What are /r/Backcountry's favorite Products & Services?

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You need a load bearing hipbelt, you really should have a dedicated avalanche tools pocket, and no, 32L is not big enough for overnight even during the summer let alone during the winter with avalanche gear. Don't try cut corners with winter backcountry gear.

Pick up a copy of Freedom of the Hills and read it if you are serious about this kind of thing. You really shouldn't be doing a winter overnight in the backcountry if you have to ask this kind of stuff. I mean that with safety in mind, not to be a jerk.

Edge tuning tools! Pick up a couple stones and a file. To really do a good job you’d want to get stones with varying coarseness and possibly a file. Honestly I just use a file on mine but I also have mine professionally tuned at least once every season. I will link the tools I think you should add. You may also want to look into a small shop vac for wax that gets on your floor if your worried about keeping the space clean. Finally, maybe look into getting some ptex, that stuff is really useful for minor base repair and the only thing you really need to get it done effectively is a lighter and something to level the base after you dropped some on to it. As far as value go, I think ptex is a must as it could save you from a major repair in the future or even trashing your skis.

TL;DR: Edge Sharpening tools, maybe a shop-vac, Definitely P-tex.

Edge tool and stones - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L9HV83K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RB2zFbCHY05GE

You can start here: https://www.outdooractive.com/de/skitouren/engelberg/skitouren-in-engelberg/24525673/

I guarantee there’s a ton of free information out there on the web... if you’re willing to do a little translating via google.

Neoprene overboots, such as those from Fourty Below, add tremendous warmth. You need to cut out bits for the toe and heel pins, but it doesn't compromise performance. They're expensive new, but often easy to find used. I've picked up a couple pairs for under $50.

The much cheaper and lighter neoprene toe covers make a difference if you just need a bit more warmth.

I carry a DeLorme inReach (DeLorme was very recently bought by Garmin so I wouldn't be surprised if the name changes soon). I never really use it for the GPS functionality, but it's available if I need it. Actually I never really send messages with it either, but it's a nice option to have.

For navigation on day trips, I use Backcountry Navigator on my android phone.

I'll second The Avalanche Handbook. It's probably a little out of date by now (last updated in 2006) but it was written by two of the pre-eminent Canadian avalanche experts and is still used by professionals today.

If you really want to geek out on snow science stuff, check out the papers from the International Snow Science Workshop. There's tonnes of reading material there. Lots of it is very complex and assumes some knowledge of snow science, avalanche mechanics, and whatnot, so it probably shouldn't be your first resource.

Yeah otherwise they’ll probably just return it for the cash value anyways, which is a pain to do in COVID times

After the big gear needs are covered, it’s usually a bunch of small random items that would be hard to predict (in my experience)

One suggestion - you could get them a cool coffee table book about snowflake science like this or a large scale map of their fav region to tour in (I just got a 30’ x 90’ map from Lassen to the Eastern Sierras in CA)

Gaia GPS. You have to pay for it to get "premium overlays", but it's worth it, great app for navigating and tracking.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trailbehind.android.gaiagps.pro&hl=en_US

Mtn Hub also is good, has a community of backcountry users, but it's better for getting conditions reports than for mapping a route

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avatech.mountainhub.prod

I think it's free to get slope angle, aspect, etc

I rock these.

Do they have quality optics of smith -- nope. Are they inexpensive, versatile and protect my eyes -- yep.

I use gloves like this for the uphill. Warm enough to take the bite off, breathable enough to dry while walking, cheap enough that when they rip I’m not too bummed.

I actually stopped wearing ski socks all together and just wear compression socks like these ones

They’re much cheaper as well - I agree when I ski or go uphill I need my socks not to feel pressure anywhere and the only way I’ve achieved that sacking off ski apparel is by going for compression socks.

I’m from the east as well. Before I moved I found a lot of backcountry in the Adirondacks. Specifically the store “the mountaineering” was a big help in steering me along with this book: Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast

FWIW I loved it there but now do different stuff in the North West (Alaska/Yukon)

No compass attached, but this is what I bought:

Ueasy Professional Aluminum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079BBSRGD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I wanted the Suunto PM-5 after using it in an avy class, but couldn’t afford the cost. This one works well and fits in my chest pocket. For easy deployment on the tour or in a pit. I do have a compass in my pack, but I find I rarely need to use it.

Absolutely! Snow is incredibly interesting and demands respect.

If you are interested in a primer, get the book "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain"

https://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Avalanche-Terrain-Tremper-ebook/dp/B07GRB71YR/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

yup - NOAA weather channels (which is why I skipped the Rocky Talkie). coil lanyard onto my harness so it cant be dropped, then an carab on the walkie (clipped to harness as well) just attached via a small string on the back of the walkie.

Just did mine in January. The online coursework is a great pre cursor and has a ton of the info from the in person part. Reading this book before hand really helped nail down a lot of concepts and made the course make a lot more sense for me. https://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Avalanche-Terrain-Tremper/dp/1680511386/ref=nodl_

https://www.amazon.com/Kinco-Hydroflector-Resistance-Insulation-Omni-Cuff/dp/B08K3WP81G/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2F3XNRQOOOD8E&keywords=kinco&qid=1645636663&sprefix=kinco%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-4&th=1

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not sure on links allowed to be used but these. i snowboard in Colorado on super windy mountains a lot. these are my go to. I like them more than my hestras

I would say used skis+dynafit bindings+skins are in the $500 range. If you went with frame bindings, you could find a deal in the $300 range. Boots (both used and new old stock) are a complete buyers market. On sideline swap, I picked up a pair of new Fischer Rangers (Fischer has an online app for boot sizing) for $350. With frame bindings, you could just get some kind of boot with a walk mechanism in the $100-200 range.

Poles are basically free as it's not critical to have adjusting ones.

$250 for used probe/shovel/beacon.

So I would say around $1000-1100 is the used market price for the average setup out there. Knock off a few hundred if you want to go down the frame binding route.

Mt. Colorado

And I believe the trail is called The Colorado Mountain Trail. Here's an Amazon link that gives you exact directions to the top of the run from your car:

Super Secret Colorado Trail Map

Musher's Secret Paw Wax is amazing stuff!! https://www.amazon.com/Mushers-Secret-Pet-Protection-60-Gram/dp/B0002IJQDC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=51491867210&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwqCOBhCdARIsAEPyW9lj0mEWWKivoHvl114zQ7HQyYsFB-IGJgELJM0XtkTy7fdvnBt8njkaAuWaEALw_wcB&hvadid=410022507080&h...

Vinyl stickers hold up pretty well in most conditions. Put something like this on your helmet, bag, or poles and it might help in low viz.

https://www.amazon.com/Salzmann-Scotchlite-Waterproof-All-Weather-Motorcycles/dp/B00QX39AX6/ref=sr\_1\_13?keywords=Reflective+Yellow+Decals+for+Motorcycle+Helmets&qid=1640018830&sr=8-13

I've owned all kinds of sunglasses over the years, however these are my favorite for activity. I paid $19 in Jan 2020, seems they are $27 now.

I like all 3 lenses... Easily removable to clean or just swap. The clear & the grey/Polarized are my most worn.

They are tough. Plus comfortable for me, with the rubber nose piece. 5 stars. They have 0 scratches after all of this time.

"X-TIGER Polarized Sports Sunglasses with 3 Interchangeable Lenses,Mens Womens Cycling Glasses,Baseball Running Fishing Golf Driving Sunglasses" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PXK96D6/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_loRgwTLkn1wDj

Looks like they have new models, but I like the coverage/feel on these, plus they aren't too blingy. I also noticed you can get 5 lenses now, at the time there were only the 3 lense option.

OP - it doesn't sound like you want to do backcountry skiing at all. You're in the wrong sub-reddit and getting confusing advice.

Backcountry skiing means using skins to go up and down steep (25-100%) slopes. It requires expensive gear, and there's a steep learning curve that usually requires practice downhill skiing at a resort. It's a fun sport, but if the trails you want to go out on are mellow (5-10%), it doesn't make sense at all.

I think you'd enjoy:

• Sledding - carry a lightweight sled up, ride it down. Works great on wide, hard-packed trails. There are special sleds made for this: https://www.amazon.com/BESPORTBLE-Portable-Lightweight-Plastic-Outdoor/dp/B08P2ZLB32?th=1
• Snowshoes/microspikes - help you walk on deep snow / slippery ice. Affordable. Easy to learn. No extra fun on the downhill, though.
• Cross-country skiing - lightweight skis built for fast travel over flat/rolling terrain. Takes a bit of practice, but it's a cheaper sport than backcountry skiing and easier to learn.
  • There are special cross-country skis for going off-trail, which I think is what you want. Look for "Nordic touring skis" with metal edges. Some people call these 'backcountry skis', causing confusion.
  • You can cross-country ski down hiking trails. Flat, wide, hard-packed trails are easy and you can be happy on them with a day of practice; steep (5%+) slopes, narrow trails/tight trees, and deep snow are much harder and it might take 2-3 seasons before you're comfortable on those.

I was out on the Hoks earlier today here. Just got back. It's slightly fast in places. As I mentioned the NNN BC bindings don't give a ton of control (though better than the XTrace) but today I tried to concentrate on "surfing" each ski with the ball of my foot and that seemed to help. In the past that trail has been a little too sporty for the Hoks, but today it was almost boring. Might work with the XTrace. By the way the Hoks climbed that trail with zero slip.

I've mostly been using the AT setup I bought last month lately, and my skiing is all messed up. Before Sawmill Creek today I did nearby Krag Campground road near Lake Agnes, which is sportier than Sawmill Creek, with the OACs and the Scott Excursion boot. I couldn't rely on rigid boots as much so the skis were all over the place on the descent. That's why I concentrated on ski control with the Hoks today.

By the way the Hoks have good build quality. I've been using them for a few seasons and the skin is nearly perfect. The base only has a few scratches and the top sheet has almost zero nicks and scratches. Click on "boots" here. Either way, you'll be much happier if you go out on a powder day than a packed down icy day. Hoks slip around like hockey pucks on ice.

Here a couple of links to some trails in Oregon and Washington. Hope it helps:

Washington

Oregon

There are of course tons of options to choose from. Many huts won't be staffed by the end of January though, so expect to carry all your food and sleeping gear. Some suggestions: one classical tour would be a in the Silvretta on the border between Austria and Switzerland. Or the Venter Runde in the Ötztal.

I'm using this version of the leatherman and pretty happy with it: https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Skeletool-Lightweight-Multitool-Stainless/dp/B0043NYPA6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=K3199VY08J2&dchild=1&keywords=skeleton%2Bleatherman&qid=1635949026&sprefix=skeleton%2Bleatherman%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1&th=1

If you want to improve the grip even more, you can put some rubber O-rings under the wrap and give it some notches. Makes it look super pro too!

Does he have an inreach? Or some other transmitter? What about something like an inreach se+?

Honestly, the maps that are on your phone (Gaia, Garmin etc) are all really good and far easier to use than a standalone device.

A satellite communicator though, is very valuable >My husbands birthday is coming up and I would love to buy him a new GPS. He currently has a Garmin GPSMAP 64st Worldwide Handheld GPS, it's only a year and 1/2 old and the battery life is terrible (he bought it for $300...maybe its worth contacting Garmin? Not sure...)

Any recs to replace his current GPS?

Thanks everyone!

Thanks. Is this like the one you have? The price looks really good. Do you put your boots inside the pack when you hike?

Deuter Rise 34+ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VQBCM9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DAH3CC8YZDKEV4RWFP4Y?psc=1

I carry 20 ounces Zojirushi thermos (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HYOGUM2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Usually black tea with honey and lemon.

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> The closest thing to your idea is probably dropping a cornice into a run

For reference, the author of this book recommends it repeatedly as the best way to check a run. He's based out of Utah. I've never personally seen/done it in practice, though.

PSA: As a former cramponless pleb, everyone, get a pair. And thank me later. If your binding can go uphill, you can put crampons on it. Make sure the width fits your skis, I haven't seen anyone mess that up before, but I don't imagine it would be a pleasant experience.

Best $10 dollars I've ever spent.

What phone?

I have the Phoozy and it helps. Not super drastic difference - but improvement in battery life. I use an iPhone X (just upgraded to 11, but not cold yet).

https://www.amazon.com/PHOOZY-Insulated-Phone-Case-Impacts-Floats/dp/B07647QRSX

While I agree with /u/AWW_Wolf on the rear access, I didn't have the same issues with the helmet carry. I have the Kode 42, though, so perhaps they're configured differently.

The Kode also has the option for a zip on ABS pack, so if you can get it, spend the extra $30 for the one that allows the ABS zip-on.

https://www.amazon.com/ABS-Avalanche-Backpack-Vario-Classic/dp/B00MF2D1GG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1480280133&sr=1-1&keywords=abs+vario+base+unit

> This would be in competition with PLBs which can go for under $300 CAD.

That's what I have. Register with your emergency contact info with NOAA (in the US) and carry it with you for free.

Have you checked out Steve House's Training for the New Alpinism? It's focused specifically on mountaineering, but can definitely be applied to any long days in the mountains. There are some good workouts in there that you might find helpful.

http://www.amazon.com/Training-New-Alpinism-Climber-Athlete/dp/193834023X

Not sure if this book can help you or not. I've used it to help guide me close to a few stashes. Can't recall if the Catskills are in there.