The climb from the snowmobile went quick- so quick that it was obvious that we were too early to catch any corn. Western State bowl, on the other hand, was looking pretty good so we dropped in there. Sydney:

It’s tough to see, but our tracks are in there somewhere. Conditions were surprisingly good, and we had the place to ourselves.

We headed back up the Southwest ridge and had some great views of the massive slides that came off Purple Ridge after the last storm on March 1-2. The upper Slate river was choked with dirty snow and rock from the slides that went all the way to the ground. Nasty.

We got to the top of the South Bowl and geared up for a corn descent. Many of you know that I have a very lukewarm attitude when it comes to Dynafit bindings. To me, they have a lot of downfalls. The scariest thing about them is when the toepiece has a bit of snow in it- which invariably causes a nasty prerelease. I haven’t personally experienced this problem, but I have seen some terrifying falls in the past. Well, I didn’t spend enough time cleaning out my toepiece and as a result I walked right out of my ski on the second turn and watched as my ski descended 1,000′ without me. Here I am, pretty excited to have wasted a perfect corn run (the toepiece was still locked when I got there):

Oh well. I guess I’m a little wiser now and I’ll spend extra time fiddling with the Dynafiddles next time. At least we still had another 1,000′ to go:

Despite the gear issue, it was still a great day out. Celebrate “peak week” (last week when we were actually able to get up on some peaks) with some new gear: Take an extra 25% off orders of $150 or 30% off orders of $200+ at Sierra Trading Post. Enter code AVMAR2 at checkout. Valid through April 4, 2012. . Coupon Code: AVMAR2

The Vector is different in several ways from most beacons. For one thing, it’s a 4-antenna beacon, and for another it uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The multiple antennas should decrease the “thinking time” during a search, and the rechargeable batteries should let you start every tour at full power. As long as the battery lasts a long time (so charging it isn’t an issue on an extended multi-day hut trip or expedition), I’m all for it. As a side note, and most people know this, don’t use rechargeable batteries in other beacons!

But the big thing with this beacon is its’ GPS capabilities. While this can be used just for fun tracking your tours’ mileage and vertical, it also adds some great features for searching and rescue. Assuming you have cell or satellite phone coverage, you’ll be able to use the GPS function in an emergency to notify rescuers of your position. Then there’s the “dig-dug” screen, as some have taken to calling it:

Sadly, this is a bad picture, but those of you who remember the old video game Dig-Dug will quickly understand it. If you’re searching a large avalanche debris field, this mode will keep you from retracing your steps as you work to acquire a signal. Just watch the screen and make the screen turn from black to white as you cover ground. Definitely a useful feature if you’re searching a large area.

This seems like a really great beacon, but it’s a bit bulky and not exactly cheap (though it has more features than most).

Up next is the Global Finder. The best way to describe this product is a cross between a SPOT/PLB rescue beacon and a satellite phone, plus everything you’d find in a GPS unit. If you were way off the beaten path, you would be able to use it to communicate- to say hi to loved ones, or to ask a weather guru what they thought the next week might be like. And if an accident strikes, you can send out an emergency signal like a SPOT/PLB, and also receive messages from Search and Rescue or a doctor’s advice. Pretty sweet. You might notice that it’s the exact same body as the Vector. Coincidence? Or a sneak peak at the super-beacon of the future?

Finally, there’s the iProbe. Here’s Carl killing Carl:

The iProbe is really cool to see in action. Basically, it’s a beacon on a probe that assists in your final fine search. A few extra seconds can be saved by using the iProbe, and if everyone in the party has an iProbe-compatible beacon like the Pieps DSP, it can turn them off automatically once it hits them. In a multi-person burial, this would be a really useful tool to have, especially if everyone was using Pieps. I would imagine some of the heli and cat operations would find the iProbe very useful. For the average recreational user, it might not be worth the cost and slight additional weight (compared to a regular probe). Nevertheless, hats off to Pieps for coming up with such an innovative product.

Neova contacted me a couple of months ago, asking me to review their sunscreen products. I’m always game for testing anything out. But, I have to admit, I was skeptical as I am usually particularly picky about sunscreen. I didn’t know that Neova would send me the best facial sunscreen I’ve ever used.

I usually find that facial sunscreens are too scented and feel like a glop of grease on my face. Those that pass the initial odor and grease test often still continue to clog the pores on my already oily face, causing break outs. The one or two sunscreens that don’t do any of the above still rub off easily if I want to use them while playing in the outdoors. Neova sunscreen is the only sunscreen I’ve tried that passes all these criteria.

After using Neova every day for the last month, I’ll be honest, I’m amazed at Neova’s performance. Using “transparent” zinc oxide, this sunscreen feels light when applying to my face. Instead of contributing to the oil on my face, it seems to reduce it. In fact, using this sunscreen has actually caused me to have less break-outs. With SPF’s in the 40′s it’s a great, and essential, sunscreen for a high-altitude girl like myself.

More than just a Sunscreen
Neova DNA Damage Control does so much more than protecting you from daily doses of UV-rays. This sunscreen also contains DNA repair enzymes which help correct and reverse some of the cellular damage already caused by harmful UV-rays. Liposomes are used to deliver the DNA repair enzymes, targeting the site of the DNA injury, reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. After using this sunscreen for a month, I already notice a reduction in dark spots and an increase in softer, younger-looking skin.

This video gives a brief explanation of how the DNA repair enzymes work:

Not just for the Ladies
There is no doubt that Neova DNA Damage Control Sunscreen is geared toward women. But, I did have Frank test the sunscreen as well. In his words, “Even a guy can tell that’s some mean sunscreen.”

Two Products
I had the opportunity to test two different Neova DNA Damage Control products: the Everyday sunscreen with SPF 43 and the Active sunscreen with SPF 45. Both sunscreens boast transparent zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, DNA repair enzymes, Vitamin C to promote vitality, and a superantioxidant (L-ergothioneine) to suppress free-radical damage.

While still providing the same basic protection and repair, there are a few things that do differ in the sunscreens. The Everyday sunscreen contains sodium hyaluronate to provide a moisturizing boost and Vitamin E for it’s anti-oxidant and moisturizing properties. The Active sunscreen comes in a formula that is highly-water resistant, perfect for outdoor athletes.

I find the Everyday and Active sunscreens to be the perfect mix. Living at 9,800 feet, I know I am unusually susceptible to the sun, and I tend to wear sunscreen every day. The Everyday sunscreen is perfect for the weekdays where I work and then play hard after. The Active sunscreen is perfect for the weekends where I play hard all day. Either way, Neova DNA Damage Control sunscreen has become part of my daily regimen. I highly recommend this product to both active men and active women, especially those who have sensitive and picky skin like me. Like I said, it’s the best facial sunscreen I have ever tried.

Link to Neova DNA Damage Control website.

First off, here’s the official info from BCA, complete with an instructional video. Ideally, wherever you’re visiting has a refill center, and in our case in Alaska, we had a couple to choose from in Anchorage. So, after getting our practice pulling the trigger on the airbag back in Colorado and traveling to Alaska, we found ourselves at Dive Alaska. It’s pretty simple really- take your empty cylinder and unscrew the two allen bolts seen here:

Next, pull the trigger pin out to release the valve stem. The valve stem has a tiny O-ring on it which may be broken or lost when the airbag is activated. While the O-ring can potentially be re-used, it’s best to re-grease and install a new O-ring. Your BCA canister came with all these parts, as well as instructions covering all this (the empty looking bag is actually grease):

Then your refill center fills it back up, to 2700psi. Because the cylinder will heat up and the pressure will change as it cools down, it may take a while. We did not wait long enough (or Dive Alaska filled it too fast) and we ended up with cylinders just below the recommended pressure by the time we got to Girdwood, 45 minutes away. This is the one thing I’ll be paying more attention to in the future- it’s best to make sure the pressure has stabilized in the proper range before taking off. Cost was $10 per canister.

Back here in the Crested Butte area, we were able to refill at All Sports Replay in Gunnison. For some reason they’re not on BCA’s list of refill centers, but they definitely knew their stuff. The cost here was $7.50, and it should be noted that had I done the re-lubing of the valve myself, the cost would have only been $4.00. Pretty good deal for those of us in the Gunnison Valley.

The final verdict: traveling with the Float 36 in this case was just a minor inconvenience, not a major hassle. Check out the smaller Float 18 for the sidecountry:

Scott Clothing
In case you haven’t realized, Scott’s clothing got bright this year. Neon bright. For next year, the brightness is maintained, but perhaps with a bit less neon. But one thing we found particularly interesting was this piece.

Scott Clothing has a full line of clothing that includes spine protectors, both soft and rigid, for both men and women, for this year and next. While we feel this is usually unnecessary in the backcountry (as backs are usually protected by backpacks), these clothes are a great idea for those desiring such protection at the resort, but looking to tone down the bulk just a little bit.

La Sportiva
La Sportiva continues with the RT Tech Binding. This Dynafit-esque binding has the added value of having a separate release adjustment for the touring mode which many skiers may also choose to use this locked mode while skiing (whether they should or not). In essence, the locked mode can be adjusted. Though it is not, unfortunately, a release adjustment for ski mode. In our opinion, the first tech binding manufacturer to add toe release values to their products will have a huge leg up on the competition.

La Sportiva also continues with their current line of skis, boasting the popular Hi5 alpine touring ski which, like many new skis on the market, has early rise. For next year, La Sportiva has focused much of their time and attention to releasing a brand new clothing line. Euro-colors will meet the American market. The pieces look practical and comfortable, with a bit of flare. But we like them and hope they do well here.

Garmont
Garmont is introducing the Cosmos. At 1450 grams in a size 27.5, they claim this is the lightest 4-buckle boot on the market. In this boot, Garmont merges the desire for a stiff high performing boot with the want for a light boot.

With a flex rating of 125, this boot also has quite the range of movement in touring mode, as shown in this picture above. Garmont is also coming out with a women’s version of the boot, called the Celeste. With a flex rating of 120, this boot is 1250 grams in a size 24.5.

Next year Garmont will continue producing the Delirium and the corresponding women’s Asylum. At about 75% more weight than the Cosmos/Celeste and with a similar flex rating, it will be interesting to see how skiers compare the performance of these boots on the slopes.

Tecnica Women’s Cochise Boots
Frank has already reviewed the men’s Cochise boots. But, Frank only has mentioned the upper end of the Cochise line (pro, regular, and light). Below you’ll find the full line of Cochise boots.

The boots on the bottom two rows are some of the most interesting. Tecnica is leading the way in a potentially up and coming niche in the ski market. These boots, with a flex of 100 or 90, both men’s and women’s, are geared toward the resort skier who may choose to do some small tours. But, the locking feature on this “touring” boot is actually intended to be more of a walk mode. Simply put, the lock/un-lock will be marketed as a convenience feature rather than a performace feature. If I remember correctly, all of these boots come with DIN soles but have the option to replace with a tech sole. At retail prices of $399 for 90 flex and $499 for 100 flex, this boot could be a great and affordable option for recreational skiers and those looking for a boot for occasional touring. However, as a female who is passionate about skiing both in-bounds and out, I have to say I’m disappointed that Tecnica chose to focus on these lower lines rather than coming out with a higher end boot for females. Being the second year of the Cochise, I feel a bit shafted that Tecnica has made a recreational boot for women, but has not made a technical boot for us. I’m hoping to see a 110 or 120 flex Cochise boot for women in 2013-14!

Lange
Similar to Tecnica, Lange is working in the “walk mode” features into their line as well.

Lange has a 130 XT ($699), 120 XT ($649), 110 XT ($599), and 100 ($549) for men. Similar to Tecnica, only flex of 100 ($599) and 90 ($499) are available to women. These boots will be available in different widths, 97mm or 100mm. Lange is marketing these as an “adventure boot”, for those who want some touring or walking capability. Lange has a releasable lock for walk mode, but locks down at 20 degrees for ski mode.

The soles are best described as a mix between a Vibram sole on a touring boot and a regular alpine ski boot. Made of a plastic that’s harder than Vibram or vibram-type material, but harder than traditional plastic, it will definitely grip better than an alpine boot. But, it will not wear as fast as a softer material. One major downfall to these soles is that there is no tech sole option at this time. So, if you’re using these boots, leave your Dynafits at home:)

Like Tenica, I find it disappointing that Lange did not release a higher end boot for the women. Having skied Lange boots for 16 years (World Comp 120 ), I’m looking forward to them coming out with a 110 or 120 flex boot for us adventurous ladies!

Final Note on the latest boots
We find it interesting that many boots implemented this same walk-mode feature in the 80′s, but then it was dropped because of lack of performance. It is interesting how the ski industry has come back full circle on this. But, we at 14erskiers also feel that the technology has significantly improved and these walk modes will perform much better than those that were used 30 years ago. We are looking forward further progression of these hybrid AT/Alpine boots and believe they are the future of today’s ski industry!

A year ago, several big-time pack manufacturers weren’t in the airbag game- names like Osprey, Black Diamond (BD), Dakine, The North Face (TNF), and more. While BD sorts out what they want to do with their avalung technology, and who knows what Osprey is doing, Dakine and TNF unveiled their airbag packs this year. First, Dakine:
Altitude 40l:

Altitude 25l:

As a fan of Dakine packs like the Heli Pro and the Poacher, I was tremendously excited to see what Dakine would come up with. Dakine decided to contract with ABS, and the ABS system is more or less zipped onto the Dakine pack. On the one hand, this allowed Dakine to use ABS’ many years of experience in this field to produce their own airbag pack, but on the other hand Dakine didn’t exactly come up with anything new or exciting as far as airbags go. Using an existing system won’t do a whole lot to reduce the price or weight of an airbag pack, and those two things remain as the biggest detriments to potential airbag buyers.

Still, they’re not bad packs (called the Altitude 25l for slackcountry and the Altitude 40l for true backcountry). For one thing, this airbag system is released from the sides, so unlike many airbag packs, the 40l pack is a top-loader, which is really nice for stowing an extra jacket or a rope (The smaller 25l is not a top loader). Plus, since it uses the ABS base system (called the Vario), you can easily move the base unit from pack to pack, even with other manufacturers. Or, just zip the ABS off and use the pack alone in springtime or inbounds skiing. As I said, the penalties of this system are weight and price. Combining the price of the Vario base and the packs themselves will set you back well over $1,000MSRP. Reported pack weights end up at a hefty 8lbs for the 40l and 7.4 for the 25l.

Dakine packs have never been known as the lightest out there, but they do tend to be inexpensive, so it was disappointing to see what they came up with. As a big company, Dakine could have thrown a bunch of R and D into an airbag pack but instead they just came up with a so-called “me-too” product. Still, Dakine’s booth was extremely busy, probably because many of their retailers are big-box sports stores like Sports Authority here in CO. So it’s hard to fault their strategy and in the end, they’ll still save lives.

On to The North Face:

The Patrol 24 pack is a 24l pack that also uses the ABS base system, with all its inherent pluses and minuses. To their credit, TNF did their best to reduce the weight and the pack supposedly clocks in at just over 6 and a half pounds. Price will once again be $1,000 or more once it’s all said and done. TNF also has an airbag vest in the works for next season…

Like Dakine, TNF is a big, big player and could have really made some waves in the airbag market, but instead just got a product out there. One more note about ABS systems. ABS uses a tiny amount of explosives to trigger the airbag when it is pulled. This means that your local TSA agent is going to freak out a little bit if you travel with ABS systems. Yes, they are allowed and you shouldn’t have a problem if you follow the rules, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Mammut’s wide range of airbag packs were near the top of our list last fall when we were checking out airbag packs. After seeing them in person at SIA, I still consider them to be some of the best.

Mammut took the existing Snowpulse brand, bought it, and then designed their own packs around it, calling it RAS (Removeable Airbag System). These packs are well thought-out, light (6.5- 7lbs depending on model size), and relatively inexpensive ($850-$900 range). As the name suggests, you can transfer the system to other RAS packs, or remove it when an airbag isn’t necessary.

Finally, there’s BCA. One might think that BCA would have been content with their Float 36 and 18 models this year, but instead they substantially improved them for next year. When I say “substantially improved”, I mean BCA is claiming a 25% reduction in weight and a targeted $599 price tag for next year’s Float 32 (replacing the 36)(The Float 22 will replace the 18). That puts the weight at a very impressive ~6.2lbs.

The Float 36 had a back panel compartment for the “guts” of the airbag system, which was not removable. Next year, the guts will be in the main compartment separated by a nylon sleeve (not shown in the sample above), and will be removable. I was also excited to see that the trigger next year can be placed in either shoulder strap- I’ll place it in the left because I believe I’ll have an easier time pulling it there as a right hander, plus I constantly mistake the trigger on my right shoulder strap for a hydration nozzle, since that’s where my bike packs have it.

The back panel access is gone, as is one of the 2 waist belt pockets, so the new pack might not be as user friendly. Still, I’ll take the 1.5-2 pound weight differential. We’ll have to use it in person to make a full review, but so far we’re impressed with BCA in a big way.

Sorry we’re getting so gear-intensive here at 14erskiers, but with so much to talk about from SIA and a lack of good and safe ski conditions here at home base, that’s where we’re at.

The patent ran out on Flicklock, so they developed a new and improved version of their current Flicklock system. This one will be more user friendly, with a wider lock lever. Also, it’s less likely to loosen, which sometimes occurred with the old Flicklock system.

You’ll notice a wider hold on the top of the pole grip, for better gripping with the palm when you need it most. The Whippet largely remains the same, with a few minor changes to the grip.

Black Diamond skins are currently our favorite skins on the market. Gaining popularity is the split skin, shown on the left, intended for skis 115 mm or wider underfoot. With backcountry skiers venturing further with fatter skis, this skin fits a growing niche in the market. The goal of this skin is to save a bit of weight while also significantly improving glide.

Users will notice some changes in the BD skins as well. They’ve made them noticeably thinner, for a beneficial weight savings. At the same time they changed their glue to improve adhesion in colder weather. Lastly, but perhaps more importantly, they lengthened the “hairs” on the skin, to improve both glide and traction.

One of the neatest changes we saw was the addition of the Ergoactiv system to their Covert pack. This unique system allows for flexibility at the waist.

Observing the system and how it works is one thing, but actually trying it on is another. Both Frank and I were pleasantly surprised at how noticeable this feature is on the pack. This Ergoactiv system improves both comfort and flexibility, especially when you need to bend down and mess with something on your boot or bindings. We felt that more packs should carry this feature.

While most backcountry skiing pack companies are in the process of developing some sort of airbag system, Black Diamond has taken a step back in this technology. We were informed that BD will produce an air bag pack, but they are grappling with whether to continue to incorporate the Avalung or not. Have airbag packs made the Avalung obsolete? Or is there still a need for both features in a pack? These questions are an ongoing discussion. It will be interesting to see what BD develops from this in the future.

For ski boots, the line remains unchanged from the current season. Look for changes in 2013-14.

Thanks for the detailed tour BD!

First, pick up a pair of these skis. AT $199, plus a free ski bag, plus free shipping, plus no tax in most states, how can you not?

Then, basking in the glow of your purchase, check out “The Ordianary Skier”. I really enjoyed watching Seth Morrison getting his ski mountaineer on in Chamonix. Great Flick- free right now on hulu. Enjoy:

First, some thoughts on my Dukes. I actually like them a lot. Unlike my Fritchis or Dynafits, I can ski them inbounds with 100% confidence. Additionally, unlike my Dynafits I can quickly change from my alpine boots to my AT boots. When I’m unsure if I’ll be touring or skiing inbounds, I can limit myself to the Dukes without compromising too much touring or aggressive skiing inbounds. But any tour more than a couple of hours is just plain brutal.

They’re also very useful for the lazy man’s versions of backcountry skiing- namely slackcountry and sled laps. This is a topic that is rarely discussed, but should honestly be on your mind when you do tours of this type. Let’s say you’re in Jackson Hole and you head out the Rock Springs gate and hike up the pre-existing boot pack. You ski first and then watch your partner get caught in a slide above you. If you’re in standard alpine bindings and you have no skins, you’ve basically signed your partners death certificate- you’ll spend an hour postholing up to the debris just to break out your beacon/probe/shovel to find a corpse. So please, if you find yourself skiing slackcountry make sure you have some sort of backup plan (a touring binding of some sort plus skins) to reach your partners.

Enough of that, let’s get to the Tyrolia/Head offering, the Adrenalin, complete with a high DIn setting of 16.

Tyrolia’s offering seeks to differentiate itself through a “floating” heelpiece. All the cool new ski designs are rendered somewhat moot if a DT binding, with its huge rigid zone, doesn’t allow the ski to flex the way its designers intended. So the Tyrolia binding doesn’t fix the heel of the binding in place- instead it has 2 small cylindrical tabs mate up with two similar tabs on the fixed part of the heel to lock it down while still allowing movement. Even a quick hand flex of a ski will show the system works. The system is visible on the brushed metal fixed part of the binding and the “rail” of the binding above it. Also, unlike the Duke, you don’t have to step out to go from ski-hike-ski modes. The question we’d like to see answered in real-life usage is whether or not the system ices up during the skin, making it difficult to get into ski mode (the duke requires careful cleaning of its track to lock it down).

Does it work in practice? We won’t know unless we get a chance to try the binding out on the snow. Another feature of the binding is that you can adjust the binding length without tools- but really, how hard is it to use a leatherman, even out on the trail? Then there’s this:

Yes, that’s plastic connecting the toe and heel. Not a single bit of metal in there. Now, I had the original white Fritchi Titanal binding, and I broke the metal connecting rod on that binding in relatively short order. The next Fritchi, the blue Titanal 2, had a much stronger and heavier connecting bar that I never did break. I can only hope that Tyrolia did their homework- if that plastic breaks on a skier somewhere exposed, it’s going to be a nasty accident. I’m not sure I trust it, that’s all I can say, but time will tell with this binding. Reported (unverified) weight is 40g more than the Duke, and well over 100g lighter than the Salomon.

Speaking of which, on to the Salomon Guardian.

Like the Tyrolia, the Guardian lets you switch modes without stepping out. This is something that drives me crazy about not only my Dukes, but also my Dynafits. Hit the flats at the end of the run- boom, go to tour mode. It gets steeper again- boom, go to ski mode. This feature alone gets me excited about this binding. The “teeth” that lock the binding down in ski mode look less prone to ice and snow buildup as well. Also like the Tyrolia, this binding isn’t entirely “fixed”, allowing the ski to flex naturally. It’s interesting to note that both bindings addressed both of these Duke downfalls. Still, I’ll take a wait and see approach with this binding given Salomon’s other ill-fated forays into the touring world.

More on the Tyrolia:

More (a lot more, at almost a half hour) on the Salomon:

In any case, one of our first stops was the Tecnica booth. I’ve been extremely happy with my Cochise boots (REVIEW HERE), but I wanted to learn more about them as well as some new offerings in the Cochise line-up. In my review, I stated that the Cochise boot was the first AT boot I’ve skied that truly skied like an alpine boot, something I’ve always wanted and hadn’t previously found. So why do they ski so well?

Not surprisingly, they ski well because Tecnica did their homework. AT boots present a bit of a challenge for boot designers. After all, they’re supposed to be light, have a tremendous range of motion, grippy soles, and then turn around and perform well on the descent. In an alpine boot, the upper and lower cuffs work as one unit, and inputs from the leg are quickly and decisively transferred from the boot to the ski. AT boots, on the other hand, have to separate the upper and lower in order to achieve a range of motion while in walk mode. In general, the upper and lower are connected in three places- the two hinge points at the ankles, and usually with a metal bar or rod in the back of the boot. Just how much lateral stiffness does that provide? Even rearward in some cases? Not much, in my experience. That’s great if the latest greatest stiff boot claims a forward flex of 200- if the lateral flex doesn’t match it, you might as well put some dynafit fittings in your street shoes and ski that way.

Tecnica tried to mate the upper and lower cuffs of the Cochise, and I think they’ve made some great strides in that area. Here’s the lower- notice the metal “H”:

Here’s a combo view with part of the lower cut away. There’s a lot to look at- notice for one thing that the screws on the replacable soles go into T-nuts. Then there’s the Tech fitting (sitting by itself in the heel pocket) that also has metal reinforcement. But you’ll really want to check out the “T” fitting tied to the string in the middle of the boot. This is the part on the upper that fits into the “H” seen above. Click, click- upper and lower mated so much better than before.

Another view with a cut-away window:

So there you have it- a big part of the reason why I think the Cochise skis so well. Meanwhile, the Cochise will have some cousins next year. First up is the Cochise Pro. Basically, it’s the Cochise with slightly thicker plastic. This has three main results- 1) It’s stiffer (130 vs. 120 for the standard Cochise) 2)It’s narrower- 98mm last vs 100mm for the standard 3)It’s heavier. I tried it on and found it to be a “wide” 98– I could probably adjust the fit and make this boot work, something I can’t do with other 98mm boots (Salomon Falcon). The weight is noticeable– it would be a great boot in a place like Jackson where it could handle top-to-bottom tram laps followed by shorter bootpacks out Granite or Rock Springs, but I’m not sure I’d grab this boot on a 12+ hour tour up a 14er. It comes with standard soles (non- tech), so I feel pretty safe saying that this is where they see this boot. (Yes, you can get tech soles). The Pro is on the upper left:

Then there’s the Cochise Light, and I really hope to put this boot to the test this spring. Tecnica replaced the three buckles with lighter weight ones, replaced the top strap/buckle with just a strap, removed the rubber instep grip, and went to a light, moldable (and from what I could tell, awesome) Palau liner.

The result? Reportedly, a roughly half pound per boot weight savings. Yes, that’s about a pound for a pair. Impressive. I would miss the instep rubber while snowmobiling, and I would guess that I’d put a bit of weight back on by replacing the strap with the strap/buckle, but still, I want this boot. That’s it- more to come from SIA soon…