Winter is peaking. So it’s time to get out and enjoy it with the best backcounty tools we put to the test.
1. Blizzard Cochise
At 108 underfoot, this is the do-it-all gun for backcountry touring, sidecountry and resort stash hunting. The brand’s Flip Core technology means that the rocker is built upside down in the ski, which reduces the stress of the molding process and allows for more even weight distribution. That translates into a powder ride that’s uncannily stable on dicey descents and groomers.
$900; Blizzardsportusa.com
2. Black Diamond Gigawatt
Obese, rockered and made for surfing the deep stuff, the Giga (163-135-141 at 185 and 195 cm) is no beast. Smart geometry and torsional stiffness make it easy to move edge to edge, even on the occasional groomer. It’s the ideal stick for cat and heli trips.
$849; blackdiamondequipment.com
3. LIB Tech Travis Rice Pro Split
This sturdy splitter rides like a resort board, thanks in part to a construction that features eco-friendly basalt and bio beans and bomber Karakoram clips and latches that keep it stiff. A C2 Power Banana shape gives you rocker between the feet for power when engaged on hard snow and float in the soft stuff. When it comes to that long skin up, this baby is light enough to lead the pack.
$970; lib-tech.com
4. Dynafit TLT5 Performance
It’s truly hard to comprehend how this AT boot that feels like a skate skiing shoe (and weighs in at an obscene 2 pounds, 5 ounces) has the balls to drive big backcountry skis like Dynafit’s 108-underfoot Stoke. Those super-hero powers come from the boot’s hi-tech materials, including Grilamid nylon in the shell and magnesium buckles. These babies are worth every penny.
$1,000; dynafit.com
5. Salomon Quest 14
Put simply, the Quest is a burly alpine boot that can tour. You may not want to take it on a backcountry hut trip, but there’s no better choice for the type of sidecountry touring and quick hits that most of us ski out the gates. It’s economical when you think that this one boot can serve as both your resort and backcountry weapon.
$750; salomon.com
6. Easton CTR 65 ion
Full carbon construction makes these poles light and sturdy. An adjustable clamp lock tension system makes them reliable and easy to adjust in nasty conditions.
$109; eastonmountainproducts.com
7. FlyLow Magnum
Backcountry dirtbags want one pair of pants that they can destroy. Voila. These babies provide all the athletic stretch of a softshell with the waterproofness of a hard shell, along with Cordura reinforcement in those spots (knees and cuffs) that otherwise end up duct-taped.
$255; flylowgear.com
8. K2 Pilchuk Kit
Backcountry legend Mike Hattrup helped design this 11-liter safety pack that’s equipped with the iconic brand’s first forays into avi safety gear. Chief among them is the Rescue Shovel Plus, which also functions as a tent and rappel anchor or can be converted into a rescue sled with K2’s skis and snowboards. Look deeper in this grab bag and you’ll find a probe and room for K2’s new climbing skins ($190), a shell and lunch.
$190; K2skis.com
9. Shred Ready Forty4
With enough venting for a slog and enough style to make you look like more than an old dude in the backcountry, this no-nonsense lid is a solid choice.
$80; shredready.com
10. BCA Tracker2
Beacons still take center stage when it comes to basic backcountry safety gear. Backcountry Access scored a coup last winter when its three-antennae Tracker 2 beacon was adopted by the Jackson Hole ski patrol.
$335; backcountryaccess.com
