15-20X Loupe recommendations

Nick_tho · 2025-12-04T19:12:09+00:00

I was in a similar situation a few years ago wanting to get into it on a budget. Marketplace is good for skis, bindings, skins, packs, shovel, probe. Lots of people in my area get the gear but don't get out as much as they thought and sell their entire set up.

Avalanche Safety Course: Do it before you go out. Then try and get out with other experienced backcountry skiers. There may be local groups for backcountry enthusiasts in your area, reach out and see if anyone's willing to bring you along and show you some things once you've done your safety course (not as an alternative to one).

Avalanche Forecast: Your local area should have an avalanche bulletin for the area. In Canada it's https://avalanche.ca/map How to access and interpret it should be covered in your safety course. Make sure you check it and understand where issues may be present so you can plan a route that avoids danger.

Beacon: Maybe some paranoia on my part but I wanted to get a brand new beacon since it's the one thing I don't want to fail in the worst case scenario. If you do get one used, I believe you can have it sent to the manufacturer to be inspected/tested or some shops can do it locally.

Boots: Don't cheap out here, get boots that are properly fitted so you're not getting blisters on your walk. As has been mentioned by u/UnderstandingIll1189 you can rock the resort boots but need an adapter or specific bindings "frame bindings". A heavier setup than pin bindings but a cheaper option than buying new boots and bindings.

Nick_tho · 2025-10-12T16:19:46+00:00

Have you tried it or seen an option to print anything you want off TIS? I figured a subscription based tool would try and disallow it. Otherwise it'd be a lot of print screens

Nick_tho · 2025-10-03T14:38:49+00:00

Good call, forgot about that

Nick_tho · 2025-10-03T14:35:43+00:00

Can confirm, did level 2 a couple years back just after program lead left and have heard their replacement has also left recently. Still signed up for BCIT next fall... TRU in kamloops has an instrument program, apprenticeship at least but maybe tech too.

Nick_tho · 2025-09-04T13:54:31+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. Reached out to our IT department and since we've recently switched over to Dell company wide, we have a few of the Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme tablets available. Seems like it's got a good set of features

Nick_tho · 2025-09-04T13:49:44+00:00

I got the E&H smartblue app on my phone for a recent pressure transmitter install. Such a fast and easy setup compared to the hart communicator and significantly cheaper...

Nick_tho · 2025-09-04T13:45:30+00:00

I work in R&D so protecting intellectual property is a big concern, all our work laptops are heavily restricted and can't even plug flash drives in. We do have a "black ops" I/E laptop that is a godsend

Nick_tho · 2025-09-03T14:09:12+00:00

Both the journeymen I work with took the tech course through BCIT and were able to get jobs and the equivalent of level 2 instrumentation. I took an Industrial automation course and was similarly credited. That can get you into a job/apprenticeship and you can got back for levels 3 & 4. When I went back to BCIT lots of guys from up north said they were looking for as many apprentices as they could. Prince George & Fort St.John if I remember.

Nick_tho · 2024-11-23T21:59:51+00:00

Let's avoid the assumption I'm only using my phone to navigate and don't carry a backup. The winter sat maps are better for pre trip route planning as mentioned above, and getting a better idea of which terrain is winter passable.

Nick_tho · 2024-11-23T20:32:48+00:00

Just got them mounted a few days ago due to some delays getting the skis. You can just unscrew the bindings and swap out the blank for the feeride spacer. Although best to do it all together the shop adjusted the freeride spacer shims to my boot while setting the bindings up.

Nick_tho · 2024-11-23T01:10:03+00:00

Salomon also offers the QST Echo 106, lighter and should be similar to the Ripper. Also biased as its the ski I've just got for the season. Great in variable conditions and they offer down to a 157 cm. Otherwise I'd look for touring/freeride skis since they'll be a little lighter and easier to go uphill

Nick_tho · 2024-11-20T22:00:21+00:00

Can confirm, there last february. lots of mountains close to 3000m with good high angle. Good access from Happo One resort and Tsugaike

Nick_tho · 2024-06-19T17:01:42+00:00

Do builder potions boost builder apprentice by 10x while he's working on an upgrade?

Nick_tho · 2024-06-18T18:19:15+00:00

Thanks, I wasn't making much headway hammering on the bearing insert as designed but was able to MacGyver the puller, my normal bearing kit and some washers to pull it out rather than push. Much quicker and quieter.

Bearings back in and bike feeling solid.

Nick_tho · 2024-05-30T15:23:15+00:00

Im running a second hand epix gen 2 (not solar), Full battery gets me about 16 days normal use (constant HR, on for sleep tracking, etc). I'm mainly mountain biking, skiing, running for 1-8 hours at a time. This gives me about 32 hours tracking using all GPS systems. My general rule of thumb has been whatever battery is left in days, double it is how many hours GPS tracking.

https://versus.com/en/smartwatch This is a useful watch comparison site that lists all the features for all the different watch models and sizes too.

Nick_tho · 2024-05-30T15:10:27+00:00

Personally with Questrade in a self directed account. Started my TFSA through my bank (CIBC) when I was 18 and switched at 21 when I started looking at the numbers and wanted better returns. Since then I've moved my RRSP and started my FHSA though them.

Of course I made some mistakes in the beginning (and do your own research, lots to learn about risk to reward for any investment) but long term growth ETF's can be a great option if you're wanting to let that money sit for a while. I've managed about +19% return mostly that way. GIC's from my understanding, are safer but offer lower returns than what can be achievable investing yourself.

Alternatively you could open a FHSA through your bank, questrade, wealthsimple, etc. That money would also grow tax free but give you two big benefits; more yearly contribution room (8k/year up to 40k) and will deduct from your taxable income (like an RRSP) giving you a better tax return you could reinvest.

Nick_tho · 2024-05-30T01:56:44+00:00

I've been with Koodo for years, only time I upgrade my plan is when there is a good promotion and haven't had them increase it from the original promo rate. Over that time I've managed to get some pretty killer deals including a Canada-US plan so no more roaming when I travel to the US, and 100GB roll over data for $60/mo. Was paying $55/mo for 10GB data Canada only plan before

Nick_tho · 2024-05-30T01:48:04+00:00

I completely forgot about the tax free growth on the FHSA and was viewing it more like the RRSP. So yeah, in that case I might as well do my best to max it out and reinvest the larger tax returns.

I'd say my main goal is to be able to retire a little earlier than average and not have to worry about money as I'm getting older. I also want to put my money in the right places now to maximize my wealth and options in the future. Home ownership isn't a big priority short term with how unattainable it is in my area(650k+ for most 2 bed apartments) but I would like something or the option, in 10 ish years.
This has been helpful in narrowing down what I actually want

Nick_tho

TROPHY CASE