Backcountry Ski Gear

With new gear coming out every year, it can be hard to keep up with all the fads and trends. It seems like every season, a tried and true classic gets tossed out the door in favor of a new, modern, stylish alternative. Gore Tex sunglasses? Breathable water bottle? Ultralight kevlar bulletproof socks? Sometimes, all of these innovations get to be too much, and you find yourself long..

If you ski a lot, chances are that parts will break, get lost, or simply worn down. Typically, this will happen just after the warranty period expires. In any case, spare parts are great to have around. Below is our list of replacement parts for Kohla’s poles. All parts are sold individually unless noted otherwise as x2. Feather Pro Lower x1 - The 14mm carbon fiber lower belongi..

Bridgedale is serious about the fit of ski socks. In the survival-of-the-fittest sock industry, they make the fittest socks. The Ski Lightweight sock is comprised mostly of stretchy synthetic fibers so comfort and sweat wicking are the center-piece. Mixing in 20% wool helps keep it stink-free and warm. Functionally, the Ski Lightweight socks do two things really well: ski and be li..

The 4th Edition of Adventure Medical Kits’ Wilderness & Travel Medicine book is better than ever. If you have spent time in the wilderness you are well-aware that eventually, things happen. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Things happen, even to the most experienced backcountry users. Written by Dr. Eric A. Weiss, a renowned expert in wilderness medicine, this bo..

A handy reference, the Outdoor Knots Book clearly explains every useful knot for backcountry skiing, mountaineering, camping and more. While not a complete bible for knot-nerds, it has easy-to-follow descriptions of the knots you’ll appreciate. With bonus coiling techniques, maintenance tips, and knot characteristics, this book will help you master vertical sports and lounging in a..

While exploring nature’s mighty splendors, it’s easy to venture out of shouting distance or lose sight of your partners. Backcountry Access solves the problem with the BC Link 2.0 radio. Compatible with any pack with shoulder straps, the BC Link 2.0 has a six-mile usable range and thanks to the upgraded wattage, this upgraded version will reach up to 40 miles if the need arises. Bo..

The Whippet-less Whippet! It is often said that the best pieces of gear are the ones that can disappear while using them. That doesn’t mean you should be chucking your poles off ridges and peaks in the hopes that they’ll work better. The statement really means that if a piece of gear is engineered well, you shouldn’t ever have to take the time to think about it in the field; the op..

The title of this book might as well be “Some of North America’s Most Iconic Ski Descents.” Overflowing with high quality photos, hi-res topo maps, and a whopping 250+ descents, Classic Colorado Ski Descents is the guiding compass for skiers looking to explore Colorado. Whether that’s your home state or your looking to explore the West, this book offers an exciting to-do list. Writ..

Movement has made its mark in the ski industry with some of the lightest skis known to man, and the focus with the Race Pro Carbon Pole is largely the same. Making a cost-effective, ultralight race pole was seemingly the focus here. With 16mm carbon fiber throughout, this is certainly a race pole. The EVA Foam Grip allows you to grip for dear life on those icy ski tracks and techni..

When you envision Colorado ski-mountaineering you likely picture something resembling Rocky Mountain National Park. For good reason as it’s wild and picturesque. Mark Kelly’s guidebook is the ultimate compass that unlocks the secrets of the park and inspires long days in the backcountry. Feast your eyes on some of the most awe-inspiring terrain on the planet. Grab a tank of gas, so..

Fritz Sperry’s Making Turns in Colorado’s Front Range is quickly becoming one of our favorite guide books. Published with an excessive amount of detail, this book does everything for you except for ski. Volume 2 includes 109 of the best routes north of Interstate 70 in Summit, Clear Creek, Boulder, Gilpin, and Grand Counties. Aspect, GPS coordinates, corn timer, elevation details, ..

If making turns in Colorado’s front range sounds like a tick list project for you, then it’s easy to guess which book would be good to read. You guessed it. Making Turns in Colorado’s Front Range is all about doing exactly that. Volume 1 of this series includes everything South of I-70, which encompasses areas like Loveland Pass, Arapahoe Basin, Summit County, and much more. Detail..

Some of us stop skiing earlier than we should when our hands get cold. For others, quitting starts with feet. After trying sweaty socks, inflexible liners, expensive electronics, and homeopathic remedies, it may be time for a simpler solution. Yaktrax toe warmers are air-activated packets of magic that add just enough heat to get you through a long day. You’ll find even more benefi..

Similar to a power meter on a bicycle’s crank arm or a foot pod on a running shoe, the Pomocup lets you measure your skimo effort. Capturing a mind-boggling 1200 data points every second, the Pomocup can be used with or without a smartphone or compatible smartwatch. That means you can choose to geek out during a tour or after. Download the Skilog app or plug it in to your computer ..

Ski Trab’s lightest headlamp is designed for 4 A.M. wake-up calls, Tuesday night races, or those afternoon ski adventures that don’t quite go according to plan. Weighing less than 100g, you won’t even notice the Sprint Lamp until you press the on button. That action releases all 800 Lumens from their cage, scaring unexpecting wildlife away. Trab chose enough battery to save your hi..

The Finnish leader in low-friction snow gliding has infiltrated Skimo Co and we couldn’t be happier. Once you get a taste of Start wax, there’s no going back. Addictingly fast, long-lasting, and Finnish. With a broad assortment of waxes to choose from, there is no reason your skis and skins shouldn’t be properly waxed before every tour and race. Waxing skins is a secret trick that ..

Molly Absolon has done just about everything that's cool in life. She’s one of those people you aspire to be when you grow up. Luckily for us, she wasn’t just enjoying the outdoors for herself: she is an avid environmental educator, a retired NOLS instructor, and author. Basic Illustrated Alpine Ski Touring covers all the ski touring basics and can be an excellent refresher for vet..

Climbing and Skiing Colorado’s Mountains is a detailed guide book about Colorado written by native Ben Conners and transplant Brian Miller. The impressively detailed list highlights 50 of Colorado’s legendary ski descents. It also includes info on suggested gear, detailed pictures, local beta, and topographical maps throughout the book. Whether you are from Colorado or from a diffe..

The original Tikka from Petzl is back. Just as small and light as before but now with more lighting power. In a teensy package with 3 settings plus a red light, this little guy will keep your life lit up before the sun comes up (or after it goes down!). The Tikka is great to keep in the car so you don’t forget it when you’re groggily preparing for a dawn patrol. At 350 lumens in Di..

Highly aerobic activities, such as backcountry skiing, can be quite sweaty affairs. To replace lost electrolytes and prevent cramping, Nuun created their Sport Tablets. Simple and easy to use, simply pop a tablet in 16oz of water, wait a few minutes, and then enjoy a tasty effervescent drink. With an optimal blend of electrolytes and a hint of sugar backed by research, these tablet..

When you finally learned to not run with scissors, your mother probably thought she had finished her job and never imagined you'd be skiing with an ice axe in your hand. Do yourself and your mother a favor by keeping this on your axe when not in use. This Black Diamond Protector protects you from picks of all sorts, but especially those found on a Whippet pole. This is similar to t..

It's no surprise that when Christopher Van Tilburg, MD, decided to write a book about skiing in his home state he went above and beyond to create his finest work yet. With 95 highly detailed, skied (and boarded, if you're into that), and researched routes extending throughout Oregon, Southern Washington, and Northern California, this book is sure to give you enough terrain options ..

The complete guide to the construction, placement, and anatomy of a climbing anchor. Loaded with pictures and diagrams of good examples, bad examples, neat tricks, and all sorts of info to make you an expert on climbing anchors. Just add experience! Update 2019/20: 2nd Edition - Terminology distinction between "anchor" and "placement" or "piece" - Comparision Lists - C..

Written by Mark Houston and Kathy Cosley, both of which are UIAGM/IFMGA licensed guides, this book covers everything from the basic alpine environment to proper hazard assessment tools. Learn more about how to make educated decisions and operate safely in the mountains...

Don't head to the glacier without it. The Crevasse Rescue Pocket Guide is something all climbers, hikers, mountaineers, mountain goats, skiers, and anyone that travels on snow should have memorized...

If you like strong, lightweight backcountry ski poles with lots of amenities, G3 nails it for you. The Via Carbon is an adjustable pole that is durable enough for big adventures and handy enough for daily touring. With a Quick Flick utility tab on the handle, you can easily adjust your riser positions. Ergonomic handles and foam grips with a plastic upper make this pole comfortable..

Tired of deciding whether to bring an ice axe along with your Whippet or Whippets? Well, Black Diamond has the answer: bring the Whippet(s) and a Conehead(s). Coneheads convert any Black Diamond Whippet into a tool you can plunge into the snow. Just remove the lower section of your pole and slide in a Conehead, and whala!! You now have a tool to plunge like an axe. They come with a..

Broken or missing parts from your poles should not be a reason to throw them out. Replace the parts and get those poles up and going again. Komperdell Swivel Basket Pole Tip - Compatible with a variety of Komperdell touring poles. Kreuzspitze grey baskets- 6.5 x 9cm size. 10mm inner diameter...

Ski Trab pole replacement parts to fix or upgrade your poles. All baskets, handles, and straps are sold in pairs, unless otherwise noted. Shafts and ferrules are sold individually. Vertical Baskets - Race pole baskets that measure 6.5cm x 6.5cm. For Trab Vertical or similar poles. 11mm inner diameter at the mouth. 18 grams with the included metal tips. Gara Baskets - Bigger, ..

Gloworm accessories for upgrading or adding to your existing setup. Other parts are available upon request! Headstrap - Simple strap that fits on your head or helmet with a Go-Pro style mount quick mount incorporated. 70g weight. 2-Cell 3400mAh Battery - Replacement battery for Gloworm 1.0 lights (Alpha RF Headlamp). Includes velcro strap and adhesive "battery cradle" mountin..

Need a backup battery? Replacement head strap? Find accessories for the Ski Trab headlamps here. Hopefully you have a europlug to charg 'em! Aero Head Strap – The headband with Velcro onto which you can attach a lamp. Helmet Support – The tripod that mounts to a helmet to support an Aero lamp. 7.4V Battery Packs – Two and four cell packs for use with the 400 and 1600 lumen..

The Race Beanies from Ski Trab are lightweight polyester hats that fit under a helmet and breathe well enough to race in. Woven with fun Italian colors, the Trab caps demonstrate your love of both fashion and function. The beanies have a sleek feel and are deep enough to cover your ears. The inside is lightly brushed for a soft feel against your noggin. Update 2019/20: Ski Trab ..

The Crazy Idea Fast Cut Thermo headband is a simple piece of Vuelta, a soft, moisture-wicking, bacteria-resisting fabric. If you’re lazy about washing your head gear, the “bacteriostatic” treatment should delay the onset of “stink”. The band is designed for skimo racing and other highly aerobic winter sports. Choose from two sizes (men: think large) and plenty of colors to fit styl..