Jim

I can hardly wait to get into my bindings! What pleasure!

I use the other end of the pole, the handle, to open the binding. I don't want to scratch the pretty anodized finish.

Agree. I use the Trofeos for touring only. The Trofeos are the easiest tech bindings to enter I've used. Risers are so archaic! Who needs them? With the range of motion of modern AT boots, risers are pointless. Do you wear high heels when hiking uphill on steep trails? Should you? No. That's why you have ankle joints.

I tried the fast ski carry in the wild and it works well with lightweight skis. Practice is necessary, since it involves awkward moves until you learn them. I have not tried the A-frame carry using the compression straps, but there's no reason to doubt it. A-frame carry is needed for heavier skis or skis with boots attached. I prefer to take off the pack as seldom as possible during a tour. The reachable crampon box with its excellent size and zipper closure (all the zippers on this pack are excellent!) an...

Marek, the heel flap is meant to catch on the U-spring, but you could ease the flap with a bit of careful filing or grinding.