with some very ingenius snap-in fasteners. The only drawback is due to its height vs. footprint, if it's pretty windy out, the top blows back and forth a bit. This can be solved pretty well by putting on the rain fly and really staking it down tight.

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light, versatile

The North Face Ligero 35 Backpack - 2150-2450cu in

The North Face Ligero 35 Backpack - 2150-2450cu in

Rating for this product: 5 February 18, 2009

This pack is super light and comfortable--the top-loading zipper is extra nice, with the top zipper pocket for sunscreen, headlamp, snacks, etc.
The pack I believe is meant for superlight, long day hikes but I've even used it for shorter backcountry ski days--it ends up a bit small for everything I had when I was bringing crampons, etc., but for shorter tours it would be nice and light, and the skis can go on it ok for bootpacking in a pinch. I love the stretchy pocket on the front of the pack--perfect for a water bottle and your friend can grab it for you easily and slip it back in and it doesn't fall out.

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