I was really excited to test this jacket from BlackYak. Based on my social media feed this season, they seemed like the hottest new thing in town. It turns out BlackYak has been making mountaineering gear since 1973 in South…
With winter finally coming into full swing, it’s time to break out the ice tools and join the mad rush to find the best ice. The hunt for backcountry ice often involves long and steep approaches. Typically those require a…
Airbag backpacks are becoming an increasingly standard part of peoples’ backcountry safety kit. It’s hard to argue with their effectiveness but it can be hard to bear the thought of carrying so much extra weight. Enter the BCA Float 27…
At first thought, two-way radios aren’t that amazing. I mean really, how awesome can they be? You have a few channels, an on/off volume dial, and a button to talk in to. After giving that a little thought, that is…
Ski touring in the Intermountain West day-in and day-out generally calls for soft shell everything. You will usually find me touring in light, breathable clothing for the ascent and a warm puffy jacket for the descent due to frosty temps, sunny days,…
As a full time backcountry ski guide in the winter, I spend countless hours breaking trail and skiing in a plethora of snow and weather conditions. It is critical to have inner and outerwear that both fits and functions at…
I was initially skeptical of Backcountry Access’ (BCA’s) new Scepter Carbon Poles. With the backcountry ski industry ramping up we see new designs and changes popping up every year. After my first ski tour with the Scepters I was sold this…
This winter I tested a pair of Upslope goggles from Native’s new line. This was a particularly fun test for me because once upon a time I had a ‘real job’ working as Customer Service manager for Smith Optics in…
At first glance the Stash 30 backpack from Backcountry Access in the blue color with orange highlights is a little flashy for my taste (it also comes in black), however, after giving it some thought, it’s perfect for Denver Broncos fans…
‘It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.’ – JRR Tolkien I had a feeling when I…