Reviews by User: THOMAS ARMENTO (36)

I should first preface that this is my first AT boot so I can't compare the Scarpa Typhoon to others. But I've put on 6 long days on them this year and have been very pleased so far. I don't normally like a stiff boot, and my alpine boot (Technica Vento 10) is rated at a 95 flex. The flex of the Typhoon is so similar and the fit is super comfortable that I will end up wearing this everyday this year regardless if it's at a resort or in the backcountry. I was pretty surprised at the weight as well (for reference, mine are a size 27.5 and weigh 8lbs, 4.4 oz for the pair or 3757 grams for you metric freaks). Although there are other lighter options, only a handful can combine lightweight and high performance in the AT market; the Typhoon is one of them. I've had no trouble piloting skis with waists of 96mm, 112, and 136 while wearing these boots. Even at high speeds in choppy snow, they provided enough stiffness to make me feel stable. Walk mode is great and I use it whenever possible since it makes hiking that much easier. I've done two tours with the Typhoon that were 2,000 feet each: one with the stiff tongue and one with the touring tongue. After experiencing both, I highly recommend using the touring tongue on the way up and then switch out at the end of your climb. Swapping out takes all of 15 seconds and your feet will be a lot happier. I haven't done any mountaineering or have used the rally sole yet, so I can't comment on either but I hope to be able to provide more input on this later in the year. Overall, I'm very happy with the purchase and would recommend the Typhoon to someone looking for an AT boot with middle-of-the-road weight but better than average downhill performance.

I toured roughly 120+ miles in the Duke last year and have been very pleased so far. This was my first touring binding, so I can't compare to others unfortunately. Throughout the long season, I didn't experience any durability or mechanical issues with the Duke. Some have criticized its uphill performance, but I've done 8-10 mile trips without much trouble. Sure there are lighter options out there, but very few will match the downhill performance which will be great for those looking to get into the sidecountry as well as short backcountry trips with the desire to have a more bomber binding.

I've used these poles about 5 times already this year and they are very flimsy and not sturdy at all. Sure, they are pretty lightweight but I wouldn't be surprised if I snapped them while skiing tomorrow. Even if you gave them to me for free, I sure as hell wouldn't use them. Save your money and buy something else instead.

This review is for the 190cm Ruby which differs vastly from the 180 and 188 lengths. Comparatively, the 190 is the stiffest (and similar to a newer Volkl Gotama) followed by the 180 and then the 188 which is the softest of the bunch. Both the 180/188 have a larger turned-up tail, but the 190 has a relatively flat tail which adds to a much longer running length which I measured to be 160cm. After spending 5 days on the Ruby, this will be my everyday ski without question. On firmer snow, they absolutely rail and I've yet to find a speed limit. Although the camber is large (3.8cm), they ski very damp and there hasn't been any tip flapping or deflection in choppy snow yet. As long as you stay out of the park, you should be very able to take the 190 Ruby out in all conditions. I've only had one powder day and it was shallow, but will update later once I get these skis in deeper snow.

I first got a pair of the Lobes back in early 2007 and since then I've fallen in love with them. After 80+ days of use, they still perform like they did on day one. As long as you don't remain stationery for too long, they do not fog up. In fact, I have yet to apply any additional anti-fogging cloth/liquid to the lens. First thing you'll notice is the super wide peripheral view which is probably the widest offered of any goggles on the market. After much abuse, the lens has minimal scratching and I honestly couldn't be happier. The Lobes will certainly be the last brand of goggles I buy unless Poc finds some way to improve a near perfect product. One thing to note on the negative side is that the inner orange-colored foam peeled away after about 10 days, but this didn't affect performance or comfort.

The Comi-Kazi was my go-to powder ski last season and put a good 15+ days on them. The swallowtail really helps sink the tail down and combined with 54cm of tip rocker (contrary to what the blurb above reads), you'll never find yourself struggling to stay afloat in the deepest of snow. Flex is fairly soft (medium-soft underfoot) such that I would never again take this ski out in anything but soft snow. Suggested mount line feels perfect and I wouldn't mount elsewhere. Landings are super stable as well. After lots of abuse, the bases have held up very well.

I skied the 192cm non-rockered version of the M1 last year. It's a very stiff ski that isn't forgiving (stiffer than a vintage 194 Dynastar Legend Pro). If you're not on your game and don't have strong legs, you will get tossed around and head inside for an early round of beers. Mount them up on the suggested line. Although these are NOT powder skis (I can't stress that enough), if you want more versatility, get the rockered version which will allow you to ski moderate levels of deep snow.

I skied the 188cm Tahoe last year towards the end of the season. First impression is that they are light (8.25 lbs. total for both skis). Flex is medium throughout. I think it could be a bit stiffer underfoot. Effective edge is 152cm which is similar to the 193cm Atomic Thug, 188cm Dynastar Big Trouble, and 185cm Rossignol Scratch BC. At 96mm underfoot, float was adequate but I would use something else when it's deeper than 6". It has lots of pop along with the 2-3cm of camber. Performance is substantial in variable conditions. Mount these with AT bindings for an incredibly light setup; 180cm version weighs 7.75 pounds and has a 144cm effective edge.

The one thing most people will notice with the BCA Tracker is how idiot-proof it really is. Although others certainly have a much longer range, this beacon is perfect for someone new to backcountry skiing - it really doesn't get much easier to use. This is also one of the most affordable beacons available which will be easy on your wallet when venturing into a new aspect of the sport that is considerably expensive. Like everything, there are drawbacks, but if you want something effective and affordable, the BCA Tracker is a good choice.

I spent most of my spring and summer skiing while wearing the R4 and have been very pleased so far. When temps get above 50F, it can get a bit warm but the ventilation by the pits certainly help. At times, I think its wind resistance could be better, but I suppose that's what I get for taking this jacket above 13k feet with 40+mph winds. Durability has been top-notch so far and there are no problems to report. I don't have much experience with other fleeces, but will definitely consider the R4 should someone try to steal mine.

After becoming frustrated with the Marmot Eiger 35 (durability and size issues), I decided to upgrade to the Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 45+10. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed a difference of quality between this and other packs used: the fabric is relatively thick with durability and the construction is very solid. I use this pack for day backcountry skiing trips as well as non-hiking/non-skiing trips up to two weeks. Some features I like are the compression straps which are excellent for carrying your skis in an A-frame, the zippers are waterproofed, and the shoulder suspension straps which help keep the pack hanging high on your back versus being slouched down below your waist like other packs I've used. For ski trips, this pack can hold a pair of crampons, ice axe, shovel, 3 1-liter bottles of water, extra jacket, extra set of gloves, extra hat, extra set of goggles, and more. I've yet to use it for multi-day trips, but don't foresee any difficulty in using this pack for such adventures.

I've only spent a few days with these pants but so far, I'm very pleased with their performance and build. The Morph pants are plenty warm down to -5F and are still comfortable when it gets to around 50F. The fit is about perfect: not too baggy but not too fitted. The pockets are lined with fleece which certainly helps and the leg vents are a blessing on warmer days. Material seems to be very good and I feel confident this will make it through the season.

Based on some recommendations, I recently purchased the Full Metal Jackets. Up until now, I've never found earbud headphones that actually fit well since my ear canal is pretty small. Most of the time, earbuds are either uncomfortable or fall out with a slight tilt of the head. These were the complete opposite, and I couldn't be any happier. The fit is very snug and I would rate the sound quality 4 out of 5. While on long runs, these have yet to fall out. Best earbud purchase I've made yet.

I bought the Conduit SL for the coldest part of the winter and it has exceeded all expectations. I've worn it with temperatures as low as -20 F and as high as 30 F. Although it was incredibly warm at the low end, I didn't feel overheated at the higher end. The material seems to be very durable as I put this jacket through some abuse over the past ski season especially while skiing through trees. Wish it was a bit longer but I didn't notice anything adverse about that regarding deep powder days.

I have put in 5+ days with the CR pant and so far, performance has been great. My legs don't normally get cold, but I was out skiing for 3 hours with -15 temps (-35 wind chill), and the CR pant kept my lower half plenty warm. I am a size 38 waist and the XL is a bit too big for me. The fit on the CR pant is very loose and baggy but also pretty comfortable. The vents on the legs are great on warmer days and the pockets have PLENTY of room for storage. Would recommend this pant for those looking for something lightweight with deep pockets, ample ventilation, and a loose feel.

I recently replaced an older probe with this one and the difference is night and day. Out of the pack to full assembly takes just a couple seconds which is important when someone's life is on the line.

I've been on these a few days so far and am totally digging them. There's not much insulation, but I'm not a guy whose legs get cold. The red color is super bright and perfect for slutting it up for the photos. Fit is comfortable (not baggy at all, but not super Euro slim either). I find the XL fits true to size. I've had these out with temps just below 0F (-20 Celsius) and they kept me warm without much base layer underneath. On a very deep powder day, my legs stayed completely dry.

Before this year, I previously used the Marmot Randonnee glove and had great results with it until the fabric was pretty much shredded from normal wear and tear. So I switched to the Hestra Heli glove this year and couldn't be happier. It has some great features like a removable liner and a rather larger gauntlet that is perfect for keeping snow out of your sleeves on the deeper days. I can't comment on durability yet since it's still the early season, but the Heli glove was plenty warm when wind chill values dropped to -20F (-30 Celsius). It was also plenty dry on a day where it was snowing close to 2" per hour.

I used the Holt for all of last season, and it proved very substantial in the coldest of temperatures (as far down as -10F). It was a bit too much on warmer days, but I doubt most will be wearing it far into the summer. Luckily for me, I didn't hit any trees last year, so I can't really comment on how well it holds up in crashes. On the negative side, the chin strap was super annoying and the fabric was constantly sticking to the inside of my jacket. I've since been wearing the Giro MX which I like a lot better.

My review is for the 07/08 version (I'm not sure what changes, if any, Nordica made to this ski for 08/09). I used this ski early on last season, but had to dump it because it wasn't performing up to par. I felt the float was substantial in anything up to 24" but beyond that, the Blowers left much to be desired (for reference, I'm 5'10", 215#). Nordica lists the turning radius at 29m for the 193cm length but that's a load of garbage; this ski is far turnier than that and I would compare it more to a 23-25m radius ski. Although the Blowers are 110mm in the waist, they are strictly a powder ski. In hardpack conditions, I've felt that these skis got tossed around quite a bit. I've heard the 185cm length is better suited for non-powder since it has the same amount of material as in the 193cm. The Blowers can be had for cheap, but you do get what you pay for. On the plus side, they are a ton of fun in the trees and are better than average for stomping airs.

I don't have experience with other brands of climbing skins, but I've found the Nylon STS to be very durable during spring ascents where you will encounter non-snow surfaces along the way. As long as you don't slip back, traversing/climbing along rocky surfaces doesn't cause any rips in the skin. Longevity of adhesion has only been an issue after 8 hours into a multi-tour day. Avoid using the plastic netting to retain better adhesion.

I spent a few days on a stiff version of the Comi, so my review may night be directly correlated to what's offered at Backcountry.com but it might worth posting. These are easily my new favorite ski. Performance in powder is excellent as expected, but this ski really shines when things begin to get tracked-out. They are super stable at high speeds and they slice right through crud. For its size, this ski is surprisingly quick in the trees and tight spots. Hardpack performance is adequate though I did find the Comi uncomfortable on long, flat traverses. If you're looking for a powder ski that doesn't need to be swapped out in the afternoon of a pow day, this is it.

I now have quite a few mixed powder days on the 190 Ruby, and have been surprised considering the amount of camber. You can definitely smear your turns in soft snow and I've yet to experience any tip dive or feelings of going over the handlebars. In crust or sunbaked powder, they performed very well with minimal tip deflection. Suggested mount point (-9cm of chord center) is perfect and I wouldn't mount elsewhere. Very good all-around ski that can handle both firm, soft, and variable snow conditions.

My pair only lasted through 1.5 seasons, but before the fabric around the fingers ripped, these gloves did the job. They remained warm enough without additional liners even when temperatures dropped to -10F. On the deepest of powder days, the gaiter helped block any snow from entering. And it looks like Marmot is now using better waterproofing material on the Randonnee which should certainly help with dryness issues of the past. I have since switched brands but fully trust Marmot has perfected this glove.

Absolutely love this base layer. Not only is it plenty warm when combined with a lightweight fleece and shell on colder days, but it wicks away moisture very well and keeps you dry when sweating hard on a long tour in warm weather. I'm 5'10" & 215lbs and felt the XL fit true to size, however, the area around the neck is a bit looser than I would like. Sleeve length seemed to be perfect.

Obviously, you can tell that these poles will come out great in photos, but their functionality is top notch: great grip, very sturdy, and durable.

I used this pack for sidecountry trips and short backcountry tours last season. Until the ski strap ripped off late in the year, I've had great experiences with the Heli Pro. It's big enough for your shovel, probe, skins, food, and water without being overbearing. As someone already mentioned, the diagonal ski attachment is not the greatest and I would be wary of the wear and tear you'll have over time. I've since moved on to using the Lowe Alpine pack, but feel the Heli Pro is still a decent choice for resort and sidecountry use.

In sum, the Snow Attack from Lowe Alpine gets the job done. As an owner of other gear from them, I was quite disappointed with the construction of this pack. While it has plenty room for shovel, probe, skins, two sets of goggles, two Nalgene bottles, and camera, a few things are troublesome. First, the shoulder suspension system is INSIDE the pack. I can't think of any reason for this as you need to adjust the straps accordingly. With skis on my pack, I tend to pull it tight so the skis are set high, but while making my way downhill, I prefer the pack to have a lowered feel for a more comfortable ride. Second, the pack seems more fit for someone with a smaller torso. And lastly, there were multiple times when the zipper to the fleece compartment on the top of the pack came undone. There is absolutely no excuse for that and I would be cautious about what to place in that particular pocket.

First thing you should know is that this jacket is insulated. Also, the cuffs are pretty bulky and have fleece on them. The hood is pretty useless and is not even head-compatible at all. On the plus side, the chest pockets have a decent amount of space and the cut if loose but not too baggy. If you want something warm and comfortable, by all means go for the Orage TJ, but if you want something more fitting and useful, go for another jacket instead.

I purchased the Reactor fleece about a month ago and since then, it's packed with me whenever I head out. It seems to have a great weight-to-warmth ratio which I wasn't expecting. While this fleece is great as a mid-layer, you can definitely use it everyday even when temperatures get below freezing.

I recently purchased this jacket off SAC for $200, so right off the bat, it's getting five stars (more if I could). But I've been pleasantly surprised so far by the performance and quality of the La Grave softshell (it's more of a hybrid if you ask me). While the fit is snug, the XL is a perfect fit for me at 5'10", 215lbs. And there's enough room for a midweight baselayer and 100wt fleece underneath. A couple of weeks ago, I was wearing this jacket up to Berthoud Pass and I barely felt the 40+ mph sustained winds along the 12,000-foot ridge.

I recently purchased the white-framed Iris Bug with orange lens and couldn't be happier. I spent yesterday at Breckenridge where the flat light was pretty bad. The orange lens made everything super clear and provided ample contrast to guide me through some sketchy weather conditions. The peripheral view on these is great and didn't have any fogging issues yet but I haven't tested them long enough to find out. If you are in need of a high quality pair of goggles for flat light, look no further.

First impression? "Wow, this is really light." Second impression? "Damn I'm pretty warm." I recently used this bag on an overnight trip and was pleased with how light the bag was and how well it compressed. As others have alluded, I'm not sure it rates down to 20-degrees, but I was more than comfortable with temperatures just below freezing for more than a few hours. The bag has a nice snug fit that helps keep the majority of the heat very close to your body. Even with some running water that seeped into the tent, the Slickrock did a great job remaining dry. Right now, I can only rate this as 4 stars, but I suspect that over time, this bag will stand tried and true to the Alps name.

I would give this 5 stars, but since the goggle strap button ripped off after 30 days, it gets 3. It wasn't even that cold at the time the button broke, so I don't know what gives. Otherwise, it's a great helmet. The visor is a big help when it's snowing. The venting is more than adequate on the warmer days. And the rear head adjustment is a nice touch as well.

I wore this glove for 2 seasons before the fabric around the fingers ripped to the point of not being fixable. Until then, I had above average experiences with it. Yes, this glove is super warm and did the job even when temperatures dropped to -10F, but I always thought its water resistant capabilities could be vastly improved. Looking at the materials used in this year's version, it certainly seems that Marmot has already addressed this issue.

I've been using the VIO POV since mid December and have been less than thrilled with the results. This is mostly a negative review, so I'll try to speak about the good as well. First, it's great having any helmet camera to record your best days on the mountain (or your most burly crashes), so right away I was stoked. Second, at 110-degree viewing range, I believe this has one of the largest viewing fields which seems to be its strongest point. Third, it's super easy to use and doesn't require much past a caveman's intellect to get it right. Now to the bad. Customer service at VIO is a joke and they will not honor their warranty on the cable connecting the camera to the recorder. A single cable needle broke after 10 days of use, and VIO pointed all blame at me without allowing me to explain myself. They said it was user error, but if it really was, I imagine all the needles inside the cable would have broke off. But instead, only ONE did. Second, you have to get the lighting almost perfect. Many times on bright sunny days, the snow will be WAY overexposed and will cause massive blowouts on the imaging. This offer makes your record completely unusable and non-fixable. I've also noticed the recording to show lots of fuzz on cloudy days. Again, it's awesome having a helmet cam, but I have to imagine there are MUCH better options out there from more legit companies that provide a better product at a more affordable price. At $600, your better off buying a DSLR instead.