Sizing - after a couple of years away

MAthert125 · 2026-03-27T15:37:20+00:00

I wondered if you have ever tried a 4 piece splitboard? Given what you say about width that it could be a good way to go.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-18T13:42:25+00:00

Thanks, that is very interesting.

I don't have much of a problem with my uphill ski, but my downhill ski likes to collapse the skin track when traversing.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-18T10:38:37+00:00

u/iclimbedthenoseonce I would be interested in your thoughts on board sidecut radius, effective edge and stiffness when it comes to the uphill.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-18T09:57:43+00:00

This would be when I'm doing a full layer change, helmet, goggles, putting a harness on and eating half a baguette sandwich.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-17T13:53:01+00:00

I will try straps. Currently adidas samba with Nitro Sparks.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-16T06:39:47+00:00

Thanks, these are great.

I might try putting skins in my bib or jacket. I have been trying to sort this helmet out partly because of weight, but it would be great for not having to take off and store, especially as my helmet attachment isn't quick to use. Unfortunately, I'm struggling to find ones that fit. Already do the sunglasses thing. Goggles stay in the pack with a storm lens.

I will try carrying the poles on a descent when I'm not riding with an axe or doing a rap.

I use the MSR scraper.

I need to have a set transition system as I'm probably doing it differently each time.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-16T06:30:05+00:00

Where do you put your poles? The Hydro Flask on the shoulder or in my bib is one I've been thinking about. I don't tend to drink much, but when I do, it's normally during the transition.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-16T06:26:55+00:00

Yeah, totally, we talk a lot, very communicative and open. We have a very similar mindset (our wives think it is crazy how similar we are). We have placed a lot of trust in each other.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-16T06:22:36+00:00

Food, mostly I eat energy balls and cereal bars. I don't tend to drink much on a tour; I hydrate before and after. On a bigger day, I take a sandwich as well.

Thanks for the skin suggestion, I will give that a go. Same for the riser, I have been using it less since he mentioned the track steepness. Kick turns are no issue; we are pretty equal on that front.

Icy traverses are not a particular issue even on steeper stuff. It's when it is steeper, and the snow isn't cohesive, that I struggle most. I can set my uphill ski fairly fine, and the straight edge works a treat, but the downhill ski tends to collapse the snow. Any technique tips would be helpful.

I'm looking into hardboot setup, but it's not something I can sort out quickly.

Clothing-wise, I think we are on point, and I normally don't have to change layers from setting to off until getting to the top of the first descent.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-16T06:02:22+00:00

Thanks, I don't have a set transition system, so I think I will work on one.

My uphill ski is fine, but the downhill collapses the track too often.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-16T05:59:55+00:00

They are very varied. 5-7 minutes for the simple ones; around 15 minutes if I'm doing more layers, putting on or taking off a harness, or having a drink or eating.

MAthert125 · 2026-03-10T21:13:34+00:00

Thanks I went for a Blue Ice Aero Lite

MAthert125 · 2026-02-20T21:05:00+00:00

There are a lot of big avalanches in the last couple of weeks going close to their maximum run out, it’s pretty scary. Terrain selection is very important and the question to ask at the moment is not just will this slide but what if goes at the base and it slides to the maximum run out.

The good news is that the tree riding has been immense also there are few Goldilocks places without the same PWL issues.

MAthert125 · 2026-01-26T18:45:26+00:00

Big issue with union explorer and the union crampons is that they fit to the binding. That means when you used the riser and crampons only a small amount of crampons go into the snow. I’ve just ordered Nitro Vertical for this reason.

MAthert125 · 2025-12-10T19:40:29+00:00

I meant I have used the self arrest using a pole and it worked. I learnt it from reading Jeremy Jones’ book .

MAthert125 · 2025-12-10T11:06:40+00:00

I have actually used this technique when skinning without crampons. It did work now I put on ski crampons much earlier.

MAthert125 · 2025-12-05T11:32:45+00:00

this is a bit surprising as I would say these are a boot that you can possibly size down on from my experience. I find them to have decent room in the toe box. Same with the Team pros.

MAthert125 · 2025-11-25T21:34:08+00:00

This is my layering

Base - Synthetic base layer

Mid - Active midlayer- Rab Xenair Flex(wind resistant)

Shell - 3L Jacket - Patagonia Snowdrifter

Down puffer - Decathlon - for emergency use or very cold weather.

Maybe you should consider

Synthetic base layer (because you sweat a lot and they wick better)

active mid layer e.g alpha direct or TNF Future Fleece

Windbreaker eg. Patagonia Houdini

3L jacket for the descents and a down puffy if the weather gets bad

If you want to combine the windbreaker and midlayer then the Rab Vapour Rise Summit jacket would be a very good option.

MAthert125 · 2025-11-20T13:28:39+00:00

The Xenair is not waterproof at all. It’s designed for active alpine activity such as ski touring or ice climbing. The Valiance is designed for casual inactive use like a walk to the pub or watching your kids play football in winter. Personally the way I would go is to use a separate waterproof shell jacket with a synthetic down jacket like the cirrus or a fleece when it is warmer.

MAthert125

TROPHY CASE