TOURING GEAR FOR 2022
PHOTO JOHNNY CASS
We’ve teamed up with the experts at Snow+Rock to reveal the latest backcountry essentials
The allure of ski touring is unmistakable. No queues, no mechanical chatter of the lifts, no cat tracks, only the promise of beautiful scenery and virgin snow–what's not to love?!The key to a happy ski tour is to have the right kit (and know how to use it). From choosing the right boots and the most suitable outerwear, to investing in the best avy safety gear–if your kit is sorted you can focus on the job at hand: finding the best snow. The good news is that touring gear is cheaper, lighter and more effective than ever. So there is really no excuse. We’ve teamed up with the experts from Snow+Rock to discover all the latest new season essentials for heading into the backcountry.
WOMEN’S TOURING
TECNICA COCHISE 95 W DYN GW BOOTS £310
If you're looking for an all-mountain boot that's also raring to head to the backcountry, this is the boots for you. It has a great out-of-the-box fit, is anatomically shaped and has an easy-to-use walk mode that offers both better articulation and the option to lock the lever in ski mode. There’s no one-size-fits all when it comes to ski boots, so for the best experience on the mountains, book your free ski boot fitting at your nearest Snow+Rock store.
ARC’TERYX SENTINEL AR JACKET £520
This jacket is built for ski touring, when the ups are followed by big mountain descents. The Gore-Tex exterior is super soft and supple, and the flannel backer adds the equivalent of a light thermal layer of insulation. You get optimal freedom of motion and maximum breathability to enable you to keep skiing all day long.
ARC’TERYX SENTINEL PANTS £430
The matching pants to the Sentinel jacket are perfect for the rigours of off-piste exploration. Gore-Tex three-layer fabric and lo-loft softshell construction provide incredible warmth, while double-side zips open wide for rapid ventilation when the going gets tough.
OAKLEY FLIGHT DECK M GOGGLES £175
Inspired by the helmet visors of fighter pilots, these have a maxed-out field of vision so you can spot your line. They come with Prizm lenses to filter out light to provide clarity and reduce eye fatigue, and are fitted with Oakley's new Ridge lock interchangeable lens system. They are also compatible with most prescription glasses
ARC’TERYX ATOM LT MID-LAYER £200
Performing well as a mid-layer as well as a standalone jacket, this will quickly become your mainstay for abroad range of activities. It features Coreloft Compact insulation, which retains heat when wet, making it ideal for all kinds of adventures. Plus, it withstands repeated packing and unpacking, so it will wear well and look smart, season after season.
GIRO FADE MIPS HELMET £140
With Form Fit System and Thermostat Control adjustable venting, the Fade MIPS is a lightweight and super-comfortable helmet. Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) offers top-level protection reducing rotational forces from impacts if you take a spill.
UNISEX EQUIPMENT
MARKER ALPINIST 12 BINDING £300
The Alpinist 12 is ideal for lighter skiers looking for a binding for wilderness explorations where every gram counts. It has two levels of heel risers, designed to help you boss the skin track no matter the gradient. When it comes to the descent, the carbon-reinforced toe allows for maximum power transmission so you can really drive the ski, while anti-ice pads and integrated elastomers provide easy stepping in, so nothing gets between you and the slopes.
VOLKL VTA 88 LITE SKIS £725
Tipping the scales at 2.2kg per pair in the 180cm, the unisex Volkl VTA 88 Lite is one of the lightest skis in its category. With specially shaped tips, a wood core and 3D Ridge construction, these skis have been designed to deliver maximum climbing capability, yet it is super stable even in deep snow and holds a carve well. Plus, they come with the added advantage of an ICE.OFF top-sheet to keep snow and ice from sticking to the top-sheet to keep the lightest possible set-up.
BLACK DIAMOND GUIDE BT AVY SAFETY SET £440
Featuring a trio of professional-grade avalanche safety tools, this is the kit you want with you if you get caught out off-piste. The Black Diamond Guide BT Beacon provides industry-leading search capabilities thanks to its three-antenna design and massive 60-metre circular range. Meanwhile, the Evac Shovel and Quickdraw Tour 320 Probe make for fast efficient rescue.
LEKI TOUR STICK VARIO CARBON POLES £175
Available in men’s and women’s versions, these poles promise stability and safety no matter where you’re skiing. Incredibly versatile, they feature easy length adjustment so you can get the right fit for your slope style, and can be folded away to fit into your rucksack.
MEN’S TOURING
SMITH 4D MAG GOGGLES £260
With the widest field of vision and sharpest optics, these googles deliver the best read of the terrain. Plus, the quick and easy lens-change system ensures they're perfect in all conditions.
ARC’TERYX PROCLINE JACKET £400
When you’re touring, you need a jacket that provides you with freedom of movement, protection from the elements, while also being breathable for those sweaty ascents. Made from Gore-Tex Infinium with four-way stretch, this new windproof, water-resistant, mega-breathable shell jacket is ideal for skiers looking for a jacket for backcountry turn-earning. It comes laden with Arc’teryx ski-specific tech, including pit zips, helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, and RECCO reflector.
ARC’TERYX NUCLEI FL MID-LAYER £250
Inspired by athletes and redesigned to their specific top-spec standards, this jacket is resilient and incredibly lightweight yet delivers outstanding thermal performance. The Coreloft insulation keeps you warm even when wet, making this the perfect jacket for when the weather turns or you bail.
ARC’TERYX PROCLINE PANTS £300
Made to handle rigorous uptracks, frigid descents and shifting terrain, these are the ultimate pants for backcountry laps. Matching the Procline Jacket and with the same technical make-up, including Gore-Tex Infinium with four-way stretch, they are ready for wherever your route takes you
SALOMON SHIFT PRO 120 AT BOOTS £460
Salomon’s Shift Pro 120 is ideal for skiers who love cruising through fresh powder but want the flexibility to hike up the occasional mountain without switching gear. The Surelock ski/walk mechanism provides 40° of cuff travel for the climb up, and the Coreframe insert cradles the foot and allows the boot to be made light, without the risk of the shell deforming when you’re making crisp short-radius arcs.
SWEET PROTECTION TROOPER 2VI MIPS HELMET £270
A game-changer for hike and ride adventures, the thermoplastic laminated carbon fibre construction, two-piece shell construction and unique impact shield make this one of the most advanced helmets on the market. Complete with MIPS, which reduces rotational forces on the brain, you'll have the confidence to tackle any descent.
