Built as an alpine/backcountry crossover boot, the Titan is able to drive today’s fat skis in a variety of conditions. The Titan TF-X comes with the ability to use Dynafit, alpine  or alpine bindings (with quick sole change)–all with the same boot. Construction is burly with alpine-esque construction.

Features of the Dynafit Titan TF-X Ski Boot

The Dynafit Titan is the new king of the Dynafit ski boot lineup. Aimed at the crossover crowd who prefers a beefy booth for inbounds and backcountry, the Titan delivers a lightweight, functional package with swappable DIN soles for either A/T or alpine use.

Features:

• Lightweight PU shell
• Magnesium buckles
• Weight: 8.8 lbs per pair (touring mode)
• Bindings: ISO Alpine, A/T, Dynafit (Tech)
• Liner: Heat-moldable
• Forward lean: 15 or 21-degrees
• Sole: Dynagrip or ISO Alpine
• MSRP: $760

Dynafit Titan TF-X Review

With the Storm Trooper-esque Dynafit Titan’s underfoot this season, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their overall performance. While I had no doubt they would crush the downhill, I was a little nervous about the walkability of these freeride touring boots. When they arrived, the size 27.0 seemed just right. It was a little snug, but I knew that a quick heat mold would reduce some of that volume. After a trip to Surefoot at The Canyons, I was dialed in for a lightweight (not ultrathin) sock, like the Lorpen Tri-Layer lightweight sock.

Once the liners were custom-molded these babies felt extremely comfortable. I decided to try out the new Superfeet REDhot insoles ($49) with these boots and have had great success in support, comfort and power transfer. The only modification I had to do was move the buckle latches in one slot on the upper cuff. After only a couple of extra minutes and an Allen wrench, these babies were dialed in.

With several tours and a day inbounds at Alta, I must say I’m very impressed with these boots. Without question, they can ski downhill with the best alpine boots. I can feel an instant power transfer as I transition from turn-to-turn. I’ve not felt that kind of smoothness and power in a touring boot very often, but the Titan’s definitely are as good or better than every other similar AT boot on the market.

Like most people, I’ve yet to switch out for the Alpine DIN blocks. While it seems great on paper, it’s really not a practical option to do on a regular basis. Yes, there are many boots on the market with swappable soles (Garmont Endorphin, Black Diamond Factor, Salomon Quest Pebax Pro, etc), but I’m guessing most skiers choose one sole and stick with it. I can stick with the AT soles for alpine and backcountry because my “inbounds” skis are mounted with Marker Baron’s. If you have traditional alpine bindings, you may have to swap the blocks more regularly.

In the backcountry, I’ve been using the Titan’s with the venerable Fritschi Freeride bindings. I know, I know… Dynafit boots with Fritschis? Yes, indeed, I still prefer Fritschi’s but will try to round out the review this Spring with a Dynafit-on-Dynafit test (stay tuned). As it was with the Fritschi’s, the Titan’s were an excellent match. I found the bindings easy to engage with a solid, locked-in feel.

For touring, the Titan’s have felt lightweight and provided ample range-of-motion for a comfortable stride. There are several boots now on the market with more range of motion, but I never felt inhibited in any way while skinning or walking around. Yeah, a little more flex would have been nice, but I didn’t find it absolutely detrimental to this boot. I found myself skinning up with the forefoot snug (but not ski-mode tight) and the upper cuff buckles engaged in touring mode. This provided ample flex and still kept my foot in place for a chaff-free stride.

Switching from tour to ski mode was easy. A quick flip of the light switch on the back while flexed and I was dialed into the maximum forward lean setting. The switch is considerably less beefy than other boots on the market (which makes me nervous), but has continued to perform well. I can tell you that skiing in walk mode is not recommended. No matter how much I try to remember, I always do that at least once during the season. A few turns in and you’ll notice and flip the switch.

The lugged AT sole provides excellent traction for slippery parking lots and ridgeline scrambles alike. They are even nimble enough for a little Irish jig at the end of the day–if you’re so inclined.

Good Titan

• Ultra-precise downhill performance
• Lateral stiffness
• Flexible soles for AT or alpine use
• Thermo-moldable liner provides personalized comfort
• Grippy outsole
• Aggressive forward lean position
• Excellent walkability when using buckle extensions
• Great on groomers or off-piste
• Lightweight feel

Bad Titan

• Once molded, the liner packs out considerably
• Could provide a little better walking stride when buckled
• Occasionally, the left boot would “catch” while in walk mode and not flex as it should
• Swappable Alpine/AT blocks are a good idea, but are unnecessary

Bottom Line: Dynafit Titan TF-X

The Titan is indeed one of the best of the “do-it-all” AT ski boots on the market. With excellent crossover ability to ski both the frontside with power and tour up the backside with ease, the Titan is a great option for those wanting a no-compromise downhill performer.

Buy Now: Search for Dynafit Titan Boots

As one of the oldest goggle manufacturers, Scott knows their stuff. I’ve been fortunate enough to flog the Scott Fix ski goggles and have found them to be solid all-around performers.

About the Scott Fix Ski Goggles

Available in a variety of frame colors and lens tints, the Fix goggles feature spherical dual lenses and all the goodies you’d expect from Scott, in a sub-$100 package.

• Helmet-compatible design
• No Fog™ Anti-Fog Lens Treatment
• 100% UVA/UVB/UVC Radiation Protection
• Revolutionary Air Management (RAM) and Air Control System (ACS) for fog-free vision
• Spherical Injection Molded Polycarbonate Dual Lenses (SIM)
• Colors: Neon Green, Gloss Black, Gloss White, Yellow, Cyan, Purple, Orange
• MSRP: $95

Scott Fix Goggles Review

I’ve been able to take these goggles out on a few backcountry trips as well as inbounds at Solitude Resort on an ultra-cold day and Alta Ski Resort on a powder day and have been thoroughly impressed. The foam conforms to my face very well for a comfortable, all-day fit.  I also like the style… yeah, a little loud, but not completely over the top.

Overall vision has been top-notch with superb clarity. Under cloudcover, I could have wished for a brighter lens tint, but these are pretty darn solid as a single lens of choice. The lenses seem pretty scratch-resistant as they have yet to incur any scratches–even after some up close and personal encounters with low-lying branches.

I’ve got to call these out a little more for their fog-free performance. You see, I tend to fog up nearly every pair of goggles I’ve owned. Truth be told, there are circumstances that can fog up even the best goggles, but I’ve put these through their paces and have yet to have them fog. Sweaty hikes, long traverses at Alta and hard-charging runs in deep powder… nothing has phased them. Fog-free goggles? Decidedly so thus far.

Good Fix

• Spherical lens provides distortion-free vision
• Excellent fit with a variety of helmets (Smith Maze and POC Skull Light)
• Has been fog-free in a variety of temperatures and conditions (and I’m a fog machine)
• Excellent pricepoint

Bad Fix

• No strap clip

Bottom Line: Scott Fix Ski Goggles

Easy on the wallet and excellent, fog-free performance on the snow, the Scott Fix goggles are a wise choice if you like being able to see your next turn well in advance.

Buy Now: Search for Scott Fix Goggles

Turns out I/O Bio has over 75 years of Merino expertise (where have I been?) and has been laying down the fabric for quite some time. In fact, they use an exclusive low-torque weave that keeps the fabric stretchy, comfortable and breathable while maintaining the same thermal properties. As an added touch, all base layer bottoms utilize the licensed Calvin Klein waistband–a man known for his prowess in the whitie tightie market and made famous by time travelers in the 80’s (hello… McFly!).

A new piece for Fall 2010 is the Glory Zip Top (below) with contrast stiching and a hood. Another interesting piece is the Contact Pilot Suit one-piece base layer which has been garnering a slew of attention for its gap-free coverage and comfort. All long-sleeves include thumb loops (hallelujah!).

You can purchase directly from their Web site or at select online and retail locations near you.

More Info: Visit IO-BIO.com

Anyway, the “Made in America” story is a great one, but only if the shoes keep up with their well-known running heritage. As is typical during the Winter, I still manage to slip out for a few snowy trail runs. This season has been filled with more running than skiing because of Utah’s poor snowpack, so the New Balance MT910 Gore-Tex trail runners have seen many miles in rain, slush, snow and mud. All-in-all they have come out victorious, but not without some bumps in the road.

Features of the New Balance MT910:

• Synthetic/mesh upper
• GORE_TEX® XCR® waterproof lining
• Rock Stop foot protection
• ABZORB® material in heel and forefoot offers excellent cushioning and compression
• Ortholite Insert
• Gussetted Tongue
• Sure Lace
• Toe Protect toe cap
• Ndurance® rubber compound heel for maximum durability in high-wear areas
• NLOCK® integrated lacing and webbing system delivers optimal fit, support and security
• MSRP: $129.99

New Balance MT910 Review

Upon arrival, these shoes felt a bit stiff in the uppers. Sometimes Gore-Tex shoes are a tad stiffer due to increased materials, so that’s not out of the norm. The only annoyance off-the-bat was that the corners of the uppers at the point of the uppermost lace eyelet tended to dig into the tops of my feet. This was quickly alleviated by switching to a slightly thicker sock. Be aware that this may be the case with thinner socks, so keep that in mind.

Once broken in, these shoes have been solid performers in mud, snow and loose trails. Overall traction is superb without so much of a slip–even on snowpacked terrain. I suspect this is partly due to the durometer of the outsole as it seems quite firm. That firmness, combined with a dense midsole, tends to create a somewhat-harsh ride on pavement. I feel they are adequate on the hard stuff, but they are definitely more suited to off-road pursuits.

Stability has been top-notch with excellent support from the uppers as well as the midsole. The shoe cradles the foot well and overall protection from rock intrusion in the forefoot (Rock Stop insert) and toebox (Toe Protect cap) is second-to-none. If you have sensitive feet or need extra toebox protection, these shoes will not disappoint. I ran with Sole Dean Karnazes insoles in these out-the-chute and have found them to be an excellent match for these shoes and my flat feet.

Breathability is acceptable for a Gore-Tex shoe, but I wouldn’t recommend these for summertime use or temps north of 60-degrees. I have appreciated the wind protection on cold runs as these have maintained their warmth well. But, on a few warmer Fall days, they did get a little toasty.

These shoes have also passed the mandatory 30-second stream submersion test, so the Gore-Tex lining does its job.

Good MT910

• Very stylish on/off trail
• Excellent traction
• Excellent toebox protection
• Secure lacing system provides a comfortable fit
• Smooth stride
• Ribbed laces keep things tight

Bad MT910

• Cushioning is pretty firm… race car-esque
• A bit firm for road endeavors
• Cuff digs into tops of feet with thin socks
• Gore-Tex liner sounds crinkly

Bottom Line: New Balance MT910 Trail Runners

Really a solid choice for foul-weather running. The Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet warm and dry down to extremely-cold conditions (15-degrees F) and the overall traction and support will help you move right along on any trail.

Buy Now: Search for New Balance MT910

While this still doesn’t provide as much of an insulative layer as other fabrics (Merino, Primaloft yarn, etc.), it does show promise when it comes to a comfortable and wicking cotton shirt.

Features of PMX cotton with TransDRY moisture management technology:

• Patented cotton moisture management technology
• Reduces cotton’s absorbent capacity and overall drying time
• Limitless applications in active and casual wear
• Transfers moisture away from the body or over a wider surface area of fabric
• Reduces fabric cling to skin during exercise

I’ve long been a cotton-hater, but some synthetic shirts aren’t all that comfortable–wicking cotton could have some promise for warm-weather activities. We’ll see if my cotton-phobia can be transformed after actually using a Polarmax TransDRY shirt. I’ve got one in for testing, so stay tuned.

More Info: Visit CottonInc.com

The North Face Prestige Jacket

The North Face continues their dominance in the jacket market for Fall 2010 by adding several new styles. I highlighted the new Kishtwar Polartec Powershield Pro jacket earlier, but now its the Prestige jacket that’s getting a little love. Built from the new Hyvent Alpha fabric for improved performance, the Prestige jacket has other great features as well.

Take the high ninja zip collar with built-in vents, for example. Zip that collar up and you’ve got as much face protection as a balaklava (well… mostly). Zippers are waterproof and the huge front pockets have pleats to easily store large items like a water bottle or climbing skins. It also sports stretchy sleeve cuffs with monkey thumb loops covered by asymmetrical sleeves. This North Face jacket is highly-technical and tips the scales at 24 oz. All this won’t come cheap though as the pricetag will be $379.

Sierra Designs Solar Fusion Jacket

A high-quality, technical hardshell meets strategically-mapped down (or synthetic with the Prima Fusion Jacket) insulation that’s been placed in just the right spots of the shell for proper insulation. We’ve all seen down jackets, but this one claims to use the fluff in just the right spots specifically for both men and women. This results in lower weight, reduced bulk and increased mobility.

The outer shell is a fused hardshell for solid weather protection. The down-insulated Sierra Designs Solar Fusion Jacket will carry a $329 pricetag with a synthetic version coming in at $289.

Merrell Guise Jacket

The traveler’s friend… the new Merrell Guise Jacket stuffs its Primaloft Eco synthetic insulation (warm and packable) into a pocket that doubles as a pillow. But not just any pillow… a travel pillow. You know, the ones you see the guys in First Class using to sleep as coach passengers are herded on by. Now you can live like a First Class passenger anytime you want.

This hooded jacket is easily stuffed into its travel pillow storage for extra comfort on an airplane, train or in the backcountry. The exterior is 100% polyester microfiber with DWR treatment. Merrell will launch this patent-pending design in the Fall with a killer $129 pricepoint.

Outdoor Research Access Jacket

Aiming at a new market for Outdoor Research, the Access Jacket targets sidecountry skiers or athletic skiers who need durable protection but want a breathable and functional jacket. You can wear this with a pack and as opposed to pit zips, the cross-vents continue to provide airflow. The outer shell is Gore-Tex for the ultimate in weather protection. It also includes featherweight Enduraloft insulation.

For added safety, it comes equipped with a RECCO device and a stow-away balaclava for unforeseen inclement weather. All this in a $365 package.

Patagonia Untracked Jacket

It’s a softshell… no, it’s a hardshell. Actually, it’s both. Using the best of both fabrics, this glued-seam jacket is built to tackle Winter backcountry adventures without bogging you down. Using Patagonia’s h2No fabric, the Untracked jacket uses hardshell fabric on the hood, shoulders and cuffs with softshell everywhere else. The result is increased freedom-of-movement and breathability. It includes an attached powderskirt with loops to attach Patagonia pants for improved weather protection.

Fit is standard-cut and this jacket will set you back $349 when it hits the market this Fall.

I’ve long been a fan of the Teva Mush sandal, but the reality is they only last one season because the foam wears out so quickly. As a result of that and after surveying the market, Teva went back to the proverbial drawing board and have built what they feel is the worlds most advanced and functional sandals.

Features of the Teva Illum Sandals

• Detachable, waterproof LED Pedlamps
• Trek Dry strap lining for all-day comfort
• Spider365 rubber outsole
• New, durable topsole material
• MSRP: $60 (leather) and $50 (synthetic) - available May 1

With my flat feet, I get pretty picky when it comes to footwear–especially flip flops. There are only a few flops that work well with my feet, so we’ll have to see how the new Teva Illum sandals stand up. It is a little gimmicky, but I can see these being useful in the right situations, like using the bathroom at night while camping, surfing dawn patrols or wandering around a dark house in search of a midnight snack. How would you use them?

Buy Now: Search for Teva Sandals

Salomon Quest AT Ski Boots

Tucked in the back corner of the Salomon booth was a little-known product release for the backcountry skiing crowd–Salomon’s first backcountry ski boots. The new Quest boot line features all the downhill goodness Salomon is known for, all wrapped in a touring-friendly design.

While these aren’t for long-range backcountry ski tours, they are for hard-charging inbounds and out in all conditions. For my type of skiing, these may just be the single boot to rule them all. Yeah, they are going to be a little heavier than dedicated touring boots, but if you ski both front side and backside and only have the funds for a single boot, these will likely be a safe choice for overall performance.

A few key features of the Salomon Quest ski boot line:

• 3 buckle design
• Burly powerstrap
• Interchangeable Contagrip soles (DIN or AT/Dynafit Blocks)
• Thermo formable liner
• 3.86 lbs each (Quest Pro Pebax)
• Magnesium Backbone for improved power
• Tour/ski mode

I slipped into the Quest Pebax Pro (shown below) for a walkabout and I must say I’m impressed with the fit and power of these boots. The walk mode is surprisingly capable and the overall fit is nice and comfy (101mm last). These compete directly with the Black Diamond Factor boot and will find homes in mountain towns all across the Rockies. With Salomon’s solid ski boot reputation and distribution, they will be a force to be reckoned with, for sure.

Prices are TBA and availability will be Fall 2010 at a ski shop near you.

Scarpa Mobe AT Ski Boots

Coming in at a respectable 7 lbs 14 oz, the new Scarpa Mobe (mo-bay) freeride AT ski boot builds on the popular and solid Skookum boot with the new Powerblock Tour mechanism. What this does is mimic the performance of a fixed-cuff boot design as closely as possible yet still offers excellent walking capability. Another cool feature are the spring-like metal bands holding the buckles on the lowers. When open, they are kept away from the tongue so they don’t interfere with entry/exit and closure of the tongue.

This is a burly 4-buckle boot for hard-charging inbounds or in the backcountry. I like that they don’t offer DIN blocks here (to go full alpine, you can select the Hurricane, which gets a walk mode for Fall 2010) because the reality is that you will likely never swap them out–in spite of what the marketing hype says. As usual, the Intuition liner is standard for a glove-like fit.

The Scarpa Mobe will be for those who either want a single boot and ski Marker Duke or Fritschi Freeride bindings or for those who charge hard in the backcountry and want no-compromise kicks.

Look for these boots this Fall. They will cost you $759.

Features of the Smith Vantage Helmet:

• Dual-zone ventilation allows front and back vents to open/close independently
• Zip-in audio system reduces production and SKU overhead (same helmet can be non-audio, wired or bluetooth)
• Skullcandy audio
• Xstatic liner with adjustable fit
• Weight: 15 oz
• MSRP: $180 (non-audio) / $210 (wired) / $340 (bluetooth)

I really like the Maze for its simplicity and light weight, but I’d gladly add 3.5 oz to my head to get dual-zone vents and a flexible audio option. Looks like a great new lid for the masses come Fall 2010.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Ski Helmets

None of these boots are intended to be crossover alpine/backcountry boots–they are dedicated backcountry ski boots for soft snow and fast ascents.

Dynafit TLT 5 Mountain & Carbon

Available in two versions (Mountain or Carbon), this new platform is amazingly-light and comfortable. These were the only ones of the bunch that I was able to try on and I can’t tell you how impressed I am. They are minimalistic in design with a form-fitting shell, two buckles, a removable tongue and the best walkability of any backcountry ski boot I’ve ever worn.

Honestly, these boots are like a good-fitting pair of hiking boots as the fore-aft flex in walk mode is truly uninhibited (a full 60-degrees). Lifting my foot up in the air, I could flex the boot through its range of motion simply by pushing and pulling with my toes–try that with other touring boots!

The walk mode is engaged and disengaged by the dual-purpose upper buckle. There is a notch on the buckle that slips into the back of the shell to lock into ski mode. This dual-purpose buckle reduces weight and all-but eliminates the likelihood of skiing in walk mode (we’ve all done that).

Lateral stiffness is ample for pushing today’s lightweight fat skis and forward flex is sufficient, but make no mistake… these aren’t made to bomb groomers. They are made to take you to the goods. That being said, the Carbon version will provide more stiffness at a lighter weight (and an increased cost).

Liners are thermo-fit for customized foot-snugging comfort and the soles are Dynafit-only (the only bummer) for use with Dynafit’s full line of bindings.

Weight is just over 4 lbs per pair and MSRP will be $720 for the Mountain and $989 for the Carbon version. Availability will be Fall 2010.

The Dynafit TLT5 Mountain

Dynafit TLT5 Carbon

Black Diamond Quadrant

The Quadrant headlines the new Efficient Series from Black Diamond. These boots are still pretty substantial, but compared to the BD Factor, they are decidedly backcountry-specific. While the color scheme might put off some, the technology built into these boots for the price ($649) is astounding.

Sporting a full 40-degrees range of motion, the Quadrant’s will be walkable and with a 120 flex rating, they will also be skiable in powder, hardpack and everything in between. Liners are cinched with a quieter and more efficient BOA system. Binding compatibility out-of-the-box will be with all backcountry ski bindings on the market–no DIN blocks here.

This is a really great new boot from BD and will compete with the likes of the Garmont Radium–meaning its’ definitely the burliest of this bunch. Tipping the scales at 7 lbs 10 oz, they are light, but not uber-light like the other boots you see here.

Black Diamond Quadrant

Garmont Masterlite

With a design that took its cues from Spiderman, the web-like shell design (Pebax Webframe) has been strategically-designed for support and stiffness while reducing overall weight (4.8 lbs per pair). Developed by Garmont engineers over the past two seasons, the Masterlite is intended for those seeking efficient uphill and dependable downhill travel.

I find it odd that the powerstrap is optional, but it is, so I’ll get over it. The new Light Thermo Liner should provide solid comfort for your foot with ample room for your digits. Forward lean is an aggressive 24 degrees and walkability should be superb. Speaking of that, the walk/ski mode toggle is a little different than most boots as it utilizes a little pulltab to engage the walk mode instead of the typical lever of sorts.

I didn’t have a ton of time to look these over, but they appear to be along similar lines as the Dynafit TLT5 series above. MSRP is $819.

Garmont Masterlite - Spiderman-Approved

Scarpa Maestrale

Scarpa is completely switching things up for 2010/2011 by ditching the Spirit 3/4 in favor of an entirely-new boot platform called the Maestrale (GEA for Women). Tipping the scales at a respectable 6.75 lbs per pair, the Maestrale splits the difference between the Garmont Masterlite and the BD Quadrant while promising adequate power to drive today’s fatty fat touring skis.

A unique feature of these boots is the asymmetrical hinged tongue that flips out of the way for easy entry and exit. It also simplifies the buckling process by reducing overlapping plastic. This boot looks to be the everyman boot with enough power to drive any ski on the market, but with excellent walkability. Another great change is the new Active Power Strap that provides the same function as the previous ones, but in a simplified design.

As is typical with Scarpa’s boots, these come with the killer Intuition Pro Flex G liner and the price is unbelievably only $599–definitely the best value in the bunch!

Scarpa Maestrale AT Ski Boots - The Ones to Beat