BCA Tracker 3+ Beacon
Top Pick for Staff Member Mark
I often get asked, “What’s the best avalanche beacon?” I usually ask a question back, “how do you define ‘best’ when it comes to avalanche transceivers? I’m not being sarcastic, I have a method in my approach. Often people say the beacon with the most features is what they call best. I disagree. I think the most straightforward, simple avi beacon is the best … for me (and likely for you, too).
Let me explain. If you are a guide, or tech savvy, and you are very familiar with your transceiver, then yes by all means you may very well want a beacon with lots of extra features.
I’m not a guide and while I practice locating beacons with my ski buddies every year, I know if I ever have to locate a buried ski partner I want a simple, easy to use transceiver when the chips are down. The last thing I want to do is frantically search through various settings and menus when time is literally life.
Rab Xenair Alpine Light Jacket
Top Pick for Staff Member Dee!
Why I love the Xenair Alpine Light Jacket:
- Synthetic Insulation (Specifically the Primaloft)
- Good for colder weather, when you are going to be active
- Lighter insulation under the arms, back and top of the head for better thermoregulating.
- Hood is Helmet-compatible with a nice semi-elastic opening
- It has a flattering cut with articulated sleeves for ease-of-movement
- Pockets! It has Two outer and one inner pocket
- Lightweight, packs down small to fit in the pack.
Icebreaker Socks
Top Pick for Staff Member Gabrielle
From the Anatomical toe box for unique left and right fit to the Seamless toe closure to reduce bulk and prevent blisters, Icebreaker socks will have all your bases covered.
Reinforced heel and toes areas to increase the durability and an instep support for stability are a few more things to highlight about these awesome socks! From the mountains to the office, Icebreaker socks are hard to beat! With a breath zone for ventilation and a Achilles support keeps your sock in place, these bad boys will keep you comfortable! No matter the adventures you have!
Stargazer Luxury Reclining Chair by Nemo
Top Pick for Staff Member Dan
I love the Stargazer Chair, as it is the perfect combination of comfort and packability to make any Car-Camping trips a bit more...luxurious. I absolutely love the fact that it reclines to a comfortable "Laying down" position, for better Sky-Viewing, with a beverage holder and phone holder at the perfect locations for ease-of-access. The perfect chair for waking up next to the fire pit!
Chair of choice for Front-Country camping, or even sitting around the fire pit in the yard!
Hanwag Alaska GTX Boots
2nd Top Pick for Dan
The fit and feel of the Hanwag, for myself, is second to none. From the first moment I put my foot into one of their boots, it felt as if it were made for my feet specifically. Crafted with amazing care and detail, the Alaska boots are a phenomenal go-to for short hikes, moderate hikes, longer hikes, you name it.
The comfort factor, combined with the ease-of-repair if something does happen to need work after a few seasons make this a top choice for footwear.