These are the true Darth Vader style ski gloves. I've worn them both uphill and downhill on cold backcountry tours. Just like whatchamacallit said, I found the fit to be a little on the big side (for OR gloves). I typically wear a Large, but should have downsized to a Medium in the Crave.

The Axcess pants have an awesome integrated transceiver pocket inside the right hip pocket. It has an internal carabiner for clipping the elastic leash on to keep it secured into the pants. If you are a "pocket guy" like I tend to be when wearing a radio harness at work, this is a great solution.

In addition to being a great gravity fed or sidecountry pant, those who dig a little roomier touring pant will find that the internal and external vents are super helpful.

Crystal card, thermometers, compass, pencil and the obligatory field book. The Brooks-Range field organizer is the best way to keep your documentation scene dialed.

I'd like to start by saying that I am a boot skeptic. I've been skied on 3 pairs the Garmont megaride with intuition liners exclusively for the past 6 seasons. I had found something that worked, so I stuck to it- until something better arrived: The Maestrale.

Boot choices are overwhelming these days, but in my mind the Maestrale is the clear champion for everyday backcountry touring. It is lightweight, has a great last for my narrow,low-volume foot, and tours like a slipper. As someone who is a tinkerer, I actually have been skiing these without molding the liners! A true testament to how comfy they have been right out of the box. I was initially a little uneasy about the tongue style line, but they have felt great.

I've been skiing mine with the Dynafit Stoke ski and have really been impressed with the even flex and excellent stiffness of the boot. This is certainly going to be my everyday ski mountaineering and backcountry ski boot.

I would absolutely agree that these are THE drytool glove. The super sticky palm is like flypaper on those rubber gripped leashless tools. Don't forget to size them up from your normal glove size. I typically wear a size Medium, but a Large Alibi glove is a much better fit for avoiding a visit to pump town.

In a product category that seems to have exploded in the last several years, the Transcendent jacket dominates the competition.

The features that set this coat apart from other lightweight down layers are:

- The brushed Tricot lining around the collar: comfortable, soft and warm.

-The napoleon chest pocket: my go to stashing pocket.

-Elastic finishes on the cuff and hem give it a finished look and better feel.

Don't let the comparatively inexpensive price dissuade you, this is the lightweight down layer you have been searching for.

The original dynafit binding is still the best in the line. Durability and lightweight. I have used others in the line and the metal heel riser is absolutely the best feature of this binding. Like Andrew mentioned, a spare toe (perhaps even a heel) is the best option for an expedition repair kit. To give you an idea about there durability, i've seen the heel of a boot break before the binding!

The only drawbacks are the lack of adjustability for using multiple boot sole lengths and the all plastic crampon mount. Confident users, looking for the best touring binding on earth should look no further!

Expert skiers looking for lightweight but responsive boards have come to the right place. Long ski tours with equal amounts of up and down will be perfect for the FreeRANDO! Often seen on the feet of european ski tourers on long high alpine routes, with big vertical, long distances, and leg burning descents. If weight is of high importance, and you can hold your own making small short turns, this is the ski for you.

While ski trab often ships tip/tail attachments to work best with the duo tip. I have found that a more traditional tip look (the wide ones) also works quite well with these. Pair them with a set of fast gliding mohair skins for the best performance.

This interface has proven to be the best of the best, however splitboards still have their issues.

When guiding groups of splitboarders, I always keep a #3 posi-drive screwdriver at the ready. Guests with the inevitable loose binding/screw are often smiling saying "that's why you get paid the big bucks!".

If you are still snowshoeing for your turns in the backcountry, join the split-board revolution and change your backcountry experience for the better!