– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures

– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

Banner
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
    • Poetry
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Ski Weights Comparison
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Authors Page
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Ski Touring Binding Museum
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures
   

Outdoor Retailer — Short Walk to the Mylar

by Lou Dawson August 7, 2014
written by Lou Dawson August 7, 2014

Yeah, we’re back again at the temple of gear just a few blocks from the real Temple here in Salt Lake City. Sometimes I think I’d be more comfortable doing some prayer meditation over at the Tabernacle, but checking out what’s being done in the secular world by industrious humans is fun too. We had a few important contact appointments today that will bear later fruit. For now, I took a quick walk between business meetings to see what caught my eye.

While you won’t see much ski stuff at the summer OR show, many of our favorite backcountry focused gear folks are still here. Am stopping by BD today for the party line on changes at their company. More on that later.

For now, I did drive by La Sportiva and get the skinny on what’s happening with Vapor Nano, still probably the lightest backcountry ski (per surface area) on the market and a top favorite. We were paranoid they’d increase mass of the retail version. Happy to report they claim it’ll maintain same mass, with cosmetic chipping at the edges of the top-skin mitigated by the formerly white topskin having some darker grey at the edges so the black substrate doesn’t contrast so much.

Be that as it may, Vapor Nano is an expensive plank and costs what it does for a reason: it skis and it is light, so a bit of easily repaired cosmetic stuff is in my view a non-issue. Really, on most skis you can repair cosmetic chips the same way you detail tiny dings in your car paint — it you want to go that far.

In other ski info today, Benedikt ‘Beni’ Boehm of Dynafit is over in the great range attempting to climb and ski two 8,000 meter peaks in the same trip — another in the trend of expedition “enchainments” that seems to be picking up speed. Rumor has it this trip will theme a new ski from Dynafit called the ‘Double 8.’ According to insiders at Dynafit, all this surrounding a branding slogan “committed to the impossible.” Best wishes to Beni, alpinism on the 8,000-ers can be tricky, something he of course already knows having been through everything from apocalyptic snowstorms to the tragic Manaslu avalanche.

Goal Zero is a mandatory stop. While you can cobble backcountry PV systems from the many battery packs and portable panels available worldwide (take a quick look at Amazon), these guys continue to provide integrated gear with emphasis on everything: function, reliability, and even appearance. New this year is this sweet little “Venture” waterproof 30 watt-hour battery pack. Both USB connectors are the higher amperage variety that’ll give your device a quick charge if you’re rigged for it.

Goal Zero is a mandatory stop. While you can cobble backcountry PV systems from the many battery packs and portable panels available worldwide (take a quick look at Amazon), these guys continue to provide integrated gear with emphasis on everything: function, reliability, and even appearance. New this year is this sweet little “Venture” waterproof 30 watt-hour battery pack. Both USB connectors are the higher amperage variety that’ll give your device a quick charge if you’re rigged for it. Obvious LED lights indicated level of charge.

Showmanship demonstrates water resistance of Venture 30. In our view, any backcountry battery pack needs a modicum of moisture resistance, the more the better.

Showmanship demonstrates water resistance of Venture 30. In our view, any backcountry battery pack needs a modicum of moisture resistance, the more the better.

Goal Zero Sherpa 100 doubles the previous 50, lots of connectors including higher amperage USB.

Goal Zero Sherpa 100 doubles the previous 50, lots of connectors including higher amperage USB.

Goalzero.com

We're not big on endless backpack coverage, but always stop by Mystery Ranch because they  continue their  aura of authenticity.

We’re not big on endless backpack coverage of the seemingly infinite variety of rucksacks pumped out of China like smartphone cables, but I always stop by Mystery Ranch because they continue their aura of authenticity. Main take from them is their Blackjack airbag backpack will continue, with easier access to the pockets and otherwise the same mass and design. In their other packs, their line will become more cohesive in design, with a couple of lighter weight offerings in their ‘X series’ that are a welcome departure from their durable but admittedly heavy rucksacks. For example, at upper right notice their new ‘Ice Bag X-40’, which they designed with diligent crowd sourcing at ice festivals. With a roll top and minimalist feature set you could use this for speed alpinism or thru hiking — and it appears configurable as a ski pack.

Mysteryranch.com

I always stop by SOL to see what's new, as they continue to make some of the lightest, smallest and most affordable lightweight emergency bivvy sacks.  Essentially, nearly  any group of backcountry skiers should carry at least one SOL to cozy up a friend if  you're waiting for a rescue.

I always stop by SOL to see what’s new in stylish mylar, as they continue to make some of the lightest, smallest and most affordable emergency bivvy sacks. Essentially, nearly any group of backcountry skiers should carry at least one SOL to cozy up a friend if you’re waiting for a rescue.

The SOL bivvys you want to consider.

The SOL bivvys you want to consider. We prefer the two breathable versions, Escape and Escape Light (5.5 ounces). New this year you can get the Escape in a green ‘camo’ version (we’d still recommend the rescue orange color, but perhaps you need to make a game blind or surveillance shelter from your bivvy sack. In any case, since these things are so useful and can be had at reasonable prices they make nice gifts for backcountry folk.

At first I thought this SOL 5.8 ounce  sleeping pad was a  gimmick,  but then I started thinking.

At first I thought this SOL 5.8 ounce sleeping pad was a gimmick, but then I kept thinking. Combine with the 5.5 ounce Escape Light bivvy and you’ve got what could be a super effective emergency shelter at about 11 ounces, and you’re on snow so no worries about punctures (though they say you can easily repair with ‘scotch tape’). The lightweight backpack crowd will probably go crazy over this, though without internal insulation a blow-up air mattress is not as warm as it could be.

SOL website

Since we're on the subject of sleeping mats and pads.

Since we’re on the subject of sleeping mats and pads. Sea to Summit has made a startling progression from basically selling drybags to their present line including sleeping bags and beautifully engineered blowup ‘airsprung’ mats with synthetic insulation (also available without insulation). This appeared to be super lightweight and highly functional — keep your eye on them.

www.seatosummit.com/

I always glance at the ropes in the climbing product ghetto, it's overwhelming but a few  are always tempting as ski and glacier cords.

I always glance at the ropes in the climbing product ghetto, it’s overwhelming but a few are always tempting as ski and glacier cords. In this case, Beal offers their 7.3 mm ‘Gully Unicore’ coming in at only 36 grams per meter, fully waterproof and with their Unicore sheath bonded to the core. This is the good stuff. A 30 meter chunk would mass at a kilo, super.

Back at it again today. Overall, positive spirit of the outdoor industry continues to evidence and with nice weather here in SLC we’re enjoying a brief respite from logging and driveway improvements up at WildSnow HQ in Colorado. Though I’ll admit I feel the chainsaw calling my name.

6 comments
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
previous post
WildSnow South America 2014 — Soon
next post
Boys Go Shopping — Summer Outdoor Retailer

6 comments

Aaron August 7, 2014 - 5:17 pm

What’s the 7.3 Beal rope rated as? Half rope?

Lou Dawson August 7, 2014 - 7:13 pm

Cert as both twin and double. It is quite a cord in my opnion, though other skinny ropes are of course in the market. Lou

Powbanger August 9, 2014 - 6:59 am

Interested in the BD situation. The rumor mill is churning out misinformation fast.

Lou Dawson 2 August 9, 2014 - 9:47 am

Powbanger, more coming but am avoiding publishing rumors as link bait, I succumb to that occasionally but try to rise above (grin). If you want to be more specific about need for certain information I can give you my opinion based on meetings with BD folks and insider sources. Lou

Charlie August 12, 2014 - 12:39 am

After the BD Q2 releases and conference call, do you have any more thoughts, Lou?

Lou Dawson 2 August 12, 2014 - 9:18 am

Charlie, in case you’re on email notification, I just published a blog about BD this morning. https://www.wildsnow.com/14017/black-diamond-equipment-business-changes-2014-2015/

Lou

Comments are closed.

Recent Comments

  • Steve on Simple and Dependable — Black Diamond Helio 145 Binding Review
  • S. Anstrum on Simple and Dependable — Black Diamond Helio 145 Binding Review
  • A. K. Mattix on Envisioning a Friendly, Busier Backcountry — Shaun Deutschlander Q&A
  • phillip gallagher on Envisioning a Friendly, Busier Backcountry — Shaun Deutschlander Q&A
  • WNDR Alpine on Versatile and Sustainable — WNDR Vital 100 Ski Review

Gear Reviews

  • Versatile and Sustainable — WNDR Vital 100 Ski Review

    January 14, 2021
  • Meidjo 3.0 Binding Review – Backcountry Telemark Evolves

    January 12, 2021
  • Tele Tech First Look — Voile Ultra Vector BC, 22 Designs Lynx, Scarpa TX Pro

    January 5, 2021

Trip Reports

  • Finding Early Turns on Rainier’s Muir Snowfield

    November 14, 2020
  • Treading Lightly Through Close-to-Home Mountains

    October 6, 2020
  • Snoqualmie Classic — Chair Peak Circumnavigation

    May 26, 2020

Totally Deep Podcast

  • Risky Business — Zahan Billimoria on Solving for Z

    December 14, 2020
  • Totally Deep Podcast 81 — CAIC Director Ethan Greene

    December 9, 2020
  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Avalanche Education — Totally Deep Podcast 80

    November 16, 2020

Tips & Tricks

  • 10 Essential Mistakes for the Backcountry Ski Touring Beginner

    December 2, 2020
  • Buying Used Gear Guide Part II — Poles, Avy Gear, Packs

    November 25, 2020
  • Save Your Ski Day — Emergency Car Kit Essentials

    November 24, 2020

Ski Touring Stories

  • Giving Myself the Gift of Backcountry

    January 15, 2021
  • Six Who Dared — Elk Mountains Traverse & Richard Compton Tribute

    January 7, 2021
  • Risky Business — Zahan Billimoria on Solving for Z

    December 14, 2020

Newsletter Sign-Up

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • About Lou Dawson
  • Authors Page
  • About
  • Contact
  • Copyright & Legal
  • Website Security

@2020 - All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by WildSnow


Back To Top

Read alsox

Euro Puro Amoro — La Sportiva...

January 13, 2021

Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampon Review

January 4, 2021

Outdoor Research Carbide W Jacket &...

December 24, 2020