After using this for ~ 2 weeks backcountry skiing, I have been quite impressed at its performance. I find it to be a little itchy while sweating (especially between my back and ski pack), though sweat also does not seem to feel as "clammy" with wool vs my other synthetic baselayers. It regulates body temperature much better than my Capilene mid-weights, and is much more enjoyable to wear around the house than synthetics as well. I initially had reservations about using wool baselayers, though this piece has convinced me otherwise.

I have been very impressed with this pack so far. At first it seemed a little large (visually), though after touring with it for the first 3 weeks this season, I have really started to appreciate it. The pack has a well designed outside zippered pocket that fits probe, shovel and probe, and the main compartment has enough room for belay jacket, 48 oz. water bottle, emergency supplies, extra layers etc., without having too much extra space. It rides very well while skiing, and carries skis well (have only tried diagonal carrying method, though assume A-frame works just as well). This is a great pack for those who already own Avalungs, though I might even purchase this pack with the lung for ease of use (no more adjusting the lung over/under layers when skinning/skiing transition). Great pack!

Although I have only been able to take out my Janak Skis a few times this year, they have so far impressed me. On harder conditions, they hold an edge quite admirably for a 99mm waist ski, and allows me to stay in control on steeper aspects. As I am on a 183cm, and am 5'7" (150lb), I believe that some of my apprehensions with this ski stem from the size being slightly large for myself (I am learning to parallel with this ski, though am psyched to grow into it). Mounted with Freerides, it is still very light, though also allows a high degree of control and reliability on more committing aspects. My BD Verdicts seem to do better in deep snow, though this is probably due more to my lack of technique, vs. the Janak’s abilities. I highly recommend this ski.

This is by far the sweetest binding I have ever taken into the backcountry. After using this every day for a month on committing shots in the Sierras, and then touring on them frequently this year, I have never had any problems, and have NO complaints. The TLT Comfort has a very user-friendly heel riser cone which allows for varying degrees of uphill riser to be activated with a twist of your pole. You can also use your pole to release yourself quickly from downhill mode back into tour mode, without disengaging the toe piece. These bindings are ridiculously lightweight, though lose no durability in the process (every single one of my friends swear by them, after many years of use and abuse). Lateral power transfer is very strong, and increases with the stiffer the boot you use (Mega Rides or Dynafits new Freeride Aero). I HIGHLY recommend this binding, and it will turn any heavier fat ski into a backcountry cruiser.

I have been highly impressed with this ski pack offering from CAMP USA. The Campack is a very streamlined ski/freeride pack, and hugs my back on the descents like no pack I have every tried. I am growing to like its smaller interior volume,1300cu in, as it forces me to not be profligate in my packing decisions. The diagonal ski carrying system works great, and the side pockets are perfect for my shovel handle, probe, and for stashing skins on the way down. The interior has a mesh pocket for compartmentalizing my layers/goggles/water bottle/etc, while also allowing me to stash my shovel blade. The zipper offers quick access to the interior. The only downside is that I would not feel comfortable using this as an all-day pack when I have many layers and items to carry (a rando rope would be a stretch to try and fit in with normal repertoire). All in all, I love this pack for half-day backcountry outings, when I am out hunting for turns, and want a sleek pack to match.

This is the nicest ski I have owned to date. Black Diamond finally filled the gaping hole in the ski industries product line; a fat ski that is stiff enough to be skied on area, but light enough to rip it up touring. I have mounted Dynafit's on my 180cm verdicts, and they are the perfect tour setup (super-light on the uphills for a 98mm waist, but rip on the downhills). I am about 5'7", and the 180cm is perfect. The 190 has a stiffer flex pattern (more big mountain oriented).

When I wanted to use my Quarks leashless, I attached these triggers (the Large fit well). The trigger gives an awsome feeling to the tool, and makes leashless climbing feel much more secure (when resting, the tool can just hang from your pointer finger). I highly recommend this attachment for anybody looking to turn a steep ice tool into leashless. The trigger can put extra strain on tendons, though, so it is recommended to keep the trigger low enough so that it does not separate your pointer finger too far away from the rest of the hand.