FEBRUARY BARCODE: 2007-08 Editor's Choice

Matt Hansen, Senior Editor

BLACK DIAMOND ZEALOT $640
[801.278.5552; blackdiamondequipment.com]

The Zealot (136-110-126) is a telemark and alpine ski. Which is great news for those of us who don’t care what kind of label you put on a ski. Black Diamond, which until a few years ago was widely considered a backcountry and telemark-specific brand, made such a statement with its freeride lineup this year, the Zealot being its tour de force. All wood, very stiff, with a slightly turned-up tail, this brown beast is a big mountain powder slayer.

ARC’TERYX SIDEWINDER SV PANT $379
[604.960.3001; arcteryx.com]

As lines blur between resort and backcountry, it’s nice to have gear that works in all situations. You never know where you might end up. Blizzard, bluebird or rain; inbounds or out. The Sidewinder, constructed with three-layer Gore-Tex, is a 100-percent waterproof shell whose articulated fit is perfect for ascending, descending, or sitting on a soggy chairlift.





MARMOT MIDWEIGHT CREW $45
[877.357.3262;marmot.commarmot.com]

For years, my only requirement for long underwear was that it not leave my crack exposed after taking a digger. Everything else—fit, wicking, drying—didn’t matter. But Marmot’s new Midweight Crew is different. Not only does it adequately cover my assets, it is exceptionally soft, warm and dry next to the skin. Plus, it’s good for Mother Earth. Made of Polartec PowerDry fabric with Cocona, the crew is made from natural, not chemical, treatments.




 

ORTOVOX SI
[603.746.3176; ortovox.com]

The best beacon is the one you are most comfortable with—as long as you know how to use it. But never has there been anything like the S1, the only beacon that provides a digital interface providing visual and audio clues pinpointing the exact location of up to four burials simultaneously. In search mode, all you do is look for the little cartoon guy on the screen (within a 70-meter range), then walk toward it. The search mode is one of many features on the S1, which includes a thermometer, inclinometer (50-degree slope, huh?), and compass. It also has a motion sensor that will default from search to transmit if the piece goes motionless for a set period of time—a feature designed to protect rescuers who may be caught in a secondary avalanche. And if there are any updates to the software, you may download them straight from your computer. After years of production, the S1 is finally in stores this winter, and at a lower price than you might expect.