Backcountry Magazine September 2011 - Gear Guide

FEATURES DEMAND MORE 2012 SKI TEST & GEAR GUIDE Good is no longer good enough. This year, more than 50 testers pored over 350 products at our weeklong stay at Powder Mountain, and while many of those products were good, simply getting the job done wasn't enough to make the cut. This year's standout products made skiing easier, or more fun (or both), which translated to more laps and more smiles at the end of the day. What you have in your hands is the key to the 100 best pieces of backcountry gear available. They will take you higher, farther and faster with less effort and more fun. Demand more, and you shall receive. THE TOTAL PACKAGE 2012 BOARD TEST & GEAR GUIDE Two years ago, we reviewed eight splitboards. Last year, 11. This year the entire snowboard review is devoted to splits—19 in total—a testament to the sport's explosive growth. Beyond the boards are bc-specific products that are raising the bar of performance, quality and innovation. Dedicated splitboard bindings, bo