Tech Tips

I often emphasize routine in the backcountry.  That routine should include solid communication plans, both within the group, and if an emergency arises, external communication. First let's look at More...

In Part One of this series I covered avalanche gear and early season checks including beacon firmware updates, beacon function checks, probe and shovel checks.  In Part Two I touched on the importanceMore...

In this three-part series I covered snowboard base dynamics to help prepare your equipment and get a better understanding of how conditions impact riding. In Part One I covered the physics effecting mMore...

In Part One of this series I covered forces effecting movement on the snow. In this section I will cover snowboard base construction, structure theory, and snowboard base maintenance. Part 2: SMore...

Cutting Skins Splitboard Cutting and fitting splitboard skins properly is easy and relatively painless if you follow a few easy steps. They are of course, easy to mess up if you don't pay attention tMore...

Don't lose a pole basket again This is a quick tech tip and modification that will keep you from losing a pole basket. Granted, once you lose a pole basket one time, without a spare on hand -- it wilMore...

This tech tip applies specifically to the Black Diamond Trail Shock trekking pole. Although, this would also apply to many of the trekking poles and whippets across the board. Trekking pole tMore...

  Ice axe carry while snowboarding This is an update to an earlier post about ice axe carrying. Here are some basic things to know before selecting an ice axe that will be suitable for snowMore...

I hope this helps illustrate components of a backcountry repair / tool kit. This kit may flux and flow depending on your needs, and length of tour. For extended trips or extra mileMore...

I rarely have problems with skins during the winter season. Once spring and summer arrive it is a whole different story. The problem starts with more frequent waxing going in to the spring season. WetMore...

Many times we venture in to terrain that is considered “low risk, high consequence”. Meaning the probability of an event occurring is low, but the consequence if an event occurs will be high. There arMore...

The absolute best riding of the year without a doubt is the spring corn snow. Corn snow is the most sublime experience you will find. Better than powder, corn snow is termed 'hero snow' to many. Corn More...

Rescue Sled Fundamentals: Part Two - Rescue Sled Assembly by Shaun Nauman << PART 1   |   PART 2  This is part two in the series of Rescue Sled fundamentals. In part one we covered easy mMore...

Update: While this was a problem several years ago, the G3 Twin Tail Connector has now solved this problem. The number one problem with skins and splitboards is a way to mount the rear of the More...

It is important to keep the skins dry both on the glue side, and the plush side. Dry skins will give traction. In the spring time often times skins will gather moisture in wet snow on an ascent. As yoMore...

Drying Skins ALWAYS dry your skins vertically after touring with them. If your skin glue comes in contact with water for prolonged periods of time it changes the glue chemistry (known as hydrolyzing)More...

Skin Roll (AT Skiers, Splitboarders, and Tele) My method for temporary skin storage -- rolling skins. Often when I reach a summit I don't want to mess around folding skins glue-to-glue and worryingMore...

The Layering System By Shaun Nauman << PART 1   |   << PART 2   |    PART 3 In Part One we covered heat loss mechanisms. In Part Two we covered the basics of layering and baselayeMore...

  The Layering System   By Shaun Nauman << PART 1   |   PART 2   |    PART 3 >> In Part One we covered the mechanisms of heat loss. PART TWO - Layering Basics I want to More...

  The Layering System By Shaun Nauman PART 1   |   PART 2 >>   |    PART 3  In order to understand the layering system, we must first understand the reason behind it. I am onlMore...

This article has been updated, please see the most recent article here.      More...

Arc'teryx Care and DWR Renewal How to prepare your GORE-TEX® garment for washing To prepare the garment for washing; close the main zippers and pit zips, open pocket zippers, and release tension oMore...