willhuck4food

These skis are great for soft snow and good conditions. I have skied them mostly in the backcountry, and they are great for this purpose. Lightweight for the up, they are soft on the down with lots of width. The soft flex and rockered tips made them playfull and bouncy in short turns, while the width and length (I got them in 185cm for an AT setup, I am 6'2 and 200 lbs) allowed them to ski great at GS turns. They really come into their own on steep, deep lines. The width and foregiving flex allows them to make fun, playful, surfy turns, but just make sure you are carving BOTH skis since the uphill ski has so much surface area. They don't carve hard rails in pow like a stiffer freeride ski, but I kind of like that if I am skiing a lot of vert in a day, as you can make fun turns with tired legs, which I feel is also a safety consideration in the backcountry. Keep in mind this is not an all around ski. They do not carve on hardpack and they mush out in bumps. The tail is not very supportive if you ski with a heavy pack keep this in mind.

I use these pants in all winter skiing conditions (I live in CO so it is dry than say the PNW) and alpine climbing. It is pretty amazing how breathable and comfortable these pants are. I would have liked the pockets to be larger to accomodate a notebook (since these are "guide pants") but this was not distracting. These pants don't fit quite as slim as some other patagonia stuff, but it sure ain't baggy. If you plan to use these for skiing, I would recommend buying the patagonia version of these that have reinforcements around the ankle. My skis are starting to cut my pants, but in light of these pants other amazing qualities, it is not distracting. This is an incredible pant for the price.

This jacket has minimalist features in three mesh pockets, a hood, one drawstring and pit zips. As everyone has said, this jacket is extremely waterproof. The most striking feature of this jacket is its lightweight. It weighs about as much as a windbreaker did 7 years ago, but this jacket is a full on alpine jacket. Highly recommended. As with most patagonia stuff, the fit is slim. I am 6'3 210 pounds (and I guess I am on the slim but not skinny side), but I could layer a heavy fleece underneath and maybe even a down jacket with the size XL. Broader bodies would be able to fit a thinner, technical layer underneath but not much more. However, this is great for high output activities like climbing.

The lightweight, thoughtful design in avalung, shovel pocket, lid, water bladder pouch, straps and other features make this an ideal pack for touring. It is a bit small for extensive overnighters, but ideal for carrying all your snow study and self rescue tools, extra clothes and lunch. I would definitely recommend this pack. This is a thoughtfully designed and superb pack for touring and light ski mountaineering.

Yes these boots do perform on big skis, stronger skiers and technically sound skill. These boots to an awesome job of transfering power to both edges on wider skis. I have average width feet and like a wider toebox. These boots fit great except I found the toe box to be too small for me (which seems important with tele boots). The heel fit was great, the heel never rose. These boots are stiff, heavy and have a high cuff so they might not be great if you do most of your skiing out of bounds or want to rock climb with them, but this is really all preference. I used them for a full season of touring and lifts and they never broke or showed any signs of breaking anytime soon.

Don't buy a plastic shovel. You will be cursing if you ever actually have to dig out your friend buried under set up concrete with a plastic spoon. This shovel is great. From avie drills to snow pits to shelters to digging your car out, this shovel moves lots of snow. It is economical and reliable. I can recommend it for sure.

I liked this probe for general touring. The 200 cm is too short for guiding or patrol work, but this probe is very economical and easy to use. I used it several times in burial drills with great results. The markings on the side are great for quantifying quick snow pits. I would recommend tying a knot in the end to make the extension smooth and quick.

This glove is reasonabley durable and looks great. It is a great glove for moderate, not cold winter conditions. I gave it four stars because it does not breath very well but wearing a thin liner seemed to solve the resulting clammy hand issue from lack of breathing.