Reviews by User: bcripper (6)

I cut my Burton Malolo powder board and turned it into a backcountry machine. The kit is better than I expected. However, if you don't have skills with your hands, get some help, it's not for the faint of heart. I would also advise looking at threads online that explain better how to do it yourself, there are lots of resources available, even on this site. You must use precision when drilling and mounting the pucks or you'll have problems like my buddy did. The provided instructions are minimal, but sufficient if you do your research first. The whole system isn't exactly light, but you don't notice it when ripping down the steeps, it performs exactly as my Malolo resort board in pow. However, it doesn't perform quite as well when riding inbounds icy hardpack conditions or moguls, edge to edge is a little slower and less precise possibly due to the additional height above the board. If you want to work a little for sick lines without long lines you must get a split and feel the freedom to explore. Just make sure and get avy and first aid training first, most backcountry is self rescue and the risks can be fatal.

I was told that Hestra made the best gloves available, and now I concur. Even though I'm a snowboarder, I went with the Seth Morrison's for several reasons. I wanted a low volume glove, with dexterity enough to handle switching bindings on my split board. They needed to be full leather, waterproof and warm to boot. Not many gloves fit the bill, but these have exceeded my expectations. I can't verify super cold temps, I've only tested them down to 10degF, but I have worn them above 30F, and my hands didn't sweat, and they were very waterproof in relatively wet conditions. I was concerned at first about them being too small, but after applying the supplied leather conditioner, and wearing them one day, they softened up and fit perfectly. However, I noticed the palm is pretty narrow, I don't have bear paws, so you may want a larger size if you do. I plan on using these for ice climbing as well, since the knuckles have some decent padding, and the grip/feel is outstanding. Btw, the finger squeegee works great too.

This jacket is super light but heavy on features and protection. Love the denier outer shell, it's tough enough to withstand high speed altercations with brush, rocks, etc. The construction is solid, totally waterproof, and breathes like a champ while ascending vigorous climbs. It's become my favorite shell, on piste or off. Plenty of room underneath for layers, but athletic enough that it doesn't get in the way with a pack. The price point is the icing, a great shell for nearly twice the price.

These skins have always worked well for me. However, I don't have anything to compare them to. I was concerned at first about the tails pulling up and getting snow underneath. So far, that hasn't proven true, but I also haven't used them in heavy wet snow yet. Like others have mentioned, they can be awful to pull apart in very cold temps. I typically put them inside my jacket on the descent to keep the glue more pliable. They are very powerful, the name is spot on, you can ascend very aggressive climbs. Make sure you trim them back from the edge far enough to get a solid hold on icy traverses.

I've beat these poles up in the backcountry for a year now with no complaints. They collapse to a perfect size for packing, but I'm not sure they're as sturdy for the same reason. I kinked and broke a pair with my edge the first day out. Black Diamond was awesome and replaced them no questions asked. My second pair have provided almost 50 days of hard use, climbing through rocks, bushes, crust, you name it, and I haven't had any problems. Love the flicklock system. My old twist lock Leki poles would slip all the time and I would have to duct tape them constantly. Another added bonus, these poles will attach to the end of the Black Diamond snow saw, which also has a flicklock mechanism, for cutting rutschblocks or cornices where reach is necessary.

It's just as described, fairly stiff, comfortable, supportive. Great control when mobbing top to bottom, variable terrain. Excellent backcountry boot, tough leather upper. I would recommend sealing/treating the leather, like any other serious mountaineering boot. On warm days they will soak up water, but don't leak or anything. I gave them a couple of good coats of Nikwax for boots and they still bead after 30+ days of hard use. Don't expect the leather to look pretty like the photo, they will quickly turn darker and polished by straps, like an old saddle. Looks rad though. I'm running '08 Cartel binders which have a lot of forward lean, so the boot has to be pushed into the heel pretty hard to get the heel to seat correctly. Size is true as a shoe. Much lower volume than my Burton Drivers or Shaun Whites, I could even go a size smaller on my binding. The straps are maxed out the opposite direction! I'd recommend to hardcore freeriders, I'm picky about my gear and try lots of stuff and these boots have been confidence inspiring and comfortable.