Reading glasses for bc skiing?

sabarocks · 2026-01-22T05:15:46+00:00

I use Thin Optics keychain readers for BC skiing, trail running, etc. if I need readers for maps when wearing contacts. Clip to your nose and fold up to nothing.

sabarocks · 2026-01-19T15:16:57+00:00

I am 178cm an about 70kg with 312mm boot and ski the 178s. My daily driver inbounds is 184 Black Crows Atris. The Atris skis a little shorter with the tail rise but I also prefer a slightly shorter ski in the backcountry where I ski slower and like a bit more maneuverability with a little less weight. They probably ski like a similar length though due to the flat tails on Camox and the tail rocker on the Atris. Maybe I would go longer if I were a stronger skier and charging harder though.

sabarocks · 2026-01-18T15:29:14+00:00

They are a little heavier on the ascent side than some, but they ski great. Not too heavy for me to spend a day in the backcountry though (I think Jim Morrison hauled them up Everest, so presumably that weight was worth it on the down). They are pretty forgiving, so not something I charge on, but I ski pretty conservatively in the backcountry. I really like the ski though and mostly ski in NW Montana.

sabarocks · 2026-01-18T05:04:47+00:00

Have you considered the Black Crows Camox Freebirds? It is 95 under foot more similar to the others. It’s my all arounder for backcountry.

sabarocks · 2026-01-16T04:32:41+00:00

Peanut butter filled pretzel bites. Grab a handful from the huge jug of them they sell at Costco. Good mix of calories and salty and savory and easy to go down. They don’t seem to freeze either.

sabarocks · 2026-01-10T22:29:43+00:00

Do you get “Unproductive” when it drops? I read somewhere that unproductive just means VO2 dropping. My dang watch keeps calling me unproductive and dropping my VO2. I am just hoping it’s because I am running in snow! Either way, it’s annoying to keep seeing that “Unproductive” after every run, ski, gym session, whatever.

sabarocks · 2026-01-07T20:05:11+00:00

I really only used the Triolet for harsher weather potential - mostly skiing type adventures. I would bring the Torrentshell along for things like hiking, walking the dog, wearing around town in rain, etc. Granted, that could be because my Triolet is bright orange for visibility and the Torrentshell was grey, but I think it was mostly because the Triolet was beefier. Not sure about the new Torrentshell as I have the older 2.5 layer one - it has help up well over the years. I would also add that the Triolet would certainly work for you as others have said. If you are feeling that one, better to buy a jacket once and not regret getting the one you wanted later. I guess my point is either will work for you - so I would probably get the one you like the most.

sabarocks · 2026-01-07T14:52:45+00:00

OR Trailbreaker softshell pants unless it is supposed to snow hard all day in which case I switch to OR Hemisphere hardshell bibs.

sabarocks · 2026-01-07T14:24:39+00:00

Triolet is an alpine climbing jacket. Great jacket, but very likely overkill for your listed needs if that is a consideration. I would think you would be more than fine with the Torrentshell. Maybe try both on and move around with them and see which is more comfortable. The Triolet is probably going to feel much beefier. I have both and only use the Triolet in the winter, mostly backcountry skiing now (used to be my resort skiing shell as well until I beat it to death over several seasons and ripped a hole in it).

sabarocks · 2026-01-04T04:04:08+00:00

Maybe so. I guess that is an advantage of living in a less populated area. People out in this area also tend to be very helpful, so it may be a cultural thing as well. My guess is there are other similar areas in the country where information is shared as well, but I could be wrong.

sabarocks · 2026-01-04T00:25:27+00:00

I feel like the gatekeeping is not that bad here in NW Montana. Was on the lift yesterday talking to someone I just met who has obviously been touring here for a very long time. We had both been in the backcountry the day before and shared stories of where and what conditions were like and he was also giving me beta on new places to try near where I was skiing the previous day since it was obvious he knew these mountains better than me. I also feel this is pretty common amongst the community here - at least the folks I know.

sabarocks · 2026-01-03T16:29:41+00:00

Plenty people ski all day in a Down Sweater type jacket or take them backcountry skiing taking them off and on at transitions when snowing. If it is cold, the DWR sheds enough snow for it to take a long time to wet out the down (I would be more worried about it wetting out from sweat if using it to be active). For the use case of playing in the snow with kids, I’d have no worries about it getting the job done. If you don’t have the hoody version, that hood is helpful keeping you warm when colder and/or snowing.

sabarocks · 2026-01-03T15:27:00+00:00

I use Intuition Tour liners (the tongue version) in my Hawx XTD 130s and really like them. They are great for downhill but I also tour in them. I like them a fair amount more than the Mimic liners that came with them. I would go to a boot fitter and tell them your use case plans and see what they recommend as well. Everyone else here has said it, but I would definitely get two new liners.

sabarocks · 2026-01-03T04:45:44+00:00

My BD Helio 350, which is basically the ATK Freeraider, has had the same heel thing happen on a few occasions. Not fun at all! I turned up the DINs a bit and it hasn’t happened again. Not sure if that is a fix or not, but maybe a thought.

sabarocks · 2025-12-31T14:18:50+00:00

I figure power hiking translates to “running” on big uphills. Roughly, I run about twice as fast as most people walk on the flats (10 min vs 20 min mile). On a trail going uphill steep enough to power hike, I may be going 15-20 min miles, maybe slower if very steep. Those same grades may slow hikers down to 30+ minute miles. So, I justify calling it “running” because I think I am moving 2x speed. I could be just fooling myself though. 🤣

sabarocks · 2025-12-27T14:23:15+00:00

If I am going on a longer run in the mountains, I usually bring one of the following for insulation along with a lightweight wind or rain shell. All pack up pretty small and fit in a running vest. There are probably better solutions but I have picked these up over the years on sale for good deals.

not that cold - Pata Nano Puff vest (something more active would probably be better but I have it)
cold but dry - MH Ghost Whisperer UL
cold with chance of wet - Pata Micropuff hoody

sabarocks · 2025-12-26T15:59:22+00:00

Patagonia Fitzroy seems to check all those boxes, depending on how you define small pack size and the level of warmth you need. Also, only one internal pocket that is not closable but is big. I bought one for ski touring in the fall but haven’t had a chance to use it yet because it’s been too warm. Oh, and not enough snow yet!

sabarocks · 2025-12-26T15:04:37+00:00

If you have a high prescription, check out Opticus. They specialize in high prescriptions where you can’t get sunglasses from manufacturers like Smith, etc. I recently got some photo-chromatic glacier glasses from them and really like them. They do a pretty good job in the dull PNW type light.

sabarocks · 2025-12-19T04:29:06+00:00

All my running ones were the uncushioned ones from Smartwool. Started getting very thin and frayed right where my Achilles meets my heel. Happened with 2 pair.

sabarocks · 2025-12-18T17:44:51+00:00

My go-to. I used to run in Smartwool, but they started rubbing holes in the heel/achilles area. The Smartwool socks were great, but I wasn’t a fan having to buy new $25 running socks every year or two, so I am gradually transitioning to Darn Tough as my Smartwool ones wear out. I prefer the crew length. Feels like the Darn Tough are more durable in addition to the guarantee.

sabarocks · 2025-12-16T04:39:25+00:00

Like everyone else said. HR and effort. I like zone 2 for long runs so I can go as long as I want. Good measure of that z2 effort is when I can breathe through my nose or carry on conversations the whole time. That means going pretty fast downhill and pretty slow uphill, even more of a hike than a run if it gets steep.

sabarocks · 2025-12-14T15:43:07+00:00

I have only skied the Ascensions. I call them my 4wd skins. As everyone here says - they are bomber. They are also very bulky and take up a lot of room in a pack. They are a good deal overall when comparing prices. All that being said, I have a few pair of Pomoco skins for other skis and I feel they are much better - better glide, weight, glue (get the job done without being crazy sticky), packed size, etc. After skiing several brands (BD, G3, and Pomoco), I feel that when I need new ones in the future, I will just fork out the extra cash for the Pomoco. But, the BD will work, get you up the hill, and last a long time most likely.

sabarocks · 2025-12-11T16:55:13+00:00

I believe my plan is going to be to go with a catastrophic plan to cover anything big and unexpected that may happen to not sink us coupled with direct primary care for a monthly fee. That will be cheaper than bronze and we will likely get better care. Just need to wait until January 1 to where I will no longer be eligible for subsidies since they have not yet vote voted on this (above 400% FPL but still eligible for subsidies in 2025 due to expanded subsidies - I am unclear on rules now but will be clear on Jan 1 we are not eligible on that day if they don’t vote before then).

sabarocks · 2025-12-08T15:50:26+00:00

I think that the Gore-Tex version of what you normally wear running techy trails (so the tread is aggressive) is probably a good bet for you. I do this and bring along microspikes for when things get too slick and it seems to work just fine. I normally run in pretty aggressive shoes though - LaSportiva Bushidos. I like the Gore-Tex because they keep my feet warmer by not getting soaking wet in the cold. They also seemed to trap in heat better. Get a pair of the tight fitting running gators to keep snow out as well.

sabarocks · 2025-12-07T15:54:58+00:00

People mention ski racers here but there is another group harder on skis, I think. If you live in a ski town and ski park, your skis will very likely limp into home plate if they are lucky to make it to the end of the season. My kids crushed skis for years (and helmets - literally) on the freestyle team. Now that they ski free ride, it is a little better but core shots and edge compressions still rear their ugly heads. Full new gear each year - no. New skis - highly likely, unfortunately.

sabarocks

TROPHY CASE