My poor ole Gramont Adrenaline's decided to call it quits while on our anual Utah ski trip . What to do? , well the lightbulb went on and an excursion to the backcountry.com outlit store was in order . After trying on the "Blackdiamond" boots , which had a great feel in the toebox , and cuff, but had a torture device in the top of the foot, I decided to give the Salomon "Quest" AT boots at try, giving that I had tried Salomon's in the past and didn't like the tongue area much, I was ready for dissappointment , but , the ease of entry and comfort once buckled up (the 3 buckles are nice), the toe box was roomy , but not loose, the heal pocket nice and firm, ankle area very comfortable and the tongue area firm but soft enough to not "feel" pressure points. I couldn't beleive that this boot felt this great from new . The buckles were easy to operate, the micro adjusters made for perfect adjustment . The power strap, wide and flexable , you have to stretch the strap , it's kind of like a shock absorber, offering give, but maintaining a firm cuff . The walk /ski mode is so easy to operate, and can be done in the bindings or out . The real world skiing on Solitude, Alta, Snowbird, and Brighton let me know that this boot is a winner. On the "Bookends " of Snowbird, the traverse was a piece o cake , and when we dropped in, the 9" manky snow caused no drive forward issues. I had nice positive control for all our runs , groomer or steep n deep. At no time did these boots feel sloppy or loose nore were they tight and painful. I've found a boot that is the same I comfort level of my Garmonts, and provide alittle more beef in the power area . Go get em if you can . BTW, thank you to the staff at the outlit store for the great help. If your in the Salt Lake City area, be sure to drop in for some shopping.

This is a board that if you like speed, steep, and ass puckering moments, your boat has come in. Ski it hard, it rewards you. Altough it carries some weight, you won't feel it up on plane. Very pleasing to have a ski that doesn't wonder underfoot and holds on to any conditions you throw at it. Heavy Mank, suncrust, less than optimal conditons have no negative effect on this ski. Primo fresh, or manmade groomer, they seem to have no limit. I wouldn't recomend this ski to the timid, or those with weak legs, it would become very tiresome to do a first to last chair day. Dynastar has become a favoite after many years on the K2 wagon.

Just received my UPS package from backcountry.com, Initial thoughts. Well, the Carrot color, matches the pic on the webpage. , the logo's are right where they show on the webpage. Fit is athletic, I'm 6'2", 230lbs, built like a clidesdale (mtb stuff). I have an average torso for my size. The fit for me , XL size, is very comfortable, I do like the long sleeves , no need for a hook and loop closure, and keeps the cuffs tucked nicely within your gloves. I have plenty of overhang at the waist, and the cut reminds me of a mtb/ bicycle cut in the back, (offers a lower back than the front when crouched over)so the wind stays off your back. The zippers are nice fabric micro style, but not the h2o proof you see on some. There are 3 nice outside pocket and 1 ipod style inner pocket with the cord hole for earphones. I'm amazed how light this jacket feels, very airy. Back to the fit. My XL allows me enough room to put either my fleese vest or long sleeve under this jacket for layering, but I can also use this jacket as a underlayer for another shell, Its light enough and non restrictive, it can qualify as a base layer (almost). The fabric seems very tough (for a soft shell), the stitching looks A1, mostly double stitching throughout (only single in the neck coller). The inside fleese is butter soft. There is a elastic sinch strap at the waist, very easy to operate. All logo's are stitched in, no laminated graphics (nice) Zipper pulls,are easy to grab with gloves on and the operation is smooth. The windproof quality shows right away, and functions as stated. I'll report back on this item with my real world Skiing report. East coast conditons, aka, damp and cold. So far I'm pleased with this product.

If these Pro riders are anything like the PRO XXL's I'm on, you won't be dissappointed. I'm on the 184 size and they rip.. Straight line they offer pure control, and no waggle. The ride is butter smooth on the groomed and downright bliss in the Powder. Not a mogul ski, but can blast thru the fluff fields without a problem. On the straight lines you'll love the character this ski brings you. It gives you confidence to take the big lines without hesitation.

You know, everytime I try another outerware product, I find I'm dissapointed in my purchase. NOT so with the NorthFace items. Seems that they really pay attention to product development and make quality items that your bound to enjoy. The material used in this pant has a good quality look and feel. I especially like the lining inside these pants, very soft to the touch, and thats a good thing. I have the uninsulated version and think I took the right road on this since I'm "never" cold. I do like the venting zips and chimmny effect they offer. The extra velcro behind the double button snaps at the top of the pant is a nice addition, just makes everything nice and secure. The zippers all around are very smoot to operate and the Velcro sinches at the waist are nice to snug up the pant for that custom fit. I really like the extra room in the leg area. I'm a 6"2" clydesdale, and weigh in at 225 , 36" waist, so I went with the "Large, Long" size. My wife says I have neanderthal legs, so that extra room is welcome. There also is plenty of "fit" that I can wear my "donjoy" knee brace. The only thing I would change is adding alittle more boot abrasion material at the cuffs. Once again NF goods are a worthy purchase.

My K2 4 speed's came with lame mini baskets. They arn't for the west, but these are sweet. Nice size, easy to mount and a soft, yet firm plastic should take poleing to a new high. I did by two sets, just to have a back up. When your traveling, there never is a good selection of replacements at the ski area shops ! These are nice, get em.

I've just had a pleasant surprise with these boots. Hmmmm, Most comfortable boot I've ever owned, OUT OF THE BOX. Wow. I like the upright stance and feel of this boot. The three settings, Walk, Forward and Upright make life easy. This is the first boot I've ever owned that I was able to leave the boot in the lock down position ALL DAY, plenty of toe room in the box, More Happy Feet., Easy to adjust and very responsive on the inbounds with hard pack.. I was leary of the response coming from a boot with a 120 shell hardness, but that was put to rest quickly. There seems to be just a little more width in the pad area of your foot, which translates into comfort, without being sloppy...I can't wait to hit Alf's or Honey Comb Canyon to really test the worthiness of this boot. In PA it has my vote.

Just have two days use of these gloves, and boy I am pleased. I've searched many days and found these fit the ticket. Warm, easy to put on, easy to take off, and the Goat leather can't be beat; so soft and supple. You can "feel" the poles, and you don't have to take them off the undo your jacket. Such a well made glove and it looks cool too. Very sweet.

Although its 90F outside, I can tell that these goggles will work, just putting them on, with the fan on low, you can feel the air circulating. That's what I've been looking for, especially on those days, when you’re crossing those long goat-trails to the next pow run. Can't wait to put these through the ringer this winter.