Backcountry Magazine 168 - The 2027 Gear Guide

The print issue is being printed and will begin shipping in October! THE 2027 GEAR GUIDE SKIS, BOOTS + BINDINGS Our test runs the spectrum from skinny skimo skis to purebred pow slayers. The result is a robust selection of touring skis, boots and bindings that fill every niche: from your first touring ski to the perfect setup for that 50-mile traverse to the best combo for big-mountain sends. Skis Boots Bindings Telemark SPLITBOARDS BOOTS + BINDINGS What do you call a snowboarder in court? The common answer to the joke is the defendant, but we call them the judge, and our crew of splitboard testers ruled on the carvability, slashability and popability of these boards, boots and bindings. Splitboards Splitboard Boots Splitboard Bindings APPAREL + ACCESSORIES Good skis and boards can make the tour, but the wrong layers can ruin it. Plus, on top of shells, puffies, midlayers and baselayers, we have the scoop on the other backcountry essentials, including beacons, packs, skins, poles and more. Outerwear Insulation Accessories CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR’S NOTE LETTERS GLOSSARY INDEX For over three decades, Backcountry Magazine has been dedicated to the pursuit of fresh lines and the people who live for them.