For many people, Iceland feels like a far off destination. But with IcelandAir’s recent addition of a direct flight from Denver to Reykjavik, you can leave tonight and be there first thing in the morning. Many people also think the country is one big chunk of ice, but someone got Greenland and Iceland mixed up and Iceland is really quite lush and green with plenty to keep an outdoor enthusiast busy. Read more…
I’ve toyed around with many a ski over the years and the Ski Logik Howitzer seems to fit the “quiver” tag the best. It’s dimensions (134/110/128 – 176cm ski) is a nice, happy medium that can rest on the high end of the fatty preference of some people’s threshold. Truth is, the 110 waist is balanced out by the early rise and the tip and tail aren’t absurdly wide. The weight to sidecut ratio is unlike anything I’ve seen with a not so insanely heavy overall weight (3500 grams – 176cm ski) and a burly enough sidecut to tackle most any condition. Its a fat ski, but the shorter length (176cm) avoids any tail snags in tight and steep couloirs involving committing jump turns, or condensed inbound trees. I wouldn’t make a habit of taking these into mogul fields all season, although it couldn’t hurt your form from overcompensation – but moguls aside, this ski can, and will, do it all. The early rise is a noticeable bonus in deep powder. This ski flat out floats!
Some of it’s counterparts within the Ski Logik family – such as the lighter Yeti, the heavier Ullr Chariot and the fatter Bomb Squad – all serve their purpose. I’d go as far to say the Chariot is arguably the best overall ski ever made, but it’s weight is undesirable for long backcountry tours. The Yeti is lighter, but lacks the control and manueverability. The Bomb Squad is better suited for Utah pow days or Alaska heli drops. The Howitzer was made for the lower 48 – Colorado in particular. There will be no regrets. Continue reading…
I had a Saturday morning to kill with zero obligations and little interest in hanging around the house. Looking at the various options available to a Denverite weekend warrior, I decided on a day hike of Keller Mountain in the Gore Range. I can’t say enough for the splendor of the Gores, so I won’t go much further than to say each time I get in there I become more and more enamored with the range and what it has to offer. Read more…
This is a well thought out ski pant from Flylow that can be used for both touring in the backcountry and inbounds. Its one of the most durable pants on the market with some of the better reinforcements out there. At the end of the day – its not a bad idea to have at least 1 item from Flylow in your ski apparel wardrobe, whatever that piece may be. This is a quality, long lasting product.
Function : Can be used both in and out of bounds. Very durable with reinforced knees and cuffs. There are vents on both the inside and outside that travel from your knees to your waist to keep you breathing on the uphill. The adjustable elastic waist is another great feature that avoids the need for a belt or suspenders. The old model wasn’t famous for its waterproofing – it could repel enough to keeep you dry in periods of mild precipitation – but too much and you could get soaked. It seems like they have improved that functionality of the pant in the latest models – hence the prince increase. Continue reading…