Scarpa Shaka Boot - Women's

November 14, 2011

I'm shopping for AT boots for my wife. She has a challenge in that her feet are wide--EE width when we measured. It appears that most women's AT boots are made to fit a slimmer foot. She tried on this boot, BD's swift and Shiva boots, and one of Dynafit's women's models. This and the BD swift seemed to be the most comfortable at first. She's a 24.5 Mondo. After a few minutes her feet started to fall asleep and she felt pressure in different places. Our big question is, how far does thermo molding go? Is it possible to modify the plastic boot? It seems that I've heard of that. I've also heard of custom foot beds, would that help with the width issue?

A concern we have is that we may need to mail order these, but not knowing how the fit is going to turn out, a return policy is important--or at least working with a store that will be able to make the modifications we need. What is Backcountry.com's return policy on AT Boots?

Thanks DP

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Best Binding for Me

Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding

Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding

Rating for this product: 5 September 20, 2011

So.. I'm puzzled by all the negative reviews.

The 01 has been the best tele binding for me. I have three sets of skis all mounted with the 01. I have never had problems and I think I ski aggressively. Perhaps I've been luck. I try to take care of them and ensure my cartridges are adjusted correctly before each use.

I love the constant tension, zero tip dive, amazingly fluid tour mode. Easy to use. Great to ski.

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Suspension Terrible

Black Diamond Infinity 50 Backpack - 3050-3234cu in

Black Diamond Infinity 50 Backpack - 3050-3234cu in

Rating for this product: 1 July 31, 2010

I love the design of this pack, but the suspension really doesn't work well for me. At first, I thought it felt cool and great. But upon using it on my ski mountaineering adventures, I realized this pack was terrible, at least for that application. Once it is loaded, it sways too much due to the pivoting suspension. It DOES NOT MOVE WITH YOU, instead it pulls you around in directions you don't want to go. If you want a pack that moves with you, choose one with a static suspension. I found the pack of my dreams in the Gregory FUSION LTS line up (Gregory and BD are now the same company by the way). I especially love the Torre and Serrac packs. They make heavy loads feel like a feather and most importantly, the packs move with me rather than knocking me off balance.

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Best Ski Mountaineering Pack

Gregory Serrac 45 Backpack - 2624-2868cu in

Gregory Serrac 45 Backpack - 2624-2868cu in

Rating for this product: 5 June 19, 2010

I have been backcountry telemark skiing for 20 years. I have gone through many packs, always frustrated that the packs don't move with me or carry a heavy load comfortably.Finally I have found the perfect pack-line in Gregory's Fusion LTS series.This pack carries a 30-40lb load and makes it feel like its not there (I rarely carry more than that). The wraptor stabilizer holds the pack exactly where it should be on my back.When I ski down, my motion is highly involved, up and down, full body. So most packs sort of bounce around and feel like I'm pulling them down with me or they are resisting my movement or seem to carry a momentum that wants to keep me from a natural turn.The Serrac45 fuses to my body and becomes part of me. I don't even notice it is there.I Love the full length zipper that allows me to access the entire pack without removing the top lid. Also, the external pocket is extremely handy for holding gloves, skins, or crampons.

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Excellent Pack

Gregory Tarne 36 Backpack - 2074-2318cu in

Gregory Tarne 36 Backpack - 2074-2318cu in

Rating for this product: 5 June 10, 2010

I have been searching long and hard for the perfect 30-35L pack that I can use for everything. Hiking, backcountry skiing, travel etc.

The thing I love about this back is it can carry a heavy load comfortably and move with my body. As I ski, I need a pack that moves with me. This pack becomes me. I also have the Torre, which is sort of a roll top version of this pack, and it is a favorite too.

I also love the slim and clean design. Great Pack!

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