The TGR Skinny Ski Ski Tourers' Refuge Thread

[Benneke10]

One thing I've noticed about all the Backlands is that they ship with no bevel so they feel more locked in out of the box than they should. Interesting to hear a different take, I might be skewed because I tried a longer length in the 100 than I normally tour on. TLDR the Backlands are decent skis with room for improvement, and the UL85 are my favorite in the series.

[Jonathan S.]

Interesting. Wasn’t it sold to Cripple Creek a few years ago?

It’s still better than Outside buying it… watching what they’ve done to Cycling Tips has been a bit upsetting. It went from the best content out there to garbage pretty quickly.

I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop with how Outside bought SkiReg, which I use for my skimo races.
SkiReg/AthleteReg had been a locally owned company, right where I live -- I would even sometimes see their logo-festooned car parked next to my daughter's elementary school, and the owner was well known in local riding circles.
So far this season SkiReg has merely been bloated with various optional purchases, but otherwise still good.

[CirqueScaler]

It's hard for me to imagine the level of factory bevel making any difference in backcountry snow.

Zero G seems like a good rec for the 4frnts guy although one thing to consider is how hard it is to ski on exits and bad conditions. It requires so much effort (for me) to ski normally (but is way more popular with former ski racers and bigger people) that I was totally overwhelmed when I got below 20 mph. Just a really taxing ski.

[abcdethan]

For a long tour setup for the sierras in the spring, how much would you size down your skinny ski, while still wanting enough length and stability for long descents?

[PinyonJuniper5]

It’s worth noting that the first generation Zero G is the most demanding, with subsequent generations being softer and friendlier. I would not consider myself an incredibly aggressive skier, and the 2nd gen Zero G’s feel friendly enough for me.


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[Tjaardbreeuwer]

For a long tour setup for the sierras in the spring, how much would you size down your skinny ski, while still wanting enough length and stability for long descents?

One thing that made that easier for me is that I’m tall, but not that heavy (6’5”, 170lbs).
So when I “sized down” my spring ski length wise, to 178cm, it’s still pretty “normal” for my weight.

My theory is that on firm snow, your weight matters more than your height. So if you are a heavier skier, maybe don’t down size (much)

[Tjaardbreeuwer]

I weigh 170lbs, plus my backpack on top of that.

I bought the Backland 85UL, 178cm and 100 in 188 cm this season.

I used the 100 in Utah for a few days, mix of deep powder (2’-3’) and the same when it had been warmed up and settled a bit.
I ski slow, controlled turns in the trees, and found them pretty easy to ski. I’m not a good skier either.

My 85UL I have had out in shallow powder, where they did well, skied off stuff they did well, and on crust, where they sucked, and dust on crust (nice, except every once in a while, the tail grabbed into the crust and locked me into a straight line).

They skied fine on mellow groomers too.
Hope to have more time on both by the end of the season, for a better idea of how they do.

I do plan on checking the base bevels, and maybe detuning the tails (a bit more).

[fleaches]

Friend recommended the Strafe Recon pants. He said Gaston told him he made them for himself to train in because he doesn't want to train in a skinsuit. Seems really light, exactly the features I need, and only $140. Promising.

PSA these are 30% off right now


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[riff]

Trigger pulled, looks great for spring. Nice and light, decent pockets.


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[CirqueScaler]

PSA these are 30% off right now


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DUDE I bought these two days ago??

[fleaches]

DUDE I bought these two days ago??

Lol I actually bought some last week too, but think I bought the wrong size. Going to try to exchange and get the lower price, minus some shipping cost.

Might try contacting them and asking if they'll give you the difference?

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[alpinevibes]

Lol I actually bought some last week too, but think I bought the wrong size. Going to try to exchange and get the lower price, minus some shipping cost.

Might try contacting them and asking if they'll give you the difference?

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Yeah, Cirque I'd definitely reach out and ask them to price match. They should be good for it.

[~mikey b]

it’s a good this thread is for skinny skis not skinny skiers or I’d be kicked out

how skinny is skinny?

[riff]

I’d say under 100mm unless it’s between memorial day and halloween, then under 90. But I’m in the PNW, might be a factor


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[~mikey b]

Sierra and Cascade volcanos

[BFD]

This is definitely a thread for skinny skiers. Check out that Strafe sizing chart. As for what ski for the volcanoes. The answer is always 65.
https://youtu.be/XCW4GRcWLv0

[~mikey b]

I guess my “new” ZeroG 95 with Fritschi Xenic will have to suffice - 95 sure ain’t skinny but it will be the narrowest in my quiver, and probably the lightest, although the Voile V6 BC with G3 Targa is pretty light

[funkendrenchman]

Nice! Let us know how it goes. Vapor barrier socks seem cool too - I've never heard of those.

Friend recommended the Strafe Recon pants. He said Gaston told him he made them for himself to train in because he doesn't want to train in a skinsuit. Seems really light, exactly the features I need, and only $140. Promising.

The Recon line is great. My wife and I use it all winter long when skinning.

[CirqueScaler]

They price matched

mikey please see furst poast

[~mikey b]

There exists a fast & light ski touring community on TGR, but right now it's limited to the shadows. In PMs and niche sub-threads (1kg boot thread, 300g binding thread, ATK binding thread), we sidle up to talk lightweight gear, teasing out each other's commitments with subtle references to certain European ski manufacturers and links to a certain Salt Lake City ski touring shop. But we are never too overt, fearful that the TGR Brahma Bros and Long Ski Lovers will flame us for suggesting that OP ski something narrower than 95 underfoot and with fewer than two sheets of metal.

That ends today with the TGR Skinny Ski Ski Tourers' Refuge Thread!! If your ski bases have never had a whiff of American nylon plush; if your powder skis are 105mm; if you laugh in Boa whenever you see a 4-buckle boot in the parking lot; if "race ski" means skimo instead of GS... this thread is for you.*

Hopefully this can be a place to talk with some likeminded people about fast and light ski touring. Let's not take ourselves too seriously, even if we do record our lift-assisted days on Strava because "I mean, I was still out... and resort days still work the legs just as much as a short tour, bro." But let's keep it on-topic as one of the only places on TGR to talk exclusively about lightweight touring gear and the attendant ~~lifestyle~~.

We can also use this thread to buy and sell gear because, let's be honest, those new-old-stock Movement Fish-X you've hoarded in the garage for the past three years aren't going to be fairly valued in Gear Swap -- if you dare to post them.

*obviously this is all a bit tongue in cheek there are no rules, but I think many of us would appreciate a place to talk about gear with others who have a fast & light mentality.

I’m lookin

[lazyasian]

I guess my “new” ZeroG 95 with Fritschi Xenic will have to suffice - 95 sure ain’t skinny but it will be the narrowest in my quiver, and probably the lightest, although the Voile V6 BC with G3 Targa is pretty light

How do you find the fishscales on those Voiles? I've always thought a pair would be nice for rolling approaches but have never been able to convince myself to bite the bullet...


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[~mikey b]

I like em for what I use them for - snow surveys. I can do long days in rolling terrain without having to deal with skins off and on. I’ve done 3-4 day, 60 mile trans-Sierra tours with them. They have limitations but are perfect for some things.

[lazyasian]

I like em for what I use them for - snow surveys. I can do long days in rolling terrain without having to deal with skins off and on. I’ve done 3-4 day, 60 mile trans-Sierra tours with them. They have limitations but are perfect for some things.

Wow that's a long way to travel without skins! How do they fare on refrozen but low angle slopes?

[~mikey b]

well I gotta qualify that - we get dropped off on the west side in a helicopter and it’s mostly a meadow skip with only a few climbs - I’ve still carried kickers but not used them


they work well for refrozen low angle slopes - if they don’t you need to change your timing or your angle

[lazyasian]

well I gotta qualify that - we get dropped off on the west side in a helicopter and it’s mostly a meadow skip with only a few climbs - I’ve still carried kickers but not used them


they work well for refrozen low angle slopes - if they don’t you need to change your timing or your angle

Awesome, thanks for the info! Might just have to add a pair to the quiver...


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