VivaSync

Best hardgoods for skinning

Black Diamond Carbon Compactor pole

When skinning, most newbies put a lot of weight on their poles. Black Diamond's Carbon Compactor pole is super strong. It can fold up extremely small for travel and storage but also deploy from folded to a full pole very quickly. The extra rubber grip extension that goes down from the handle allows you to change your grip while skinning to find your perfect grip. And the carbon structure allows it to weigh just slightly more than 1 pound.

Black Diamond Fritschi Scout binding

There's a lot to consider with bindings, but for your first foray into ski touring, a solid starter is Black Diamond's Fritschi Scout Binding. These can mount onto any ski and are compatible with any boots. This rail unhooks at the heel. The technology is clunky compared to more advanced AT bindings but given the fact that Fritschis can be used with the skis and boots you already have, it's a great first step. They also still have risers, which allow your heel to make contact with your ski at less of an angle, which makes uphill skiing considerably easier on your calves.

Dynafit ST Rotation binding

This is the binding for taking backcountry ski touring to the next level. This binding connects your boot to your binding by one small, thin hinge to facilitate super-efficient moves. They're also considerably lighter than the Fritschis, which is extremely important on the up when every ounce counts. 

Dynafits have a heel piece that rotates to lock your heel in, then you can rotate again to give a platform for your heel to land on top of when climbing, similar to the risers. The Dynafit ST is made to give you the lightest binding for the most efficient move but still incorporates runaway ski guards so they won't sail away if you eject.

Salomon S Lab AT binding-compatible boots

For people with skinny to medium feet, this boot is often called "the Ferrari of touring boots." Salomon, a heritage brand for skiing, which means they make reliable gear that they stake their brand reputation on and they're widely carried at ski shops (and often at used gear shops, which is a real score). The S Labs in particular are light but powerful with a grippy heel on the bottom of the boot, and the strength to handle resort riding just as well as backcountry days. You really can't do better for a catch-all boot — unless you have wide feet, that is, which Salomon is notoriously difficult on after long days.

Dynafit TLT Speedfit Pro

If you're spending long days in the backcountry or taking longer tours uphill, comfort is at a premium. The Dynafit TLT boots are great for big, wide feet, but are super light with a Pebax tongue, which is a material that allows for more forward lean. Despite the lightness, the carbon and hardcore plastic Grilamid make the boot every bit as stiff and powerful as you'd want for the down. A rubber sole with deep lugs for when you have to transition from skinning to booting up a headwall or a short pitch.

Plus, there are two closures to tighten the boots, which notch them tight enough to ski but also lowers the weight for the up. This is as solid as a boot gets.

Icelantic Nomad 105 Lite Alpine Touring Ski

If you like to ski hard but are looking to get your first touring ski, these Nomad 105 Lites are a beauty. They're a light-ish touring ski, sitting at 1814 grams for 191 cm long. This weight is ideal for making it easy on the up and then delivering control and contact for great turns on the down when your legs may feel less-than-fresh. While skinnier and lighter skis can be frustrating on the down if you're in powder or want to charge hard, with the Nomad 105s, that weight plus their fat 105 mm waist ensures you'll float like a cloud over deep pow. Plus, a ski with little to no sidecut is key in touring since the flatter the side, the easier to skin straight.

Salomon MTN Explore 95

If you are more focused on having a lighter, faster skin up than a hard-charging ride down, Salomon's MTN Explore line is specifically made for lightweight touring or skimo racing. Every ski in this line is meticulously designed to cut out any unnecessary weight without compromising too much power and stability.

We love the MTN Explore 95, which is the ideal width for easy maneuverability at every ski level while still being able to float powder. At just 1505g of weight, you definitely give up some amount of control and stability on the down, but if you want to get into skinning for the fitness or aren't used to working out at altitude, every ounce matters. They're tapered to 95cm at the waist, which helps you turn on the down with less leg power — great for beginners. –Rachael Schultz

Black Diamond Ascension skins

These ski skins are durable and made from nylon, which means they're low maintenance and last a long time. Black Diamond's glue, the substance that attaches the skins to your ski, is just as strong after years of use, and BD offers Gold Label adhesive replacement glue for cheap if you ever need to refresh the stickiness.

When you get your skins, I suggest taking them to your local ski shop to have the professionals cut and fit them to your skis. Also, the better you take care of your skins, the longer the adhesive will last, so fold them adhesive to adhesive before putting them in your backpack.  When you get them home, hang them out to dry, adhesive side out, in a clean, pet hair-free area.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnmJqurcDHaJ2irJ6awLR7xKyqnqaknq6tecGenqKmnpq%2FtHnGnpirZZakv26%2FyqKlp6GenA%3D%3D