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Review of Northern Playground Ziplongs: Underwear for Mountain Athletes

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northern-playground-ziplongs-main

Quick overview:

Usual Retail Price: $90-110 USD depending on length and material
Material: Wool or Micro Fleece
Pant length: Available as full length tights or 3/4 knickers as well as other products (tops, underwear, socks)
Pros:  Warm and comfortable long-underwear that can be removed without taking one’s boots off!
Cons:  Ever so slightly short on me
Suitability:  Ski Touring, Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Climbing, Hiking

Bottom Line:

Temperature regulation is important but can be difficult. Especially, if you have to decide at the car and live with your choices for an entire day. Ziplongs are a full-zip, removable long-underwear and make temperature regulation easily adjustable.

Product description and How we tested it:

Eric Carter’s review.
I generally run quite hot when I am exercising. I am the guy who has sweat through his shirt within ten minutes of leaving the car. Choosing pants is a pain because I’m almost always hot at the start, sweat a bit, and then get cold at higher, colder or windier elevations. Either I dress warm and try to move slowly or I dress cold and try to move fast to generate heat! This is especially a problem when ice climbing or doing proper ski mountaineering where you might have periods of relatively intense effort on the approach or ascent, followed by periods of relative inactivity while belaying or otherwise not moving.
Traditional long underwear is not an option because it’s a huge pain to take off your harness, boots, and pants while on the side of a mountain. Zip-on over-pants are good but are generally quite bulky.
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With the issues listed above, I decided to test a product from a Norwegian company Northern Playground, with their Ziplongs. Their motto is “Designed by hot Norwegians”. Ignoring the fact that it immediately brings to mind their beautiful, blond Scandinavians, it is perfect for hot British Columbians or anyone else 🙂
Instead of having to remove all your clothing and boots entirely while standing in the snow, all you have to do is loosen your harness and drop your pants. The long underwear zips right on! It sounds a bit ridiculous and there are some entertaining pictures on their website but it’s a small price to pay for being warmer at belays and not getting soaked in sweat on the approach.
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Northern Playground agreed to send me a pair to test out so I’ve been playing with both the Microfleece and Wool options in the 3/4 length size. I’m almost universally a size medium at 6ft and 33in waist. This put me in a Medium for the Ziplongs as well.
My first impressions was that they are very comfortable. Both fabrics feel good against the skin. No itchiness from the wool. The length is slightly shorter than I was expecting. I didn’t want the full-length version because I figured it would be harder to fit on with pants around the ankles and high boot cuffs. The 3/4 version goes to just below the knee and only a few pairs of socks I own go that high. This means that sometimes, depending on my socks, there might be a gap between fabrics. This is really my only complaint and since I haven’t tried the full-length version, I can’t say for sure that they wouldn’t solve the issue.
Using Ziplongs in the field is no problem. For ice climbing, I wore my shell pant from the car and upon arriving at the first belay I dropped my pants and zipped on the Ziplongs. They kept me warm all day. Another day out ski touring, the morning was warm and windless so I started with just a light soft shell pant. Once we got high on a ridge in the alpine, I started to get really cold. I had to find a rock to hide behind to put my Ziplongs on but after a brief arctic blast, I was comfortable again and ready to continue on.
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The difference between Microfleece and Wool seems negligible. Both are very comfortable and as far as I can tell, provide about the same amount of warmth. The wool is slightly less bulky so I’d choose that option in the future.
I should also mention that the construction of the underwear is very impressive. Clean stitching and obvious attention to detail. I was worried about having a harness on and that it would push the zipper into my skin. They have included nice fabric flaps over the zipper that make it unnoticeable. I haven’t had any issues with the zipper separating in use.
Coming from Norway, I expected the cost to be fairly high but comparing to other (non-zip) wool products, they are nearly equivalent – if you don’t mind paying for Patagonia or IceBreaker, the Ziplong is no more expensive.
I also tested a pair of their Wool Ski Socks. They perfectly overlap with the 3/4 tights and are a moderately padded sock. I am prone to heel blisters and haven’t gotten any wearing these. With about 25 days of use, the socks are not showing much wear-and-tear. I will reserve my conclusions on durability for a little longer though. In the mean time, I can sum up the socks by saying: they are warm, comfortable to wear, and they fit well.
Overall impressions on Ziplongs: In my opinion, Ziplongs are an awesome idea for the hot alpinist or ski tourer who wants an option to layer up or down their lower body without the hassle of removing boots. The Ziplong is high quality and comfortable, and after testing out their 3/4 tights and Wool Ski Socks, I wish I had asked for one of everything in their line.

What can be improved:

Sizing maybe just slightly smaller than most. Ziplong Tight might interact better with more sock combinations than 3/4 length.

Buying Northern Playground Ziplongs:

Review of Pierre Gignoux Black Ski Mountaineering Boots: Light, Comfortable and Performance Driven

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Quick overview:

  • Usual Retail Price:  €1330 Euro ($1600 USD) + VAT if buying within Europe
  • Weight: 600 grams with liner (size 26)
  • Sizes available: 23-30 with 26.5 and 27.5
  • Pros: Comfortable, Light even with full liner, Snow guard, Price compared to competition
  • Cons: Can’t buy in a store, Long shell length
  • Suitability: skimo racing, light & fast ski touring and mountaineering

Bottom Line:

While you have to wait a couple of weeks to get your pair of PG boots manufactured it’s worth it. The Black boots are only a little bit heavier than Pierre Gignoux’ full-on racing machines yet the fit and comfort make up for a couple of extra grams. Plus, they are the most affordable and one of the most comfortable full carbon boots on the market.

Product description and How we tested it:

After a couple of emails to determine the right size with Pierre Gignoux, I have ordered my pair in late October 2016. Since I made a decision to try to get to my best for one more World Champs I knew I had to get a better fitting boot than my old Scarpa Alien 1.0. I had Gignoux boots before and really liked them so I made a leap in that direction.

During the teams race at 2017 Skimo Worlds.
During the teams race at 2017 Skimo Worlds. Most descents were very technical due to little snow and a long ridge walk with crampons tested everyone’s crampon-boot compatibility – mine worked great.
My pair arrived early January and my fourth time using the boots (along with new Hagan Race skis) was for a 2h race in Colorado. Race is never the best time to test new equipment, nevertheless, I had good feelings about the boots and skis while my body struggled in the high altitude. After a few tough weeks I regained my training schedule and started to ski the Black boots on regular basis.
In my experience, downhill performance of any ski mountaineering (racing) boot will hugely depend on how well the boot fits you. I suspected that the proper full liner and low profile shell of the Blacks should be way better for my low volume feet (but regular width) than the roomy Aliens with a thin sock liner. This turned out to be true but it did take a couple of training sessions to adjust the fit. I also added the green Superfeet insoles that improved the snug fit even more – for this, I got help from Skimo.co guys when I stopped in their store in Salt Lake City.
The snug fit allows me to have good control on the descents. The lower shell is stiff but the fully padded liner cushions my feet so it’s not painful. I find the forward lean very neutral and the back of the cuff provides great support if you end up in the back seat. Leaning forward, you are doing so against a plastic “plate” and not carbon so there is some give or feel of softness but it feels just right.
This is how the inside tightening system looks like. Works well.
This is how the inside tightening system looks like. Works well.
On my third day in Blacks, I had the pleasure to demo a pair of ASKI Verglas skis (176cm, 111-78-92) in Wasatch with the Skimo.co crew. I was equally blown away how the skis performed and how my Pierre Gignoux boots were able to keep up.
Boot sizes are in the left column and shell lengths in the right.
Boot sizes are in the left column and shell lengths in the right.
In terms of overall durability of these boots, in my opinion, are as good as any other full carbon boots on the market right now. As long as you are not hitting too many rocks when boot-packing you will be fine for long time. One thing I would recommend though is to use blue Loctite on the ankle joints and pretty much all other screws as well. Some screws on my boots were getting loose every 10 sessions or so.
Finally, here are my thoughts on the uphill performance of the Pierre Gignoux Black skimo boots. I have a size 29 and they weigh only 740g including the insoles which is quite light for a “race” boot with integrated gaiters (snow guards). Pair this with great ankle articulation and they feel very light when going up. The only “down side” is that due to its design PG boots have a fairly long last (bottom shell length), mine are 297mm long for size 29. This means that the front pin holes are positioned quite in front of your fingers which makes for a different feel when skinning during the first couple of sessions.
Boot weights in grams for different sizes.
Boot weights in grams for different sizes.
Overall, the combo of Pierre Gignoux Black boots and Hagan Race skis, paired with ATK bindings, was turned out to be a well oiled downhill machine while I kept working on improving my own engine to hit the Worlds in a good shape.

Pros:

  • Still light weight despite full liner and integrated gaiter
  • Comfortable
  • Ability to fit many types of feet (thanks to wide front-foot)
  • Gaiters protect very well from snow getting into the boots

What can be improved:

Just like with all new full carbon racing boots, crampon compatibility is somewhat of an issue but CAMP Race 290 and Tour 350 fit the PG Blacks quite well.
While I haven’t had any major issues the durability could be improved and will likely happen over time.

My way of protecting my boots is using black Gorilla tape on the bottom parts of the shell and other high wear places. The scratch you see in the photo was substantial but thanks to the tape the carbon was totally protected.
My way of protecting my boots is using black Gorilla tape on the bottom parts of the shell and other high wear places. The scratch you see in the photo was substantial but thanks to the tape the carbon was totally protected.

Buying Pierre Gignoux Black ski boots

  • €1330 Euro ($1600 USD) directly from Pierre Gignoux (+ VAT if buying within Europe)

Review of Salomon MTN Lab Helmet: Certified for Skiing and Mountaineering

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Quick overview:

salomon-mtn-lab-helmet-matte-white-grey

  • Usual Retail Price:  $200 USD
  • Weight: 330 grams without liner (size medium)
  • Sizes available: Small (53-56cm), Medium (56-59cm), Large (59-62cm)
  • Pros: dual certifications (climbing & skiing), lightweight, comfortable, easy to find in North America
  • Cons: heavier than ultralight climbing helmets, fewer vents, discoloration
  • Suitability: skimo racing, ski alpinism, ski touring

Bottom Line:

A comfortable helmet that will be a good option for skimo racers who need dual certification.

Product description and How we tested it:

I’ve been using this Salomon helmet for early season skiing in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and the first round of racing in North America, overall about 20 days.
With new ISMF regulations mandating dual certifications (UIAA 106 and EN 1077) for World Cup competitions, some North American athletes will be scrambling to find new helmets for the season, especially with the World Championships imminent. The Salomon MTN Lab is one of the few helmets currently available in North America that is a reasonable option for skimo racers.
At first glance, the MTN Lab Helmet is still quite light. Its claimed weight is 300g (for reference, the CAMP Speed 2.0 is 268g). A liner with ear flaps is included with the helmet but easily removed with Velcro attachments. EN certification stickers are visible inside the helmet shell even after removing the liner. A small amount of padding at the top and back of the helmet keep it comfortable without the liner. Inside the helmet, noticeable channels in the material reduce weight.

Racing in the Salomon MTN Lab Helmet at Castle Mountain.
Racing in the Salomon MTN Lab Helmet at Castle Mountain, Canada. Glenda Zamzow Photo.
The retention system is a simple fabric chin strap with a buckle and a Boa type dial at the rear of the helmet. The chin strap is easy to adjust but does not always keep the helmet from tipping sideways on my head. I’d like to see a lighter and more secure strap system like that on the Petzl Sirocco. I worry a bit about how well the helmet will stay positioned in case of a hard crash.
Wearing the helmet, it seems to sit a bit higher on my head than some others (the Petzl one for example) which does allow some airflow to circulate around my head but feels a bit like a mushroom cap. Vents are positioned on the top, side and rear of the helmet. This resembles more of a traditional downhill ski helmet (to keep you warm) rather than those designed purely for skimo racing with vents on the front as well (to keep you cool) like the Dynafit DNA. That being said, it is generally quite cool and comfortable with a lightweight headband underneath.
The included goggle attachment works well and is a feature I’d like to see on more skimo helmets. It is just a bungee cord that clips over the goggle (or headlamp) strap.
Early season training at Whistler Blackcomb. Nick Elson Photo
Early season training at Whistler Blackcomb. Nick Elson photo.

Pros:

  • Reasonably light weight helmet with double certification
  • Compliant with ISMF regulations
  • Comfortable
  • Good breath-ability

What can be improved:

Our test helmet is the white version and immediately began to dis-colour in my ski pack on ascents, despite being kept in the included felt carrying bag. If you worry that your gear looks shiny and new, maybe choose a darker colour version.
I also find that to keep my goggles on my face where they need to be, the strap needs to be quite tight over my helmet, constricting my entire head and becoming uncomfortable after a long touring day. This is a function of both the large frame of the goggles and the fit with the helmet (as well as my head) so I can’t truly list it as a fault of the helmet.

Online stores that carry The Salomon MTN Lab Helmet:

Review of Free Range Equipment Raven Pack

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The Free Range Equipment Raven. A high quality climbing and ski mountaineering pack from Oregon!

Quick overview:

  • Usual full price: $169 USD
  • Weight: 540 g (one size)
  • Volume: 25 L
  • Pros: versatile, durable, spacious, lightweight, 2 ice axe loops
  • Cons: back panel structure, no quick ski carry, not ideally sized for avalanche gear
  • Suitability: ski mountaineering day trips, summer alpine climbing/scrambling, winter alpine climbing

Bottom Line:

Not designed for racing but well built for day trips of technical ski mountaineering and alpine climbing, the combination known as ski-alpinism.

Product description and How we tested it:

With spring behind us and high quality ski mountaineering objectives getting ticked off, we’ve got a new pack reviewed for you that has been a long time coming. I’ve held off publishing this review to test the Raven in as many situations as possible. It started the season carrying my skis and boots to training sessions high on glaciers, then came with me on an early season trip to Chamonix, I used it more climbing and skiing on the Coast through the winter. Now, I’m looking forward to using it for some climb/ski projects here in BC.
Free Range is an American company hand-producing packs for climbers and adventurers. With strong roots in ski mountaineering, their lightest and most technical ski pack is the Raven. Optimized for technical ski mountaineering and while lightweight, the Raven sports a host of features that will appeal to those travelling with a little bit of extra gear.

Spring ski mountaineering mission on Kulshan, WA.
Spring ski mountaineering mission on Kulshan, WA.
The pack features a very streamlined shape, reminiscent of a bigger version of the Black Diamond Bullet pack. This means it sits a little higher (on me at least) and the hip belt does not help much to carry the load as just stabilize things while skiing. This is offset by the design of the shoulder harness – more like a running vest than a traditional pack. The wide shoulder straps each have a pocket (zip on one side, no closure on the other) and are made of neoprene. Our review version also included a neoprene bottle holder (sold separately it appears) that clips onto either shoulder strap and functioned well for carrying a soft-flask or bottle while the neoprene provides some insulation from freezing.
The main compartment of the pack is accessible using the zip off back panel. The panel itself is rather flimsy I found and unless it was packed perfectly it could become a bit lumpy. A bit more structure here might serve future versions well. The main compartment is spacious and without any dividers, is easy to pack a variety of tools depending on the goal of the day. Unfortunately, the compact shape of the pack makes it somewhat difficult to fit standard sized avalanche gear. I had to have my shovel handle running across the back panel rather than flush with one side like I normally would. There is a small key (or energy gel) pocket inside the main compartment as well as at the top of the pack on the outside.
Scraping down the Argentiere Glacier with a load of climbing gear in the Raven. (Nick Elson Photo)
Scraping down the Argentiere Glacier with a load of climbing gear in the Raven. (Nick Elson Photo)
The outside of the Raven sports a daisy chain piece of webbing, two basic ice axe holders, and a diagonal ski carry system. This uses a flexible tail loop like most race packs but a beefier tip attachment. The pack must be removed to attach the skis but the attachment strap is very solid. While it wouldn’t serve for a race, it is perfect for alpine climbing where taking your pack off for a moment is well worth the security of not possibly losing a ski.
The ski carry system is so secure that this was my first choice of packs for early season ski missions this year when carrying both skis and boots to the snow line. Even running with my skis and boots attached to the Raven, they didn’t bounce around like they would on a race pack. Normal race-style hooks are not secure enough for difficult vertical climbing so the secure, lasso type of attachment is ideal on this pack.
Approaching the 'shrund on the Aiguille du Argentiere with skis secured on the Raven. (Nick Elson Photo)
Approaching the ‘shrund on the Aiguille du Argentiere with skis secured on the Raven. (Nick Elson Photo)
It’s not my go-to pack for mid-winter skiing when the technical features are unnecessary and I’m carrying full-size avy gear – that’s just not what it’s designed for. However, if you need to carry crampons, ice tools, a rope and a small rack, plus some basics like a few layers and fuel/hydration then the Raven is perfect for fast and light ski-alpinism.
I will also note that I used the Raven as my primary pack for five weeks of skiing in Europe this season, except during races. It was my daily/travel backpack as I could slip my laptop into the hydration sleeve and carry a jacket and some books in the main pocket and a few Euros in the zippered valuable pouch. It was also what I used for skiing and training anytime my race pack was too small.
Overall, the Free Range Raven is not a skimo race pack and may not be ideal for winter touring when avalanche gear (or larger pack sizes) are needed but has been my first choice for climbing adventures and spring ski-alpinism when stability is good.

Pros:

  • Compact shape
  • Secure ski carry
  • Well designed harness
  • Simple axe attachments
  • Durable

What can be improved about this product:

An additional (optional) quick ski carry attachment and a bit more length to fit avalanche gear would make this a top choice for all season skiing. Some of the fixtures are a bit industrial and could be replaced with lighter weight options but durability might suffer.

Online stores that carry Free Range Raven pack:

Climbing steep neve on the Coleman Headwall. (Nick Elson Photo)
Climbing steep neve on the Coleman Headwall. (Nick Elson Photo)

Review of Adidas Terrex Skychaser Trail Running Shoes

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adidas-skychaser-1Quick overview:

  • Usual full price: about $160.00 USD
  • Weight: 325 g (single shoe)
  • Pros: Traction and Grip, Built quality, Breathable
  • Cons: Bigger heel, lacing system (depends on preference)
  • Suitability: Trail running in all conditions and terrain.

Bottom line:

Excellent traction and grip – whether on dry or wet – make Skychaser shoes a great training companion for any day.

Photos:

Product description and How we tested it:

Over the last decade, I have switched between couple of brands for trail & mountain running shoes in a search to find what works best for me. I place big priority on grip – the shoe must stick to dry and wet rock perfectly, otherwise it’s out of the window. That’s the main reason why I stopped running Salomon and totally dig La Sportiva shoes in recent years. The Adidas Skychaser fits in between the two overall but is actually on par with La Sportivas in the grip and traction department.
Adidas describes the Skychasers as stable and protective trail running shoes for rugged mountain runs. The Boost technology is supposed to return energy after every stride while the one piece Continental rubber sole provides ultimate traction and grip.
While it’s hard to say I “felt the boost” the other claims are certainly true. I have ran the Skychasers for over ten times now (1-2.5h sessions), over various terrain and in all conditions, and can honestly say I am very happy with the grip and traction. I mean, my best ever road bike and car tires were Continental so I am that surprised.
I can’t judge the fit very well as I ordered them blind and could definitely use a half-a-size smaller. Despite that they fit me well enough. I think the sizing is quite true but I thought to rather order them slightly bigger than smaller, and I got my wish.
The upper is well-built and has a clean look & feel. While breath-ability and draining are excellent the materials used for the upper appear to be strong and I am confident the shoes will last. The tongue features a “rubberized” top part that seemed stiff at the first glance but actually wraps my ankle very comfortably.
The sole features big lugs, is thicker than I am used to (23mm heel, 17mm forefoot) and with the beefy heel I definitely feel higher above the ground. Overall, the sole has a good solid yet comfortable feel while running. The heel is very stable and quite soft when descending but I would prefer if it was slightly narrower.
I won’t discuss the lacing system much as I think it’s a very personal preference – I simply like traditional laces more. I can certainly live with both the Adidas and Salomon speed lacing and while there are differences between the two I would say they are equally good.
To go a level higher from Skychasers definitely consider its GTX version or another model – Terrex Agravic GTX shoes. The Agravic shoes look similar except couple of small details that might make the difference depending on your preferences – traditional lacing, Gore-Tex membrane…

Pros:

  • Excellent grip and traction
  • Built quality
  • Different colour combinations

What can be improved about this product:

It’s difficult to poke holes into Adidas shoes as I was very happy with all of the three or four pairs I owned before. But if I could change two things on the Skychaser then I would:

  • Make the heel smaller – not thinner but less volume on the perimeter.
  • Replace the laces with traditional ones 😉

Product Specs:

  • Upper: Synthetic Textile
  • Midsole: TPU, Boost, Pro-Moderator
  • Sole: Continental Rubber
  • Insole: Molded OrthoLite
  • Drop: 6mm (23.5mm to 17.5mm)
  • Sizing: men’s US 6 – 12, 13, 14

Online stores that sell Adidas Skychaser shoes:

Fischer Profoil Skins Review: New way of skinning

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Overview:

  • Usual full price: $225 USD – (Skimo.co)
  • Weight: 230g/pair (for Fischer TransAlp 80 skis at 170cm)
  • Compatibility: Fischer TransAlp, Hannibal, and Ranger models
  • Pros: Light, flat, good grip/glide, pre-cut
  • Cons: Slightly slower transition, not trimmable
  • Suitability: ski touring, ski mountaineering

Bottom Line:

An innovative take on ski touring skins that works surprisingly well!

Product description and How we tested it:

To be honest, I have to admit to being a bit skeptical about the Fischer’s Profoil skins when I first saw them at the Pierra Menta expo last year. But now that I actually got them under my feet I have no more concerns.
The idea is a climbing skin-alternative that uses the technology of a classic crown (fish-scale) nordic ski to provide grip on the way up, rather than using hair like with traditional mohair or modern synthetic skins.

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Skinning on Profoils in the Alps during my recent Euro visit.
The Profoil skins are pre-cut for the exact dimensions of the skis (currently available for only Fischer skis – I tested them on the TransAlp 80) and they cannot be trimmed. This is because the pattern has scales that prevent both backward slipping and sideways movement (like traversing on a steep slope). If you trim these scales off, you lose significant grip. Similarly, like with any traditional skins, if you use them on a wider ski then the material may not be in contact with the snow where needed, thus, grip might be compromised.
The skin uses a special tip-clip system that works best with Fischer skis. This is similar to pre-cut Dynafit skins which also uses a unique tip attachment that is design to work well specifically with its skins.
During my recent trip to the French Alps, I had the chance to test them out in a variety of conditions from deep winter powder to firm spring melt-freeze. I expected good performance in powder but occasional slipping in firm or icy conditions. At the end, I was blown away! Profoils delivered great grip in all situations where I know traditional skins would grip as well.
Glide performance in most snow types was great as well, especially, where traditional skins lacking – on ice and refrozen snow. In good conditions – with a smooth track through fresh snow – glide is equivalent to a mohair skin.
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Skin balling (ice and snow accumulation) seemed to be less of an issue with the Profoil skins than traditional synthetic ones. Occasionally, a ball formed when I lifted up my ski during a stride but it immediately released when I stepped-glide onto it. I had no big ice chunks stuck permanently to the bottom of my skins. I discovered that the balling can be reduced easily with some spray-on liquid wax.
The skin uses a special glue that is significantly stronger than standard glue. For this reason, you can’t fold the skin like usual, glue-to-glue. Instead, you need to carry a small piece of skin-saver plastic that you put on the skin before folding it onto itself (glue to scales). This adds a few seconds to transitions and requires some care so a bit of inconvenience here.
To sum things up, if you have a pair of Fisher skis (like the TransAlp), definitely consider using the ProFoil skin instead of a traditional skin.

Pros:

  • Light, no set-up, great grip and glide.
  • An interesting twist on traditional skins.

What can be improved about this product:

  • The strong glue requires the use of skin saver plastic at all times. This means a slightly slower transition, however, I this could be improved with future versions. And we are talking about only seconds here.
  • Hopefully, a trim-able version will be developed so more backcountry skiers can benefit than only those with Fischer skis.

Review of Arc'teryx Procline Comp Jacket: Breathable and super light hardshell for snowy ski mountaineering

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arcteryx-procline-jacket-azul

Quick overview:

  • Usual full price: about $399.00 USD
  • Weight: 405 g
  • Pros: Fit, Simplicity, Function, Breathable, Weight
  • Cons: Longer sleeves
  • Suitability: For ski mountaineering in snowy or wet conditions

Bottom line:

A well designed jacket for ski mountaineering in snowy to wet conditions. That mostly means to break trail to chase fresh lines while the storm is still dumping 🙂

Photos:

 

Product description and How we tested it:

I was very curious to see how this Arc’teryx “hybrid” jacket would perform because I seldom skin up in waterproof clothing due to limited breathability and “heat trapping”. Unless it’s snowing heavily, the best setup I figured out over the years is to climb wearing one or two thin base layers under a super thin and breathable windbreaker. Then at the top, depending on temperature, I throw on a puffy or a Gore jacket. With the Procline Comp jacket I was ready to test something new.
According to Arc’teryx website, the Procline Comp uses “N40p 3L Gore Fabric Technology with tricot in the hood, shoulders, around the hemline and on the front of the body” to provide protection from snow, moisture and wind where most needed. The back and under the arms panels, the sweating spots, feature stretchy “Fortius 1.0 softshell … for freedom while climbing and a level of air permeability that permits heat and moisture vapour escape”.
In the past two months, the Coast Mountains here in south British Columbia saw couple of storm cycles pass through. They are famous for their massive dumps, mostly occurring just below or around freezing temps, which makes conditions calling for a shell that would ideally be 100% waterproof yet 100% breathable. The Procline jacket gives it a great shot.
The first thing I noticed wearing it was how well it fit, leaving only just enough room for a light puffy.  I am 6′ 2″ with wide shoulders but got it in medium size as I am skinny otherwise. The jacket is sewn together from about 15 panels which helps a lot to achieve the athletic fit. The only thing I haven’t get used to yet are the long-ish sleeves. I feel like the extra length makes them “curl up” a bit around the elbows.
Materials used and minimalist design also make this jacket incredibly light. I am not too obsessed with my ski touring clothing weight but saving 300-500 grams with a jacket means that you can either a carry a bigger lunch or just simply enjoy the lightness you are wearing.
I used the jacket on couple of occasions now and overall I found it to perform as I expected – much better than my older Gore jackets on the up but with the same protection on the way down. On one specific occasion, while skinning up in moist, snowy weather and breaking trail up a steep forest there was no way avoiding to brush against snow covered tree branches. I spent most of the 3h of ascending wearing the hood, and zipping and unzipping the front to add ventilation as needed. Underneath, I only wore one thin base layer and didn’t get too hot or cold while the temps range about between -1 C to -6 C during the whole day. With couple of days like that, I can honestly say that the jacket breaths better then any other hard shell I ever had, however, don’t expect to fully break trail fully zipped up and not to sweat inside. That’s still to be invented 😉
The Procline Comp jacket has no inside skin pockets so you will either have to put your skins in your pack or use the two outside chest pockets. I am not sure whether those were designed to carry skins but if yes then they are not big enough for the widest/longest skins. Since I mostly put skins in my pack when touring (and the pockets easily accommodate race skins) I used the chest pockets to keep my extra buff, a hat, or a phone dry. They are placed at the right spots and don’t get covered by backpacks waist strap at all, and should be just below the chest strap for most as well.
The hood was designed to accommodate a ski mountaineering or a climbing helmet. It works well, although, I seldom wear a helmet on powder/stormy days. However, the hood works well even without a helmet thanks to the well thought out design and adjustment cords.
To finish, what I really like about this jacket is how the bottom is cut in a curve to gradually drop on the sides, making the back longer, thus, prevent my butt from getting wet. On the other hand, the front bottom is high enough to not curl up when I have to lift my thighs high when setting a steeper track.

Pros:

  • Works very well for conditions it was designed for
  • Fits great and weighs nothing
  • Very minimalist/stripped down design

Cons / What can be improved about this product:

  • I would propose that Arc’teryx cuts the sleeve length by about 1 inch, that would work for me.
  • If the chest pockets (not the zippers) were slightly deeper or wider then they can work more comfortably as skin pockets even for big skins (110+ mm, or split board).

Product Specs:

  • Materials: N40p 3L GORE® Fabric Technology, Fortius 1.0 softshell
  • Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Long-term Review: Dynafit RC-1 Skimo Boots

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2015 Dynafit RC-1
2015 Dynafit RC-1

Quick overview:

  • Usual full price: $2150 USD
  • Weight: 507 g (size 27)
  • Cuff Rotation: 75 degrees
  • Forward Lean: 12/18 deg
  • Material: Carbon Fibre
  • Liner Type: Palu Race 400
  • Pros: lightweight, stiff
  • Cons: fragile, binding compatibility, liner quality
  • Suitability: high level skimo racing

Bottom Line:

The lightest boot on the market, they race well but are somewhat fragile. A big investment with big weight savings!

Photos:

Product description and How we tested it:

Departing from the tradition of developing their own lightweight boots in-house, Dynafit has begin licensing the work of renowned boot maker Pierre Gignoux (PG). The RC-1 is Dynafit’s lightest offering coming in at a svelte 507 grams per boot in size 27 – well below the options offered by competitors such as La Sportiva and Scarpa. The low weight of the all-carbon boot is immediately apparent when you slip it on.
One of the most noticeable features is the liner which only goes as high as to cover the ankle bones. Above, foam padding on the outer shell clamps onto the athlete’s shin, making an upper liner unnecessary. The liner is incredibly lightweight but this comes at a cost to durability. Several wear points exist at the heel and near the cuff pivots. It would be interesting to try the bikini-style liner available from PG or something similar to sock liner (but cut to ankle height) used in the Scarpa Alien 1.0. A tighter fitting sock liner might improve the fit as well as reduce wear.
The boot uses a simple vertical throw lever for locking the cuff into ski mode (similar to the Scarpa Alien lever). This is different from the ‘Ultra-Lock’ lever on previous Dynafit Dy.N.A. and PDG boots but requires less cutting of the skimo race suit bottoms and results in less snow making its way into the boot. The lever is easy to flick down and it accurately snaps into ski position without a need to guide it. Placing of the lever’s lock post (the bottom piece), skimo suit or pants don’t cover it, unlike with the Ultra-Lock system, making for a slightly faster/easier transition.
The foot-locking mechanism is a ratchet strap on the instep and a cord tightened by the throw lever to tighten the upper cuff. The 2016 version of the boot, called DNA now, features ratchet straps on around the upper cuff as well, to provide easier fit fine tuning (though, likely at a small weight penalty). Lower tightening is also accomplished with a quick lace system similar to that seen on many Salomon running shoes.
Early (black and white) versions of the RC-1 were sold with a relatively thin sole. This sole was poorly glued to the boot and was prone to damage. Inline changes (both to black/white and green/pink) brought a new, higher quality sole with better glue. Luckily, PG is friendly with warranty requests and will replace the old sole with a new one.
It is worth noting that no version of the RC-1 uses Dynafit’s proprietary toe tech fittings (which is odd but understandable given an independent manufacturer), but rather a custom fitting designed to be used with the RC-1 bindings (also engineered by Pierre Gignoux). I decided against mounting the RC-1 bindings on my race skis and instead went with the traditional Low-Tech Race. To make a good fit, this required a small amount of surgery to remove a few mm of sole on the bottom of the toe. Stepping into a Low-Tech, the binding snaps and locks but not quite as tight as it does with Dy.N.A. boots. Interestingly, when paired with Plum Race bindings, the binding does shut completely. Despite this being a bit disconcerting, I’ve never had a binding release and I am comfortable skiing them on steep terrain in a race.
The boot fits slightly wider and longer than traditional Dynafit boots. The sole is also perfectly flat and quite hard. I immediately put a custom insole into the liner to get the support my, generally not very picky, feet needed.
I used a variety of crampons with the RC-1. The only compatibility issue was with the front welt. Unlike most plastic boots with a well defined edge on the front welt, the RC-1 welt is very smooth and rounded (and made of carbon). This made any crampon with a toe bail feel less secure. Most commonly, I used the CAMP Race-290 crampons.  Strap-on crampons work fine as expected. While racing the Trofeo Mezzalama last spring, steel crampons were required for sections of exposed ice. I had only a pair of BD Sabretooth Pro crampons (clip-on version) which generally stayed attached despite the minimal welt. While I am suspect of any crampons on race boots, these boots are particularly insecure unless using a strap system – be careful.
My boots have seen about 70 days of use, mostly racing. My main durability issue has been the liner but my lower shell also developed a crack in the carbon that propagated out from the cuff pivot. PG was quick to replace the shell when I stopped in their tent at the Pierra Menta!
It is worthwhile to note that PG makes a slightly heavier version – called Black – that appears to be much more robust for training and mountain adventures (it has a covered tongue rather than being open) but is also plenty light for racing (600 grams).
Overall thoughts: If you want to race on the same boot as the best racers in the world (Laetitia Roux, Anton Palzer, Kilian Jornet, Emelie Forsberg, etc…) these are the right pick. They are the lightest available, ski well, and are fast in transitions. Just take good care of them!

Pros:

  • Lightest on the market.
  • They ski well.
  • I like the rear throw lever.
  • Excellent customer service/warranty service at PG.
  • Moderate crampon fit.

Things to be improved:

  • Fragile (but that comes with the territory).
  • Does not use the Dynafit Quick-Step toe fitting.
  • Warranty issues must go through PG in France.
  • Liner is quick to wear.

Salomon S-LAB X ALP 20 Backpack review: Day-pack for Fast and Light Travel

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Quick overview:

salomon-x-alp-20-pack-main

  • Usual full price: $150 USD
  • Weight: 560 g (one size)
  • Volume: 20 L
  • Pros: versatile, durable, spacious
  • Cons: weight, bulk, single flask holder
  • Suitability: ‘citizen’ skimo racing, ski mountaineering day trips, summer alpine climbing/scrambling

Bottom Line:

A good all around ski mountaineering and adventure day-pack for fast and light travel.

Photos:

Product description and How we tested it:

The Salomon X Alp line is Salomon’s foray into serious mountaineering equipment and uses some innovative ideas from their top athletes. The X Alp 20 pack is one of the most interesting pieces in the line and worth checking out for any ski mountaineer.
Salomon worked a few interesting features into the pack. First is the back-side zipper. This isn’t particularly critical in a race environment when you are never opening your pack but in training or on an adventure day, it is more useful. I originally figured this was a bit of a gimmick but in practice this allows you access to your pack at times when it might be beneficial not to set it down – for example, when straddling the snowy summit of a peak or reaching for a water bottle midway up a 4th class ridge.
The ski carry system (a lasso type) is removable. It is essentially girth hitched to small loops on the pack but still works as a robust system. When you finally pack away the skis for the season you can remove the extra straps and use your pack for summer adventures. The upper ski carry (lasso) strap also functions as a rope strap in the summer (see photos above.)
The shoulder strap flask pocket allows quick access to fuel and liquids but is only on one side. I’d prefer that both straps had a pocket as it would be possible to carry a second flask up front when the ski carry was not attached. Similarly, the right hip has a zipper pocket that is useful for carrying food or a camera. The left hip belt could be equally equipped.
Like most skimo packs, the X-Alp includes a separate crampon compartment. However, the compartment is extra padded which, while being slightly heavier, prevents the crampons points from pressing into your back. Furthermore, unlike other skimo packs, the crampon pouch has a full zipper to keep your crampons absolutely secure inside.
I’ve been most impressed with how spacious the bag seems. This may partially be due to the extra long zipper but compared to other 20L packs (the Dynafit RC20 for example) it fits more gear – it seems to be more comparable with a pack like the Dynafit Broad Peak 28L. Climbing in the Tetons, I was able to carry a rap line, helmet, spare clothing, and a liter of water in my pack without having to strap things on the outside (though there is a spare set of clips on the pack body to attach a helmet).
Overall thoughts: The X-Alp 20 shouldn’t be considered a pure race pack though it will function in that purpose. It is better served as an adventure pack for ski and climbing days where light and fast features are valuable.

Pros:

Equally effective as a skimo pack and summer adventure pack. Large capacity. Secure ski fix. Durable.

Things to be improved:

It is slightly bulky but this likely just comes with the features. It also appears to be more resilient to abrasion than most race packs. I would prefer a second shoulder flask holder and a removable zipper pouch on the waist belt.

Naked Running Band review: Simplicity meets functionality

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Quick overview:

naked-running-band-5

  • Usual full price: about $39.00 USD
  • Weight: 66 g size V (size 5)
  • Pros: Simplicity, Function, Fit, Comfort, Breathable
  • Cons: None really
  • Suitability: Trail, mountain and road running for up to 2h (training and racing)

Bottom line:

The Naked Running Band is arguably the most minimalist yet functional piece of gear you will ever own.

Photos:

Product description and How we tested it:

When I first learned about the product I didn’t know what to think of it as it seemed too simple. On the other hand, it sure appeared useful enough for my shorter runs. Now, after couple of months of use, with over about 20 outings and one trail race, I can conclude that I really recommend it for all runners.
Being a designer myself (although in the digital world) this product reminds me of a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

The band is dead simple – it is made of a stretchy mesh-like fabric, features 4 independent pockets and simple jacket/shirt holder non-slip bands on the back side. The pockets can securely hold any of these items snugly around your waist during your runs: flasks, smartphone, energy bars, banana, gels, car keys, sun glasses, head lamp, credit cards… Of course, you can’t fit all of these items into the band at once but 4 or 5 are not a problem.
After measuring my waist, I figured out I needed size V (in Roman numerals). Since then the band fits great and became my regular companion on local trails around Vancouver. I don’t use it for all of my short runs, as some times I don’t take anything with me at all, but when I need to carry some water, my phone, and perhaps an extra upper body layer for the downhill then I slip on the Naked Running Band.
One thing I was somewhat questioning at the beginning was whether the band wouldn’t bounce too much while running downhill or on the flats. So far this has only happened to me when I loaded it with many items but even then quick reshuffling smoothed the ride well enough.
Another aspect I questioned was whether I will actually use it that much. It’s obvious the running band isn’t designed for full day outings unless you have plenty of drinking water along the way, however, I find myself using it about once every 2-3 runs so plenty enough to justify it in my gear box.
As for carrying a smartphone, the band works very well but you will need to slip it inside a small zip-lock bag (if you don’t have a water proof-ish cover) to prevent your sweat from getting to it.

Pros:

  • Works very well for what it was designed for
  • Fit and comfort are great
  • Can also be used to supplement your running vest/pack during very long outings or when racing an ultra
  • Made in USA (unlike 99% of such products)

Cons / What can be improved about this product:

I have only two suggestions that I believe can make this great product even better:

  • To make the inside panel of the back pocket (the one touching the runner’s back) from water proof material as my shirt hanging on the outside of it got a little wet when I was sweating heavily on a climb in hot weather.
  • My second suggestion is to perhaps provide a small water-proof bag for car keys or a phone along with the band. (My car opens only with a remote so I am always try to make sure the keys stay dry.)

Product Specs:

  • Materials: 4-way power mesh band
  • Sizing: 6 sizes, from 25 to 36 inches measuring your waist just at the navel

Online stores that carry Naked Running Band: