It ain’t all ski touring but it ain’t all bad. That is, once you untangle from the dog leash around your legs and find a bypass for hallways so crowded you feel like a tilapia in a farm tank. So where’s the good? For starters, we’ve got a full raft of sponsors again so we can keep WildSnow pumping along. I tie up some of these deals at the OR Show — good reason for being there! Beyond pure business, I also take a look around with focus on things truly useful or at least fascinating. More:

Arcteryx AR alpine climbing boot.

I can never get alpine climbing out of my soul. Still do it, really, to the degree my ski tours involve a peak scramble now and then. Summer, my mind wanders to what I could perhaps be scrambling in the Wind Rivers or Rocky Mtn. Park. Or Chamonix? But I’m at the OR show instead.

Oh well, let the fantasizing commence. I’ll admit to salivating over the debut Arcteryx Acrux AR Boot. This double mountaineering boot is trim, even elegant. It’s covered by a waterproof-breathable full gaiter. Inside, an insulated Gore-tex liner keeps your feet snug down to temps you should probably be avoiding, but did not because you love it. Or at least thought you did, until you realized that while you’re wearing your Arcteryx AR Boots but forgot to bring your Arcteryx gloves. Price? That’s like shopping for a Ferrari and asking the tuxedo clad Italian showroom person “but, what’s the gas mileage?”

Well, moving along to things more practical: