The Gear

To get to the best skiing, you need to have the right gear...and know how to use it.  I've decided to start reviewing the latest and greatest gear out there.  I'm hoping others have their own opinions, and will post them here.

BINDINGS

The kings of touring bindings is clearly Dynafit.  They are so far ahead of the game that other companies like Look and La Sportiva have mimicked their lightweight design.  As the say, imitation is the greatest form of flattery.
I have the Dynafit Radical TFT.  They are super strong, light and I've never had an issue.  They aren't the lightest binding out there, but they are sufficient.  For a lighter set of essentially the same thing, try the TLT Radical ST, or even some of the race stuff.
If you want light weight, there are a number of other Dynafit products that get lighter.  And if that is the case, then you are a gram weenie, and you should probably just lose body weight.  If you are out of body weight to lose, then...



SKIIS



BEACONS



BACKPACKS



POLES




EYEWEAR
Smith, Native, Bolle, Ray Ban, Oakley, Electric...the list of manufacturers goes on and on.  So it should be easy for you to get the right fit on a pair of glasses or goggles.  I prefer polarized lenses on all my eyewear.  The world just looks better.  So go out and grab yourself some nice lenses!

My personal preference is the Smith IO goggle (Vaporator Series) paired with the Variance dome bucket.  I also like the Vantage helmets.  They have the boa system for custom fit, great venting, and the goggles + the helmet were designed together so there are no gaps and the airflow keeps the fog out.  I have about 5 lenses for the goggles too, so I'm prepared for any light.

I also like Oakley goggles.  They're a bit pricey, but they do make good stuff.  In fact, they used to make the goggles for US Special Forces, so you know the optics have to be top end.


 OUTERWEAR
Aesthetics matter, but function is king.