February 2023

The Julbo Montebianco 2 offers great eye protection from intense sun. And fit with the Reactiv 1-3 High Contrast prescription lens; this is eyewear I can use from dawn to dusk.

Now beyond cult-follower status, Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) remains a staple of the backpacking light crowd. Amongst the ski touring community, they have a following too. With the Headwall 55, they introduce their first ski-specific pack that is a great companion for overnighters and single-day tours.

I should have discarded two outdated rules years ago: never go with strangers or a guide. Here’s to a growth mindset at the Sunrise Hut with eight strangers and guides, Rob Coppolillo and Nino Guagliano.

Big and floaty and so so … so fine in ideal powder. This can be said about many skis, but, in particular, it is true of the DPS Pagoda Tour RP 112. And it turns out, this ski just flat out makes less-than-ideal powder more fun too.

The Arc’teryx Alpha Lightweight Parka is a piece to keep you toasty when the pace stalls out on the skinner, flying downhill on the descent, or an emergency bivy is required.

Sometimes, we place a premium on roominess. In other situations, it’s about minimizing weight, space, and some comfort. But in both instances, it’s nice to stay dry. The Samaya 2.0 tent offers a significant step forward for lightweight, high-performance shelters in the high mountain environment.