This is my everyday stick...ice, hard pack, bumps, crud, park, and definitely big lines and powder. I ride mostly around summit county and mounted these with a standard alpine set up, although they are light enough that I might get another pair next year for a touring ski.

It's a little bit bigger than I usually ride (5'10, 175, usually ride around 183) so it took a little getting used to, but now I'm totally satisfied. The length and stiffness keep it super stable through crud and manky snow; this is probably the most stable ski I've been on, but I certainly haven't ridden everything out there. Despite being so stable, the bamboo gives it a nice snap that make it a complete riot in trees and tight places. It absolutely kills powder, although you have to get it up to speed before turning too much. I have more fun on hardpack with these than with carving skis; you just have to commit enough to get them up on edge. They require more work in bumps, that's for sure, and if they added just a little more rocker next year it could make the ski that much better

Overall, a great ski that I love to ride every day. Skis fast, Skis hard; just get used to going straight more than you turn.

I guide backpacking and sea-kyaking trips in the summer and after a full summer's use, I have to say that I'm completely impressed. Its the perfect combination of wind protection, rain protection, and warmth to meet the needs in just about any situation. Its thin fleece inner linning is just enough to provide warmth on chilly summer nights and the way it blocks the wind and rain makes it an excellent option for any kind of weather other than a complete downpour. It breaths very well, which is much appreciated on cold, wet days of backpacking when a full on rain jacket would be too stuffy. Outside of its functionality, it looks pretty fly and the only damage I've done to it after about four months of hard use is a small tear in the shoulder that was definitly my fault and not the jackets. Fit wise, I'm 5'10", 170 lbs and a large is perfect. I can fit a layer or two (a thin pirmaloft jacket or patagonia R1) under it with no problems.

The bottom line is that these gloves are fantastic. They are warm, durable, and provide an amazing ammount of dexterity. Really, there isn't much more that you could ask for in a glove. Two things to watch out for though: First, order a size up. According to their mesurments I should be between a 7 and 8, but a 9 fits much more comfortably. This is my second pair of hestras and the same was true with my first. Also, be sure to use the leather balm often, if you don't they will loose their waterproofing and get soaked. Enjoy.

I used these all last season with Freerides. The first thin you need to know is that these are quite stiff, so if you are not a fast and aggressive skier or tend to get lazy, look elsewhere. That being said, these are the best boards I have been on for steep and challenging terrain. They held an edge increadibly well and were happiest in long, powerful turns in everything from curd to crust to ice. They floated through powder very well, but required quite a bit more speed than I was accostomed to (my last boards were Janaks) The downsides are that Havocs need to be up to speed to turn well. Additionally, they are not short turning skis and because of this they weren't quite the multi pupose ski I was hoping for. There was just too much swing weight for moguls and trees. I was on 183s, so my experience might have been a little different on 173s. But the bottom line is that compared to Janaks, the Janaks turn better in all around conditions. On the touring front, they worked as expected; not the lightest out their but thats not what you are getting them for. They are great for resort accessed backcountry riding.

I bought this back when it was called the vertex for resort riding and day hikes. Since then, its been to almost every continent and has done everything from carrying beer to hauling my skis for hours at a time and I don't think it has a single frayed edge or patch of warn fabric. It's incredibly comfortable, durable, and functional, not to mention it looks good too. Only down side is that its a little small to fit everything for a safe, full day of touring.