RSSGear Reviews

Glacier Rope Set-up

Glacier Rope Set-up

| December 16, 2011 | 10 Comments

Because ski mountaineering is so varied, there is no one single “best rope” out there that covers all the bases.  Sometimes you want a short, light, skinny rope just in case, and other times you need a full length, beefy multi-fall lead line.  In the past I’ve carried a variety of 60m ropes  based on […]

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3D Topo Maps

3D Topo Maps

| October 31, 2011 | 4 Comments

The first (and most likely only) time I went on a CMH trip, it gushed rain for the entire week. This was a tragedy and the lodge staff said that they had never seen anything like it in their entire history.  One of the saving graces was that I got to spend a lot of […]

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“Breaking Trail” review

“Breaking Trail” review

| September 30, 2011 | 1 Comment

I walked out of Brewvies theater last night after watching  “Breaking Trail”  expecting snow on the ground and found dry, hot asphalt instead.  Arrrg – pace thyself.  As penance, I swore it was going to be a crappy season with no skiing until early January.

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Rush v. Maestrale

Rush v. Maestrale

| September 27, 2011 | 19 Comments

The people of the backcountry will now hear the case of Rush v. Maestrale.  Please be seated. I don’t think I toured a single day last year in anything but Scarpa Maestrale boots.  For resorts, I have a pair of Scarpa Mobe boots, but I have yet to brave any touring with them.  I come […]

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2012 Clothing Set Up

2012 Clothing Set Up

| September 23, 2011 | 7 Comments

I’m the type of skier who likes to find gear that works and stick with it, and would rather spend my time skiing than dickin’ around with unfamiliar products.  My annual gear choices are made even easier as I have the great privilege and honor of being an “independent contractor” for a variety of companies, […]

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ABS Powder 15 Airbag Review

ABS Powder 15 Airbag Review

| April 4, 2011 | 12 Comments

The ABS Avalanche Airbag System company has been around the longest of the airbag manufacturers and it shows in the construction and details of their ABS Powder 15. While the basic concept is the same as other airbags, the Powder 15 has quite a few unique features that make it ideal for a small airbag […]

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Small Avalanche Airbag Review – Part 1

Small Avalanche Airbag Review – Part 1

| March 30, 2011 | 8 Comments

After seeing this year’s offerings, I started out the season all hell-fired up about avalanche airbag packs and bought a BCA Float 30. Statistically, avalanche airbags are the most effective product available for surviving an avalanche (more than beacons), and I like the idea that you can do something to protect yourself, versus relying on […]

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Gold Label Glue Review

Gold Label Glue Review

| March 23, 2011 | 4 Comments

Yes, Straightchuter.com is willing to take on the tough reviews that are too complex and sticky for Wild Lou and Randy Steve to even imagine.  Boots, bindings, beacons and skis?  Pffft.  Who needs ’em if your skins fall off in the parking lot? Black Diamond has had a few bad batches, but for the most […]

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OR Show Recap

OR Show Recap

| January 28, 2011 | 2 Comments

The Fall 2011 OR Show has come and gone, and as usual, it was great fun.  I probably did more skiing and less reviewing than I should have, but with so many fun people in town it was hard to say no.  The skiing itself was a skiff of powder on top of bullet-proof ice, […]

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New Year’s Resolution – Lose Weight

New Year’s Resolution – Lose Weight

| December 13, 2010 | 26 Comments

The last couple of times I’ve been out skiing I’ve been moaning and groaning about the weight of my overall backcountry skiing kit and today I decided to do something about it.  As soon as I got home from a great day of skiing, I stripped off everything I used  and weighed it.  Hats, gloves, […]

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