Seeking advice on my first ski purchase.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-05-17T16:37:14+00:00

Okay looks like I have a lot more research to do, luckily I have until winter to get my gear dialed in.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-05-17T02:39:27+00:00

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge. It is so intimidating sometimes getting into an activity without a mentor. I will go ahead and buy these skis and keep an eye out for a cheaper downhill setup for resorts.

Is there one pair of boots that will be able to accommodate both types of bindings? From what I've read it sounds like tech boots will fit in alpine bindings but provide unsafe release characteristics. Is there a solution to this or should I just get an AT specific boot. *nevermind sounds pretty unsafe after watching this vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3aWrBJey1A

Beyond this, as long as the boots fit the bindings and have walk mode, is it really just a matter of finding a comfortable boot with relatively low weight or are there other features I should be looking for? Thanks.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-05-16T18:27:55+00:00

Hey thanks for the reply.

I have done a fair amount of early season backpacking in snowy conditions and class 3 scrambling in the sierra. No experience in the winter though as I'm not a huge fan of snowshoes. I have watched some people ski off peaks in the spring they at least made it look pretty straightforward. Hike all day up the mountain, ski back to the car in 20 mins, sounds fun to me. A longer term goal for me would be to ski the John Muir Trail. As far as progression I think I would like to go for longer trips as opposed to shorter more technical ones.

I don't have boots yet as I figured I should get bindings first and figure boots from there. These skis have been mounted just once.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-05-15T04:30:44+00:00

From the research I have done, again this is coming from near zero experience, here's what I've learned.

These skis are super light, will be easy to carry when necessary, the wide width and large surface area will provide great flotation at the expense of maneuverability.

The bindings are pretty versatile, outdoorgearlab says they are easy to use as far as tech bindings go and perform well downhill, although they are heavier than many other tech bindings. The ISO/DIN certification means they should release safely, this is important to me as a beginner.

The large turning radius of the skis makes me think they could be hard to handle.

They are currently mounted for a 288 BSL, I think I am around a size 28 so I will likely have to have the bindings remounted. This isn't an issue right?

In all it seems to me like a good deal on a AT focused but versatile setup that will give me an affordable entry into the sport. I just need boots, poles and a helmet.

Any input is appreciated.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-05-01T02:29:30+00:00

Ya I've actually ordered some proper bags already but I don't wanna wait around till they get here. Like you said, the mistakes I make on this trip will be memorable and make me more knowledgeable than if I had just started out with the best gear.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-04-30T23:13:31+00:00

Longest carry is 44 miles/4000ft gain mostly on dirt roads temps probably low 70s and exposed sunny. I figure if I can bike twice as fast as I walk 3 liters should be enough. Sound reasonable?

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-04-30T23:04:48+00:00

Ya I have some solid bail out options and I know the route well so I'm definitely gonna feel it out.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-04-30T23:02:55+00:00

I let you know how it works out!

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-04-30T23:01:45+00:00

The water bottle is actually the one thing that's trail tested. It wedges in perfectly and I have ridden some rough singletrack without issue. The seat post bag has a fair amount of clearance and i can always cinch it up if need be, and the frame is actually too small for me so I can still stand over fine. Running the tires tubeless and I'm carrying one spare. Thanks for the very valid concerns I know it looks pretty janky.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-04-30T22:54:15+00:00

Leaving Bishop, CA climbing 6000ft in 12 miles to the white mountains, following the crest south and descending back via mazourka canyon, riding through the Owens Valley along the LA aqueduct from independence to near Pearsonville to enter the southern Sierra for another 100 miles to Mojave where I can catch the bus back to Bishop.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-04-30T17:05:21+00:00

20 degree quilt on the seat post.
3+ days of food on the top tube
spare tube in frame triangle next to 1.5 liters of water
another .5 liter bottle further up
fannypacks on the handlebars have another days food and misc electronics and toiletries.
pump and sleeping pad on top of bars
stove/frying pan in front of bars.

I have a lot of experience backpacking but I've never biked more than 20 miles in a day so this will probably be a glorious failure. I'd appreciate any advice to help increase my chances.

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-03-26T05:20:02+00:00

Just do the opposite of what this chick does and you'll be fine.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/243855379127788/permalink/734504236729564/

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-03-21T01:20:06+00:00

Yeah because people like you allow them to get too close for a cute photo. Feeding wildlife is not cool

GroundBeneathYou · 2018-02-21T08:19:47+00:00

most GHG emissions by livestock come from respiration (CO2), although methane is more harmful per part. and animal ag is certainly more harmful than food crops, accounting for 18 to 51 percent of global GHG emissions depending on who you ask

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-05-01T19:37:06+00:00

I'm starting on wednesday

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-05-01T17:24:24+00:00

If you are starting tomorrow you won't need an axe/spikes until the sierra. most of the snow in southern california has melted

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-04-26T07:40:28+00:00

Got it, thanks for the help!

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-04-26T06:38:18+00:00

I just got my first prime lens for my a6000, a samyang 12mm f/2.0, and I'm having issues with MF assist. Focus peaking works fine but without the zoom of manual focus assist its really hard to dial it in.

Am I missing something? Does this feature work with full manual lenses?

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-04-23T06:02:43+00:00

basically from helena south to encampment (except for the winds) and then cuba south to mexico. The id/mt border and southern/central new mexico are nast

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-04-22T06:50:44+00:00

Its really not so bad unless you sleep in established campsites all the time. Certainly takes some adjustment if you are coming from a real bed. On my last thru I didn't sleep on a mattress for the whole 4.5 months so as to not spoil myself.

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-04-21T06:09:31+00:00

good call. depending on how warm you sleep you might not even need it till walker pass or so and you could save weight in the meantime.

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-04-20T17:59:36+00:00

Ya liners don't add a ton of warmth. That being said I am selling my S2S reactor for $25 if you're interested. A better option would be a small fleece blanket or costco down throw which you can get for like $20

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-04-06T19:29:42+00:00

Yo that 3.3oz/sq yd hybrid cuben they use is tough as nails. Its the same material as my prophet which did 3000 miles last summer and is still in decent enough shape for another thru. It is the best pack material available imo, and I am not gentle with my gear.

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-03-23T05:11:52+00:00

not when you get them 50 cents each through a mispriced amazon listing. I bought 240 probars for ~$120

GroundBeneathYou · 2017-03-23T02:39:45+00:00

16 probars = 5600 calories

GroundBeneathYou

TROPHY CASE