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We like to play and we like our toys! This page is dedicated to our favourite gear from skis and boots to avalanche safety equipment, packs and clothing. The pick of our favourite things from around the globe. This kit is all well tested and somtimes even tested to distruction, we'll mention the best of the best and those gear must have's that we just couldn't live without. More to come!

CLOTHING/OUTERWEAR

Keeping us warm, dry and looking sharp, Mountain Hardwear have long been known as a manuafcturer of serious mountain clothing. As mountain pro's we need kit that works, dependable in the worst conditions, functional and lets not forget stylish. The new range of Mountain Hardwear snowsports clothing is evolved and designed to just this. Here's Chris below showing off his new K2 hover skis, wearing the new 'Snowpocalypse' jacket from MHW - A Lightweight, 3-layer, full snowsport jacket set and cut to move. DryQ Elite waterproof/breathable fabric moves heat and body vapor fast to keep you dry on the inside as well as outside. Check it out here

HARDWEAR SKI/BOOTS

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K2 'SideSeth' Seth Morrison Pro Model

The evolution of the Seth Morrison pro model has stepped up a gear recently and extended into the K2 Adventure series. I still have a pair of the original Seth Pro model skis which bare little resemblance to this latest incarnation. Apart from the performance envelope that is, which was just as cutting edge then as the latest version is today.

The Side Seth is one of those skis you come across once in a while that communicates it's propose really clearly. I knew right away I was on a fun ski, it took about two turns.

Visually there's no question that this ski is going to perform in soft snow, a quick look at the dimensions and you know you're onto a good thing. But what you can't see on the shelf and in the dimensions is the perfect balance between the shape and the flex characteristics. The Seth seems to have a sweet spot a mile wide. Urging you to steer an ever faster line in powder, it's nimble and predictable even on tighter terrain where edge feel, grip and the ability to pivot the ski is called for. I even cranked a few carved turns down to the valley floor and the SideSeth felt solid and eager on the firm stuff, thanks to the sidewall construction and ample torsional stiffness.

Whether you're the type of skier who's gonna ski this with a real pivoty style or a skier who likes high edge angle, both will be rewarded by the Seth's solid big mountain performance.

K2 coomback skis

K2 COOMBAck
Chris in action above on a pair of 2013 K2 Coombacks.
The Coomback geometry is 135-102-121 with a 22m turn radius. Built with K2's 'All Terrain Rocker' torsion box construction puts the Coomback in the softer snow category. From spring slush and corn to winter powder and chop the Coomback is solid underfoot giving a smooth, fun and confident ride. This is my touring ski of choice for this 2013 winter season in Chamonix.

K2 HARDSIDE
The next ski in the current quiver is the 'K2 Hardside' another ski from K2's adventure series. Its 131/98/119 dimensions and K2's TNC metal laminate construction makes the Hardside a super solid all mountain ski that loves firmer conditions. It's not shy of softer snow and powder either though and with a 131mm tip and 'all terrain rocker' they're the ski I go to first every time. The images shows the Hardside with a Tour12 binding and Virus boots below, the killer set up!

DALBELLO Sherpa
The Sherpa is the boot i've been waiting for someone to make for years, thankfully Dalbello with the help of Mr Plake stepped up and made it. The boots incredible versatility, fit and performance is linked to the three piece Cabrio design. The Cabrio design allows for a heap of flexibility when adjusting the boots fit, so it performs well what ever you throw at it whilst skiing, touring and climbing. A major feature and something that makes the world of difference is the hard rubber lugs on the sole of the boot, there job is to stop the typical vibram slop that you usually get with vibram soled touring boots. What this means in the real world coupled with the high lateral stiffness is a ski boot that actually skis like an alpine boot. Gone are the days of having an enjoyable ascent only to have to ski down marginally because of a poor performing touring set up. Not with the Sherpa however my go to boot most days.

DALBELLO KRYPTON TWO PRO
The Krypton Pro is the boot of choice for alpine skiing and freeride, it has a silky smooth forward flex and super stiff lateral flex which match's modern skiing and ski design. I tend to use the stiffer tongue and the ridged foot boards, I like a presice feel, and this set up gives me just that. The three clip design with power-strap give me enough adjustment to tweak the boot right up to how I like to ski. Fantastic boot skied in the bumps or skiing all mountain freeride.

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