Thursday, November 14, 2013

Backcountry Ski Gear on the Cheap, Fall 2013


I'm not planing on buying any new ski gear this winter but I can't help watching for deals so I thought I'd compile a list of some of the best deals I've seen this fall and some of the tricks we used to gear up on a budget in past years. The links in this post are affiliate links so if you buy something through them you are helping us fund hillmap.

Use Coupons and Sales

I've found some great deals using coupons from the Sierra Trading Post deal flyer. They send out a coupon most days. The best one is a coupon for 35% off your entire order that comes out ever two weeks or so. I filter these and all emails from retailers to a "deal offers" folder in gmail so I can ignore them except when I'm looking for something.

For the rest of the day (11/14) you can get an extra 25% off snowsports equipment from REI outlet using the code SAVE25OFF.

Lots of retailers including REI, backcountry.com and campsaver.com have 20% off coupons throughout the year. There should be plenty of these around Thanksgiving and before Christmas.

Don't skimp on Safety


Your friends lives depend on your beacon probe and shovel. This is not the place to skimp on safety or save weight.

You can still save money though as there are sales and your local shop may have a package deal where you can get a discount for buying beacon, shovel and probe at the same time.

Best Deals

Beacon


You should only consider buying a modern 3 antenna beacon that gets five stars on beaconreviews.com. If a partner shows up with a cheap one antenna Pieps Free Ride I am not going to want to ski with them. The Zoom+ is simple but well reviewed.

Sierra Trading Post also has a few other quality beacons at the moment though coupons don't seem to work on them.

In past years, 20% off REI member coupons have worked on beacons. They stock a lot of them. There should be a coupon around Christmas or Thanksgiving if you can wait that long.

Shovel


G3 Backcountry.com AviTECH Shovel

You should only consider shovels made from high quality 6061 T6 aluminum. Shovels made from cheaper aluminum or plastic won't stand up as this study shows.

Fortunately, both the top rated shovels in that study can be had affordably. I prefer the G3 Avitech which packs much easier and can be found in this discounted backcountry.com version. The Voile Telepro T6 is also a great choice that isn't that expensive to start with but is slightly harder to pack due to the neck of the shovel blade.

Probe


Here is a test of avalanche probes that stresses ease of deployment and sufficient diameter.

Boots


The Scarpa Maestrali are light on the feet or after you take them off and strap them to your pack.

or
or


Boots play the biggest roll in determining the performance, comfort and ease of touring of your new setup. Different brands and models fit differently so it may be worth buying from a store that can help you find the right fit. Some stores like Second Ascent in Seattle carry last seasons models at discounts as good as you can find online and have knowledgeable staff who can help you get the right fit and mold your heat moldable liners.

Many touring boots also come in several versions a high end carbon version, a stiff and light Grilamid or Pebex (or PX) version and a more affordable but heavier Polyurethane (PU) version in addition to Men's and Women's versions and 3 or 4 buckle versions. Make sure you know what version you are looking at before you decide if it is a good deal.

There are lots of great deals around on previous years' models. I've seen various versions of the Dynafit Zzero which fits narrow feet and the Black Diamond Quadrant Prime and Slant which fit wider feet.

The latest generation of boot are lighter and offer more range of motion for touring if you have a bit more money to spend. The Scarpa Maestrali (similar to the gea/blink/rush/pegasus) started a trend towards $500-600 boots that ski and tour really well. The Pegasus is the most affordable of the line made from PU, with the more expensive versions being stiffer and lighter. I have the orange Maestrali and love them. If you decide to go this way take a look at the Scott Cosmos (last years Garmont branded version had tech fitting issues) and La Sportiva Specter as well. Backcountry.com stocks most of these and some are on sale. 



Bindings



Dynafit Speed Radical
or
Dynafit Radical ST
or
Fritchi Bindings from Sierra Trading Post

It is worth splurging for dynafit bindings as they tour better and weigh less then frame bindings. They rarely go on sale but, if you don't need brakes you can save some money by going with the light and simple Speed Radical. I prefer a binding with ski brakes like the Radical ST for use in avalanche terrain or in bounds where brakes or leashes are required.

If you can't afford Dynafits, sierra trading post has some deals on older Fritschis (use an email list coupon to save even more).


Skis


I thoroughly enjoy my BD Justices 


BD, G3 or Dynafit Skis from Gearx
or
Black Diamond or G3 Skis From Sierra Trading Post

Black Diamond has been continually revamping their ski line for the past few years and there are some great deals around on older models that still ski well. There are also some past season G3s and Dynafits around. I wouldn't recommend anything narrower then 88 underfoot for your only backcountry ski.

My top picks are:

BD Carbon Justice for a powder oriented ski (my review).
BD Drift or Starlet for an all around fat turny ski (Jen's review).
BD Aspect for a ski mountaineering ski

Voile skis are also reasonably priced to start with.


Skins

Black Diamond Ascension Climbing Skins from Sierra Trading Post
or
Cosmetic 2nd G3 or BD Skins from Gearx

Black diamond and G3 both make solid skins that can be found on sale. It used to be G3's had more glide and BD's climbed better but the latest versions from both companies are pretty similar. I recommend nylon skins for your first pair.

Packs


You can use your existing 30-40 liter pack but if you have some extra money there are some deals to be had on Black Diamond avalung packs which offer dedicated "wet room" pockets for shovel and skins as well as the avalung safety device which may let you breath in an avalanche burial or tree well.

Adjustable Poles




Black Diamond Adjustable Poles from Sierra Trading Post

If you have them, you can use non adjustable poles or get powder baskets for some trekking poles. A pair of adjustable poles is nice for long tours so you can extend them out to cross country ski lengths for kicking and gliding through long sections of flat.

Puffy Coat


Eddie Bauer also has some sales throughout the year on the super warm Peak XV


Brooks Range from Rei Outlet (act today and use the extra 25% off code).
or
Bergans Down Parka From The Clymb

If you don't already have one, a nice warm puffy coat is an essential piece of gear for rest stops and for safety should you need to spend the night out. I would use a synthetic for a warmer wet climate, a light down for dry climate and a full on baffled down parka for a very cold climate. 

38 comments:

Gregory Davis said...

Hmm!! This blog is really cool, I’m so lucky that I have reached here and got this awesome information.
used powder skis

Richard Majece said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Richard Majece said...

I must say that this information will be useful to read for Internet users. It's important to know more about hacking whatsapp

Unknown said...

Learn new words every day with spanish dictionary online.

Abid Karwan said...

It is truly beneficial info for all of those who are viewing for these type of material for touring in snow area and I must say that if you have no idea how to survive in snow area then you can take help from the Media Advertising Agency which is one of the best platforms for all of you who are viewing for experts to survive in snow area.

LasseNielsen said...

I can`t even imagine that to find info you need for disertation could be so difficult. But I found that information, so that is why I will share with you Payforessay service (the service which can edit your dissertations and make it perfect). Hope there are students and that help you.

Unknown said...

If you suspect your iphone is been tapped, there's only one way to find out. click on the link on how to tell if iphone has been hacked

Unknown said...

As a parent, I frequently find myself worried about whether my kid is safe online. You know - with all those bullying issues and scammers everywhere. A solution that I found being efficient for me is an app from ultimate phone spy. With it, it's easy to track a phone and monitor calls and messages.

Anonymous said...

Do you need to track your kids and spouses activities? check out this site for the best monitoring app

Whome1996 said...

It's not easy for me to listen to reproaches about my bad grades every time, so I decided to find myself an assistant and found this site https://freepaperwriter.com/ that does any kind of written work.

Tiny W said...

I love skiing. It's so fascinating, but I don't know how to skii fireboy and watergirl

Anonymous said...

Hi! Thanks for this info. Are you interested in crypto trading? On my site you can watch a review of the best telegram channels with crypto trading signals.

Roger Arin said...

Wow!! Thanks for sharing such a nice and informative piece of blog!!
I really like it and i hope you'll share such kind of blogs regularly with us in future!!
nighthawk black pearl paint gallon

Qasim Khan said...

This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research https://krogerexperiencee.com/

harry said...

I was a professional in skiing but a few years back I had a terrible accident and the doctor restricted me from putting any pressure on my ankle. Since then I’ve stopped skiing and started providing the Best Online Assignment Help to students. I still have my ski gear with me which I take out when I miss skiing.

SITES 2021 said...

I don't know what to say after reading this article. Anyway, hope for the best. Everything will be alright one day. Don't lose your hope. There will be a day you can do everything. I will pray for you. May God bless you.
ģ„Æė‹¤
ź³ ģŠ¤ķ†±

SITES 2021 said...

Even in this condition, you are looking so cute and beautiful. Always keep that smile on your face. It indicates your confidence. I think that doggie is your best friend. He looks smart. Share your emotions with others you love. It will be a great relief for you.
ķ† ķ† ģ‚¬ģ“ķŠø
ģŠ¤ķ¬ģø ķ† ķ† 

SITES 2021 said...

This was a very motivational post. I wish you all the luck. Get well soon my dear. God is with you. Happy to know that you are getting better day by day and feeling happy. Stay blessed..!!
ģ¼ė³øģ•¼ė™
ģ„±ģøģ›¹ķˆ°

SITES 2021 said...

As I website possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling great , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.
ķ† ķ† ģ‚¬ģ“ķŠø
ķ† ķ† ģ‚¬ģ“ķŠø

MichelAnthony said...

I just wanted to say that I love every time visiting your wonderful post! Very powerful and have true and fresh information about psychology . Thanks for the post and effort! Please keep sharing more such a blog
Site: Negan Leather Jacket

joaquinkylian said...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog
Infinity Oil with extra informatiy helpful for me.

Unknown said...

This is a great inspiring bog.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information...
Site: Yellowstone Kevin Costner Jacket

David Carter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
David Carter said...

Nice post. Keep it up. The knowledgeable specialists at uBreakiFix can fix a number of problems, including a cracked case, broken controllers, and other problems, when you bring your Xbox One for repair close to me. Read this article to learn about How to fix Xbox Controller.

Stella Brown said...

Expert Assignment Help UK
Thank you for sharing this valuable post
Do you need Expert Assignment Help UK at the Cheapest Price? Visit us
Assignment Task is an assignment writing help provider for all level students, such as Graduate Post Graduates, MBA/PhD etc., in the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada and other countries. We have highly qualified Experts who assist students with plagiarism-free content. We are available on the internet with live chat support.

Mariah John said...

Case Study Help UK
Thank you for sharing this useful article
Do you need Assignment Help UK at a Reasonable Price? Visit us
Case Study Help is 24/7 hours available on the internet with live chat support at casestudyhelp.com. We are helping students with their assessment tasks. We offer assignment writing services in 100+ subjects from highly qualified and experienced top writers.

Mariah John said...

Case Study Help UAE
Thank you for sharing this helpful blog
Looking for Affordable Assignment Help UAE at Case Study Help
Case Study Help is one of the UAE’s best assignment writing service providers. We offer affordable and professional assignment help to our customers in the UAE and worldwide. We have skilled and experienced top writers. Students can contact us through our site at https://casestudyhelp.com/

Mariah John said...

Consumer Behavior Assignment Help
Thanks a lot for this helpful blog
Get a Consumer Behavior Assignment Help service to meet the high expectations of your professors. Case Study Help provides Assignment Help and Writing Services from skilled and work of experience top writers who assist you with 100% unique and plagiarism-free content. Students can visit our site on the internet at any time.

Stella Brown said...

Assignment Writing Service UK
What a great post you have shared
Looking for Assignment Writing Service UK by Experts at Assignmenttask.com
We have a group of favorably capable and experienced writers dedicated to providing top-quality academic writing services to students across the UK. We offer many types of
Assignment Help like case studies, essays, dissertation help, account, management etc., for any level of students, such as graduated or postgraduate level.

James Abe said...

Thanks for sharing this post.
Are you searching for MBA Human Resource Management Assignment Answers? Do you need an expert’s assistance with your assignment? No more worried about it. Grab your assignment solutions at the best price at Assignment Task.

johnstepan said...

I really value the quality writing you put into your blog because it contains important information.
abogados del capĆ­tulo 7 cerca de mĆ­

myassignmenthelp21 said...

Great Post
If you are looking for affordable and reliable assignment help Singapore, myassignmenthelp.sg is a perfect choice. With a team of experienced writers and a commitment to quality, they ensure that every assignment is delivered on time and to the highest possible standard.

Malaysia Translators said...

Nice post
When it comes to finding the best translation services in Johor Bahru, Malaysiatranslators.com is the go-to choice for businesses and individuals alike. With a team of highly skilled translators and editors, they are equipped to handle any translation project, big or small.

James Abe said...

Thanks for sharing this valuable information!

Hire our expert writers and get the best assignment help Sharjah. We provide you affordable assistance at Assignmenttask.com. We offer the most reliable and trustworthy assignment help services in Sharjah. Connect with us now!

Alejandro Sterling said...

This article is a prime example of the beauty of simplicity. It conveys its message with clarity and elegance, leaving a lasting impression. Complete color blindness, known as achromatopsia, is a rare but profound form of color blindness. People with this condition see the world in shades of gray and may also experience other visual impairments, such as sensitivity to light. Get detailed information about Types of colorblind.

Stella Brown said...

Are you facing problems writing your Financial Planning Assignment Help? Don’t worry AssignmentTask.com provide assignment writing services online in all subjects from professional writers. We are available with our team of experts, and they are always present to help students.

David Carter said...

I appreciate the author's talent for delivering a clear and concise message. This article is a breath of fresh air in a world of information overload. One possible solution for a phone vibration issue is to clear the cache partition. This can help resolve any temporary software glitches that may be affecting the vibration function. Go through this article to know more about Fix phone vibration issue.

abigailuna said...

The "Backcountry Ski Gear on the Cheap, Fall 2013" review offers budget-friendly, reliable gear options for backcountry skiing enthusiasts. It highlights the importance of quality and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that great gear doesn't always come with a high price tag. MediaciĆ³n de Divorcio Estado de Nueva York