These pants are awesome. You need them!

What's the pocket for?

I got this pack for this season.. Hopefully I'll slay more pow this season than any before. This may be the best designed backcountry pack I've seen. The access pouch in the back securely stows my shovel, probes, and pinflags for quick access. The pack has an integrated hydration system with a zippered sleeve to store the bite valve on the shoulder strap which is also key. When not in use it is concealed. The pack is obviously designed by folks who spend winter outdoors slaying rather than in a Lab trying to figure out what we need in a touring pack. The icing on the cake is the integrated Avalung. In my opinion, if you have a transceiver on you should have an Avalung as well. I will recommend this pack to everyone I tour with!!

This year they are black and look sweet on the Black Diamond Verdict. I love these bindings and so does everyone I have ever spoken with who has skied them. Again, another product designed by folks who tele. With 5 positions you can either shift them to tour or to race without compromising any functionality on either position. Not only that but they are bomber...I have put these bindings through the ringer and the strong, simple design wins every time. Ever had snow get stuck in your pivot tele bindings? Frustrating isn't it? That doesn’t happen with these. They're sicky.

Compared to the old vests the Avalung 2 is far less intrusive. You can wear it under clothing and packs and it fits confidently and comfortably. I bought 2 for xmas presents for two buddies I tour with. Hopefully, none of us get to actually test whether it works, but Black Diamond staff did and one dude was under the snow for 40+ minutes. That's hard data - fact - truth. I was sold.

Metolius doesn’t lie about them being light. I got a package of TCU's and immediately went to city of rocks to use them. Of course, that place loves trad gear, but I was placing them everywhere I could and every placement seemed bomber on the fist set. Needless to say, I fell in love with these cams. Very Happy!!

Ill be honest, my first impression of these slings was, well, fright. Although I knew they could support 22KN they're weight and appearance didn’t seem to support that. That impression quickly faded. These slings are awesome, light and strong. I am totally impressed with these slings.

My friend and I both got some fat boards at the same time. He got Voille Insane's and I got Black Diamond Verdict. When he lifted his (sans bindings) and then lifted mine (also sans bindings) he said 'Man, those are light'. That’s how they ski in powder as well - they float. The ski is in a word 'sick'. Can't wait to slay more pow this season on these.

I use this lamp on extended initial attack during wildland fire and flagging dozer line at night. People with standard government issue lamps always ask where I got the headlamp - because it's 2x brighter than thiers. It even stays bright on government issue batteries. That, in itself, is an acheivement. I beat this headlamp up at work and while playing, and it keeps on shining. Highly recommended. Petzl made a great product.

Although I love these bindings, and the releasable capabilities, I have had snow build up and compact underneath the toe piece. When compacted, it forces me up on my toes and is mildly uncomfortable. Depending on snow conditions, I was cleaning the snow out every run. Fairly annoying.