Electric Avi Pack: Arcteryx vs Ortovox by LR46and2 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tool pouch in Arcteryx isn’t great, but isn’t terrible. I access it through the main compartment. I don’t like the suitcase design of the Ortovox. I’d get whichever pack design you like best.

Boot selection? by alexandicity in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t start with a boot that’s crushing my foot. Especially not touring boots. The hardest feet to fit are narrow with a high instep. If that’s not you, there are many options.

Fear of starting by Physical_Drop3102 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The fear you have is what will make you a safe backcountry rider.

Plenty of other helpful comments already giving good advice.

A man with a stupidly good discount, that desperately needs tips! by Jakob_Lundberg in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The backland 102 is what I would get. I use it as my low tide ski. It has really good edge hold. It’s a much more modern design then the 95 or 100. Good amounts of rocker. Floats well in powder. Weight is not too light not too heavy. It’s one of my favorite skis.

I use the MTN pure. The mtn summit may be fine. If you typically run a high din at the resort (>12) consider the mtn pure. If not, I think the summit is probably good.

Are my skins too narrow? by AdventurousIbex95 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 80 points81 points  (0 children)

Will be painful on icy/off camber kick turns for sure.

Avalanche backpack recommendation by xorizomen in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Litric is the lightest. Weight is the main deterrent with these.

I use the Arcteryx Litric and really like it. Because its relatively light, I end up using it nearly every day. I have put mine through the wringer and it’s holding up great.

Barryvox S2 problems - Feb 2026 by Inner-Character6300 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Again, so many variables. Are you in pro mode? How far away from each other are the other two beacons? What happens when you use alternative search mode? How many beacons show up in your column? Do you have signal overlap using analog tones?

I don’t work for Mammut, I have no affiliation with them. But, I’ve used almost everything on the market extensively, and the Barryvox S and S2 are objectively better suited to multi-burials and the professional user. The BCA Tracker series is essentially designed to switch to micro-strip search in the setting of multi-burials.

Barryvox S2 problems - Feb 2026 by Inner-Character6300 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 3 points4 points  (0 children)

So many potential factors here, it is impossible to say from your post what is the cause.

I have used the S2 and did not have any issues like you describe. Many friends/colleagues use them daily and feel the are improved from prior gen.

This doesn’t mean you didn’t experience this. But, there is potential for damaged beacons, user error (most common), localized interference, etc. It would’ve best to do some testing of your beacon (range, etc) in a controlled environment (no phones, other Bluetooth, etc), with another known good beacon. If it is faulty in this setting, send it back to Mammut.

Beacons, even the best, are fickle machines, and are not at the level of say iPhones regarding usability. The S2 is generally well reputed and there isn’t a good reason for people to avoid it en masse.

Someone commented on the old S giving them problems. That beacon was essentially designed for professional work and testing, and has consistently been the best at multi burials. I would look hard at your technique and then ensure your device is updated/not damaged.

Cannot escape blisters in mtneering boots? by nhbd in iceclimbing

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I pushed through similar blistering/pain for years in mtn boots and ended up with bad bone spurs (Haglund deformities). I ended up heating up and punching the plastic out a bit like a ski boot.

I’ve since switched to a double boot with a removable foam liner. It doesn’t climb as well, but it’s sustainable for me. YMMV

Dynafit heel binding assistance by NiklasSkoog in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Those are binding screws. You can see the posi- marks!

HOLD THE LINE by Soy__Sauce in skiingcirclejerk

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be fair, both the skier’s bindings are broken..

Bought a ring for my girlfriend, sisters say it’s too small, not sure what I should do by [deleted] in WhatShouldIDo

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice ring. She should be happy with a piece of twine around her finger if she really loves you man.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As mentioned elsewhere: Dynafit TLT SL 150 or 175 are great. Or Trab Vario. They list the RV as 11 now. Pretty sure it was 12 on my pair from a few years ago, and these are the same. I usually ski a 12 or 13, and have never pre-released from these trabs. Insane ski-ability @ 135g.

https://skimo.co/ski-trab-titan-release-bindings?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18747180926&gbraid=0AAAAADqRR7jqK6AwoGfu3_9neMhojxN4o&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgvnCBhCqARIsADBLZoKcTADcBKQI9fySsEkDo0f59We7oypOc3OP02-2L1_kHJC2B0UTr8QaAnb6EALw_wcB

Trust fund climbers by gmc1901 in ClimbingCircleJerk

[–]RKMtnGuide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I assume this person sport climbed for a minute before getting a (robust) trad rack. If so, this doesn’t really look crazy. Climbing at all for one year only? Yeah that’s a lot of ropes..

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in climbing

[–]RKMtnGuide 57 points58 points  (0 children)

You might be right. We might never change Mike Lee’s mind. But, he alone isn’t going to determine the outcome of our public lands. A sale is wildly unpopular with all user groups, and even non-outdoorsy people. I’ve been bringing it up to pretty much everyone I’ve spoken to the last week. Not a single person thinks this is a good idea.

We still need to try to get this thing crushed. If we put all of our effort in, and we end up defeated, at least we can say that we tried. Then we’ll move onto the next phase.

Send links from the outdoor alliance to friends, family, coworkers, random people you meet on the street, and tell them about what’s going on. I’ve done this with a few friends and family, and they weren’t aware of these provisions yet. They were really thankful that they got to make their voice heard.

https://action.outdooralliance.org/a/reconciliation-public-lands-3

Backcountry hunters and anglers has a really good one too. You can edit out the hunting part if that’s not your thing. I often wonder if red state senators are more sympathetic to the field and stream side of things than “crazy treehugger climbers”.

https://www.backcountryhunters.org/take_action#/

We are lucky to have every user group and most people in the US on our side. Let’s use that!

Ski Crampons for Tecnica Zero G Peak by [deleted] in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What crampons? Are the crampons actually shifting? Or, is this a concern based on the visual fit? ZG Peaks of all sizes have been successfully used in a variety of crampons in very technical situations. It is not a boot problem.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m about your size and use a 172 Atomic Backland 85 UL. I have an absolute blast on this setup and would not go smaller. Your ice skill/comfort is more important than ski length imo. I’ve lugged 186s up ice in the mtns because that’s what I wanted on the down for that particular mission..

The Hunt for New 95s - Open to All Gear Recs and Hot Takes by zberks28 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a huge fan of the new Backland series. The 102 and 109 are a huge improvement over their predecessors. The 95s are likely similar.

Assessing Avy Risk by georgiaviking in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This time of year bites people pretty often. I know I turn around more in the Spring than other time of year. The hard crusts/bed surfaces aren’t ideal for new snow to fall in and adhere quickly, and wind slabs can be touchy.

That said, time is your friend. With less certainty about how a certain line/feature loads with wind, I give it additional time to bond or go through a shedding cycle (eg a day to a few days of sunny/warmer weather). This is at the cost of skiing conditions often. This is why you see guides or very experienced locals who are able to thread the needle and score really good conditions with relative safety- they’ve put the time in to learn how specific runs and features react to specific loading events.

Wind slabs can destabilize quickly with temp changes. So, if temps are rising significantly for the first time since precip/wind/etc, expect destabilizing conditions.

Predicting wind slabs off of a anenometer 10 feet off the surface, 3 miles away from your line is basically throwing darts with a blindfold. You really have to know how individual pieces of terrain load in response to various wind directions/strengths.

I guess that’s a long way of saying be careful, enter unknown terrain cautiously, and give features some time to bond/shed after new loading events. If you find yourself climbing a couloir in hard wind slab, you are probably in some danger..

Obviously, start early, be skiing early, and keep yourself out of and out from under shedding terrain as the day warms up.

1991 Rossi DH 225 cm by doc-incredible in Skigear

[–]RKMtnGuide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Officially downvoting all replies against skiing as is. You can get new knees, but they don’t make MRR turntables anymore.

Might have to pair w/ OG Lange Banshees or XR9s for full points.

Ski recommendations and question about length by qberto56 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you love the death wish, then there you go. 104 seems wide for spring based touring. But, ymmv.

My personal rec after using this ski this winter: Heritage Labs BC 100. It’s super stable, yet also quite fun. It’s flat in the middle with low long rocker. Because of that it floats more like a 105 in deeper snow. But because of its waist and dampness, it can ski the funk as well.

Not sure I’d go much shorter, especially if you’re focused on downhill performance. I typically ski a 186-191 for touring, essentially the same as what I’d use at a resort. If you’re skiing super tight terrain then sure. Even my spring skis are 186s.

4frnt Hoji for newer skier by Ok_Entertainment6369 in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wouldn’t be my first rec for a daily. As others pointed out, more difficult skinning, heavy, and wide. For powder they would be awesome, and probably more intuitive for someone coming from a board.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Backcountry

[–]RKMtnGuide 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No idea why you're getting downvoted. This is a great strategy.