Avalanche bags‼️ I use the Arva avy packs still (when I use an avy pack), but I just didn’t update this video with them. I talk about them here: th-cam.com/video/FxytJ9NPM6A/w-d-xo.html
You are an advertising campaign with legs. I don't know how much money they'll pay you, but I'm sure it's not enough. After watching your videos, I feel like buying the Drako and I don't even ski... I'm a snowboarder. Congratulations!
transitioned from Park to Backcountry Touring…wanted the freeraider 15, didn’t find any proper reviews. put shifts on my ski, now 2months later you posted about them, i was like dang if they‘re good for Nikolai they must be more than good for me - so orderd them some days ago can’t wait. my first set of pin bindings and iam nervous that they ski good. also looking forward to hear about your boot search still trying to figure it out myself
Man they’re amazing. I’m a huge fan! One note is that I had to turn my DIN up to 14. I was on 12 my dynafit rotations, 13 on my pivot18, and 13 on Salomon sth16. For reference
Hey Niko, many thanks for this overview! Props for being transparent and open-minded about sponsors, contracts and decision factors. It really creates a positive impression after watching the video! And yes - ATK 15 is a masterpiece! Keep up the excellent work!
Funny, i had watched the same Gore tex video a little while back, and have since stopped worrying if the gore tex version of the jacket, pants or gloves is worth the price difference to the non goretex version. Zero issues so far with the North face, Volcom, etc. own waterproof tech versions.
Hello Nikolai, big fan of your videos. Specifically the gear review. Do have a question about your gloves - something you didn’t mention. What gloves are you using? any recommendations on how to fix cuts in them? any news on boots? and…you should do a cross over with Cody Townsend…would be aaawesome!
Question for you, are the topside boys goggles going to be available again at some point in the future? If so do you know if they would be available in the US? Goggles look awesome and would love to pick up a pair!
For the boots have a look at what the guys at La Sportiva are up to, if you haven’t already… jokes aside curious about what you’ll choose since the struggle between sufficient flex and weight is real! Love your work, keep it up!
im a big freeride noob and i'm wondering why you don't have a ABS backpacks, is it because of saving weight or isn't it that helpful in the terrain you're riding? love the vids and keep on shredding my dude!
well the best way to not end up in an avalanche is to dodge avy terrain, then you can go lighter without it, if you are sending avy terrain thinking ah I have the backpack anyway, it is a pretty poor reasoning; having said that I ski everything in backcountry with avy pack, avalanches fucking scare me
@@mettflow2648 ah so for example if you go heli skiing you probably won’t have the time to dig pits and the weight isn’t a problem you’ll use a ABS backpack
If you go Heli skiing, you are most like to do with a guide and they would have the knowledge about the snow pack and snow safety, so no need to dig pits yourself. That said you wil moist likely have to where one, because of insurance from the guide etc. Although it is here in swis
@@NielsB_you should always use an avy backpack, but if you are carrying as much equipment as niko for long times, it can get pretty exhausting, however i dont really understand his reasoning behind it, yes some avy packs had problems in the past, but they have become a lot better over time and your chances of surviving an avalanche whilst wearing an avy backpack and using it are higher than not using one
Great video!! I’m a boot fitter and I’m itching to see what you’re riding for boots! I’m interested to see if you stay with that Hoji Free or switch it up.
So hard for me to imagine you packing all your gear into those backpacks. Overnight in a 37L? My old -16˚C sleeping bag is so huge. Would love to see how you pack your gear for a tour and how your system (rationale) works… like packing order, what you want accessible, etc.
Currently, I'm using Scarpa F1 LT for soft snow / pow days because I can get away with it. Have Atomic HAWX Ultra XTD 130 for Freeride Back/Sidecountry setup but don't like the fit. I have to crank way to tight to get it to feel anywhere near performance. But, then start getting boot bang. Touring range of motion is way limited compared to F1 LT.
What preferences are you looking for when choosing shoes? Is there a specific flex, weight etc. If so, which ones are you considering choosing this season?
Tech gear and logistics question: I’m curious about how you record and sync all your audio inputs across all the folks in your videos. Are you all just always recording on the mics and syncing them later based on matching the GoPro/camera audio? Do you as a group say “hey, everyone turn on your GoPros and mics, I’m gonna say something silly/important.”? Love all your videos, man. You and your team continue to put out such quality. My wife and I always look forward to each new movie.
I'm bummed I just missed out on the Black Crows Ghost Resort Edition Draco Freebirds... I wanted them so bad! And now even more after seeing you say they are actually your favourite skis lol
I also struggled to find boots that fit the bill. I bought some cheap Hoji Free since I really liked the original Hojis except for the lack of toe welt and a tiny bit too soft. But couldn’t get free to fit like I wanted. Finally, I bought some intuition wrap liners. 120°C for 10 minutes did the trick, just had to do it like 6 times to get the wrap as I wanted, but the final result was really worth it. Much firmer, warmer and 150g lighter. Original Sidas liner really suck, it’s a shame they call it thermo formable, it’s not on the same planet as Intuition wrap.
I do sometimes use the Arva ones, but they’re a compromise with weight and functionality compared to a normal backpack. So I adapt to what sort of terrain I’ll be in. Also, if avy conditions make it tempting to bring an avy pack, it’s generally not a great idea to be in avalanche terrain.
Curious to hear if you also had durability issues with the scarpa quattro? I wound up snapping the walk lever and blowing out the cuff pivots after 15 days, after a month of waiting for scarpa to ship a warranty pair out I wound up ordering the hoji free, I also have yet to find a boot that is light enough for long days but durable and stiff enough for going big. What other boots have you been testing this season?
Has that issue with the lever too. They’ve made a beefier on for next year though. I’m also testing the zero g, the hawx the backland, the ridge, the tigard and a few more. Will update when I’v found the one for me
How would the Draco do in a resort freeride setting? I don’t do touring but I’m not a big fan of heavier skis like the anima, but the Draco seems like the perfect version of both worlds being stable playfull and light. Would the Draco be a good ski in the resort?
In need of a protip, sometime I wanna sit down when I wanna eat my backpack-baguette, but then I get a wet bum from the snow. When you have new shiny gear is this not an issue. Or are there some tricks to not getting wet legs when working in the snow when the snow is more wet.
you said that with all you old techbindings you had problems with ice under the toe, i see what you mean on the classic dynafit but on g3 you can just put your pole "under" the mechanism and remove ice and snow...
I feel so seen with the comment about skimo skis being "dad" skis. I've taken to fitness skiing so hard since becoming a dad! Daughter is two sizes away from a touring boot now!
Niko, thanks so much for your videos. Absolutely love them. I’m curious, what bindings are you using on the Atris and Anima for your “big mountain resort days”?
Hey Niko! What kind of headlamp do you use for night touring? Is the headlamp attachment on the helmet actually useful vs the band? couldn't tell from the video how the clip worked.
Hi, I use moonlight mountain gear. For the way up I normally don’t wear my helmet, so I have the strap just on my head, and then for the the way down they clip into the gopro attachment. So no, I don’t really use the ones for the strap on the helmet much. But they work well for the regular kind of approach headlamp
Ey Niko, love the videos, i was wondering just how often dou you break a ski?? for example a delamination of the layers of the ski or a rock that chips the sole of the ski.
Hi, and thanks! Very rarely. I snapped a pair of anima back in 2018. Most base damage can be fixed in my experience, unless an edge is completely blown.
Nico, thanks for all you are doing and such informative content! This is so helpful! Your skiing is so inspiring! You videos and content is so great! And the awareness you show for the environment is inspirational to all who love the mountains. Top Side Boys !!! Just got my first pair of BC Camox Freebird for ski touring in Colorado where I have a lot of varied terrain and conditions but I’m no expert skier, nothing too big for me. Could you recommend an ATK binding to match? Looking at the Freeraider 13 Evo or the RT 10 Evo? Thanks!
Hi Travis, Thank you! Oh, I think you could be happy with the rt 10 on the camox, unless you’re really sending it. Bruno Compagnet skis big skis like the nocta on it
What about filming gear ? Still using the gopro + gopro max combo, or switched to something else ? Any plans for a Jonas gear review ? Amazing as always, keep up the good work 🫶
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Thanks for answer ! Last question then, about the 12 : 8:7 to avoid choosing for insta or youtube ? Or choosing dedicated format every time ?
Is rear eject enough to save ur knee in a fall where the tip of the ski is pulled to the side, if you know what i mean. I have blown my right knee using Fritschi Tecton 12 bindings that has frontal release... So no real use for the frontal release if it fails to do so.
There’s this theory that a skis performnce isn’t that affected too much by a skier’s height. Like in racing where everyone skis the same length. I’m not sure if it’s correct, would be interesting to try a 205
What kind of avalanche gear are you using?If i remember well you were working with arva last year! I used to always ride on gorex pro and i switched for the futurelight membranes from the north face and they are not even close to goretex pro when it’s dumping hard! You should upload another video after a long period of testing these xpore membranes! Those new noctas are looking incredible,I will definitely place an order! Great videos as always man keep up the great job!
Still the same avy gear. Arva. Loving it. Yeah I’ve heard mixed reports about the futurelight. And durability is key for sure. I’ll do an update once I’ve used it a full winter. And yeah the noctas are gooood
I might be wrong but I thought Futurelight was leaned towards more breathability, It is like alpine climbing/aerobic output gear. Gore Pro is what you have for actual waterproof gear that isn't as sticky as rubber fishing gear.
The flat tail make the corvus less slarvy. Otherwise they’re pretty similar, especially the shorter length dracos. The 189 is just overall a more beefy ski. Longer radius. More width
I do actually. It's just nice that they don't go flying if I lose grip for some reason. Have never had any issues with them no matter the crash. I know some people are concerned about them catching trees etc.
Jeg elsker videoen dine❤ og jeg vurdere å skaffe meg et par julbo razor edge, men jeg lurer på hvilke linse som funker best for å kjøre i sterkt lys til flatt lys, tåkete sikt og svakt lys uten å skifte linse, på grunn av endringer av været. Jeg lurer bare på om du kunne anbefale hvilke linse som er best mellom alle linsene til razor edge for den slags bruk? Kan ikke si det nok ganger, men å se på videoene dine er helt magisk🤩❤
Sorry, it’s bad style in the industry to tell. Everyone needs to know that they can discuss potential deals without that being made public if it doesn’t happen :)
@@Nikolai_Schirmer have you had any pre-release issues with these? I keep pre releasing on hard pack. My DIN is set properly, so I’m not really sure what the issue is. Maybe not enough forward pressure?
The first thing i thought when you mentioned "electric helicopter" was: "why not use a paraglider?" Yes, Sam Anthamatten did that already so it wouldn't be something new. But the other problem I see in this case is, according to my limited experience of Norwegian weather (roughly 1/2 year, autumn semester until past Christmas plus 1 week in March for skiing in Lyngen) there is pretty much always alot of wind coming in from the coast. Hence a miniwing would be more appropriate for a task like this. But those can be pretty twitchy in certain conditions and wind direction towards the wing... So i guess it's not the ideal tool for the job.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Haven't thought of those, since drones (or better quadrocopters) aren't really in the realm of what i look at in aviatics. But sounds interesting. I guess the logistics of it would be interesting in this case... Auto-return or someone else remote controlling the drone? Btw: since it's a gear video: any tips on keeping snow of sticking to grip walk soles? I always get a clump of snow on my boots and then all the grip of "grip walk" is gone...
Return to home would be the dream. Just let it fly back to the car. Oh, I haven't really experienced that issue. What sort of surface are you hiking on?
@@Nikolai_Schirmer I only use one ski boot for everything (K2 Mindbender 130 in my case). But especially on resort days i always get a clump of ice and snow sticking to the sole when e.g. going to the restaurant / bar etc. Just walking from the ski racks on the snow to the entrance. While touring it's often less of an issue because i either skin up or ski down and don't usually visit a hut inbetween. Maybe I could just switch out the plates, but the sole doesn't look that worn yet.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer taking a train through eiger to jungfraujoch then paragliding 500m air distance to eiger to ski untracked pow, fucking dream if you ask me
Ah! I’m a 25% lighter, at 86kg. 187cm. So depending on your skiing style you might actually want to go for something with a higher DIN. I ski my ATK at 14 already
We knew that the choice to switch from norrona to bc would be very reasoned. Very clear explanation though. You will still remain the face of Norrona. Have a great season Niko and good skiing to all ♥️ (yes I went directly to min. 32:15😂)
Congrats on continuing with Black Crows, and thanks for all the great content over the years under Norrøna. Hear I missed the yard (co-working space) sale of the century, haha. Have a great season!
Thanks for breaking everything down and explaining in a way that's easy to understand! Huge fan of all the content you guys put out. Any chance you could do a profile of the Topside crew? Think it would be cool to know a bit more about the team. Jonas tore his ACL? Damn. Speedy recovery! Thanks again for the VIP content. Happy 2024 🤙🏽⛷
Loved this video (as well as every other video you put out) but as a person who loves photography and videography, I'd love a video like this about the camera gear you guys use and how you guys carry it while doing all of this crazy stuff. I always struggle with what gear to bring, camera bodies, lenses, tripods drones and such. and especially how to carry it up and down a snowy mountain. Tnx!
It's not a geae qiestion, but what about a collab with Magnus Midtbø. I know its not much your stile of videos, but i think it would be fun to see you climb with him and him trying skiing with you
Just went trough the boot choice and it was a long walk - pun intended - Went with Tecnica Cochise because the fit is on another level before the real fitting start and they really outski all the many others i tried in the alpine touring category - they feel completely like a "real" skiboot. Try them! ;-)
Nico, Your skiing and movie's are my favorite to watch. The awareness you show for the environment is inspirational to all who love the mountains. Top Side Boys !!!!!
Man oh man the day you find out you've been scammed with this whole "low emission skiing". It's great for me because I can't afford a helicopter, so your videos really hit close to what I'd like to do.
Do you still consider the rotation 14 to be a great binding? I ski it 50/50 resort and backcountry so I love it for having a lot of elastic travel and that I feels closer to an alpine binding than other pins do. But I have however had a few pre releases on it skiing resort on hardpacked icy runs. On softer snow it has never let me down and I was wondering if you experienced something similar when skiing the rotation?
Hi, I did have one pre release on them, skiing icy moguls. But other than that they've been solid for me. That being said, I do also have an alpine binding setup that I use for pure resort riding.. The ATK has been great so far, but yeah the toe will always have less elasticity in a pin binding.
@carlfhyr6456 the Rotation has no more elastic travel than any other pin binding. The rotation part is there to keep the pins clamped (to prevent prereleases that Dynafits seem more prone to than other brands), but as it rotates on a fixed axis that has no reletive sidewide movement and all the elastivity is in the back it produces no more elasticity in the toe than any other pin binding (exception Vipec/tectons that has 12mm elasticity each way up front, most tech bindings have 2-4mm if my memory serves me right). The Rotation is a 600gr binding doing the job of a 300-400gr binding - the various ATKs with freeride spacers are a all much improved systems over the Rotation.
Niko your right about the pack size as each manufacturer has their own way to measure volume. Some use pingpong balls and some use a liquid filler. So yes use a bit of salt on the size.
Have u ever tried the anima freebird ? Was it similar to the draco freebird ? Or just a different Touring/Backcountry skiing style ? As always love your work !! Hi from from France 🫡
Never thought I’d see a Fortnine/Nikolai crossover my fav two youtubers! Love your yearly gear vid, are you allowed to say which other companies approached you to sponsor you and if you seriously considered any of them?
thank you for sharing with so much detail what gear you use and the reasoning behind it, very cool! Question: Do you have any thoughts / recommendations on supercapacitor (electric) avy bags?
I love how you can pimp Black Crows gear as well as Norrona! Parents taught you well to know who is buttering your bread. Mostly kidding, your vids are epic. Glad you found a way to support your passion.
Avalanche bags‼️ I use the Arva avy packs still (when I use an avy pack), but I just didn’t update this video with them.
I talk about them here:
th-cam.com/video/FxytJ9NPM6A/w-d-xo.html
So never :D
Any update on the boots you're working with this season???
You are an advertising campaign with legs. I don't know how much money they'll pay you, but I'm sure it's not enough. After watching your videos, I feel like buying the Drako and I don't even ski... I'm a snowboarder. Congratulations!
Haha come over to the dark side!
@@Nikolai_Schirmer if you ever see this comment, what do you think about Elan folding skis?
love the reference to fortnine's gore tex video. one of my favorite motorcycle channels and eyeopening info about membranes
Love the openness of your commentary, I appreciate the sincerity of this content. We are all eager to see more. Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
the Tindeq Snow Saw making a surprise appearance at 31:14 is superb!
transitioned from Park to Backcountry Touring…wanted the freeraider 15, didn’t find any proper reviews. put shifts on my ski, now 2months later you posted about them, i was like dang if they‘re good for Nikolai they must be more than good for me - so orderd them some days ago can’t wait. my first set of pin bindings and iam nervous that they ski good. also looking forward to hear about your boot search still trying to figure it out myself
Man they’re amazing. I’m a huge fan! One note is that I had to turn my DIN up to 14.
I was on 12 my dynafit rotations, 13 on my pivot18, and 13 on Salomon sth16. For reference
Hey Niko, many thanks for this overview! Props for being transparent and open-minded about sponsors, contracts and decision factors. It really creates a positive impression after watching the video! And yes - ATK 15 is a masterpiece! Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you🫶
Funny, i had watched the same Gore tex video a little while back, and have since stopped worrying if the gore tex version of the jacket, pants or gloves is worth the price difference to the non goretex version. Zero issues so far with the North face, Volcom, etc. own waterproof tech versions.
Love and appreciate the honestly and clarity. Keep at it Nikolai!
What size are you on the Black Crows jackets still medium?
I’m XL and I’m 187cm
Awesome presentation ! You're movie are always great ! Have fun with your new black crows clothes (sorry Noronna).
Hello Nikolai, big fan of your videos. Specifically the gear review. Do have a question about your gloves - something you didn’t mention. What gloves are you using? any recommendations on how to fix cuts in them? any news on boots? and…you should do a cross over with Cody Townsend…would be aaawesome!
We need a closer look at Krister’s splitboard setup😊
Great video, very excited to watch your content this winter!
Question for you, are the topside boys goggles going to be available again at some point in the future? If so do you know if they would be available in the US? Goggles look awesome and would love to pick up a pair!
For the boots have a look at what the guys at La Sportiva are up to, if you haven’t already… jokes aside curious about what you’ll choose since the struggle between sufficient flex and weight is real! Love your work, keep it up!
Thanks!
Yeah can recommend the la sportiva vanguard boot. They have an interesting wrap around approach. Greetz from Bavaria
im a big freeride noob and i'm wondering why you don't have a ABS backpacks, is it because of saving weight or isn't it that helpful in the terrain you're riding? love the vids and keep on shredding my dude!
well the best way to not end up in an avalanche is to dodge avy terrain, then you can go lighter without it, if you are sending avy terrain thinking ah I have the backpack anyway, it is a pretty poor reasoning; having said that I ski everything in backcountry with avy pack, avalanches fucking scare me
@@mettflow2648 ah so for example if you go heli skiing you probably won’t have the time to dig pits and the weight isn’t a problem you’ll use a ABS backpack
If you go Heli skiing, you are most like to do with a guide and they would have the knowledge about the snow pack and snow safety, so no need to dig pits yourself. That said you wil moist likely have to where one, because of insurance from the guide etc. Although it is here in swis
@@NielsB_you should always use an avy backpack, but if you are carrying as much equipment as niko for long times, it can get pretty exhausting, however i dont really understand his reasoning behind it, yes some avy packs had problems in the past, but they have become a lot better over time and your chances of surviving an avalanche whilst wearing an avy backpack and using it are higher than not using one
Great video!! I’m a boot fitter and I’m itching to see what you’re riding for boots! I’m interested to see if you stay with that Hoji Free or switch it up.
thanks! I’ll make an update as soon as I’ve landed the perfect boot
I hope the links are affiliate links bc I used them to buy the poles. There are a lot of products out there so it’s helpful that you show them off.
So hard for me to imagine you packing all your gear into those backpacks. Overnight in a 37L? My old -16˚C sleeping bag is so huge. Would love to see how you pack your gear for a tour and how your system (rationale) works… like packing order, what you want accessible, etc.
We gotta get you to the Summit next year, Nikolai!
For sure!
Boots! The only reason why I wanted to watch this. Give a shout back peeps what is working for lightweight Freeride side?? Awesome vid though.
Currently, I'm using Scarpa F1 LT for soft snow / pow days because I can get away with it. Have Atomic HAWX Ultra XTD 130 for Freeride Back/Sidecountry setup but don't like the fit. I have to crank way to tight to get it to feel anywhere near performance. But, then start getting boot bang. Touring range of motion is way limited compared to F1 LT.
Agreed. Tried the hawx, not a fan. I’ll get back to you when I’ve dialed it!
What preferences are you looking for when choosing shoes? Is there a specific flex, weight etc.
If so, which ones are you considering choosing this season?
Gotta go to a bootfitter
Great vid !
to stay all French-Italian I´d suggest the 3 piece Dalbello Cabrio LV Free Light ,solid boot at 130 flex and good tourability tho!
Tech gear and logistics question: I’m curious about how you record and sync all your audio inputs across all the folks in your videos. Are you all just always recording on the mics and syncing them later based on matching the GoPro/camera audio? Do you as a group say “hey, everyone turn on your GoPros and mics, I’m gonna say something silly/important.”?
Love all your videos, man. You and your team continue to put out such quality. My wife and I always look forward to each new movie.
Thanks Alex! We’re using the tentacle sync system. It’s worth checking out
I'm bummed I just missed out on the Black Crows Ghost Resort Edition Draco Freebirds... I wanted them so bad! And now even more after seeing you say they are actually your favourite skis lol
Looks like there’s been some sort of restock! Two left in each size: www.black-crows.com/no/en/p/ghost-resort-draco-freebird/102082-white-vg.html
Hey, love your vids! I dont know if you can, but maybe Krister could talk about his splitboard setup? Doing both skiing and splitboarding myself.
I also struggled to find boots that fit the bill. I bought some cheap Hoji Free since I really liked the original Hojis except for the lack of toe welt and a tiny bit too soft. But couldn’t get free to fit like I wanted. Finally, I bought some intuition wrap liners. 120°C for 10 minutes did the trick, just had to do it like 6 times to get the wrap as I wanted, but the final result was really worth it. Much firmer, warmer and 150g lighter.
Original Sidas liner really suck, it’s a shame they call it thermo formable, it’s not on the same planet as Intuition wrap.
hey niko, can you comment on why you don't use a backpack with airbag system?
I do sometimes use the Arva ones, but they’re a compromise with weight and functionality compared to a normal backpack. So I adapt to what sort of terrain I’ll be in. Also, if avy conditions make it tempting to bring an avy pack, it’s generally not a great idea to be in avalanche terrain.
Nothing better than Nikolais Gear Videos
Curious to hear if you also had durability issues with the scarpa quattro? I wound up snapping the walk lever and blowing out the cuff pivots after 15 days, after a month of waiting for scarpa to ship a warranty pair out I wound up ordering the hoji free, I also have yet to find a boot that is light enough for long days but durable and stiff enough for going big. What other boots have you been testing this season?
Check out the roxa r3s if you can find a pair to try on they ski well enough to ride in the resort and they come in around 1600g
Has that issue with the lever too. They’ve made a beefier on for next year though.
I’m also testing the zero g, the hawx the backland, the ridge, the tigard and a few more. Will update when I’v found the one for me
Went to the hoji free 130s and they are awesome for long days and hard sends. Gotta live the auto tightening the cuffs and top buckle all in one lever
Hey Niko, curious which crampons you have been rocking? if you have gotten onto the blue ice harfangs?
Hi Josh! Yes I have. I think I talk about them in the gear vid from 2-3 years ago. Big fan!
What’s your preferred type of glove? And if your allowed what brand do you prefer 😁
I like short mittens and gloves, and I always bring both on the mountain. Unless it's super duper hot. I'm still using my old Norrøna ones :-)
Thank you 🙏
How would the Draco do in a resort freeride setting? I don’t do touring but I’m not a big fan of heavier skis like the anima, but the Draco seems like the perfect version of both worlds being stable playfull and light. Would the Draco be a good ski in the resort?
@@marklambert8111 definitely. I ski it in the resort all the time. Big fan
In need of a protip, sometime I wanna sit down when I wanna eat my backpack-baguette, but then I get a wet bum from the snow.
When you have new shiny gear is this not an issue. Or are there some tricks to not getting wet legs when working in the snow when the snow is more wet.
The pro tip is to sit on your skis, your backpack or a rock. No garment is waterproof when sat on, except those pure plastic fisherman’s outfits
@@Nikolai_Schirmer good to know i'm not missing out with my old bibs, Will keep em rocking for a few more years! Or get into fishing..
you said that with all you old techbindings you had problems with ice under the toe, i see what you mean on the classic dynafit but on g3 you can just put your pole "under" the mechanism and remove ice and snow...
This is true, and that pole trick worked well :)
I feel so seen with the comment about skimo skis being "dad" skis. I've taken to fitness skiing so hard since becoming a dad! Daughter is two sizes away from a touring boot now!
Hehe! You two will be the dream team👊
Niko, thanks so much for your videos. Absolutely love them. I’m curious, what bindings are you using on the Atris and Anima for your “big mountain resort days”?
Thank you! I’m using the salomon sth16, and some marker jesters
Nice, much appreciated 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Hey great vid! What radios do you guys use?
Gloves?
Great video! Loved this one
Hey Niko! What kind of headlamp do you use for night touring? Is the headlamp attachment on the helmet actually useful vs the band? couldn't tell from the video how the clip worked.
Hi,
I use moonlight mountain gear. For the way up I normally don’t wear my helmet, so I have the strap just on my head, and then for the the way down they clip into the gopro attachment. So no, I don’t really use the ones for the strap on the helmet much. But they work well for the regular kind of approach headlamp
Ey Niko, love the videos, i was wondering just how often dou you break a ski?? for example a delamination of the layers of the ski or a rock that chips the sole of the ski.
Hi, and thanks! Very rarely. I snapped a pair of anima back in 2018. Most base damage can be fixed in my experience, unless an edge is completely blown.
Nico, thanks for all you are doing and such informative content! This is so helpful! Your skiing is so inspiring! You videos and content is so great! And the awareness you show for the environment is inspirational to all who love the mountains.
Top Side Boys !!!
Just got my first pair of BC Camox Freebird for ski touring in Colorado where I have a lot of varied terrain and conditions but I’m no expert skier, nothing too big for me. Could you recommend an ATK binding to match? Looking at the Freeraider 13 Evo or the RT 10 Evo? Thanks!
Hi Travis,
Thank you!
Oh, I think you could be happy with the rt 10 on the camox, unless you’re really sending it. Bruno Compagnet skis big skis like the nocta on it
Thanks for responding Nico! You’re the man! 🙏🙌
Thanks for responding Nico! You’re the man! 🙏🙌
Thanks for responding Nico! You’re the man! 🙏🙌
What about filming gear ? Still using the gopro + gopro max combo, or switched to something else ?
Any plans for a Jonas gear review ?
Amazing as always, keep up the good work 🫶
Yep, still that same setup. But actually I’ve been just using the gopro 12 more and more. That higher sensor works really well for 9:16 too
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Thanks for answer ! Last question then, about the 12 : 8:7 to avoid choosing for insta or youtube ? Or choosing dedicated format every time ?
Is rear eject enough to save ur knee in a fall where the tip of the ski is pulled to the side, if you know what i mean. I have blown my right knee using Fritschi Tecton 12 bindings that has frontal release... So no real use for the frontal release if it fails to do so.
@kriskopa Is there a chance for this year you'll prepare your own guide? 😄
Hi Niko! As a taller guy (almost 190) whats up with every ski being so short from Black Crows, and most other manufacturers.
There’s this theory that a skis performnce isn’t that affected too much by a skier’s height. Like in racing where everyone skis the same length. I’m not sure if it’s correct, would be interesting to try a 205
What kind of avalanche gear are you using?If i remember well you were working with arva last year! I used to always ride on gorex pro and i switched for the futurelight membranes from the north face and they are not even close to goretex pro when it’s dumping hard! You should upload another video after a long period of testing these xpore membranes! Those new noctas are looking incredible,I will definitely place an order! Great videos as always man keep up the great job!
Still the same avy gear. Arva. Loving it.
Yeah I’ve heard mixed reports about the futurelight. And durability is key for sure. I’ll do an update once I’ve used it a full winter.
And yeah the noctas are gooood
I might be wrong but I thought Futurelight was leaned towards more breathability, It is like alpine climbing/aerobic output gear. Gore Pro is what you have for actual waterproof gear that isn't as sticky as rubber fishing gear.
futurelight is obv not in the same category as goretex ffs, never was marketed that way, you just misunderstood it
maybe try out the new dynafit tigard boot? Light & stiff and is 4 buckle.
Please give us some more videos with the mentis freebird😂
Haha coming up this fall!
Please let us know once you figure out your boots!
Hey Niko, will you do a video with snowboard gear ?
Krister is working on one :)
Hey Niko,
Is there somewhere I can watch the ATK factory tour or is it something upcoming on your channel?
Hi,
There’s only what you see here unfortunately :)
Hi Niko, how does the Draco Freebird compare to the Corvus? Which are the advantages and disadvantages between these two?
The flat tail make the corvus less slarvy. Otherwise they’re pretty similar, especially the shorter length dracos. The 189 is just overall a more beefy ski. Longer radius. More width
Question on poles, do you actually use the straps??? I prefer no straps and see a lot hard chargers losing the straps.... thoughts?
I do actually. It's just nice that they don't go flying if I lose grip for some reason. Have never had any issues with them no matter the crash. I know some people are concerned about them catching trees etc.
Jeg elsker videoen dine❤ og jeg vurdere å skaffe meg et par julbo razor edge, men jeg lurer på hvilke linse som funker best for å kjøre i sterkt lys til flatt lys, tåkete sikt og svakt lys uten å skifte linse, på grunn av endringer av været. Jeg lurer bare på om du kunne anbefale hvilke linse som er best mellom alle linsene til razor edge for den slags bruk?
Kan ikke si det nok ganger, men å se på videoene dine er helt magisk🤩❤
Takk Sondre! Jeg liker best den som er 0-4, men 1-3 linsa funker også bra :)
Is there a compelling reason not to keep the beacon in a pocket like that? That's my preference as well.
An avalanche might rip your pants off (really happens) or a rock might tear through the fabric so the beacon falls out.
Great video… its time for some new gear
I thought actually about buying the draco‘s, the Problem is I‘m Like a tall guy 6,4. so would you say the 1.89cm are too small?
Oh, I’m not sure actually. I’m 8cm shorter than you and they work really well
What vice documentary was that, with Pep and Pollard?
It was the Lifted series, but it's not online anymore unfortunately. Tried to find it to get the quote
mate was a goldmine of info, hoji really is the goat, very interesting about tollerances in pin bindings
So you’re not skiing with an avy pack?
Actually - what radio are you using with the team?
They're BCA link. 1 and 2 :)
What clothing brands were in the running?
Sorry, it’s bad style in the industry to tell. Everyone needs to know that they can discuss potential deals without that being made public if it doesn’t happen :)
What do you run your ATK DINs at?
I'm at 14, and I weigh 86kg
@@Nikolai_Schirmer you are the man - thanks!
Enjoy them. And make sure you have a shop tech that knows how to set them up. They need to be really precise.@@ryanebzery
@@Nikolai_Schirmer have you had any pre-release issues with these? I keep pre releasing on hard pack. My DIN is set properly, so I’m not really sure what the issue is. Maybe not enough forward pressure?
The first thing i thought when you mentioned "electric helicopter" was: "why not use a paraglider?" Yes, Sam Anthamatten did that already so it wouldn't be something new. But the other problem I see in this case is, according to my limited experience of Norwegian weather (roughly 1/2 year, autumn semester until past Christmas plus 1 week in March for skiing in Lyngen) there is pretty much always alot of wind coming in from the coast. Hence a miniwing would be more appropriate for a task like this. But those can be pretty twitchy in certain conditions and wind direction towards the wing... So i guess it's not the ideal tool for the job.
There’s a few companies developing cargo drones. They can carry 80kg now. I think if those get a little more heavy duty it’ll be the way to go
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Haven't thought of those, since drones (or better quadrocopters) aren't really in the realm of what i look at in aviatics. But sounds interesting. I guess the logistics of it would be interesting in this case... Auto-return or someone else remote controlling the drone?
Btw: since it's a gear video: any tips on keeping snow of sticking to grip walk soles? I always get a clump of snow on my boots and then all the grip of "grip walk" is gone...
Return to home would be the dream. Just let it fly back to the car.
Oh, I haven't really experienced that issue. What sort of surface are you hiking on?
@@Nikolai_Schirmer I only use one ski boot for everything (K2 Mindbender 130 in my case). But especially on resort days i always get a clump of ice and snow sticking to the sole when e.g. going to the restaurant / bar etc. Just walking from the ski racks on the snow to the entrance.
While touring it's often less of an issue because i either skin up or ski down and don't usually visit a hut inbetween.
Maybe I could just switch out the plates, but the sole doesn't look that worn yet.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer taking a train through eiger to jungfraujoch then paragliding 500m air distance to eiger to ski untracked pow, fucking dream if you ask me
sold
did you shut all your fingers in a door?
great stuff
how tall are u and how much do u weigh ?
im 6"1 225lbs wondering if pins and the ATK's would still be a good choice
Ah! I’m a 25% lighter, at 86kg. 187cm. So depending on your skiing style you might actually want to go for something with a higher DIN. I ski my ATK at 14 already
@@Nikolai_Schirmerthanks bro love your content
arguing about Topside BOYS is like sayin Spice GIRLS are exclusiv
We knew that the choice to switch from norrona to bc would be very reasoned. Very clear explanation though. You will still remain the face of Norrona. Have a great season Niko and good skiing to all ♥️ (yes I went directly to min. 32:15😂)
Haha, best to skip ahead to the juicy parts🤘😄
@@Nikolai_Schirmer thanks so much for including this part; really enjoyed the content.
Congrats on continuing with Black Crows, and thanks for all the great content over the years under Norrøna. Hear I missed the yard (co-working space) sale of the century, haha. Have a great season!
What sale was that
Thanks for breaking everything down and explaining in a way that's easy to understand! Huge fan of all the content you guys put out. Any chance you could do a profile of the Topside crew? Think it would be cool to know a bit more about the team. Jonas tore his ACL? Damn. Speedy recovery! Thanks again for the VIP content. Happy 2024 🤙🏽⛷
Loved this video (as well as every other video you put out) but as a person who loves photography and videography, I'd love a video like this about the camera gear you guys use and how you guys carry it while doing all of this crazy stuff. I always struggle with what gear to bring, camera bodies, lenses, tripods drones and such. and especially how to carry it up and down a snowy mountain. Tnx!
I’ll see if I can do a filmers edition with Vetle and Joonas later :)
@@Nikolai_Schirmer yass awesome!
Great piece about PTFE and forever chemicals.
Amazing as always, I am still waiting on Joonas full gear guide, having all that camera gear and keeping up with the topside boys is not easy!
Well he has a channel now! I'll let him know it's been requested
Great video! I also loved the Draco Freebird when I reviewed it, the smoothness of the flex is unlike any other ski on the market imo.
Yo, RSR in the comments!
Thank you for sharing and being open and honest about your choices. Loving your ski videos and adventures. Keep'em coming. Stay safe.
Thank you! Will do
I don’t really understand the random quotes on Black Crows gear. It feels like a private in-joke that I’m not a part of…
They’re just random silly things. You’re more than welcome to be a part of it
It's not a geae qiestion, but what about a collab with Magnus Midtbø. I know its not much your stile of videos, but i think it would be fun to see you climb with him and him trying skiing with you
All my shells look like that in the rain. It's the membrane that's waterproof, not the face fabric :)
Love my ATK's! Went with DPS skis and I feel 10 years younger on the up-track 😄 Great review.
Just went trough the boot choice and it was a long walk - pun intended - Went with Tecnica Cochise because the fit is on another level before the real fitting start and they really outski all the many others i tried in the alpine touring category - they feel completely like a "real" skiboot. Try them! ;-)
Testing this one too! It’s sweet
definitely downgrade on the clothing part, but the rest slaps
Nico,
Your skiing and movie's are my favorite to watch.
The awareness you show for the environment is inspirational to all who love the mountains.
Top Side Boys !!!!!
Thank you!
Appreciate the focus on sustainability throughout
When is joonas doing a gear vid? 😄
Would love to know what I takes to produce these videos and the gear he uses and how it enables him to do what he does!
I'll let him know! He started a channel actually
Boots would be real interesting, dont forget to update us
Man oh man the day you find out you've been scammed with this whole "low emission skiing".
It's great for me because I can't afford a helicopter, so your videos really hit close to what I'd like to do.
Cool to hear all the binding chat, havent skied on atks, but have only heard great things from them. Always tempted to get new gear after these vids.
Do you still consider the rotation 14 to be a great binding? I ski it 50/50 resort and backcountry so I love it for having a lot of elastic travel and that I feels closer to an alpine binding than other pins do. But I have however had a few pre releases on it skiing resort on hardpacked icy runs. On softer snow it has never let me down and I was wondering if you experienced something similar when skiing the rotation?
Hi, I did have one pre release on them, skiing icy moguls. But other than that they've been solid for me. That being said, I do also have an alpine binding setup that I use for pure resort riding..
The ATK has been great so far, but yeah the toe will always have less elasticity in a pin binding.
@carlfhyr6456 the Rotation has no more elastic travel than any other pin binding. The rotation part is there to keep the pins clamped (to prevent prereleases that Dynafits seem more prone to than other brands), but as it rotates on a fixed axis that has no reletive sidewide movement and all the elastivity is in the back it produces no more elasticity in the toe than any other pin binding (exception Vipec/tectons that has 12mm elasticity each way up front, most tech bindings have 2-4mm if my memory serves me right). The Rotation is a 600gr binding doing the job of a 300-400gr binding - the various ATKs with freeride spacers are a all much improved systems over the Rotation.
Boots Scarpa 4-quattro XT?
Boots coming soon? :D
Yes, why no presentation of one of the most important parts? Skiing boots from none sponsor???
cute nails
Black Crow jacket looks nice but... comments about the DWR? 37:00 😬
Great vids !!
Niko your right about the pack size as each manufacturer has their own way to measure volume. Some use pingpong balls and some use a liquid filler. So yes use a bit of salt on the size.
Good to know!
Have u ever tried the anima freebird ? Was it similar to the draco freebird ? Or just a different Touring/Backcountry skiing style ?
As always love your work !! Hi from from France 🫡
Hi,
Yep, it’s a pretty different ski. Way softer. But still fun!
Thanks :)
Never thought I’d see a Fortnine/Nikolai crossover my fav two youtubers! Love your yearly gear vid, are you allowed to say which other companies approached you to sponsor you and if you seriously considered any of them?
Thanks! No, I like to let companies know we can speak without the world knowing :)
thank you for sharing with so much detail what gear you use and the reasoning behind it, very cool!
Question:
Do you have any thoughts / recommendations on supercapacitor (electric) avy bags?
Thanks! I haven’t tried one, but the idea seems good
should have gone with Rab
I love how you can pimp Black Crows gear as well as Norrona! Parents taught you well to know who is buttering your bread. Mostly kidding, your vids are epic. Glad you found a way to support your passion.
A man's gotta pimp haha. Thanks Mark