Gear Review: 2014 Flylow Chemical Pants Differences between last years model and the 2013/14 Quantum: New Fabric: Tougher and with a better DWR and just all around nicer from the previously used Amaterrace Fabric mill that makes eVent New Factory: Flylow is using a Gore certified factory that used to make all of Cloudviels high end shell before they sold to Spyder and so on. They are the bomb factory, smooth taping and perfect construction. New Seam Tape: Coming from Bemis. Flylow is using the best seam tape they can […] Gear Review Bevan Waite | November 13, 2013 2 Comments
Hestra Heli & XCR Gloves – REVIEW I work as a ski patroller, and finding a glove that can withstand the abuse of the job, keep my hands warm and dry and actually last the season is difficult. While not perfect, Hestra has a couple of gloves on offer that come pretty close. Understand that no glove is going to do everything, and the debate between leather and synthetics can be a long one. I choose leather. Sure, it’s a little high maintenance and requires constant treatment with wax to keep it waterproof, but if you take care of them, leather gloves are durable and tough. I’ve used two different Hestra gloves over the last few years, both gauntlet gloves from their […] Gear Review D’Arcy McLeish | November 6, 2013 6 Comments
Patagonia R1 Hoody – Review Many people have heard of or have seen the Patagonia R1 hoody; a technical multi-use fleece. Equally comfortable and functional when worn as a base or mid layer, this piece has earned its Patagonia name. The Patagonia R1 hoody is part of the Patagonia Regulator family, designed to regulate body temperature during aerobic activities, providing both insulation and thermoregulation as needed. DETAILS: The R1 hoody is optimized for colder weather. However I found it functional and comfortable in a range of temperatures; from skinning in the 50 degree sun near Mt Baker, paddling the Tanana […] Gear Review Chaz Diamond | October 23, 2013 4 Comments
How To: Maintain Your GORE-TEX® Outerwear Almost every skier, snowboarder, or outdoor enthusiast owns a piece of outerwear or clothing that is made partly or completely of GORE-TEX®. GORE-TEX® is the leading fabric for waterproof, breathable outdoor wear and is commonly in top quality outerwear across almost every outdoor all weather sport. GORE-TEX® holds a lifetime warranty but what many don’t realize is that the fabric does require some maintenance in […] Gear Review Eric Behn | October 21, 2013 2 Comments
Patagonia Men’s Untracked Jacket Review Patagonia is one of the largest manufacturers of outdoor recreation clothing providing high quality products to climbers, skiers, fly fishers and more; and the Untracked snow jacket is no exception to the type of quality that can be expected from this well known brand. The Untracked Jacket is a GORE-TEX® hardshell which provides ultimate weatherproofing from rain to snow to sun, and from freezing to warmer temperatures. The three layer GORE-TEX® fabric will keep you dry and ventilated no matter the weather situation. The jacket is intended for ski and snowboard use in the alpine and is designed with a relaxed […] Gear Review Eric Behn | October 16, 2013 1 Comment
Safety Alert – BCA Float Trigger Voluntary Recall October 14th, 2013 – We are conducting a trigger upgrade on all Float packs sold into the marketplace during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons. Please see the attached Safety Alert for details. This trigger update includes the Float 30, 18, 36, 22, 32 and Throttle. The Float 30 with T-handle is not included. Owners of Float 30 packs with cone-shaped handles should contact us for instructions atwarranty@backcountryaccess.com. The upgraded trigger assembly is standard on all 2013-2014 airbags and utilizes a hex crimp instead of an E-clip as a retention solution. […] Avalanche SnowBrains | October 15, 2013 0 Comments
Gear Review: Black Diamond Agent Avalung Pack “The Black Diamond Agent AvaLung is streamlined enough to ride the lift up for sidecountry laps, yet has enough room for avy-tool essentials on longer day missions in the backcountry. In the event of an avalanche burial, the built-in AvaLung increases your chance of survival by pulling fresh air from the surrounding snowpack. Our diagonal ski carry cable is ultra-secure for hikes, and the innovative HiLo helmet holder gets your lid off when you’re really sweating for those turns.” The Black Diamond Agent Avalung pack has been an integral part of my gear for just over a year. The pack […] Gear Review Bevan Waite | October 9, 2013 2 Comments
Top 10 Powder Skis of 2014 Freeskier Magazine has ranked the top 10 powder skis of 2014. If you’re a true powder freak, you likely get a new pair of powder skis every year. There are so many different styles of powder skis these days, it’s nice to get a list like this to show us what’s up on the 2014 powder ski scene. What do you think about this list? Anything missing? Atomic Automatic? Praxis? […] Gear Review SnowBrains | October 7, 2013 8 Comments