I always have a couple in the bc - perfect stretchiness for keeping things together even in cold temps. Made in USA - hurray for Voile!

This is my first HRM, and I dove into this one for two reasons 1) its supposed ease-of-use and 2) Movescount. It is easy to use! And the Movescount website will be right up your alley if you are nerdy, mathematical, or stats minded. I love keeping track of my progress through a month. With only 3 buttons on the watch it is quick to learn, so the interface is not frustrating. The Movescount interface is easy, too. I run and ski a lot at night: the only thing I'd change is when the HRM is engaged and you use the light, the backlight flashes to save battery. This is difficult for me to read whilst running. Otherwise, I love everything about this watch. And in the black color it is the perfect blend of casual but dress-up (for me) watch. By the way, the sidebar description says it has an altimeter: IT DOES NOT HAVE AN ALTIMETER.

These are the best warm gloves I've ever had. After only a handful of days skiing in these I've decided I have to get another pair before they change them in any way. Have never had a shorty glove, but it so much nice than the gauntlet. Love these gloves! Best purchase of the year for me!

UPDATE: Man of my word, I picked up a second pair on sale a month or so ago. Glad I did, the new model looks dreadful.

These are 100% wool (wool of NZ and designed in NZ, made in China). But because they have no elastane they fit too loosely (I'm 5'6" 130# and got size small) - the butt and thighs are good, but the calves just kind of drape off. I love the length for running or skiing. For the same price I prefer the I/O with 96% wool, 4% elastane and a much more athletic fit.

Finally a warm glove with dexterity. I have small hands so getting warmth usually drastically reduces my dexterity - not with these. I have never had a short glove always a gauntlet - but I'm totally psyched to get these out every time I need them. Their only downside is not having a removable liner, but I think that is what ultimately keeps their dexterity up while retaining their warmth; will just have to try not to sweet in them and bring a light pair when touring (usually do anyway). The fit is nearly perfect - the circumference to length of finger ratio is spot on. For me, only the pinky is a bit long. Nice closure (feels a bit stiff but I believe it will break in nicely). I can zip my jacket, adjust velcro, undo pack and boot buckles. Rip it up. The natural color is really nice.

I wish I could keep these, but, alas they are too small! The material is perfect for what I am looking for: spring skiing in the PNW. Cuffs definitely fit over T2Xs and because the ankle zip is gusseted, it doesn't matter that you can't zip it all the way. I am able to adjust my top buckle without pulling the pant leg up. Pockets are great (surprisingly effective are the thigh pockets), belt is great, inseam is great. They are too small though. I got size small and am 5'5" 125/130 and about a 29 waist - this waist is too small for active sports and there is very little room in the hood area. I'd bump to the mediums but a 33 waist on those will have me swimming. Unfortunate, I want to keep them. I'd give them a 5 but I won't get a chance to test their outdoor worth.

I had size regular freeflex for learning and used them for 2 seasons. I decided I needed more tip control and snap so I swapped out the frees for midflex and saw a dramatic difference in my control in powder. Also, I am on T2X's size 26.0, which are right on the cusp or either regular or short. I ordered regular, but bc.com sent shorts(!). I decided to put them on anyway. Now I essentially have a makeshift "medium": short cartridges with regular wires. The set up is much better for me as I now can tighten and loosen the cartridges whereas before I couldn't tighten them any further. Sweet bindings!

These are okay. They are squeaky (trying to fix that). There is still a good deal of resistance when in the quasi-touring mode they have. My partner will ultimately replace these with true touring bindings that are more active (BD 01s). However, these are lightweight, simple, and decently control her Joules, but she'd like the versatility of having a true free pivot and likely better command of her Joules. If you head for the untouched backcountry try something else, if you spend most of the time getting a lift to the top, these are just fine and economical.

These are my favorite sneaks I've owned. I have 1 GTX pair and 2 non-GTX (one totally worn and one breaking in). These support my feet all day, running, walking, working in the field, hiking, backpacking whatever. I find the "exoskelton" system is sturdy yet light. The GTX do get hot if you are in the sun and it is not muddy etc. so I use them just for wet, muddy runs etc. Leave the meshy ones for the hot days. I have stayed totally dry in all my endeavors also. Good grip (better than the XA line) and great fit with the quick lace system. Wish they'd bring back the more screaming colors though.

This is a good, solid axe that does exactly what it is supposed to. Might be heavier than others, but its not that heavy. Comfortable and nice subdued color. I think I have this in a 70 for traversing sketchy areas on skis. Can't really go wrong this one, plus BD has fantastic customer service - I've contacted them more than once just to get ski advice and they've been super helpful.

I keep wanting to replace this helmet because it seems like there are so many smaller profile helmets out there and I feel like a bobble head in this one. But, the helmet is warm and comfortable. The venting is nice and really helps for high output telemark days. I've never had my goggles come off their retainer so that is good. My goggles (Rudy Project) fit okay, I think I need to adjust my padding. The tightening system in the back is nice and embraces the base of your skull comfortably. All-in-all I like it but think I'd be happier with the Giro G10 or Seam.

Got these for my birthday after I wore out my down slips. These are great depending what you are looking for; definitely a substantial sole for walking to the store for an onion or something or driving to the PO because you need to send something out quickly. The sole will be kind of loud on wood floors. These slippers run small - I am usually an 8/8.5 and got these in a 9. They are great with room for a sock if needed, but they are so warm you don't really need socks. The inner footbed comes out so you can spot wash or clean it, but it does make some squeaky noises sometimes. These are a bit spendy but they should last 10 years. I'd get them again.

This is a light bag. It is warm (I found the rating to be a little optimistic). My biggest complaint (and why I got rid of mine) was that the material is not nearly down-proof enough: I was always loosing feathers or being poked by feathers. If you want the best US-made, lightweight down bag that doesn't spear you during your slumber, check out Feathered Friends - hand made in Seattle.

I really like this, but it is just too big for my wrist (5'5", 125) - not so much the diameter (though that is pretty big) but more the watch's profile height; it is totally messing up all my jacket/glove interfaces. I do like the buttons and functions - well thought out and good display. I would like to keep it but I'm going to return it in favor of the more low profile X3 (loose the compass but gain HR capabilities). We'll see how that goes.

These are super convenient for setting up tarps in the backcountry, tarps car camping, hammocks and complicated bear hangs. These are especially good for cold snowy or cold rainy areas where a true knot would be very difficult to untie in the morning (especially given the diameter of cord typically used for tarps etc. They may seem like a novelty gadget, but you will not regret buying them.

Solid, sharp, and the notch is perfect for getting the edge of the ski. Can't go wrong.

Flimsy; not ideal for the job. Use the right tool for the right job and get much better results with the simple plexi blade scraper that Toko offers.

This is an updated review after having more time with the product. I liked them quite a bit at first but they have increasingly grown out of favor for me. They have a number of positives: they are warm, I enjoy the mitt/glove combo for warmth with dexterity, the wool liner is a great material and teleing all day in the rain my hands were warm and dry. But the negatives win in this case. They say they run small and they do a bit - I got large and usually get small or medium - but the sizing, for me, is strange. The length of the fingers is generally okay but there is too much bulk in the circumference. Also, there is a light microfleece liner between the shell and the wool pull out liner that makes grabbing very difficult because there are too many layers slipping around between your hand and the desired object. The wool liner is too long and interferes with jacket cuffs making the jacket-glove interface uncomfortable. The positives are really positive but the negatives means I'm ultimately sending these back. Not sure what to get get instead (BD Legend with a separate liner? BD Virago with a separate liner?). We'll see.

I use these all the time backpacking. I usually stuff my down bag into one to protect it from the PNW elements. I hang food in one because nothing gets wet during a nighttime rainstorm and I usually bring an extra one for my fly when I have to stuff it wet. These are super light and durable. Like I said I have three all different sizes and the bright colors are sweet.

Easy to use and stable. This portable solution to waxing is my main set-up at home also. Wish there was a way to rig my tele skis to it, but I've tried everything. Can't go wrong with this for at home or at the trail waxing.

This is a good brush for pre-wax treatment. I would not use this after applying my new coat of wax - I go for a hard nylon and finally with a soft nylon or horse hair to finish. If I were to get one brush it would be the hard nylon. Using a bronze coarse before and after each waxing is a bit of overkill. This is a decent brush but consider the higher quality of the T0197B, the rectangular steel brush - much better for a pre-wax treatment.

This is a good scrapper that stays sharp for a pretty long time. Good for your nordic skis, not typically long enough for tele/AT equipment. Get a good sharpener to keep your scrapping efficient.

I wanted to love these gloves and end my hunt for a great pair of gloves to keep my notoriously cold hands warm. I found I had absolutely no dexterity in these for holding poles, adjusting drawcords, or attaching my leashes to my tele boots. I got size M to have a bit of extra room and hopefully warmth, that did work out. But I did find if my hands were cold going in they took a long time to warm - I think a wool liner would change that. Once my hands were a little damp (because I had to take my gloves off to do anything!) they were hard to get back into the liner - a lot of friction with that brushed microfleece lining. The most annoying part was trying to get in and out of the gloves. There was so little dexterity that I could not release the toggle that cinches the gauntlet - I had to just pull the gloves off each time and release it using my naked hand. The ORs I replaced (Aretes from 2005ish) had a handy draw on one side to tighten and another on the inner wrist to release (but it seems even OR doesn't have that feature on their highest end gloves anymore...grrrr). Thinking of moving to a lobster or trigger mit with removable liners and getting them big and buying a slew of liner type gloves to figure out the best combination for lift-serve and for backcountry. Good luck.

These are comfy, "cute", stylish and supportive. The footbed does not offer as much arch support as their sneakers, but some Superfeet might fix this. My partner seconds the other review that the buttons are difficult to snap, but may be getting easier (too early to tell). The warmth of these is thus far untested and will be commented on soon. My partner found that these run almost true in size - she wears an 8.5 in Salomon XA Pro 3Ds and got a size 8 in these boots and they are "perfect".

This shovel fits in pockets that my Voile wouldn't but I haven't noticed digging any slower. This is a great shovel at a great price and weight. The simplicity of the BCA products is much appreciated - it's a shovel, keep it simple.

Simple, strong and quick to deploy. This is a great probe. The grip is super nice for snow or ice covered gloves. The mechanism to keep the probe locked is simple to engage and easy enough to disengage. No complaints.

Intuitive, simple, and effective. When it really matters you need a beacon that you know how to use and know how to use quickly. This is that beacon. Don't worry about fanciness with other beacons and multiple burials etc. Worry about knowing how to save your partner and learning to avoid bad situations in the first place. It is also comfy and not too heavy. I've used the Pieps DSP and much prefer the style of the DTS because it is less likely to switch from search to transceive and vice-versa on its own. My only suggestion for improvement is to make the harness go over both shoulders so the beacon stays centered on your chest (mine always migrates to my side) - put it on a harness similar to a radio harness like ski patrol.

The grip is excellent, good stiffness, lightweight with a good swing weight. I took the straps off - they are only okay not awesome like the rest of the pole, plus I never had them on anyway. I have shaved the lower section of their shiny coating from spills but that's not a big deal provided the carbon doesn't start to fray. I'd buy these again but would consider the Razor because I probably won't use the probe (they were a better deal at the time).

I also have had a couple pair of XA 3D Pros, but these are better in fit, traction, and support. These are the best sneaker I've owned. Great for backpacking, running, casual, and anything. I am getting a GTX pair to compliment my breathable pair for trail running, apres ski, and mucking around in the rain. All my sneaks are Salomons and these are their best! Forget tying muddy, frozen laces and buy these babies!

These a super sneaks. They are fairly durable and have survived a lot of backpacking for me. I have hauled 40 pound loads for 40 odd miles and these have dutifully supported my knees and back. The GTX is not that breathable, so I wouldn't recommend these for casual wearing. I find they run a bit narrow. I've not had a lace break (yet) and I love not having to tie laces - especially wet, muddy, or frozen laces! Great sneaker.

This is a great sleeping pad. I have a full length and a 3/4 - they are both pack tiny. I mostly use the 3/4 backpacking and the full length when car camping. I find the thickness to be just enough that I can let some air out and have a softer cushion for side sleeping. But if you like a hard cushion, just add a few breaths. The repair kit really works, also. I bought one of them because it had a hole in it. Used the repair kit and it hasn't leaked in over 40 nights sleeping since!

I bought this a fews years back. I wanted a quality bag made in the US and stumbled on WM while living in Montana. I really like this bag. The first night I had it the temp was -8 and I was just fine. On a -30 night in Big Sky I slept outside just to test it - no tent on a porch - I was just fine. I got the short and overstuffed the footbox. I really like this bag. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I have since found an even better bag, Feathered Friends. All my sleeping bags are made by them now, the materials are better the price is a bit less, the weight is better, made is Seattle, get to choose your color, and I love their work. This is a super bag and you can't go wrong, but just know there are options for US-made down bags that will keep you safe and warm in extraordinary conditions.

I find these too hot for any high pace or strenuous activities. For me, these are my morning pants at home, but my pair are cut differently (older style). I've had them for 9 years and they are like new (though they don't see backcountry abuse). The new version appears to be much more fitted, but the material is the same and too hot for my legs.

Simple, well-designed, light and compact. This is a goog all around stove. I've used it in all conditions except the very coldest. This is a very quiet stove also (contrary to the DragonFly). I can't simmer with it very well so it is kind of a poorly named product. Much more stable than the Whisperlites I've used, not quite as stable as the DragonFly. Are the specs wrong? When I bought this stove it came with a windscreen, heat reflector, and parts kit. If you like the quiet get this one, if you don't mind the sound of a train while you cook, I'd recommend the DragonFly.

This is a really reliable work horse. It can be embarrassingly loud if the night is peaceful and serene, but you get great cooking control in exchange. This boils quickly, lights easily, is super stable, versatile, and simmers (under a close eye to keep it behaving). I love my DragonFly and would recommend one if you need a liquid fuel stove.

Love this cup. Gets a bit hot sometimes, but I usually want it that way to warm my hands from the cold PNW rain. Durable, light, handsome, what else do you need? I've abused mine for 5 years with no dents and the handle hasn't broke off yet. Love this thing.

This may be a good buy if you are an occasional backpacker, but if you live outdoors for your job or because you can this is too narrow to cook in every night, you just have to be too careful when stirring and it is easy to burn food. Clean up is a cinch but I'll skip this for a wider pot that weights maybe an ounce heavier.

The novelty is great and it is mostly effective. Will last forever or I lose it.

From my experience the G3s are far superior. Anybody have trouble with the tail attachment? I know at least two people whose tail slipped off and the attachment do-hickey was lost - poor design to not be able keep the attachement on the rubber strap when no engaged (G3s on the other hand, you cannot lose this vital piece). My BDs always left some sticky on the ski base also. Wouldn't buy them again, will stick with G3s.

Like the 3 stars states, this is adequate for the job. It was pretty easy to use and comfortable on the body. What I didn't like about it is sometime when practicing in field the sliding bar would switch from search to transmit and totally through off the simulation. This happened twice (to two different people's Pieps) during one afternoon. I think I'll stick the the BCA offerings.

Every time I buy a new tent or tarp I pick up a few (or more) of these. I've never had one bend and they secure very, very well. I love the pull cord to relieve your fingers the pain when they are sandy and it is 40 and raining out.

These are comfortable for me (normal width) and pretty warm for how heavy they are. They feel a lot like a hiking boot but not as stiff. They certainly have good ankel support, which is key to what I want in a BC boot and easy on/off. I also like the simplicity of having laces rather than some zipper to freeze or break in the BC (though a zipper covering over the laces tends to make a warmer boot). I cannot comment on their durability but I think for the price they are decent boot.

This headlamp is the best I've owned (mostly Petzl otherwise). It is light but provides a great amount of focused and wide-angle illumination. When you hold the button for a couple seconds you access the super bright mode, which has been very handy in small detail work like fixing the fly on a gusty night. I really appreciate having such a bright light with no batteries on the back of my head so I can still lay in bed and read. I use rechargeables and the power lasts a few months of regular use around the house and car and backcountry camping.

I love the feel and fit of these shirts. I'm 5'5" 125# and an extra small fits me perfectly. Nothing is ever cut the right way for me, but these are. I can wear them as casual or semi dress-up. I plan to buy a couple more to have a good variety of colors. The plaid styles Patagonia comes up with are usually very handsome.

Yes, this is a classic, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't demand more from it. For me this is a comfy, cozy layer when you don't feel like wearing a sweatshirt. If there is any sort of breeze you are trying to avoid, this is not the jacket - even a whisper will cut right through this layer. But again it can be warm in the right conditions is always soft and has been durable (12 years) for me.

I wear this nearly everyday bike commuting in the PNW. I find it to block all wind and I only add a shell in constant rains; this jacket handles mist and light rain excellently. The fit is nice and trim (5'5" 125# wearing a size small). I also really like this jacket as light insulation on a ski day - I wear it touring when I don't need my shell. My cuff stitching is coming undone similar to ferrantech I suspect, but from all the glove/cuff interaction it has been through I am not surprised, however, the elastic is still fine, just some random stitch is loosening - not a functional problem at all. The "recommended use" section to the right includes cross country skiing - unless it is below zero you will sweat way too much in this skate skiing.

These are comfortable and very well made. The materials are top notch; the wool lining has a great feel. I found the sizing to be true (I ordered a medium after measuring my hand and they fit perfectly). However, without a removable liner (missed that detail) they won't meet my needs for multi-day backcountry adventure. If you don't need them to dry out quickly between wearings, these are great gloves. I ordered BD Prodigy gloves to replace these.

This is a good medium weight piece of down clothing. The pockets and chin are micro-fleece lined and is a nice touch to the jacket. This packs up small and takes up little room in a pack. It does seem to run small however; I'm 5'5" 125# and I can't fit quite as much as I'd like underneath a small (I've never had that problem before), but it is designed in Japan and this fits with my experience with their products. Bottom line: warm enough for most conditions, nice materials and generous loft, be careful when sizing (scale up one size).

I don't snowshoe much anymore, but I have worked with these snowshoes for awhile at a rental place. They are super durable! The key to these is their simple design and lack of parts. The whole deck is one piece which eliminates a lot of rubbing noises associated with the tubing-style snowshoe. Also, these have superior grip for icy conditions - this version does not have the climbing bar (see the Denali version for that). Also the rubber straps that wrap your boot are bear hug tight and don't let go until you tell them to. Excellent snowshoes!

I got these as a gift. I wear them strictly when telemarking to help with knee fatigue. To be honest, I don't know if they help - maybe it is a placebo affect, my knees seem a little less fatigued after a long day in the PNW cement. They are very warm for me, which I like and if I'm going to wear longies, they might as well help me out. I would never wear them cross country skiing as suggested, however - they'd be way too hot for an active ski!

After having mine for a few months, I got this for my partner. She loves it and will never get another brand again. Her's is from 2006 so she has pit zips which she uses all the time. The newer version does not have pit zips. Her biggest praise is for 1) waterproofness, 2) excellent fit and 3) the full collar with separate hood. She loves this, which means when it starts to breakdown, I'm looking at getting another Beta SL for her.

I have an older version (2006) of this and it has pit zips and is a great jacket for hiking and urban rain events. But, honestly, I almost never use pit zips - maybe I run colder than most. Arc also seems to have trimmed down the fit with less material in the shoulders and arms than my version. Perhaps the best part of this design is the full collar and hood - so nice to keep the back of your neck warm and not have the hood all scrunched up against your head and the zipper in your teeth. I have loved mine and bushwhacked often for work and play - 4 hard years with not tears and still beads up (I have retreated with whatever product). I would buy it again (though maybe on sale).

I, too, enjoy the simplicity of this layer and little branding. The functionality is great: casual, "dressy", or backcountry warmth these pullovers are an excellent piece to have in your drawer or pack at all times.

The Merino 3 weight is perfect for a fall day alone or dressed under your fleece and shell for skiing. I have 5 Patagonia wool shirts now and am replacing all of my poly junk with the wonders of renewable, itch-free, odor-less (literally less odor not free of odor), baselayers. They are much warmer than any poly I've used in the past. Zipper is a good length for dumping heat when you just get over heated. I've tried other wool, but Patagonia's is the softest and scratchless-est I've found. Will buy more.

These feel amazing. The Merino 3 is a little heavier than the 2 and drape on the body very well. I am 5'5", 125 and the small fits perfectly on my frame. I have charcoal heather and it is a handsome shirt. Will be great under an R1 or other fleece under a shell for skiing. Do yourself a favor and replace all your poly baselayers with Patagonia's wool - itch-free, renewable and definitely warming and less clammy that your favorite poly shirt.

So much better than any poly shirt I've ever owned; all my Capilene is being slowly replaced by these. I have two of these now and wear them casually and skiing, hiking, camping, and paddling. Do yourself a favor and invest in these as a warmer and more renewable solution for your baselayer. Unlike other brands, these are itch-free and soft as cotton.

I finally got one of the zip version of this weight about a year ago and I am now in the process of switching all my Capilene to wool. I have never felt wool to be so comfortable and scratch-free. I have one of these Merino 2 crews and plan to get a couple more. Make the switch to something natural and renewable and feel warmer, less stinky, and better about yourself.

The comfort of this pack has already been talked about and it is true that it isn't surpassed. The load handling is also amazing. And the fabric is superior. But it is not a perfect pack. The biggest improvement Arc could make is to bring the weight down. I almost always use my Needle 65 instead because before I even put a shirt in the pack I've saved about 2.5 pounds - and my Needle is nearly as comfortable. Unless it is a winter adventure or I am on a work trek with 7 days of gear and work instruments, then I pass on my Bora. That being said - my Bora has seen a lot of slide alder and vine maple bushwhacking and is no worse for wear. It wasn't able to defend itself against a mouse on the hipbelt though. I'm 5'5" and got a short, but probably should have got a regular. If you don't mind the weight, this is an amazing pack.

I've tried others but nothing compares. I had a pair for about 11 years on every hike I took - summer or winter. Eventually I had to sew them multiple times (velcro coming off the cordura). The best thing about them is their stiffness - they repel gravity on their own so you don't have to cinch anything down around your calf. The are a bit hot, but worth it most of the time.

These are a great the perfect ski for a select group of skiers. These are great for messing around in a couple feet of ungroomed snow and exploring your nearby woods. They have a wood core and will hold up for many many years. They are more traditionally-lengthed skis so they will may be taller than you might think. Make sure also, that you include approximately how much your pack will weight while you are using them. The full metal edge is really nice and the scales have improved markedly over the years. They are shown with BC bindings and you should probably get BC bindings for control.

I really love these. They are super easy to trim using the provided tool (at least it was provided when I bought them). Far superior in traction to the BD's I have used. Maybe less glide when rolling a brief descent, but let's face it, we'd rather they climb well right? The tails have never fallen off either (unlike the BDs).

I have no bias with bindings: if they work I like them. These work. I haven't had to fix or fuss with these. I check their tightness before each use and have fun in the snow all day. BD makes good stuff and they have always stood by their products in my experiences with them. Definitely a little heavy, but to be able to skin using that pivot point is so nice. I'd buy them again.

For the money I expect more out of this tent. This is good but too narrow - your sleeping pads will be on top of each other. Super roomy for one, not recommended for two. I really don't like the d-shape door design because it is always in the dirt or on the floor. I prefer a symmetrical design - this is not. Also, I don't trust the plastic bits that hold the awning pole in place - nothing has broken but, I don't trust it. Good colors and feel of material but...I'd skip this and save the money. If I had a choice of this tent and saving some weight and the REI Qdome 2 and having $150 dollars in my pocket, I'd take the REI tent.

I have the Equipe 10 and found them to be unstable at first and these are the same profile. Soon, though, I was stepping all my corners and love these especially is softish snow. These are much narrower than the Deltas.

My partner has these skis and used them as she was getting into the sport. They are a fun, stable ski great for athletic beginners that think they will skate often. If you are trying to get into the sport without spending $500 on a pair of skis, these are a solid, solid choice. If you already have the mechanics of skate skiing down, you might find these are slow and heavy and possibly outgrow them quickly. If you are athletic and can already skate ski I would recommend skipping these and getting an Xium or Equipe 10 (Salomon) or Fischer RCS. Oh, don't let anyone fool you into the idea that because these have the NIS plate that you have to get NIS bindings, you don't - you can still get SNS bindings if you already have Salomon boots or you if your foot fits Salomon boots better.

So nice to have so little swing weight when your lungs are trying to keep up. These carbon poles are not the stiffest, but unless you want to shell out another $75+ these are excellent. I demo'ed these for a couple days a felt good power transfer (not as good as my CT2s but close). The ProFit straps are far superior to the straps on Swix's less expensive poles and there is no click thing for you to worry about breaking in zero-degree weather.

The straps on these come really small. I usually wear a size small/medium glove and these straps are tough to get into. Maybe Swix has fixed this from last year, but I would steer clear of these if you hands are fairly large or you like to wear bulky mittens

The straps on these come really small. I usually wear a size small/medium glove and these straps are tough to get into. Maybe Swix has fixed this from last year, but I would steer clear of these if you hands are fairly large or you like to wear bulky mittens.

Reliable, easy to use, durable, and easy to mount! These are the best bindings out there. I have 5 pair (they are on all my skis and I have an extra just in case.) You can't go wrong with these. The pilot system really controls the tips of your skis so if you are skiing in 1-2 inches of fresh on top of the corduroy you'll still be in control. Nice subdued colors don't take away from the graphics of your favorite sticks either.

Salomon decided to bring their Pilot system to those that seek automatic bindings. Though they seem to do the job (in that they attach you to the ski) they tend to freeze up often. They are also just hard on the hands if you have bad aim and can't push the button with the end of your pole. I much, much prefer the manual version even at the extra cost.

I thought these would be cold since they are one step below the race version but I have always been warm - even in Maine's -10F days. These are much more solid and supportive than Rossi's I've tried. I prefer the pilot-type bindings too as I feel they help me control the tips of my skis.

I have never felt a more comfortable pack with skis on them! Finally a pack that rides comfortably with the skis in vertical position. This pack is almost perfect - I can't quite fit my old shovel (Voile Telepack) but my new one fits great (BCA Traverse EXT) in the front pocket as intended and an insulated tube thingy would be nice. There is plenty of room for an extended day. Like you've read, the material is very durable. I have 3 other Arc packs (Bora, Needle, Khamski) and this may be my favorite. Too large for comfortable lift-serve for sure, but great for all day off-piste tours. What fits in the main compartment? Skins, couple sandwiches, zip locks of snacks, 2L water, down, helmet, goggles, hat, first aid kit, shell, extra gloves, socks, and hat: lots of space. Way nicer waistbelt compared to the 30L and 18L versions.

Everybody raves about this jacket and it is super popular. I found it super clammy. It lasted one 2-month road trip before I returned it. For just a kickin'-around-town or light duty around the farm it is probably great and an economical choice, but for living in the woods for extended periods, invest in something a bit more featured and substantial. Good luck.

This is a great fitting, super comfortable PFD. I though it would be too bulky, but has a great shape to it. The hand-warmer pockets are the icing on the cake. Also, this is in general a good company; many of their products are environmentally kind. I use mine predominantly for canoeing and a bit of kayaking. Good luck.

These are super comfortable and they keep my knees warm and safe. I thought they would be bulky and overkill, but under my ski pants you can't tell they are on. For bc tele skiing where you don't know if there is a log, boulder, or concrete pillar under the snow, these are a must have with your avy gear. $40 is super cheap if you have ever banged your kneecap on the corner of a desk, you know who you are.

While I don't have the Eco version, the T2s are the most comfortable boots of any variety (skiing or hiking) that I own. I would sleep in them if they would fit in my sleeping bag. I find there are plenty of adjustments and the stiffness controls heavier skis without being too stiff (I often ski in walk mode when I really want to articulate and put them into ski mode for hardpack bumps etc.). Good luck.

These are heavy, but they rip through even the Cascade concrete! You can really barrel in these or cut tight, tight turns. I have them set-up with O1s so they are even heavier, but when skinning they don't feel bad at all. All the descriptions I had read boasted about their stiffness, which worried me. I'm only 125lbs and I have the 165cm - I do ski fairly aggressive but I can crank these no problem.

Definitely a dry investment. I am a bit scrawny (5'5", 125#) so the shoulder area is a little big but on cold lift-serve tele days I have plenty of room for a primaloft or down layer if necessary. The craftsmanship is what you pay for here; this model is not made in Canada anymore, unfortunately. What I like best about some of the Arc jackets is that there is both a collar AND a hood = good protection! The fabric has a great feel to it. However, I think I'm going to invest in a longer jacket for the backcountry - either a Theta AR or Alpha SV because I can get them in XS.