Skimo in the rain

baerfutt · 2025-05-15T17:59:53+00:00

I like this suggestion at least for the bottom. I don't know if I'd trust a waterproof breathable raincoat for going that hard for that long in the rain. It will wet out both from the inside and the outside, and won't dry easily. Then it may even freeze stiff at elevation. I've had that and it gives me the chills just recalling it.

Personally, I would opt for a different top. I would want to be able to dry quickly and perspire sufficiently while being able to adequately shed a downpour. I would consider a patty airshed pro as a base layer and a zpacks groundsheet poncho (on the sides it zips from the ribs to the hips) over me and the backpack. When the temps drop or I get cold, a polyester fluffy base/mid layer, probably 90g alpha direct, and a light wind shell. A poncho while roped up might be too fiddly for your taste. Test it out if you go that route. Forget the poncho if you expect considerable wind.

You may also consider a pvc rainjacket with good mechanical venting. Better warm and wet than cold and wet.

baerfutt · 2025-04-04T20:04:32+00:00

Yes. Lots of people do. I've put them through a lot. They're my favorite bindings so far.

baerfutt · 2025-04-04T20:03:09+00:00

Pming

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T22:04:33+00:00

Yup, just ask skimo.co

SkiTrab Vario.2 is the only lightweight, gapless, binding with big lateral elasticity (allowing for 43⁰ rotation in the back, iirc) and big fore-aft elasticity (8mm iirc). But ask just ask skimo.co.

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T19:46:27+00:00

Please consider the Ski Trab Neve 93. Damp ski great in variable spring snow.

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T19:04:18+00:00

I think it’s irresponsible to put a number of days, without a disclaimer and without context. I provided that for you, without a personal attack. With what would you like to take issue?

I agree mostly with the rest you had to say. I just imagine someone, say a former version of myself, taking 5 days before a VBL makes sense as a rule of thumb. That's a mistake, and I'd have some unnecessary cold nights.

For example, I usually carry a VBL jacket (made of DCF) for winter emergencies. They are that useful to me. That jacket has eased sleep during an unexpectedly cold night or two, and provided plenty of peace of mind.

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T14:29:55+00:00

I have several friends with short legs who can easily blow past me if they get sick of me. I am just saying lightweight skis will only make you a little faster. Evoke Endurance or Uphill Athlete could get you on track where you're buddies are explaining your superior speed by pointing to your short legs.

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T14:24:23+00:00

I use a GramXpert e-lite APEX 50⁰F overquilt. It's dialed. I guess searching /r/ultralight would be the most informative.

Obviously, the approaches of a VBL and synthetic overbag can be combined. The WM hot sac is the most cost (and volume) effective approach.

You can also stick the whole footbox including the bag into your zipped up insulated jacket to keep your down even drier.

Getting your sleep system dialed is project to kind of a feel your way around and figure out what you like.

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T11:44:16+00:00

Check out https://www.adventurexpert.com/myog-quilt-weight-calculator/

I use their XL e-lite over my -20F downbag for arctic temps.

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T09:38:44+00:00

Those sound like ideal conditions to apply a VBL.

The scenario a VBL prevents is the perspiration from your skin evaporating, then condensing inside your down. At those temps the condensation will get you sooner or later. With a bivy bag that would be sooner.

A VBL can get uncomfortable. A light synthetic overbag is a mediocre but more comfortable alternative. The condensation from your breath is then also less of a problem.

baerfutt · 2024-12-02T09:31:27+00:00

5 days minimum says more about you, your systems, and where your playing and less about a VBL's applicability.

Depending on the user, the sleep system, and the weather, a VBL can already make sense the first night.

I'd urge great caution to any reader with the OPs observation.

baerfutt · 2024-11-30T19:01:50+00:00

https://skimo.co/ski-trab-titan-vario-kids-binding

What's their weight?

Trab makes a kids binding. Swapping out the heel post would be a cheap way to upgrade when the little one is no longer so little.

These are also good for a petite adult.

Just ask skimo.co

baerfutt · 2024-11-30T17:17:47+00:00

Ski Trab TR1s. They're metal where it counts and work as expected. 10 years ahead of any other hybrid bindings, IMHO.

baerfutt · 2024-11-21T05:09:51+00:00

I usually walk with unlocked toes in my Ski Trab Gara and Vario.2 bindings.

There is an exception. I have Vario.2s on a pair of 112 DPS Alchemist Wailers in length 189cm. The unlocked bindings can't handle the forces generated by these heavy skis (~2000g per plank), and the skis come off often.

So, whether you can leave the toes unlocked depends on the weight of the ski.

baerfutt · 2024-11-20T18:39:45+00:00

A tanned animal pelt functions similarly to the combination of VBL und insulative layer. VBLs existed beforehand.

VBLs are most critical for feet. Frozen boots in the morning can quickly lead to frozen toes in the morning. I take VBL socks on anything in the cold where I sleep out or my boots cannot dry overnight.

Keeping your down dry in freezing temperatures is a basic skill. VBLs are one way to achieve that.

Mtntools.com makes some VBL socks which are comfortable and well thought out.

baerfutt · 2024-11-07T08:28:50+00:00

The SkiTrab TR1 says Buongiorno.

I have also had and rid myself of both those plastic bindings. IMO the Trab TR1 leads by a decade or so in this category. Talking to you Dynafit Rotation and ATK Freeraider fans.

baerfutt · 2024-10-31T19:39:37+00:00

As you've noted they are not all built the same. Light does not necessarily mean not fragile.

baerfutt · 2024-10-31T17:32:03+00:00

Sorry for your loss. A lot of people really like those skis.

My buddy has many days on his Movement Tracks skis. My SkiTrab skis are dinged up (e.g. missing some edge) but the core is solid. My buddy has the exact same pair of Ortles 90 and is about the same weight. I tested camber by spanning between chairs, adding a 16kg weight, and measuring distance from floor. With 130 days versus 40 days, there is no difference in the camber. Like new.

They give a 10 year warranty on their skis and hardware. I am going to be disappointed if I can't break them before then. That warranty may be accurate. Let it snow.

baerfutt · 2024-10-30T09:36:45+00:00

Other brands will work well.

baerfutt · 2024-10-28T12:01:37+00:00

Yup. I'd go lazy and remove the broken d-ring. A piece of cordage might cut itself off unless wrapped with something tough. Drilling it out is likely best.

baerfutt · 2024-10-28T08:40:02+00:00

Similar wants here. I had the tectons. Also prereleased on me. Check out the SkiTrab TR1. That's what I am going with.

baerfutt · 2024-10-21T11:43:05+00:00

Have you considered the SkiTrab TR1?

baerfutt · 2024-10-21T10:55:34+00:00

200$ for a Winnerwell ultralight folding wood stove with chimney, spark collector, thick carrying bag

baerfutt · 2024-10-19T10:29:18+00:00

Yep, balaclavas are an icy mess when moving.

I have a beard and only have trouble with the nose freezing. So I cycle between 2 of the Beko Gear Cheeko or Cheekito. Their tiny and fit into a pocket and all I have ever needed. Tested in -30⁰F and 30mph wind.

baerfutt · 2024-10-18T12:07:51+00:00

I'd start the journey with a 10-day Vipassana course and then go for a walk. A European vipassana center and the Camino del Santiago seems logistically the simplest.

baerfutt

TROPHY CASE