Ortovox is a company best known in the United States for their avalanche beacons. But in Europe, this German-based company is known for a whole lot more – like jackets, merino wool base and mid layers, and even a packable mountain bike. Ortovox is making a push into the U.S. and are entering the...
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The Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set is a mouthful of a name for such a minimalist hydration pack. In fact it’s not really a pack at all, but more like a hydration vest. Although the pack sports an endless name that Mary Poppins could likely turn into a song, the title implies...
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As a mountain biker, I am morally opposed to rockin’ the skin tight bike shorts. Call me old fashioned (or old fashioned sensed) because I still prefer to wear baggy cargo shorts while cruising mountain singletrack, just like when I was a kid. So when Icebreaker sent out the ultra-tight Cadence bike shorts for...
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There’s a saying here in Utah: ”If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” Shoulder season hikers can expect snow, rain, wind and cold temperatures, or a lovely mix of all four in the same outing. You need gear that can handle the mixed bag of elements, and Helly Hansen makes it. The...
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A successful training regimen requires tons of information compiled over dozens of weeks before you know all that hard work paid off. While training for the Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay, I’ve been using the Suunto T3d heart rate monitor to keep track of the overall training effect of my workouts. But heart rate and...
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The Fritschi Freeride binding series has been a backcountry ski staple for years now. Despite huge competition from Dynafit and Marker, Fritschi remains relevant and continues to be seen on skin tracks in mountains around the world. Their latest release is the Freeride Pro, a backcountry binding made specifically for wide powder skis. I’ve...
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Be Mr. Fix-it. If you spend any time in the backcountry on skis or a splitboard, self sufficiency is paramount. That means never having to rely on your friends if you lack any essentials. It’s always best to be the guy who provides than the guy who needs – especially since the provider generally...
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Although the word “flask” conjures up images of thin, sneaky metal containers filled with cheap hooch that can be concealed in an overcoat pocket for smuggling into movie theaters and rock concerts, Hydro Flask is actually a water bottle. But this is no typical bottle. The Hydro Flask is a double-wall, vacuum insulated piece of gear...
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You’ve planned your weekend backcountry getaway, now the only question is the weather. Most adventurers could qualify as junior meteorologists; constantly pouring over weather reports and charts to ensure their well crafted trip won’t be spoiled by Mother Nature’s harsher elements. Study all you want, the weather research done at home often means little...
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The Black Diamond Drift is the fattest ski in their Efficient Series of backcountry specific boards. At 100mm underfoot and only weighing 7 lbs 10 oz, this ski is specifically meant to be a backcountry powder magnet. I’ve skied on the Drift for the past month now, and after several days in the backcountry,...
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