In this early-season roundup, I’llprovide insights on the best new products in the off-piste realm. Take note that some of the descriptions below are more previews thanfull reviews, as I’ve only been testing for a few weeks. Whether you’re a savvy resort skier preparing for your first touror a backcountry savant looking for an upgrade, this list shouldhelp you snagmore powder stashes, drop into a steeper couloirand have a better time in the backcountry.
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The most important parts of any ski setup are, of course, the planks—carbon, wood, and polyethyleneglued and bent in a proprietary way, helping you float powder, hold an edge, and snap a sweet photo for the ’gram. Andin my opinion, there’s no brand crafting finer skis than French independent Black Crows, with itsnewly launched ($1,020). This aggressive rockershould help you ripmore turns and hit more pillows.Designed for intermediate-to-advanced skiers, the Freebirdfloats well in powder without being overly cumbersome elsewhere.
Bindings
With respect to the new technology coming out of Salomon’s lab, I believe the best bindings for mixed conditions in big mountains are the ($729). Lighter and finely tuned than the previous version, the updated M-Werks get the little things right (an easier ski-walk lever, anti-icing pads, and a DIN that goes up to 12). The result is a near alpine feel, without the sensationof bricks on your feet.
Poles
My favorite poles, the ($140), just got lighter and stronger, according to the company. Good for a variety of uses, like hiking, trail running, mountaineering, and skiing, they’re easy to tuck into your pack, and for that reason, they excelin the backcountry for skiers and splitboardersalike. The newCompactors addressthe main issue of previous models—the connectors’ durability—making them a trustworthy choice for this season.
Skins
G3 spent another calendar yeartrying to refine the best ratio of mohair to nylon and came to market with the ($184), which has the potential to be the best yet. As a G3 loyalist, I’m excited to add it to my collection.
Wax (Sort Of)
I implore you to skip the ski wax this year and invest in the($100) from DPS. I spent last season testing this one-time application, and it works well in the backcountry, helping you slide smooth and fast over mixed conditions. I found it especially useful when skiing over sticky hazards caused by dripping trees on warmer days.Applying thetreatmentis quick and easy—and by using it, you’re saving earth from added toxinsas opposed to multiple wax coatings. (DPSclaims that it’s made with no toxic chemicalsand is safe for water, plants, and animals.)
Layers
Unless you love to ski in jeans,I’d recommend a kit from Patagonia. The companyhasramped up theinclusionof reprocessed fabric in its gear, while still making durable, high-quality products.All of the 60-plus shells that Patagoniaoffers are now made from recycled materials, like the fair-trade sewn($349),which shows a very real commitment to cleaning up itssupply chain.As a three-layer shell designed for fast and light minimalists, the Snowdrifter pairs well with the ($499), Patagonia’s lightest outer layer, which is also . Underneath the shells, I layerwith a ($299), which feels like wearing a sleeping bag during the day.
Packs
New this season, the ($395) is a finely tuned and featherweight machine with a simple design. I haven’t had the chance to put this pack through the wringer yet, but I did hike up a few trails around my home. Different from other Hyperlite models, like the ($310)or the ($310), the Prismfeatures extra gear lashes and multiple tie-down options for ropes and skis,as opposed to an elastic exterior chute.Andlike all of Hyperlite’s gear, it’s built with Dyneema, so you can charge confidently past stubborn branches and icy sections and not worry about puncturing the pack.
Avalanche Equipment
Safety is sexy, so listen up. I’ve trusted the avalanche equipment from Backcountry Access for years, because it’s uncomplicated and has never let me down. The new ($300) is easier to use than the ($335),and the ($70)offers hoe mode, which is useful for rescues and for building booters. The ($90), a sturdy and lightweight wand, completes the safety trio. I’m alsoa big fan of always carrying ($264), primarily to coordinate lunchbut sometimes for criticalstuff, too.
Alpine Accessories
If you plan on skiing more technical routes, I’d suggestslapping ($190)onto your boots. I’ve found past versions remarkably fast to put on and perfect for a variety of conditions, including ice, snow, and rock, and I’m already impressed with the new model’s durability. I also like the ($180) and a ($120).The Summit Evo is a great alpine tool with a sticky grip, without being unwieldy. The Swift is ablindingly brightmulti-beam lightsaber for your forehead—and it’s powered bya rechargeable battery.
Helmet
I’m a recent convert to ($170), a noggin protector that looks dorky, but holy smokesdoes it breathe well,thanks to108 small holeson the top. Witha slim profile, it carries efficiently, so if you normally tour with a climbing helmet and are looking for a model specifically designed for ski mountaineering, the Ascender is for you.
Eyewear
For eyeball safety, I wear ($280)on the descent, which improves your field of view by an alleged 25 percent, thanks to curved glass at the bottom of the goggles. When headed uphill, I wear ($150), which are the industry benchmark, offering lens and side-eye protectionwithout looking like you came out of a fashion ad.
Coffee
With the few pennies left in your bank account, do yourself a favor and snag a couple packs of . Its coffee isinstant, delicious, and loaded with caffeine. Alpine Start just launched a coffee packet in partnership with Protect Our Winters, too.