Thinking about trying out skiing this winter and looking for affordable ski boots? You've come to the right place! There are likely tons of ski boots on the shelves of the shop and while they all look similar, there are some distinct differences that are important when choosing the perfect boot for your new winter adventures.
Alpine Touring Boot. Alpine touring boots are designed specifically for backcountry skiing. AT boots offer the lightest and most efficient way to travel in the back country but are not designed for resort skiing. AT boots are packed with technology such as a walk mode allowing for a more efficient uphill skiing. AT boots also require a specialized pin binding. This boot is recommended for experienced backcountry skiing only.
Downhill Ski Boots.Downhill ski boots are the resort specialists. They are the most commonly used boot and are designed to offer the most controlled and comfortable ride down any resort slope. Downhill boots use a more traditional alpine binding with toe and heel pieces but cannot be used in a pin binding and are not recommended for backcountry excursions. This is the recommended boot for the average skier who is spending their day at purgatory and other resorts.
Hybrid Ski Boots. Hybrid ski boots are the mixture of Alpin Boots and Downhill boots. They offer a great way to blend resort skiing and backcountry skiing into one boot. Hybrid boots allow the integration of both pin bindings and alpine bindings. Hybrid boots are not as efficient uphill climbers as a true Alpine Touring boot and not as efficient as a Downhill boot when it comes to everyday resort skiing. This boot is recommended for experienced skiers who are spending time in both the backcountry and the resorts.
If you do anyovernight backpacking, or even long distance hiking, there’s a good chance that at some point you may need to go Number Two.
Because of heavy land use and impacts to natural resources (not to mention water sources), this is not always as simple as doing your business and covering it with a rock or a handful of pine needles.
In fact, depending on where you go, you may be required to carry an approved pooping system even if you swear on your loaded lower intestine that you will hold it in no matter what.
Here’s a quick run down on backcountry toilet systems.
The time’s come. You’ve got your lightweight backpack, a comfy sleeping bag (of quilt), a sleeping pad that doesn’t (yet) leak air, a cool tent, a nifty little stove, and a hankering to get out and use it all. Let’s go!
Public lands need your help now. Durango Outdoor Exchange has compiled this handy list of regional organizations that you can support while federal budgets are slashed and land stewards are laid off.