Thanks Tom. Sometimes I carry super lightweight snowshoes from my snowrunning days, but they dont float on powder and I dont always have the room to lash onto my pack. Look forward to your in-depth video on how to build your makeshift binding. As a longtime viewer of your channel, I was motivated to get the XPlore (along with the new Asnes Faltekind), and have been doing baby trips in prep for a 3 day expedition coming up next week ! Thanks for what you do!!
Thanks, Tom. This is an excellent video. It ought to be second nature to be prepared for gear failure and self-rescue. I'm often shocked to come across folks go into backcounty situations with no backup gear/plan, other than a cell phone.
a few viole straps, handful of arctic rated zipties, a roll of electrical tape, and 5 to 10 feet of 1/4" nylon rope. All easily fits in my hydration pack.
Just found your channel like your content and presentation, did back country skiing in leather boots many years ago, changed to T2's and was very happy dry feet at last, the T2 fell apart a couple of years ago and I'm looking at getting back to the roots, but easier . So the Xplore XC looks like the right system, paired with the Fischer boot and the Fischer S Bound 98, still have my spare ski tip that I used to carry together with Cabel ties and Duct tape, could fix anyrhing, ski poles, tent poles and bindings, I do like your strap setup probably copy it for my Xplore setup, ( I'll still carry cabel ties and duct tape), thanks for a great channel.
Skiing the Xplore system will be very different from your T2 setup and it will definitely be more like your leather boot setup from years ago. There should be a few more Xplore boot options next fall and that is a good thing. Hopefully the boot prices will moderate a bit with more competition. I appreciate the feedback and thanks for tuning in.
Keep up the good work. So here in Bend, OR last month the SAR got a call from a couple of AT skiers who were 3 miles from the road and had a binding malfunction. Being the helpfully friendly types we are here in Oregon, the SAR ran out there and hauled them in, but your E-binding would have worked. I like the idea of a hose clamp in a repair kit. Thanks
Thanks for posting Mark. Just a good reminder that everyone should be thinking about self rescue as something like this could become tragic, especially if skiing alone in a remote area.
Velcro power straps from Alpine ski boots will work too, and ski shops usually will give old ones to you for free. Good thoughts! We also carry a Garmin Inreach Mini, which can convert your cell phone to a satellite phone along with their SOS component. You can choose either canned text messages, or actual text you compose. It's not free, but not a bank-breaker either. That and Life Flight insurance, just in case.
I really appreciate your innovation and expertise in these videos. You asked questions I never thought of. Regarding stainless hose connectors, I think you risk damaging your equipment. Also, stainless steel is brittle and prone to failure. Another commenter in a different video suggested brass wire, which would not present as big a risk to your equipment as stainless, but brass also suffers from metal fatigue. Same for copper. Dyneema (Spectra, etc) cord might be a more reliable alternative. At 1/16 weight vs equivalent strength of steel, you could easily fit 30 yards of Dyneema in a small pocket. It could also double as a Sierra sling to elevate your pack from bears. It also makes a passable tourniquet, a tarp ridgeline, or whatever. You would need to tape sharp ski and binding edges to avoid severing UHMW cord. Dyneema can be a pain to tie vs other cord, but that’s more an issue with thick rope. There are special knots you can use. For 1/8 inch or thinner, regular knots work fine - just add an extra overhand loop or two. Dyneema, a reliable lighter, flashlight and bandages go with me on every day hike or overnight trip. Drinking water, trail mix, emergency NASA blanket and sunscreen are also mandatory. With enough Dyneema and duct tape, most of the world’s problems can be solved. I’ve got a special project in mind regarding Mr Putin.
Your Spare Laces video opens with the most gorgeous scenery possible. Thank you for a peaceful moment. ANNOYING BUT RELEVANT QUESTION: Where does XCD finish and AT equipment begin? I watched all of your Rottefella Xplore boot-binding videos and many others. What I am suggesting may be a possible future video topic. As XCD and AT equipment increasingly encroaches Telemark from both ends, as appropriately fitted Telemark gear becomes harder to find and maintain, as the ski industry moves forward, skiers are doubtless asking the same question: light duty AT gear versus heavy duty XCD gear for mid-steep skinning and trekking. You are hardly alone in wanting to put aside binding cables and duckbill boots. The gear served generations of skiers but it's growing increasingly difficult to find and maintain. At the risk of hurting some feelings here, Telemark gear increasingly looks like it belongs in a museum next to my Mom's steel beartrap bindings. Western backcountry skiers may demand at least three categories of equipment: (A) Mid-wide XC gear for hills and valleys or occasional short-steeps; (B) Durable deep powder fat skis that can handle 40+ degree slopes, cliffs, chutes, couloirs and deadly obstacles - ie, Grand Teton and such. (C) Everything else in between. My category C equipment question relates to equipment breakage. Modern AT gear is pretty durable and XCD equipment is getting there, with duct tape and stainless plumbing connectors just-in-case. Some people prefer not to do plumbing on the hill. I value your opinions greatly.
Added personal info: I learned to ski in New England starting in 1969-70 on Åsnes Tur Langrenn wood skis with lignostone edges. What beautiful skis! After breaking too many tips and scraping bottoms doing stuff I shouldn’t, I switched to alpine skis and I rarely XC'ed anymore. I never tried Telemark but I’ve seen plenty of people doing it. I now alpine ski on and off-piste on blacks and double-blacks across the West, preferring free ski over groomers. After >50 years from my first tracks I am discovering backcountry skiing again. I purchased my first deep powder skis this spring, 124 mm DPS Alchemist Pagoda, with Marker Duke PT16 tech bindings, along with K2 Mindbender hybrid boots. This is heavy, durable, dampened gear that’s appropriate for helicopter drops and waist deep pow days, and occasional skinning. The gear is too heavy to climb mountains but it's perfect for short ascents in the deep. With only one hour on my DPS skis and a few days on the boots, I am hardly a backcountry ski expert. My Contour hybrid-mix skins arrived last week but the remaining few local snow patches have not been conducive to trying them. I recently acquired lightly used 2005-10 era Rossignol NNN leather front and plastic rear-cuffed boots which I intend to pair with 50-60 mm waist (60-80 mm tip) waxed XC skis for gentler terrain, +/- skins. The Rossi boots have enough ankle-sole support for kick-glide and gentle Tele turns. I am considering Rottefella Xplore bindings and compatible boots for my category (C) mid-steep setup. These appear pretty compelling versus light duty AT boots and tech bindings - in theory. Ability to customize boot-binding resistance with Xplore is an advantage over tech gear, however not being able to lock down heels is a major disadvantage. My local terrain is a lot steeper and rockier than what I see in your videos, with numerous boulders, downed ponderosa pines and big cedars. We also have cougars and bears. I've skied in small avalanches and I don't care to repeat it. Getting into trouble is easy on the steep-and-deep. I never plan on skiing XC groomers. I prefer off-piste and backside when I am at resorts, or laying tracks on fire service roads. I intend to ski backside at my local alpine resorts (in the National Forest) using NNN gear or XCD / AT gear depending on conditions and mood. I seek the durability and reliability of modern equipment, or at least easy replaceability. I hope to avoid NNN-BC because it has too much overlap with NNN for my needs. I plan on skiing overnight trips once I get enough experience with my gear, but no distance through-skiing. Thank you for your thoughts.
@@tomm8475 Hi Tom, thank you for your helpful response. Interesting your friends prefer AT for what I labeled mountain category C. I was leaning toward Xplore. I really miss the graded forward resistance of a rubber bumper or flexible sole. AT can get pretty expensive. I am well over $2000 into my single pair AT setup including boots, bindings, skins and planks.. even at after-season online prices. Xplore looks quite appealing for the budget oriented XTC skier. (XC skiers may not see it that way, however.) No doubt AT vs Telemark vs NNN-BC vs NN vs XYZ involves many personal choices. Within AT there is a wide spectrum of capabilities, weights and limitations. Safety is a factor that can be difficult to quantify. Quoting the G3 rep in the 1/27/2017 YT video titled, "Choosing The Best Alpine Touring Binding”… “Bindings have two jobs: They basically keep you in and they let you out. You want a binding to do both of those jobs reliably and appropriately for your use.” XC puts a lower premium on exiting bindings under kinetic forces compared to alpine gear. My old NN bindings had enough slop with worn boot pinholes that I popped out many times when I wanted to, and an equal number of times when I didn’t want to. I had no control over release / prerelease except where I pointed my skis and whether I hopped over a log or didn’t. AT bindings are starting to pay greater attention to release-prerelease factors, however only two bindings are currently DIN certified: Salomon-Atomic Shift and Marker Duke PT. (Please correct that statement if it is wrong, but it was widely reported in binding reviews several weeks ago when I was buying.) The 2018 Salomon Shift represented a milestone in AT performance and safety gains, however quite a few reports emerged subsequently of prereleases leading to injuries, and of lower durability compared with alpine bindings. Many people have no problem with them, but the few people who have failures leading to orthopedic surgery are vocal. I anticipate a Shift v 2.0 to address safety and reliability issues. Not sure if durability will improve in v2. Marker’s Duke PT hasn’t been out long enough (2021) to know its longterm durability, but it has the Marker Jester heel which is loved by freestyle and big jump skiers globally. It’s a concrete filled Sherman tank. I have my Dukes attached to my 124 mm DPS powder skis using alpine-prioritized K2 tech boots, so the weight is proportionate. Downhill skiing with the tech toe is unnerving even on gentle hills. The owner’s manual says not to do it, and I agree - but who can resist? You’re supposed to redeploy the alpine toe for downhill. In practice, when the skins come off, the alpine toe goes on. There’s no way to transition tech-to-alpine mode without coming out of the bindings and reactivating the heel. Much lighter AT equipment exists than Duke PT or Salomon Shift, but safety appears to be sacrificed with lower weight. So we’re back to personal choices… how important is exiting a binding to a particular skier on a particular day? Sometimes these preferences become apparent in the postoperative recovery suite, and hopefully not the morgue. As Telemark bindings become historic footnotes, expect to see more AT skiers crossing your path. They’ll be asking questions. It's good to keep up with the story line on the other side. Best!
@David Drake There is an old saying, "different strokes for different folks", and that is how I view the steep and deep AT vs Telemark debate. I think most would prefer to ski on XC gear for flat and rolling tours, but the point where XCD becomes too challenging and the need for plastic boots and tele or AT skis and bindings will vary from person to person. From my experience, the Xplore binding paired with a capable lightweight backcountry downhill ski and boot is a good option. The Alfa Free / Sbound 98 / Voile Objective combinations have replaced the soft leather boot / 75 mm setups in my quiver. For those who are new to the XCD relm and looking for their first set of gear, I think the Xplore system is the right choice. For those who already have NNNBC or 75 mm XCD gear, it is probably best to wait until their current gear needs replaced. I don't see my AT skiing friends adding an Xplore setup to their quiver, especially if their AT gear is light and they already have XC skis with NNNBC or 75 mm for rolling tours. Most of them would probably prefer to ski their AT gear in what I describe as the middle ground, the terrain that tends to be a bit challenging for most XC skiers. Only time will tell how durable the Xplore boots and bindings are. I don't think that durability is a factor in making a choice between AT or the Xplore system. I have one season under my belt and have had no issues with either the boots or the binding. There have been a few reported problems where the boot pins got stuck in their compressed position, but Rottefella says that design problem was identified and fixed early on in production.
@@tomm9850 If you decide to make an XCD vs AT video, perhaps ski a favorite hill with your Xplore gear and invite a couple of AT-knowledgeable friends to join you on their AT equipment. I don't believe any TH-camrs have done an AT versus XCD video yet. I expect some staff from a local Cripple Creek or other backcountry ski store would be thrilled to share your lens. It would be relatively easy to organize, would save a lot of time researching AT products and forming opinions, and would save money vs buying & testing AT equipment. Three way on-the-hill banter could be entertaining. ... Just an idea to tickle your fancy. Regards always - David.
I appreciate the suggestion. Telemark is what makes me happy, but for most people, AT is probably the better choice for backcountry downhill skiing. There is great joy in Telemark, but it can be a hard and frustrating skill to learn. I think it is most fun on moderate terrain, the kind of terrain where AT gear is probably overkill and a bit more challenging than what most XC skiers would be comfortable skiing.
I like the hose clamp idea 💡....I always carry tie wire n zip ties , duc tape , but the hose clamp seems like a winner . I once ripped out of one of my scarpa boots rag dolling down a few hundred feet . The back of the boot opened up like a taco 🌮 right before my tib/ fib bones snapped . I zip tied the boot up and off I went ....ha good times !! 😁
If you don’t mind telling, where were your tib-fib fractures located? I am guessing it must have been in your ankle area where a zip-tied Scarpa boot would provide some support. There is a story of Snowshoe Thompson falling into a crevasse in the high Sierras and sustaining a femur fracture. If I remember correctly, and he skied out using sticks and rope for splinting. As with many Snowshoe Thompson stories this one is a little suspicious. I am pretty sure there’s no X-rays of Mr. Thompson’s femur for historic evidence. Not all fractures are equal. Backcountry fracture management requires innovation, pain tolerance, risk assessment, constant plan reassessment and courage. So curious to read more details. Your story just confirmed my recent Zoleo satellite transponder purchase. Cellphones are not sufficient for emergency preparedness.
@@WildMidwest1 ....Sorry for my confusing story ...I don't write well ....but no i did not fracture my tib/fib , as I was rag dolling down the mountain 🏔️ I could feel my leg straining under alot of pressure and it felt like it was going to snap . Im thinking it was during one or 2 twisting revolutions I was performing as I was falling down the steep slope . I thought for sure it was going to snap ! But just then at what felt like the last moment before it did ...instant relief , pain gone and then I came to a halt . I looked at my leg and foot and I had no ski boot on any more . And my scarpa boot was laying in the snow 3' ft. From me and the whole back of boot right down the middle was split open from ankle to top of cuff and allowing my foot , leg to eject out of it .... I think if this would of not happened I would have snapped my tib/fib bones..... My ski never released out of boot either , so that was a problem . I skied back then with a high Din setting , to high . Not anymore ! Leg hurt very sore for a couple weeks but it was ok 👌 . I have seen tib / fib breaks while at work in Tahoe but caused by tree 🎄 vs. human accident . Ok sorry about that ....thanks for the reply . Cheers 🥂
@@Sirskibumsalot Much happier outcome than I imagined, and thanks for the details. Any idea why your Scarpa boot split? I never heard of a plastic ski boot doing that. Ski boots normally should not spit, at least alpine boots, but in this case it was a very happy thing. Maybe Scarpa designed the boot that way? Your story dovetails with the conversation I am having with Tom M regarding relative merits of XCD vs AT bindings, especially the reliability and safety aspects (see ANNOYING BUT RELEVANT QUESTION). I've had my share of equipment failures, mostly due to my own mistakes or using gear in environments more extreme than what it was designed for, but never a split boot.
@@WildMidwest1.... I always thought the boot just opened up like it did because of the force that occured as I was in motion and my ski was stuck in the snow as I was falling and that's when I felt all that pressure so something had to fail.... my boot which I thought never possible....or my leg 🦵....well the outcome was in my favor ...It was a good day 😁 . I did call scarpa and mailed in the boots ( AT Scarpa Denalis) and they sent me a new pair ....I was happy !
Great article. I have today a BC binding and recently discovered that the pin is almost loose in the boot. And it also got me thinking I need some emergency kit made. I do plan to replace the boots of course, but I will also plan to make some emergency kit. Currently I have been carrying along duct tape for some basic repairs. One thought though for these new explorer bindings, would it not be just as easy to bring along a spare binding? I am aware it is an expensive solution, but if the binding gets damaged due to something breaking off, it most likely need replacing anyway. For the boots I am wondering if there is any chance that the spring could snap and prevent the pin to pop out. Or if the pin itself could fall out?
I also carry a little duct tape, some cold temperature rated zip ties and a couple voile straps. So far I have not had any issues, but a few people over on the telemarktalk.com forum have had some problems with the pins on their new boots. Rottefella says that there were some manufacturing issues with some of the early production units and it was quickly recognized and corrected. I'm guessing that the binding itself is pretty robust, but only time will tell. The sewn emergency binding is probably overkill but I do think that people should think about what they would do in the backcountry if they had a boot / binding failure, especially if the conditions and terrain are such that it would be difficult to walk out.
Hey Tom, I was finally able to put my Fisher 112/ Xplore bindings and Alfa Free equipment to work in our Midwest snow. I loved the combo for three miles, but then the Springpin jammed on the boot and my left ski kept falling off. I was eventually able to get the springpin unstuck, but I was wondering if you've had this problem and do you carry anything in your emergency pack to aleviate it? Is there anything you use on the pins to keep them from sticking in the first place?
Hi Steven. Sorry to hear about the stuck pin on the Alfa Free. I have not had any issues with mine, but there is a thread over on Telemarktalk.com on this subject. Long story short, some boots were sold last year with a defective pin mechanism. Rottefella quickly fixed the manufacture issue, but unfortunately some defective boots were sold. Rottefella will fix defective boots. Rottefella says that if it has happened once to you, it will happen again, so don't let this problem go unresolved. Contact the retailer that sold you the boots and see if they will replace them and if that is not an option, you will have to contact Rottefella to get the issue resolved. www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4883&p=49385#p49385
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out on the lake and wondering “who tf is honking a bicycle horn?” Enjoy the swans, they’ll be on their way back to my neck of the woods soon.
Thanks Tom, excellent topic and ideas. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge in your videos
I appreciate the feedback, and thanks for tuning in.
Thanks Tom. Sometimes I carry super lightweight snowshoes from my snowrunning days, but they dont float on powder and I dont always have the room to lash onto my pack. Look forward to your in-depth video on how to build your makeshift binding.
As a longtime viewer of your channel, I was motivated to get the XPlore (along with the new Asnes Faltekind), and have been doing baby trips in prep for a 3 day expedition coming up next week ! Thanks for what you do!!
Thanks for tuning in and have a great trip. I would love to hear how the system worked out on your expedition.
Thanks, Tom. This is an excellent video. It ought to be second nature to be prepared for gear failure and self-rescue. I'm often shocked to come across folks go into backcounty situations with no backup gear/plan, other than a cell phone.
Well said, and thanks for tuning in.
a few viole straps, handful of arctic rated zipties, a roll of electrical tape, and 5 to 10 feet of 1/4" nylon rope.
All easily fits in my hydration pack.
It is amazing what can be done with just a few items and it sounds like you are well prepared.
@@tomm9850 I believe you may have been the one that I first saw Viole straps usefulness.
So owe you a, Thank you! for that. :-)
Just found your channel like your content and presentation, did back country skiing in leather boots many years ago, changed to T2's and was very happy dry feet at last, the T2 fell apart a couple of years ago and I'm looking at getting back to the roots, but easier . So the Xplore XC looks like the right system, paired with the Fischer boot and the Fischer S Bound 98, still have my spare ski tip that I used to carry together with Cabel ties and Duct tape, could fix anyrhing, ski poles, tent poles and bindings, I do like your strap setup probably copy it for my Xplore setup, ( I'll still carry cabel ties and duct tape), thanks for a great channel.
Skiing the Xplore system will be very different from your T2 setup and it will definitely be more like your leather boot setup from years ago. There should be a few more Xplore boot options next fall and that is a good thing. Hopefully the boot prices will moderate a bit with more competition. I appreciate the feedback and thanks for tuning in.
I will do some longer solo ski trips this winter and need some backup system should a binding fail - this is so helpful, thanks!
Keep up the good work. So here in Bend, OR last month the SAR got a call from a couple of AT skiers who were 3 miles from the road and had a binding malfunction. Being the helpfully friendly types we are here in Oregon, the SAR ran out there and hauled them in, but your E-binding would have worked. I like the idea of a hose clamp in a repair kit. Thanks
Thanks for posting Mark. Just a good reminder that everyone should be thinking about self rescue as something like this could become tragic, especially if skiing alone in a remote area.
Velcro power straps from Alpine ski boots will work too, and ski shops usually will give old ones to you for free. Good thoughts! We also carry a Garmin Inreach Mini, which can convert your cell phone to a satellite phone along with their SOS component. You can choose either canned text messages, or actual text you compose. It's not free, but not a bank-breaker either. That and Life Flight insurance, just in case.
That is a great tip. Thanks for posting.
I really appreciate your innovation and expertise in these videos. You asked questions I never thought of.
Regarding stainless hose connectors, I think you risk damaging your equipment. Also, stainless steel is brittle and prone to failure.
Another commenter in a different video suggested brass wire, which would not present as big a risk to your equipment as stainless, but brass also suffers from metal fatigue. Same for copper.
Dyneema (Spectra, etc) cord might be a more reliable alternative. At 1/16 weight vs equivalent strength of steel, you could easily fit 30 yards of Dyneema in a small pocket. It could also double as a Sierra sling to elevate your pack from bears. It also makes a passable tourniquet, a tarp ridgeline, or whatever.
You would need to tape sharp ski and binding edges to avoid severing UHMW cord. Dyneema can be a pain to tie vs other cord, but that’s more an issue with thick rope. There are special knots you can use. For 1/8 inch or thinner, regular knots work fine - just add an extra overhand loop or two.
Dyneema, a reliable lighter, flashlight and bandages go with me on every day hike or overnight trip. Drinking water, trail mix, emergency NASA blanket and sunscreen are also mandatory.
With enough Dyneema and duct tape, most of the world’s problems can be solved. I’ve got a special project in mind regarding Mr Putin.
:) 👍
Your Spare Laces video opens with the most gorgeous scenery possible. Thank you for a peaceful moment.
ANNOYING BUT RELEVANT QUESTION: Where does XCD finish and AT equipment begin?
I watched all of your Rottefella Xplore boot-binding videos and many others. What I am suggesting may be a possible future video topic.
As XCD and AT equipment increasingly encroaches Telemark from both ends, as appropriately fitted Telemark gear becomes harder to find and maintain, as the ski industry moves forward, skiers are doubtless asking the same question: light duty AT gear versus heavy duty XCD gear for mid-steep skinning and trekking.
You are hardly alone in wanting to put aside binding cables and duckbill boots. The gear served generations of skiers but it's growing increasingly difficult to find and maintain. At the risk of hurting some feelings here, Telemark gear increasingly looks like it belongs in a museum next to my Mom's steel beartrap bindings.
Western backcountry skiers may demand at least three categories of equipment: (A) Mid-wide XC gear for hills and valleys or occasional short-steeps; (B) Durable deep powder fat skis that can handle 40+ degree slopes, cliffs, chutes, couloirs and deadly obstacles - ie, Grand Teton and such. (C) Everything else in between.
My category C equipment question relates to equipment breakage. Modern AT gear is pretty durable and XCD equipment is getting there, with duct tape and stainless plumbing connectors just-in-case. Some people prefer not to do plumbing on the hill.
I value your opinions greatly.
Added personal info: I learned to ski in New England starting in 1969-70 on Åsnes Tur Langrenn wood skis with lignostone edges. What beautiful skis! After breaking too many tips and scraping bottoms doing stuff I shouldn’t, I switched to alpine skis and I rarely XC'ed anymore. I never tried Telemark but I’ve seen plenty of people doing it. I now alpine ski on and off-piste on blacks and double-blacks across the West, preferring free ski over groomers.
After >50 years from my first tracks I am discovering backcountry skiing again. I purchased my first deep powder skis this spring, 124 mm DPS Alchemist Pagoda, with Marker Duke PT16 tech bindings, along with K2 Mindbender hybrid boots. This is heavy, durable, dampened gear that’s appropriate for helicopter drops and waist deep pow days, and occasional skinning. The gear is too heavy to climb mountains but it's perfect for short ascents in the deep.
With only one hour on my DPS skis and a few days on the boots, I am hardly a backcountry ski expert. My Contour hybrid-mix skins arrived last week but the remaining few local snow patches have not been conducive to trying them.
I recently acquired lightly used 2005-10 era Rossignol NNN leather front and plastic rear-cuffed boots which I intend to pair with 50-60 mm waist (60-80 mm tip) waxed XC skis for gentler terrain, +/- skins. The Rossi boots have enough ankle-sole support for kick-glide and gentle Tele turns.
I am considering Rottefella Xplore bindings and compatible boots for my category (C) mid-steep setup. These appear pretty compelling versus light duty AT boots and tech bindings - in theory. Ability to customize boot-binding resistance with Xplore is an advantage over tech gear, however not being able to lock down heels is a major disadvantage. My local terrain is a lot steeper and rockier than what I see in your videos, with numerous boulders, downed ponderosa pines and big cedars. We also have cougars and bears. I've skied in small avalanches and I don't care to repeat it. Getting into trouble is easy on the steep-and-deep.
I never plan on skiing XC groomers. I prefer off-piste and backside when I am at resorts, or laying tracks on fire service roads. I intend to ski backside at my local alpine resorts (in the National Forest) using NNN gear or XCD / AT gear depending on conditions and mood.
I seek the durability and reliability of modern equipment, or at least easy replaceability. I hope to avoid NNN-BC because it has too much overlap with NNN for my needs.
I plan on skiing overnight trips once I get enough experience with my gear, but no distance through-skiing.
Thank you for your thoughts.
@@tomm8475 Hi Tom, thank you for your helpful response. Interesting your friends prefer AT for what I labeled mountain category C. I was leaning toward Xplore. I really miss the graded forward resistance of a rubber bumper or flexible sole. AT can get pretty expensive. I am well over $2000 into my single pair AT setup including boots, bindings, skins and planks.. even at after-season online prices. Xplore looks quite appealing for the budget oriented XTC skier. (XC skiers may not see it that way, however.)
No doubt AT vs Telemark vs NNN-BC vs NN vs XYZ involves many personal choices. Within AT there is a wide spectrum of capabilities, weights and limitations.
Safety is a factor that can be difficult to quantify. Quoting the G3 rep in the 1/27/2017 YT video titled, "Choosing The Best Alpine Touring Binding”…
“Bindings have two jobs: They basically keep you in and they let you out. You want a binding to do both of those jobs reliably and appropriately for your use.”
XC puts a lower premium on exiting bindings under kinetic forces compared to alpine gear. My old NN bindings had enough slop with worn boot pinholes that I popped out many times when I wanted to, and an equal number of times when I didn’t want to. I had no control over release / prerelease except where I pointed my skis and whether I hopped over a log or didn’t.
AT bindings are starting to pay greater attention to release-prerelease factors, however only two bindings are currently DIN certified: Salomon-Atomic Shift and Marker Duke PT. (Please correct that statement if it is wrong, but it was widely reported in binding reviews several weeks ago when I was buying.) The 2018 Salomon Shift represented a milestone in AT performance and safety gains, however quite a few reports emerged subsequently of prereleases leading to injuries, and of lower durability compared with alpine bindings. Many people have no problem with them, but the few people who have failures leading to orthopedic surgery are vocal. I anticipate a Shift v 2.0 to address safety and reliability issues. Not sure if durability will improve in v2.
Marker’s Duke PT hasn’t been out long enough (2021) to know its longterm durability, but it has the Marker Jester heel which is loved by freestyle and big jump skiers globally. It’s a concrete filled Sherman tank. I have my Dukes attached to my 124 mm DPS powder skis using alpine-prioritized K2 tech boots, so the weight is proportionate. Downhill skiing with the tech toe is unnerving even on gentle hills. The owner’s manual says not to do it, and I agree - but who can resist? You’re supposed to redeploy the alpine toe for downhill. In practice, when the skins come off, the alpine toe goes on. There’s no way to transition tech-to-alpine mode without coming out of the bindings and reactivating the heel.
Much lighter AT equipment exists than Duke PT or Salomon Shift, but safety appears to be sacrificed with lower weight.
So we’re back to personal choices… how important is exiting a binding to a particular skier on a particular day? Sometimes these preferences become apparent in the postoperative recovery suite, and hopefully not the morgue.
As Telemark bindings become historic footnotes, expect to see more AT skiers crossing your path. They’ll be asking questions. It's good to keep up with the story line on the other side.
Best!
@David Drake There is an old saying, "different strokes for different folks", and that is how I view the steep and deep AT vs Telemark debate. I think most would prefer to ski on XC gear for flat and rolling tours, but the point where XCD becomes too challenging and the need for plastic boots and tele or AT skis and bindings will vary from person to person. From my experience, the Xplore binding paired with a capable lightweight backcountry downhill ski and boot is a good option. The Alfa Free / Sbound 98 / Voile Objective combinations have replaced the soft leather boot / 75 mm setups in my quiver. For those who are new to the XCD relm and looking for their first set of gear, I think the Xplore system is the right choice. For those who already have NNNBC or 75 mm XCD gear, it is probably best to wait until their current gear needs replaced. I don't see my AT skiing friends adding an Xplore setup to their quiver, especially if their AT gear is light and they already have XC skis with NNNBC or 75 mm for rolling tours. Most of them would probably prefer to ski their AT gear in what I describe as the middle ground, the terrain that tends to be a bit challenging for most XC skiers. Only time will tell how durable the Xplore boots and bindings are. I don't think that durability is a factor in making a choice between AT or the Xplore system. I have one season under my belt and have had no issues with either the boots or the binding. There have been a few reported problems where the boot pins got stuck in their compressed position, but Rottefella says that design problem was identified and fixed early on in production.
@@tomm9850 If you decide to make an XCD vs AT video, perhaps ski a favorite hill with your Xplore gear and invite a couple of AT-knowledgeable friends to join you on their AT equipment. I don't believe any TH-camrs have done an AT versus XCD video yet.
I expect some staff from a local Cripple Creek or other backcountry ski store would be thrilled to share your lens. It would be relatively easy to organize, would save a lot of time researching AT products and forming opinions, and would save money vs buying & testing AT equipment. Three way on-the-hill banter could be entertaining. ... Just an idea to tickle your fancy.
Regards always - David.
I appreciate the suggestion. Telemark is what makes me happy, but for most people, AT is probably the better choice for backcountry downhill skiing. There is great joy in Telemark, but it can be a hard and frustrating skill to learn. I think it is most fun on moderate terrain, the kind of terrain where AT gear is probably overkill and a bit more challenging than what most XC skiers would be comfortable skiing.
Ha! Tom you’ve practically reinvented the willow bindings of old! If it worked then, it should at least get you back to the car now!
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‘Great topic to reconsider.
Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for tuning in.
I like the hose clamp idea 💡....I always carry tie wire n zip ties , duc tape , but the hose clamp seems like a winner . I once ripped out of one of my scarpa boots rag dolling down a few hundred feet . The back of the boot opened up like a taco 🌮 right before my tib/ fib bones snapped . I zip tied the boot up and off I went ....ha good times !! 😁
Yikes. That is one of my worst fears, breaking a bone in the backcountry.
If you don’t mind telling, where were your tib-fib fractures located? I am guessing it must have been in your ankle area where a zip-tied Scarpa boot would provide some support.
There is a story of Snowshoe Thompson falling into a crevasse in the high Sierras and sustaining a femur fracture. If I remember correctly, and he skied out using sticks and rope for splinting. As with many Snowshoe Thompson stories this one is a little suspicious. I am pretty sure there’s no X-rays of Mr. Thompson’s femur for historic evidence.
Not all fractures are equal. Backcountry fracture management requires innovation, pain tolerance, risk assessment, constant plan reassessment and courage. So curious to read more details.
Your story just confirmed my recent Zoleo satellite transponder purchase. Cellphones are not sufficient for emergency preparedness.
@@WildMidwest1 ....Sorry for my confusing story ...I don't write well ....but no i did not fracture my tib/fib , as I was rag dolling down the mountain 🏔️ I could feel my leg straining under alot of pressure and it felt like it was going to snap . Im thinking it was during one or 2 twisting revolutions I was performing as I was falling down the steep slope . I thought for sure it was going to snap ! But just then at what felt like the last moment before it did ...instant relief , pain gone and then I came to a halt . I looked at my leg and foot and I had no ski boot on any more . And my scarpa boot was laying in the snow 3' ft. From me and the whole back of boot right down the middle was split open from ankle to top of cuff and allowing my foot , leg to eject out of it .... I think if this would of not happened I would have snapped my tib/fib bones..... My ski never released out of boot either , so that was a problem . I skied back then with a high Din setting , to high . Not anymore ! Leg hurt very sore for a couple weeks but it was ok 👌 . I have seen tib / fib breaks while at work in Tahoe but caused by tree 🎄 vs. human accident . Ok sorry about that ....thanks for the reply . Cheers 🥂
@@Sirskibumsalot Much happier outcome than I imagined, and thanks for the details. Any idea why your Scarpa boot split? I never heard of a plastic ski boot doing that. Ski boots normally should not spit, at least alpine boots, but in this case it was a very happy thing. Maybe Scarpa designed the boot that way? Your story dovetails with the conversation I am having with Tom M regarding relative merits of XCD vs AT bindings, especially the reliability and safety aspects (see ANNOYING BUT RELEVANT QUESTION). I've had my share of equipment failures, mostly due to my own mistakes or using gear in environments more extreme than what it was designed for, but never a split boot.
@@WildMidwest1.... I always thought the boot just opened up like it did because of the force that occured as I was in motion and my ski was stuck in the snow as I was falling and that's when I felt all that pressure so something had to fail.... my boot which I thought never possible....or my leg 🦵....well the outcome was in my favor ...It was a good day 😁 . I did call scarpa and mailed in the boots ( AT Scarpa Denalis) and they sent me a new pair ....I was happy !
Great article. I have today a BC binding and recently discovered that the pin is almost loose in the boot. And it also got me thinking I need some emergency kit made. I do plan to replace the boots of course, but I will also plan to make some emergency kit. Currently I have been carrying along duct tape for some basic repairs. One thought though for these new explorer bindings, would it not be just as easy to bring along a spare binding? I am aware it is an expensive solution, but if the binding gets damaged due to something breaking off, it most likely need replacing anyway. For the boots I am wondering if there is any chance that the spring could snap and prevent the pin to pop out. Or if the pin itself could fall out?
I also carry a little duct tape, some cold temperature rated zip ties and a couple voile straps. So far I have not had any issues, but a few people over on the telemarktalk.com forum have had some problems with the pins on their new boots. Rottefella says that there were some manufacturing issues with some of the early production units and it was quickly recognized and corrected. I'm guessing that the binding itself is pretty robust, but only time will tell. The sewn emergency binding is probably overkill but I do think that people should think about what they would do in the backcountry if they had a boot / binding failure, especially if the conditions and terrain are such that it would be difficult to walk out.
Hey Tom! Have you evolved this emergency binding idea any further?
I'm carrying the purple webbing version shown in the video. Luckily, I have not had to use it.
Similarly, I biked 1200 Mike's with a voile strap on my shoe when my ratchet strap got lost.
The voile straps are great, that is for sure.
Hey Tom, I was finally able to put my Fisher 112/ Xplore bindings and Alfa Free equipment to work in our Midwest snow. I loved the combo for three miles, but then the Springpin jammed on the boot and my left ski kept falling off. I was eventually able to get the springpin unstuck, but I was wondering if you've had this problem and do you carry anything in your emergency pack to aleviate it? Is there anything you use on the pins to keep them from sticking in the first place?
Hi Steven. Sorry to hear about the stuck pin on the Alfa Free. I have not had any issues with mine, but there is a thread over on Telemarktalk.com on this subject. Long story short, some boots were sold last year with a defective pin mechanism. Rottefella quickly fixed the manufacture issue, but unfortunately some defective boots were sold. Rottefella will fix defective boots. Rottefella says that if it has happened once to you, it will happen again, so don't let this problem go unresolved. Contact the retailer that sold you the boots and see if they will replace them and if that is not an option, you will have to contact Rottefella to get the issue resolved. www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4883&p=49385#p49385
@@tomm9850 Thanks for the quick response. I got them directly from Alfa, should I go through Alfa or Rottefella?
I'd contact Alfa first. They will be aware of the problem and should be able to fix them quickly.
I think that you could actually market that.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out on the lake and wondering “who tf is honking a bicycle horn?” Enjoy the swans, they’ll be on their way back to my neck of the woods soon.
We really enjoy seeing the swans, they are such a magnificent bird.