4th Annual Gift Guide
(Last Updated On: December 5, 2013)
The holidays are upon us and, chances are, you probably need to do some shopping. Consider some of these gifts for your backcountry partners, or consider putting them on your gift list!
1) Skis
Brittany’s two favorite skis from SIA were the Black Diamond Amperage and the La Sportiva High 5. While the Amperage is both a great ski for the resort and the backcountry, I feel that the High 5 is a bit better off-piste than on. Frank’s favorite skis from SIA were the Black Diamond Zealot and Black Diamond Megawatt. BD really stepped up their game for 2013-14, and they now make skis worth checking out.
2) Backpacks
The BCA Float airbag packs are our premier choice for winter backcountry skiing. But, come spring, we change packs. Brittany loves her BCA Stash backpack for spring missions! Frank is still waiting for the perfect spring pack.
3) Books
In the last year, two great guidebooks from Giterdun Publishing have been released. One focuses on backcountry skiing in the Ten Mile / Mosquito Ranges, and other focuses on backcountry skiing and mountaineering routes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Both are excellent books and would make a great addition to any bookshelf belonging to a backcountry skier. The links above will direct to you reviews of each book. For a non-guidebook, try The Mountain.
4) Beacons
Our favorites are the Mammut/Barryvox line (Element and Pulse) and the Pieps DSP line.
5) Gloves
Brittany loves her Marmot Work Gloves for approach gloves. They breathe well, are relatively warm and, take a beating while lasting a relatively long time. They are great for skinning, boot packing, and for riding the snowmobile. When she needs a glove for colder weather, she really enjoys her Gordini Fuse Gloves, which Frank loves as well.
6) CAMP XLC 390 Crampons
We don’t always light lightweight gear. But, these are an exception for us. We’ve used these crampons for years for many mountaineering missions and we continue to think the world of them. Check out our review.
7) Raven Pro Ice Axe
The Raven Pro is a relatively lightweight all purpose mountain axe that we use on our adventures. The Raven Ultra is the lighter version, but neither of us like the slanted point and do not recommend the Ultra.
8) Stocking Stuffers
There are A LOT of possibilities for stocking stuffers for a backcountry skier. Here are some of our favorites: Glop Stopper, skin glue, Buff, Voile strap, Nikwax detergents, rub-on wax, and compass.
9) Billygoat Ascent Plates
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself ascending deep stable snow, you need Billygoat Ascent Plates.
10) Still Stumped?
There’s always the gift card 🙂 We recommend gift cards from backcountry.com.
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