For those complaining about cost, I would posit that most gear will get you to wear you want to go and maybe purchase one or two higher end products a year to build your set up. Basically no one can afford a backcountry set up from scratch. This is clearly a hyper optimized set up and most people don't need that.
Truly agree with that... Guys are doing vids about high end stuff they got from pro deals or even from sponsors... I see lots of guys getting tech bindings and skis designed for the Alps to go in their backyard... If people choose that stuff from their free will, that's perfectly fine. But a recent story came to my mind: A guy I know saw us earning our turns in a hilly area near Quebec City in 3 pins and small plastic boots... he asked me where he could get the gear and I sent him to a store where I thought he would get the best advice... He called me back saying he could not afford the 2000$ kit they offered him... I asked if he explained what was his needs. He said he did... That's what is the market oriented logic - not good advice. Whatever...
@@amiLli257 keyboard warrior & hater detected XD... awesome job Niko... keepem coming, we love ur content. Been skiing the whole of my life and all your sayings here in this video are really accurate! Cheers from Argentina
To be honest, that is true for most of the big backcountry brands. Stuff has gotten crazy expensive across the board, not just norrona. Luckily you can find like 90% of the performance for a lot less money still.
@@simon.annies You're right, of course. All the gear has become insanely pricey. I mean - they advertise their stuff with very young athletes who normally probably could never afford a ful load-out. I have also never bought anything that wasn't at least a couple of years old / used, but it still makes me a little irritated to see them charging 800 Euros for a flippin' jacket. Who do they think can afford that? Certainly not the ever quoted 'ski bums'. At least not in my days ... :D
I ski the Dynafit Rotation 14 as well. Dude at the shop put me on it as my first and only binding knowing I'd spend 80% of the time in the backcountry and was planning on progressing fast. Told me to just trust him. One of the best gear recommendations I've ever gotten. At 6'2" 215 pounds the binding has been rock solid, ejected only when it should have, and tons of confidence even on the nasty tracked out crud days I've had them on the resort.
Been so hesitant on a pin binding, you’re spot on about it playing games with my head. Thanks for putting those doubts to rest. I’ll be grabbing some of those Dynafit Rotation 14s for sure
Heads up to the crows team if they’re watching this; why make white skis? It’s just sooo frustrating searching for skis that is invisible. Especially if you have touring binding that eject every now and then
white skis are reflective which means they absorb less heat from the sun which significantly reduces the buildup of warm wet snow on the topsheets during long, warm, spring tours. It saves a huge amount of weight and therefore effort. Finding your skis in the pow is nice, and you might prefer a colorful look, but this is the justification for white or light colored top sheets.
@@abeckman543 That sounds cool in theory. Altough, as a mechanical engineering student that has studied thermal dynamics I would not say that the small area of each ski makes a significant difference while skiing, it's only design I would say
@@aeoj As someone with a pair of skis that are partially white and partially dark, it's pretty eye-opening to see how much snow sticks to the dark spots. My next pair is going to be light-coloured or white for that reason!! Can alleviate the missing ski issue with a colourful bottom!
@@somePENGUINScanFLY I hear you! If you say so, I have black skis so I’ve never have had the chance to compare😬 I just know how frustrating it is when the friends ski is lost and he says “It’s white!” Haha! Colourful bottom is game tho!
I have GORE-TEX Infinium for trousers, even on really cold days I can go without base layer underneath and GORE-TEX Pro for HS. On way up I use fleece with DWR and GORE-TEX Infinium down jacket on the way down, it depends on weather if HS stays on or goes into the backpack, but mostly it stays on even in good weather conditions, because I like how it isolates you from wind. I’m that kind of guy who gets cold from wind and not from low temperatures. I personally love how versatile and flexible this set up is, it’s really easy to regulate your body temp this way and I feel especially for normal people who can’t afford three different set ups this one does it best. Yeah it’s bit pricier at the time of purchase but you get ruggedness which means it lasts longer. You won’t get longevity from hybrid clothes 🤷🏻♂️
There are some bindings with an alpine-style heel and a pin-style toe like the Fritschi Tecton that weigh close to what your Rotations weigh. Curious on your thoughts there - they do look quite plastic in comparison to the metal Dynafits.
I work at a shop that features dynafit Bindings as well as salmon/atomic who produce the hybrid "shift" Binding. I will say from experience of customers who have gear issues, that the fritschi stuff (while light for the features) malfunction and break ALL THE TIME. And while no product is without a defect here or there, fritschis seem to be consistently plagued. Choose with care.
Only the marker kingpin (boot-embracing heel piece) and the dynafit rotation (rotating toe piece) are TÜV 13992 certified, as far as I know. Maybe, by now, also the tecton, but certainly not 'all Fritschi bindings'. The front-release is a nice feature of the tecton, but elasitcity should be similar.
Seems like my comment didn't upload. On the fritschi website they say that there is no DIN for pin bindings yet, but they test all the bindings for the ISO 13992. The elasticity is the same for the tecton and the rotation, I was wrong about that. The toe spring of the rotation is very stiff. This can be annoying for beginners. So in the end it is a matter of taste :)
Do you notice a significant difference in ski-ability between the Rotation 14 (with heel elasticity) and the Superlite 150 (no heel elasticity)? I love the idea of reducing weight per foot on the up, but not if the ski down is compromised.
Thanks for the video! I literally have the same Atris in 178.4cm size (I am 175cm tall) and rotation 14 bindings, using with Scarpa Maestrale XT. It is heavier set up, and although my skills can't even compare to Nikolai, I can recommend it. Compared to my ultralight set this one is waaay better and easier to ride and control. With ultralight ski I have a feeling like there are only 2 papers on my foot. Suggestion for another video: Jonas ski and camera setup. I'm always struggling how to bring drone, Sony A7Siii with me, should I bring another bag around my hips, what audio system should I use (Tentacle or shotgun mic) while reducing the weight and so on...
Agree, I would love to see a camera/drone/gopro setup video. The footage and shots you get are amazing and the color grading also seems really consistent between cameras.
Honestly it’s just joonas being great at what he does. He grades too. He has the a7 in a small camera bag on his chest, but can pack it down into a larger backpack for the descent.
Okay, first off im a huge fan of your work. Im a filmmaker and outdoor photographer and enthusiast in Calgary, AB and this is like my dream. Im also a marketing specialist and work with a variety of outdoor companies and a Splitboard company, so I want to get more opinions from the pro ski world and would love Nikolai's take on this. Cotton, you mention 100% Cotton pants, where's we would never recommend cotton, and continually push people away from it, as the saying goes, cotton kills. I also want to note at I kinda agree since it breaths well and you are wearing gortex layers on the outside. Though with that said almost every ski guide ive met recommends no cotton, as it pulls heat away from you potty with any moisture. Would love opinions!
Cotton has been used for decades in Norwegian winter outerwear. It used to be the standard winter jacket for the Norwegian high mountain. It’s far superior to gore and other shells when temps are below freezing, but doesn’t work at all if it’s raining. So it’s less versatile and is more of a niche thing now
Plus: Julbo is really good value for money. Especially if you compare them with the better known brands (Oa…y comes to mind) and their oversized marketing budgets.
What headtorches do you guys use for skiing in your vids? I'm always shocked how quickly my rechargable Petzl Tikka RXP/Swift RLs die skiing in the cold - literally seconds. I'm at my whits end but I'm sure you guys have plenty of practice skiing in the dark so aught to know!
You should probably just get a longer probe. A 3m recovery is totally possible and becoming more common. Your mind would never forgive you for that if the day comes. Especially if you're getting this stuff for free, it's kinda a no brainer. The extra oz isn't going to kill ya, but only save someone else. Like if you agree
(PSA - not for Nikolai, im sure he's very confident with his gear). Please do everyone a favor and get the largest available avalanche probe, and at least 2.8meters long. you wont find anything over 3.3~3.5m so no fear going too large but seriously you dont want tell a family some guy died cause their fall depth did not align with your ultralight objectives. If you are going to the back country and traveling with avalanche safety equipment then you are admitting there is the potential to utilize that probe either for within your team or to assist with another team of people. If your probe is not long enough you will suffer having to dig a wide enough cavity to then restart probing at an achievable probe length. The victim will 100% be dead by the time you get this step accomplished. The best tool is the tool you've got, and the tool you're familiar with. Practice often and practice on your friends gear before heading out; you never know whose equipment will be in your hands when the time comes.
thanks for the video again ! could be nice to make a little spreadsheet with all the equipment details abd use by conditions, like a go to reminder list for any ski weekend prep 😍
You´re talking about the Lyngen setup and Tamok setup. But what about the Lofoten setup, isn´t that a nice setup for meeting in the middle between the pros and cons of Lyngen and Tamok?
After a Dynafit binding heel piece braking mid ski, I am never using that brand again... Switched to ATK FR14 and Fritschi Tecton 13 and they are amazing... each to their own I guess...
I don't get the Julbo part, it's a great brand sure, but so many brands make photochomatic lenses especially in ski goggles. I work at an outdoor store and we sell these all the time. Oakley is our only brand that doesn't make photochromatic lenses, because the colour change takes some time, and they don't feel it's up to their standards. Also, colour contrast tends to be less (though not all brands have colour contrast in their lenses).
Almost broke my leg with the Marker King Pin bindings skiing Butler Gulch in Colorado. The binding simply did not release. Sold them and got the Marker Tour F-12. I couldn't care less about the weight.
Have you ever considered Fritchi Tecton 12 at 630gr? What downside do you view them to have? I use them on my Atris setup and I'm super happy with them, though they are i bit clumsy when touring compared to Dynafit rotation I have on my Navis.
I was traumatized by riding the fritschi freeride for a few seasons in the mid 2000s, so I didn’t even consider them during my last round of contracts. But hearing good things! Will have to check them out
I have the rotation 12s and same thing never had a prerelease... Really surprised me as I've had that happen on frame bindings before... They're a lot more solid than they look
@Nikolai one year later, is the Dynafit Superlite still holding up? Any tear out? I was recommended to mount the rear part of that binding with the mounting plate instead of directly onto the ski. 105mm underfoot ski, 185cm long, 82kg ski, fast, but no hucking. 1500g boots (130 flex Atomics). Thanks!
Just upgraded to the 4000, which is the same size just brighter. I mount it on the side, but just to have my gopro on my forehead. You can see how I do it in the last segment of endless winter one
Do you always layer your gloves? (or switch to the mid weight ones and take off the inners). Also, a video of how you like to pack your 30L/40L pack would be cool (maybe you already have one)
Love the gear reviews and all the actual skiing videos! Hoping you will comment on the switch from G3 to Dynafit bindings…? I’ve been skiing with G3 Ions for 4 years and about to setup a new pair of skis with the same, but I’ve used you as my reference point so wondering if there was a performance difference or maybe/probably just expanded sponsorship that caused you to switch. Care to comment? Either way, thanks for the great content!
Thanks! It was just hard to stay on a DIN12 binding with no rotating toe, when I could go DIN14 and get the rotating toe for the same weight. Loved the IONs though. Also part of a move with both boots and bindings to dynafit
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Did you try ATK freeraider? goes up do 14/16 din depending on model and is like half the weight of rotation. Didn't ski either of them yet but want to buy one when I save up so I'd love to hear your opinion on them!
For people complaining about the price. You can still buy cheap old technology. And frankly it is plenty for the avarage joe. If you want top notch pro gear you have to pay top money
Niko what do you think of some of these MNC helmets like the new Atomic Backland, which are certified for cycling and climbing as well as ski mountaineering? I'm tempted by it but also worried it might be too cold for normal downhill!
Great video. I have norrona lofoten gore Tex jacket and pants. Definitely the best ski pants I've ever owned. They fit really well and are very durable, truly weather proof. I like the stretch bib top that zips off, for easy washroom breaks!! This is a mega mega bonus vs like all other bibs. I previously was using arcteryx bibs, but the norrona are way more functional. I have soft shell stuff for warmer weather, but really, I wear the gore Tex for both resort and backcountry, because it's the warmest (I live in Canadian Rockies, it's pretty dry and cold). Also the atris are my favorite, do all skiis (the old version 108), with a shift binding. I use them for both resort and backcountry. Yes, shift makes a bit heavier, but I prefer the performance benefits of a full binding and a good ski I can trust... Then the downhill is always fun. Vs fml, these skiis are scary and too light in suboptimal conditions.
Do you go brakeless on your superlite 150 bindings, or use leashes? I want a powder only setup and the skis I want to put them on will be 120 underfoot. Not even sure they make tech binding brakes that wide. Worried about having a hard time putting them on without brakes or losing them even in a minor fall. Thanks for great video!
Oh I would for sure to something a little more heavy duty for a 120mm ski. Rotation 12 or 14. I mounted up some ATK fr 15 evo now, they’re awesome. More lightweight; but still heavy duty. DIN 15 in both the toe and the heel
Why not use at least a 300cm probe, not sure how deep the snow pack is in Norway, but I always think it’s better to have it longer. Love the content! Sorry to hear about you and Sigrid.
I doubt it you (+2/3/4 people) could dig a hole 3m deep in the time someone could stay alive at the bottom of it. Plus, the longer pole becomes unwieldy especially if you are under trees or something like that (speaking from training with a 320cm probe). The longest professional probes are mostly for retrieving bodies..
3m is definitely not a lost cause. It's all a matter of probability. The deepest successful backcountry rescue I know of was 4m. They had to dig just to get a probe strike. That doesn't mean I advocate carrying a 4m probe, but I don't think 3m is excessive.
Start skiing backcountry in the early 70s out of our cabin in Brighton Utah. We skied everywhere in the Wasatch with leather boots and double camber super long skinny XC touring skis. Tracked the the shit out of every snow field with perfect symmetry turns. Calling skiing riding makes me want to puke!
@@tomh318950/50 probably safest bet a shift binding, but Im not sure. I purchased the ATK Freeraider 15 evo after asking Nikolai on Instagram, looking for 70/30 backcountry/resort.
for anyone wondering, many companies have the same exact photochromic properties in their goggle lineups but give them different names. a good example is smith and their chroma pop lenses.
I had the hoji free 130 last year and they just hurt my feet so so much. Such a shame because I could feel the potential of the boot but the pain was unbearable, even after pro tuning
Didn't fit me either.. but dalbello lupo hd pro fit perfect and i have them on 10-12 hrs almost everyday all winter for work. Under 50% of that time is spent skiing but i keep them on all day. Lupo AX is great 2, a bit softer and wider and less high performance oriented but great fit and the one i should be using daily but i just love the presicion of the HD Pro😄🤙
@@mhl4886 I had the same problem with the Vulcans. I'm now on Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 XTD which I thought would work out great for me (I have narrow 97mm feet and super high arch and my foot measures at 27mondo) so I went for the 27/27.5 in the Atomics (but they are 100mm last in that size) and now they feel too big as my foot is jamming forward, so in hindsight I should have gone 26/26.5 (98mm last) and then had the toes blown out a bit so my toes didn't hit when touring. But now am considering maybe I should give the Dalbello Lupo HD pro a try instead of just moving to 26/26.5 in the Atomics, do you think the Lupo are a good fit for narrow (97mm) foot with high arch, and 26 the right fit?
Really intrigued about the rotation 14 after having some less than ideal experiences with the shift. At my usual DIN, it seems to pre-release in situations where my heel is lifted straight upwards. Does anyone else have that problem? To prevent that, I have to crank it to a degree that does not really feel that safe anymore. A friend of mine also lost a ski in deep powder that way.
Are you sure your bindings are correctly adjusted? Not only DIN but also toe pressure while ski boot is in the binding, in ski mode? I would double check before that if pre-release is a issue.
Shifts are notorious for being finicky, but once it’s dialed in it’s good. Maybe take it to a reputable ski shop to look at the forward pressure or the AFD adjustment if you’re prereleasing
Hi Niko, thanks for the awesome run through. It seems that you've been on the Draco a lot since you got it, vs the Atris (?) before. Where does it fit in the lineup for you, and for a good intermediate skiier who's looking for a fun off-piste/slackcountry/backcountry touring on deeper days (with a light touring and piste ski already in the quiver) for use in the Alps, which ski would you recommend between the Corvus, Atris & Draco?
Hi Ben, Just working on a new gear talk going over all this. I'm doing all my (non lightweight) touring on the Draco. It performs pretty much like the anima, at the weight of the atris. I love it. It's fun in powder, predictable and trustworthy at speed and the notches for skins is really really nice. No slip. I'll still ride resort on the atris and anima (and nocta!) because they're a tad more damp, and the shorter sidecut makes for a different feel. Plus a lot of the weight saving on the Draco comes from thinner edges etc. So if I'm going to be beating up a ski doing tons of lift laps the resort skis will hold up longer.
Hello I have Fischer ranger 102 with a kingpin 13. I bought them used/ but never used. My question is. Can I safely use this as an inbound set up. I have other inbound skis but wanted to experience something different. I never thought tech bindings would handle what you put them through I’m thinking of roxa ti 130 boots or Scarpa RS
«Safe» is relative. No binding is safe :) but pretty much everything I ride on here is on pins, and it’s caused me zero injuries so far. My PCL + MCL was in an alpine binding
Binding question: is there a particular reason you use all-pin bindings like the Ion12 (585g) or Rotation14 (605g) over pin+alpine-heel bindings like the KingPin12 (620g) or Tecton13 (630g)? For a guy whos not super lightweight and skis as hard as you do, doing airs n' stuff, the alpine heelpiece should be advantageous in theory, shouldn't it? 🤔
Do you usually wear the down knickers over, or under your pants? I imagine using them as insulation under gore-tex but it seems like you're putting them over soft-shell?
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Thanks! I'm trying to imagine how it would work as touring in a cold storm and what I really want is to be able to put them on without taking the bibs off
26:35 So I use G3 Alpinist skins with my Black Crows Navis skis, and honestly, I'm not a major fan of the plastic tip feature. I've actually found it makes snow creep worse, as unless you're incredibly meticulous with your gear packing the plastic can bend backwards while stored, and then keep that shape, pulling the skin away from the ski when it's in use. Just my experience with them, don't know if anyone else has had this problem. 30:53 You don't seem to use MIPS helmets, is there a reason for this? Or did I misunderstand that?
Haha I’ve had to take out MIPS from my helmets before just because my head is huge. But I think it’s a good system. There’s a new julbo helmet that has it. Will use that.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Do you use/like the Corvus at all? My current quiver is Nocta + Corvus(flat camber), both with Shifts. Blown an edge on my Corvus and wondering if I should add (or switch to) Atris or Anima to the quiver for specific conditions or stick with the same. @Nico I'm 173cm and Nocta 186cm is perfect for me, so i'd go longer for you.
Excellent reviews. appreciate the effort! I was debating actually going for the Atris Birdie instead of the (males) version of Atris, at 178. I am 5' 10" & like 160/165 intermediate+ skier and looking to use it as go to for touring. Would I notice much difference between the two ?!
I feel like I don't need it under a backpack :) Also just big, sweat inducing and cumbersome while touring. Used to wear one when I skied park and resort more though
Where do you carry your beacon? I usually carry it in the carrying system around my torso, but i always have the problem that i am someone that sweats really fast and therefor usually walk up with just the thin merino baselayer on top of it but nothing more. So the beacon ends up on my skin. How do you do it? Any other people with similar problems and good solutions?
I like having mine in the bib pockets on my pants, because I never take those off. So I always add a bib to all my pants. They can be zipped on and off all the Norrøna ski pants
Riding with the rotation 14 myself on a pair of Armada tracer 108. One thing I noticed about the rotations is that I sometimes have to overcompensate when turning while riding hard in slush. Seems like the binding rotates instead of the ski in those conditions, have you experienced that as well?
I want to set up a backcountry ski that can also be used for powder days at a resort, would you recommend the anima or the atris? I’m in the Midwest of the United States
There's a new draco freebird coming this fall, that's really great if you want to ski fast. But the atris is more fun if you go a little slower @@bennymorfit6887
if the videos I've seen are trustworthy then a Black Diamond Avalung increases your chances of surviving an avalanche accident. I'm suprised how few people use one. I've never seen any of the pro freeriders use one in a video.
For me it doesn’t make sense. All the lines you see on here are on pin bindings that weigh 1/3 of that system. If I was doing a one ski quiver, and mostly skied resort and sled skiing for example I might have considered it though
@@Nikolai_Schirmer hm okay got it. yea i was thinking abt doing cast, as i dont tour too much and ski mostly resort, but i sometimes tour here n there. having a cast seems nice but i’m still sitting on the fact that it’s super heavy.
For those complaining about cost, I would posit that most gear will get you to wear you want to go and maybe purchase one or two higher end products a year to build your set up. Basically no one can afford a backcountry set up from scratch. This is clearly a hyper optimized set up and most people don't need that.
Truly agree with that... Guys are doing vids about high end stuff they got from pro deals or even from sponsors... I see lots of guys getting tech bindings and skis designed for the Alps to go in their backyard... If people choose that stuff from their free will, that's perfectly fine. But a recent story came to my mind: A guy I know saw us earning our turns in a hilly area near Quebec City in 3 pins and small plastic boots... he asked me where he could get the gear and I sent him to a store where I thought he would get the best advice... He called me back saying he could not afford the 2000$ kit they offered him... I asked if he explained what was his needs. He said he did... That's what is the market oriented logic - not good advice. Whatever...
I think niko is one of the creators that are so underrated.
Yes, 44 min commercial...
@@amiLli257 keyboard warrior & hater detected XD... awesome job Niko... keepem coming, we love ur content. Been skiing the whole of my life and all your sayings here in this video are really accurate! Cheers from Argentina
Love the Norrona gear but if you're neither sponsored, nor a rich kid the stuff is just gettin way too expensive.
Yup, im using a lot of wool and fleece stuff from them. But 9k nok for bib pants comeon.. Im not gonna pay more for my pants than my skis.
Yeah unfortunately skiing is a very expensive sport. I find myself buying last year's model of things with a good deal quite alot.
Here's a secret no one has told you... . Back country skiing is a rich kids sport.
To be honest, that is true for most of the big backcountry brands. Stuff has gotten crazy expensive across the board, not just norrona. Luckily you can find like 90% of the performance for a lot less money still.
@@simon.annies You're right, of course. All the gear has become insanely pricey. I mean - they advertise their stuff with very young athletes who normally probably could never afford a ful load-out. I have also never bought anything that wasn't at least a couple of years old / used, but it still makes me a little irritated to see them charging 800 Euros for a flippin' jacket. Who do they think can afford that? Certainly not the ever quoted 'ski bums'. At least not in my days ... :D
I ski the Dynafit Rotation 14 as well. Dude at the shop put me on it as my first and only binding knowing I'd spend 80% of the time in the backcountry and was planning on progressing fast. Told me to just trust him.
One of the best gear recommendations I've ever gotten. At 6'2" 215 pounds the binding has been rock solid, ejected only when it should have, and tons of confidence even on the nasty tracked out crud days I've had them on the resort.
Was literally just watching the old video when this launched😂
Been so hesitant on a pin binding, you’re spot on about it playing games with my head. Thanks for putting those doubts to rest. I’ll be grabbing some of those Dynafit Rotation 14s for sure
Enjoy!
Black crow is smart for sponsoring you because you are the reason I’m buying a pair 😂
same here im gonna get a pair of them only cuz of him
I’m a total gearhead and this is probably my favorit video on TH-cam. Loved to watch it and listen to you! Thanks a lot!
G from germany ✌🏻
Would be rad if you made one of these with Krister breaking down his splitboard gear setup!
That would be very interesting
Heads up to the crows team if they’re watching this; why make white skis? It’s just sooo frustrating searching for skis that is invisible. Especially if you have touring binding that eject every now and then
white skis are reflective which means they absorb less heat from the sun which significantly reduces the buildup of warm wet snow on the topsheets during long, warm, spring tours. It saves a huge amount of weight and therefore effort. Finding your skis in the pow is nice, and you might prefer a colorful look, but this is the justification for white or light colored top sheets.
@@abeckman543 That sounds cool in theory. Altough, as a mechanical engineering student that has studied thermal dynamics I would not say that the small area of each ski makes a significant difference while skiing, it's only design I would say
@@aeoj As someone with a pair of skis that are partially white and partially dark, it's pretty eye-opening to see how much snow sticks to the dark spots. My next pair is going to be light-coloured or white for that reason!! Can alleviate the missing ski issue with a colourful bottom!
@@somePENGUINScanFLY I hear you! If you say so, I have black skis so I’ve never have had the chance to compare😬 I just know how frustrating it is when the friends ski is lost and he says “It’s white!” Haha! Colourful bottom is game tho!
@@aeoj yeah, I think this might be the way to go. brighter topsheet and very colorfull/poppy bottom
Those Cramplifiers are cool! Always wondered how you guys do those steep climbs in deep snow.
I have GORE-TEX Infinium for trousers, even on really cold days I can go without base layer underneath and GORE-TEX Pro for HS. On way up I use fleece with DWR and GORE-TEX Infinium down jacket on the way down, it depends on weather if HS stays on or goes into the backpack, but mostly it stays on even in good weather conditions, because I like how it isolates you from wind. I’m that kind of guy who gets cold from wind and not from low temperatures. I personally love how versatile and flexible this set up is, it’s really easy to regulate your body temp this way and I feel especially for normal people who can’t afford three different set ups this one does it best. Yeah it’s bit pricier at the time of purchase but you get ruggedness which means it lasts longer. You won’t get longevity from hybrid clothes 🤷🏻♂️
dynafit invented pin bindings and still make the toughest, lightest bindings. tried and true. 20 years on em
There are some bindings with an alpine-style heel and a pin-style toe like the Fritschi Tecton that weigh close to what your Rotations weigh. Curious on your thoughts there - they do look quite plastic in comparison to the metal Dynafits.
I work at a shop that features dynafit Bindings as well as salmon/atomic who produce the hybrid "shift" Binding. I will say from experience of customers who have gear issues, that the fritschi stuff (while light for the features) malfunction and break ALL THE TIME. And while no product is without a defect here or there, fritschis seem to be consistently plagued. Choose with care.
I fell once on tectons. Binding didn’t release, leg broke, then binding broke. Total junk.
Alle the Fritschi Bindings are also TÜV certified. The Rotation is very nice, but the Fritschi Tecton has even more elasticity, so more safety.
I've seen the Fritschi Tecton bindings break several times tho... I'd trust the Rotation over them.
Only the marker kingpin (boot-embracing heel piece) and the dynafit rotation (rotating toe piece) are TÜV 13992 certified, as far as I know. Maybe, by now, also the tecton, but certainly not 'all Fritschi bindings'. The front-release is a nice feature of the tecton, but elasitcity should be similar.
Seems like my comment didn't upload.
On the fritschi website they say that there is no DIN for pin bindings yet, but they test all the bindings for the ISO 13992.
The elasticity is the same for the tecton and the rotation, I was wrong about that. The toe spring of the rotation is very stiff. This can be annoying for beginners. So in the end it is a matter of taste :)
Do you notice a significant difference in ski-ability between the Rotation 14 (with heel elasticity) and the Superlite 150 (no heel elasticity)? I love the idea of reducing weight per foot on the up, but not if the ski down is compromised.
Would you consider making a video showing tips for organizing the gear in your backpacks and your Db ski travel bag?
I would!
Thanks for the video! I literally have the same Atris in 178.4cm size (I am 175cm tall) and rotation 14 bindings, using with Scarpa Maestrale XT. It is heavier set up, and although my skills can't even compare to Nikolai, I can recommend it. Compared to my ultralight set this one is waaay better and easier to ride and control. With ultralight ski I have a feeling like there are only 2 papers on my foot. Suggestion for another video: Jonas ski and camera setup. I'm always struggling how to bring drone, Sony A7Siii with me, should I bring another bag around my hips, what audio system should I use (Tentacle or shotgun mic) while reducing the weight and so on...
Agree, I would love to see a camera/drone/gopro setup video. The footage and shots you get are amazing and the color grading also seems really consistent between cameras.
Honestly it’s just joonas being great at what he does. He grades too. He has the a7 in a small camera bag on his chest, but can pack it down into a larger backpack for the descent.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer That's why I believe Joonas deserves one dedicated video, maybe something like Cody did for Bjarne Salen🙂
@@miloschjovanovic True!
In general would you say 5-7cm skis over your hight are a good choice for freeride?
Also, when will we see a 2023 edition? 🤔
"I try to find people that are alive" lol brutal
Okay, first off im a huge fan of your work. Im a filmmaker and outdoor photographer and enthusiast in Calgary, AB and this is like my dream. Im also a marketing specialist and work with a variety of outdoor companies and a Splitboard company, so I want to get more opinions from the pro ski world and would love Nikolai's take on this. Cotton, you mention 100% Cotton pants, where's we would never recommend cotton, and continually push people away from it, as the saying goes, cotton kills. I also want to note at I kinda agree since it breaths well and you are wearing gortex layers on the outside. Though with that said almost every ski guide ive met recommends no cotton, as it pulls heat away from you potty with any moisture. Would love opinions!
Cotton has been used for decades in Norwegian winter outerwear. It used to be the standard winter jacket for the Norwegian high mountain.
It’s far superior to gore and other shells when temps are below freezing, but doesn’t work at all if it’s raining. So it’s less versatile and is more of a niche thing now
True! The Julbo Photochromic are the best. One goggle no matter what conditions.
Plus: Julbo is really good value for money. Especially if you compare them with the better known brands (Oa…y comes to mind) and their oversized marketing budgets.
I found them too dark in Iceland. Went for wrapped sun glasses (Cebe´s with prescription) and Blizz googles over with Nordic light lens instead
double upload I am so excited!
Actually for goggles nowadays you can get photochromatic from most brands. Even Decathlon makes some!
Did not know this. Thanks!
Yup, my quicksilver goggles are photochromic! A no-brainer on the snow where lighting conditions can be so variable!
What headtorches do you guys use for skiing in your vids? I'm always shocked how quickly my rechargable Petzl Tikka RXP/Swift RLs die skiing in the cold - literally seconds. I'm at my whits end but I'm sure you guys have plenty of practice skiing in the dark so aught to know!
Moonlight, they work really well. The bad4000 for riding: moonlightmountaingear.com
You should probably just get a longer probe. A 3m recovery is totally possible and becoming more common. Your mind would never forgive you for that if the day comes. Especially if you're getting this stuff for free, it's kinda a no brainer. The extra oz isn't going to kill ya, but only save someone else. Like if you agree
I probably should
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Cheers, mate. Bonus points for responding before I even finished watching the video😂
(PSA - not for Nikolai, im sure he's very confident with his gear). Please do everyone a favor and get the largest available avalanche probe, and at least 2.8meters long. you wont find anything over 3.3~3.5m so no fear going too large but seriously you dont want tell a family some guy died cause their fall depth did not align with your ultralight objectives. If you are going to the back country and traveling with avalanche safety equipment then you are admitting there is the potential to utilize that probe either for within your team or to assist with another team of people.
If your probe is not long enough you will suffer having to dig a wide enough cavity to then restart probing at an achievable probe length. The victim will 100% be dead by the time you get this step accomplished. The best tool is the tool you've got, and the tool you're familiar with. Practice often and practice on your friends gear before heading out; you never know whose equipment will be in your hands when the time comes.
Hahah 15:40 "If you're into turning..." classic Nikolai
The ace 950 is an absolute UNIT! warmest jacket i own
thanks for the video again !
could be nice to make a little spreadsheet with all the equipment details abd use by conditions, like a go to reminder list for any ski weekend prep 😍
Great stuff as always Niko 🙌
You´re talking about the Lyngen setup and Tamok setup. But what about the Lofoten setup, isn´t that a nice setup for meeting in the middle between the pros and cons of Lyngen and Tamok?
It’s actually very similar to tamok in weight and functionality, just a different style :) But I do love that too!
@@Nikolai_Schirmer er det mulig å gå topptur med tamok eller er den for stor / tung?
After a Dynafit binding heel piece braking mid ski, I am never using that brand again... Switched to ATK FR14 and Fritschi Tecton 13 and they are amazing... each to their own I guess...
I don't get the Julbo part, it's a great brand sure, but so many brands make photochomatic lenses especially in ski goggles. I work at an outdoor store and we sell these all the time. Oakley is our only brand that doesn't make photochromatic lenses, because the colour change takes some time, and they don't feel it's up to their standards. Also, colour contrast tends to be less (though not all brands have colour contrast in their lenses).
Almost broke my leg with the Marker King Pin bindings skiing Butler Gulch in Colorado. The binding simply did not release. Sold them and got the Marker Tour F-12. I couldn't care less about the weight.
Have you ever considered Fritchi Tecton 12 at 630gr? What downside do you view them to have? I use them on my Atris setup and I'm super happy with them, though they are i bit clumsy when touring compared to Dynafit rotation I have on my Navis.
I was traumatized by riding the fritschi freeride for a few seasons in the mid 2000s, so I didn’t even consider them during my last round of contracts. But hearing good things! Will have to check them out
21:35 how the fuck did you save this wtf
Tell more about the wood burner. I need one that size.
It's great. Came with my place when I got it. Not sure what brand it is.
Wool is the best for sure
I have the rotation 12s and same thing never had a prerelease... Really surprised me as I've had that happen on frame bindings before... They're a lot more solid than they look
I have the same ones and never had problems with pre-release. I don't ride especially hard, but still
great vid!you kinda just saved my winter:)
@Nikolai one year later, is the Dynafit Superlite still holding up? Any tear out? I was recommended to mount the rear part of that binding with the mounting plate instead of directly onto the ski. 105mm underfoot ski, 185cm long, 82kg ski, fast, but no hucking. 1500g boots (130 flex Atomics). Thanks!
Are you still using the same headlamp as from the last video? The moonlight bright as day 3200? And how do you attach it to your helmet?
Just upgraded to the 4000, which is the same size just brighter. I mount it on the side, but just to have my gopro on my forehead. You can see how I do it in the last segment of endless winter one
Great video. Thank you. Excellent advice!
Appreciate the shoutout for Antarcticans
Thank you for the video. It's very helpfull. Do you bring any ski repair kit in your backpack and if so what do you put in it?
Do you always layer your gloves? (or switch to the mid weight ones and take off the inners). Also, a video of how you like to pack your 30L/40L pack would be cool (maybe you already have one)
Love the gear reviews and all the actual skiing videos! Hoping you will comment on the switch from G3 to Dynafit bindings…? I’ve been skiing with G3 Ions for 4 years and about to setup a new pair of skis with the same, but I’ve used you as my reference point so wondering if there was a performance difference or maybe/probably just expanded sponsorship that caused you to switch. Care to comment? Either way, thanks for the great content!
Thanks!
It was just hard to stay on a DIN12 binding with no rotating toe, when I could go DIN14 and get the rotating toe for the same weight. Loved the IONs though. Also part of a move with both boots and bindings to dynafit
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Did you try ATK freeraider? goes up do 14/16 din depending on model and is like half the weight of rotation. Didn't ski either of them yet but want to buy one when I save up so I'd love to hear your opinion on them!
100% agree on pins
Hey Niko! Why do you prefer the Atris over the Corvus / Navis / Ferox? They have similar width. Does the Atris ski so much better?
Hi! The corvus FB performs pretty similar, but I just prefer having a twintip :) the navis and ferox prefer going a lot slower
Love the Mirus cor!
Privileged? Looks like you earned it.
For people complaining about the price. You can still buy cheap old technology. And frankly it is plenty for the avarage joe. If you want top notch pro gear you have to pay top money
Niko what do you think of some of these MNC helmets like the new Atomic Backland, which are certified for cycling and climbing as well as ski mountaineering? I'm tempted by it but also worried it might be too cold for normal downhill!
Laughing at myself - when I read the comment I was curious about you still skiing 3-pin telemark bindings...I guess I'm just old.
The video quality is impressive, but how do you capture the crisp sound?
Tentacle sync🐉
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Thanks alot!
Great video. I have norrona lofoten gore Tex jacket and pants. Definitely the best ski pants I've ever owned. They fit really well and are very durable, truly weather proof. I like the stretch bib top that zips off, for easy washroom breaks!! This is a mega mega bonus vs like all other bibs. I previously was using arcteryx bibs, but the norrona are way more functional. I have soft shell stuff for warmer weather, but really, I wear the gore Tex for both resort and backcountry, because it's the warmest (I live in Canadian Rockies, it's pretty dry and cold).
Also the atris are my favorite, do all skiis (the old version 108), with a shift binding. I use them for both resort and backcountry. Yes, shift makes a bit heavier, but I prefer the performance benefits of a full binding and a good ski I can trust... Then the downhill is always fun. Vs fml, these skiis are scary and too light in suboptimal conditions.
So how many full burials have you been dug out of?
Do you go brakeless on your superlite 150 bindings, or use leashes? I want a powder only setup and the skis I want to put them on will be 120 underfoot. Not even sure they make tech binding brakes that wide. Worried about having a hard time putting them on without brakes or losing them even in a minor fall. Thanks for great video!
Oh I would for sure to something a little more heavy duty for a 120mm ski. Rotation 12 or 14. I mounted up some ATK fr 15 evo now, they’re awesome. More lightweight; but still heavy duty. DIN 15 in both the toe and the heel
Why not use at least a 300cm probe, not sure how deep the snow pack is in Norway, but I always think it’s better to have it longer. Love the content! Sorry to hear about you and Sigrid.
Weight.
@@ozsnowbum 60-90cm of extra probe does not weight that much, especially if it’s carbon.
I doubt it you (+2/3/4 people) could dig a hole 3m deep in the time someone could stay alive at the bottom of it. Plus, the longer pole becomes unwieldy especially if you are under trees or something like that (speaking from training with a 320cm probe). The longest professional probes are mostly for retrieving bodies..
3m is definitely not a lost cause. It's all a matter of probability. The deepest successful backcountry rescue I know of was 4m. They had to dig just to get a probe strike. That doesn't mean I advocate carrying a 4m probe, but I don't think 3m is excessive.
@@peterbell8564 I took 4kgs from my setup shaving grams off each item. It adds up
Start skiing backcountry in the early 70s out of our cabin in Brighton Utah. We skied everywhere in the Wasatch with leather boots and double camber super long skinny XC touring skis. Tracked the the shit out of every snow field with perfect symmetry turns. Calling skiing riding makes me want to puke!
Do you think the Dynafit Rotation 14 would be a fine binding for a 50/50 touring resort ski setup?
Was wondering that as well, want a kind of Hybrid Setup, I'm just not sure if you can ride the Rotation 14s in the Resort.
any update? looking for a Atris binding for 50/50
@@tomh318950/50 probably safest bet a shift binding, but Im not sure. I purchased the ATK Freeraider 15 evo after asking Nikolai on Instagram, looking for 70/30 backcountry/resort.
for anyone wondering, many companies have the same exact photochromic properties in their goggle lineups but give them different names. a good example is smith and their chroma pop lenses.
chromapop is not the same as photochromatic
@@brenner9309 but they do sell goggles that are both photochromatic and chroma pop. the new I/O mags have photochromatic lenses available
No shot, two videos in one day?!
I had the hoji free 130 last year and they just hurt my feet so so much. Such a shame because I could feel the potential of the boot but the pain was unbearable, even after pro tuning
Same same. The fit on that thing is tough
Didn't fit me either.. but dalbello lupo hd pro fit perfect and i have them on 10-12 hrs almost everyday all winter for work. Under 50% of that time is spent skiing but i keep them on all day. Lupo AX is great 2, a bit softer and wider and less high performance oriented but great fit and the one i should be using daily but i just love the presicion of the HD Pro😄🤙
@@mhl4886 I had the same problem with the Vulcans. I'm now on Atomic Hawx Ultra 130 XTD which I thought would work out great for me (I have narrow 97mm feet and super high arch and my foot measures at 27mondo) so I went for the 27/27.5 in the Atomics (but they are 100mm last in that size) and now they feel too big as my foot is jamming forward, so in hindsight I should have gone 26/26.5 (98mm last) and then had the toes blown out a bit so my toes didn't hit when touring.
But now am considering maybe I should give the Dalbello Lupo HD pro a try instead of just moving to 26/26.5 in the Atomics, do you think the Lupo are a good fit for narrow (97mm) foot with high arch, and 26 the right fit?
Hey Nikolai, which smartphone do you use? I often have the problem of battery dump while navigate.
I’m on an iphone 13 that I keep in my thigh pocket to stay warm. Works well.
Really intrigued about the rotation 14 after having some less than ideal experiences with the shift. At my usual DIN, it seems to pre-release in situations where my heel is lifted straight upwards. Does anyone else have that problem? To prevent that, I have to crank it to a degree that does not really feel that safe anymore. A friend of mine also lost a ski in deep powder that way.
Are you sure your bindings are correctly adjusted? Not only DIN but also toe pressure while ski boot is in the binding, in ski mode? I would double check before that if pre-release is a issue.
Shifts are notorious for being finicky, but once it’s dialed in it’s good. Maybe take it to a reputable ski shop to look at the forward pressure or the AFD adjustment if you’re prereleasing
You should do a series where you upload consistently like nokep or something like that. Just wanna see you ski more
There’ll be weekly uploads for a while now :)
Hi Niko, thanks for the awesome run through. It seems that you've been on the Draco a lot since you got it, vs the Atris (?) before. Where does it fit in the lineup for you, and for a good intermediate skiier who's looking for a fun off-piste/slackcountry/backcountry touring on deeper days (with a light touring and piste ski already in the quiver) for use in the Alps, which ski would you recommend between the Corvus, Atris & Draco?
Hi Ben,
Just working on a new gear talk going over all this. I'm doing all my (non lightweight) touring on the Draco. It performs pretty much like the anima, at the weight of the atris. I love it. It's fun in powder, predictable and trustworthy at speed and the notches for skins is really really nice. No slip.
I'll still ride resort on the atris and anima (and nocta!) because they're a tad more damp, and the shorter sidecut makes for a different feel. Plus a lot of the weight saving on the Draco comes from thinner edges etc. So if I'm going to be beating up a ski doing tons of lift laps the resort skis will hold up longer.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Thanks a heap for the answer! Looking forward to the new video - it would also be interesting to see a comparison to the Corvus :)
What is the grey fleece you are wearing?
holy smokes what a nice cactus
32 years in the making🌵
Hahahaha I was thinking the same thing
Hey Nikolai - you still going to choose the Atris for this season as your everyday go to ski now that they've dropped the waist to 105mm?
100%! They still float great. Don’t really notice much of a difference in powder
110 under the foot for an “all-around touring” ski? 🤔 Maybe if you tend to strap them to your pack rapidly anyway, no?
Hello I have Fischer ranger 102 with a kingpin 13. I bought them used/ but never used.
My question is. Can I safely use this as an inbound set up. I have other inbound skis but wanted to experience something different. I never thought tech bindings would handle what you put them through
I’m thinking of roxa ti 130 boots or Scarpa RS
«Safe» is relative. No binding is safe :) but pretty much everything I ride on here is on pins, and it’s caused me zero injuries so far. My PCL + MCL was in an alpine binding
Binding question: is there a particular reason you use all-pin bindings like the Ion12 (585g) or Rotation14 (605g) over pin+alpine-heel bindings like the KingPin12 (620g) or Tecton13 (630g)?
For a guy whos not super lightweight and skis as hard as you do, doing airs n' stuff, the alpine heelpiece should be advantageous in theory, shouldn't it? 🤔
Do you usually wear the down knickers over, or under your pants? I imagine using them as insulation under gore-tex but it seems like you're putting them over soft-shell?
I do both. Works well under the shell for super cold resort days or winter camping, but for touring they generally go on top just because it’s quicker
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Thanks! I'm trying to imagine how it would work as touring in a cold storm and what I really want is to be able to put them on without taking the bibs off
26:35 So I use G3 Alpinist skins with my Black Crows Navis skis, and honestly, I'm not a major fan of the plastic tip feature. I've actually found it makes snow creep worse, as unless you're incredibly meticulous with your gear packing the plastic can bend backwards while stored, and then keep that shape, pulling the skin away from the ski when it's in use. Just my experience with them, don't know if anyone else has had this problem.
30:53 You don't seem to use MIPS helmets, is there a reason for this? Or did I misunderstand that?
Haha I’ve had to take out MIPS from my helmets before just because my head is huge. But I think it’s a good system. There’s a new julbo helmet that has it. Will use that.
Thanks Nico for this video full of details ! Just one question : you dont take a multi tool in your bagpack?
I do! When I remember
@@Nikolai_Schirmer 😜
heyo Nikolai! dont you use the Nocta? Thinking about to buy one but dont know which length. Im 180 and i feel like 186 is to long.
I do! Mounted up a pair in 190 now. Love it. Nimble and super fun. I’m 187cm tall. They feel shorter than they are, with the full rocker.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Alright, appreciate it! Have a great day and keep up your insane videos! Youre literally an inspiration!
@@Nikolai_Schirmer Do you use/like the Corvus at all? My current quiver is Nocta + Corvus(flat camber), both with Shifts. Blown an edge on my Corvus and wondering if I should add (or switch to) Atris or Anima to the quiver for specific conditions or stick with the same.
@Nico I'm 173cm and Nocta 186cm is perfect for me, so i'd go longer for you.
What binding is on the ski on the right side is it a shift? 25:00
@Nikolai What radio are you guys normally using on the mountain?
BCA link 2
When saying knickers make sure to say knick-ers and really annunciation the k before the er
Excellent reviews. appreciate the effort! I was debating actually going for the Atris Birdie instead of the (males) version of Atris, at 178. I am 5' 10" & like 160/165 intermediate+ skier and looking to use it as go to for touring. Would I notice much difference between the two ?!
The Atris and the Artis Birdie have the same construction.
Do you think the Atris with a CAST touring setup would be too heavy for 90/10 resort/touring use?
That sounds great. You'll be happy 9/10 days
@@Nikolai_Schirmer You don’t think it would be too heavy? I’ve got the option to rent the Atris in St Anton so I’ll give them a go then.
I have this exact setup and it works great. Transitioning can suck in deep powder though because you have to take of your skis completely.
Didn’t know they changed the atris this year!
Niko, what is your opinion on back protectors as a piece of safety gear?
I feel like I don't need it under a backpack :) Also just big, sweat inducing and cumbersome while touring. Used to wear one when I skied park and resort more though
Curious on what camera you use for POV? and what settings?
There’s a bunch of gopro Max, but lately I’ve been on the gopro 11 program :) I’ll do a video about it at some point
Where do you carry your beacon?
I usually carry it in the carrying system around my torso, but i always have the problem that i am someone that sweats really fast and therefor usually walk up with just the thin merino baselayer on top of it but nothing more. So the beacon ends up on my skin.
How do you do it? Any other people with similar problems and good solutions?
I like having mine in the bib pockets on my pants, because I never take those off. So I always add a bib to all my pants. They can be zipped on and off all the Norrøna ski pants
@@Nikolai_Schirmer I have the same Tamok bib pants and was wondering if you attach your beacon to your pants in some way? Cheers!
Do You ride all your skis +1cm from recoomended or only the Atris?
Only the atris. I go recommended on the other ones now
10:20 Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whiper 189g 900+ Cuin with pockets
You should replace your helmet after an impact. These are only designed to save your head once when damaged and then a new one is needed!
He said that, and said he just hadn't been using it untill he gets a new one.
Riding with the rotation 14 myself on a pair of Armada tracer 108. One thing I noticed about the rotations is that I sometimes have to overcompensate when turning while riding hard in slush. Seems like the binding rotates instead of the ski in those conditions, have you experienced that as well?
Ah! Hmm I haven’t noticed, but maybe I don’t push them hard enough
What radio model do you use?
This video will be really expensive to watch for me. Suddenly realized that I need so much new gear.
Tell me more about that stove!! ;)
Julbo for life
I want to set up a backcountry ski that can also be used for powder days at a resort, would you recommend the anima or the atris? I’m in the Midwest of the United States
In the midwest I would go for the atris. It's really versatile, more lightweight, and floats well.
@@Nikolai_Schirmer thank you! And you would recommend the atris over the freebird?
There's a new draco freebird coming this fall, that's really great if you want to ski fast. But the atris is more fun if you go a little slower @@bennymorfit6887
Oh, which freebird ski? Kind of depends on what sort of skiing you'll be doing@@bennymorfit6887
I do not understand how you skied all that stuff on the G3 😟 unlocked wtf that’s messed up
if the videos I've seen are trustworthy then a Black Diamond Avalung increases your chances of surviving an avalanche accident. I'm suprised how few people use one. I've never seen any of the pro freeriders use one in a video.
because they were discontinued and recalled, plus no good if you don't get it in your mouth before getting sucked in
highly doubt that you have the time to think about that in an avalance and excess it under the snow.
hey niko, whats ur opinion on CAST bindings?
For me it doesn’t make sense. All the lines you see on here are on pin bindings that weigh 1/3 of that system.
If I was doing a one ski quiver, and mostly skied resort and sled skiing for example I might have considered it though
@@Nikolai_Schirmer hm okay got it. yea i was thinking abt doing cast, as i dont tour too much and ski mostly resort, but i sometimes tour here n there. having a cast seems nice but i’m still sitting on the fact that it’s super heavy.