Contributions by Mtnfriend (11)

Last night a storm rolled into Northern Utah, accompanied by lightning. By 9am this morning, the resorts were reporting 18" of new. I got out on these boards, and was very impressed. I dropped right in for some faceshots, and the 177's felt great! (I'm 5'10", 145lbs) Very nimble in the trees. When you get back to the catrack, these things rail, holding a great edge! After things got a bit skied out, the Thunders continued to impress, blasting through crud. They deflected nicely, and I didn't get bounced around, they just powered through the choppy stuff. They've got plenty of pop too, when you want to boost a roller. This is a 1 ski quiver. All in all, very fun skis! Not too wide, does it all- Great little rippers! Although I've got them setup with Alpine bindings, this skis versatility would make it a great backcountry stick.

I picked up a pair of 174's (I'm 5' 10", 145lbs, and a pretty aggressive skier) I threw a pair of Dynafit vertical ST's on them. The idea here is a lite weight setup for ski mountaineering. At the moment, it's the only setup I have access too, so I've been skiing them here in the Utah deepness this winter. This setup has blown me away with regard to performance, first off, it's so incredibly lite that uptracks are sooooo easy! When you're ready to succumb to gravity, these little sticks rip. As a powder ski they're great! This is surely a backcountry stick, but you can rail a groomer with them if no need to as well. If you're looking for a lite BC setup that you can still rip on, check these out, 'cause turning is really for when stuff gets in your way right?

So, I'm a convert of sorts. I've had multiple pairs of fritchi freerides over the years. I recently put together an ultralight setup for ski mountaineering (Dynafit Vertical ST's, K2 Baker SL & BD Ascension glidelites), and I've bee out on it a few times this season getting a feel for it. These little bindings have blown away all my previous Dynafit misconceptions. These things keep you in, even at speed in the choppy stuff, without having to lock the toe down. (I'm 145lb, 5'10" and a pretty aggressive skier) You do have the option of locking the toe down for a no release situation if you're in a no-fall zone. It takes a bit of practice to get proficient with switching these things around from tour mode, different heights, etc, but after a day you should have it dialed. I'll still keep a pair of big skis around with Fritchis on 'em for huck days, but, for mountaineering, or long tours without hucking, these are where it's at. Think about it, you're never lifting the weight of the binding! They are so efficient and lite! Don't take my word for it, give 'em a whirl, you won't be disappointed!

I ordered these by accident. I usually use the Black Diamond Hotwire. The Livewire's are a bit bigger than the hotwires. I'll stick with Hotwire's in the future. Light is right- But, these are a nice oval shape, good for clipping when you're pumped.

I love this bag. Awesome for sport climbing, the tarp is nice and big. You can throw out the tarp, put your shoes on, tie in and go without having to flake the rope every time. I also like the shoulder straps. Not the most comfortable, but, between you and your partner; one can carry a pack with gear/lunch and safety, the other can sling on this rope bag. There's room for a 60 M + Harness & Shoes. Solid purchase-

This is my absolute favorite piece. This shirt makes it into my pack all 4 seasons. I climb, backcountry ski, ride my bike, backpack, EVERYTHING in this shirt. It's very breathable. Blocks wind, and is very lite. Incredibly comfortable during aerobic output, and keeps you warm and dry when you rest at a belay, or dig a pit. In most Mtn Hardwear product I'm a medium, however, I wear this in a large. A medium would be skin tight, Large is a perfect fit, and I'm a little guy (5'10", 145lbs) A must have for every mountain addict.

I took these spikes along for an attempt on the middle teton via the glacier route. I have the semi automatic version, and paired them with a pair of Scarpa Triolets. The combination felt very smooth walking on the glacier. Using the french technique I felt very secure. No balling even in the late July Snow. Once we began two tooling up the ice couloir, I really enjoyed the front pointing purchase that these gave me. They stayed on and didn't loosen at all. I'm very satisfied with my purchase. Good weight, not too heavy, and I feel like I could tackle a variety of terrain with these spikes! I look forward to giving them a spin on vertical ice!

These things are a dream come true. Sticky rubber meets skate style. These are awesome for riding on flat peddals, the sticky rubber gives awesome purchase, and is durable too. I'm on my second pair, and wear them daily. I've never had a pair of shoes last 11 months, but, the mandalas did. I think I'll bulk up on a couple pairs for the future! Fit's my medium/narrow foot well right out of the box, although a footbed makes them feel that much better. Great shoe for climbing approaches, riding, or just chillin.

Took this pack into the High Uintas of Utah over the weekend, and it felt great. I've been carrying an Arc'teryx Bora pack in the mountains for years, and the bora packs feel exceptional, however, they are on the heavier side. Here's the answer from Arc'teryx. The pack feels very close to the bora in terms the way it carries. I'm 5'10", 145lbs and the size regular is perfect. Big enough for a night or two in the summer, but I think I'll stick to my bora for pure backpacking trips. However, This pack will replace my old North Face Patrol pack everywhere else. This is a superb ski touring, day outing, ice climbing size and shape. The unique waist belt system feels great, and really moves with you. This will no be my go2 pack for nearly everything in the mountains!

Picked up a pair of these, and wow! Feel great, nice light weight socks. Feel comfy for a day hike, or 3 days in a row as recently used!

These socks feel great! I wore them for 2 full days in Uintas of Utah. Hot temps and cold temps, these socks wicked well and felt awesome. Medium weight socks that feel like they should be $20 per pair...