When people talk about freeride, backcountry skiing and randonneuring, they also talk about gear. The freeride scene is growing year after year, and so is the gear that goes with it. We've gathered a handful of gadgets and ski equipment that can make your freeride trip a little more fun for you. Equipment that comes with the latest technologies and trends in freeride skiing. Read more about the latest ski skin, goggle, back shield, audio and avalanche gear technologies below.
Ski skins - a non-slip companion with vacuum technology
Ski skins are the start of a great backcountry trip. There are several types of skins, but in recent years a new and revolutionized ski skin has taken the stage, Glueless skins. New skins no longer adhere with glue, but with vacuum. Vacuum skins change the experience and instead of cleaning glue off your skis, you can grab a beer at the nearest après-ski bar. If you're going on an adventurous randonneuring trip, we recommend you look for a vacuum skin. The Faction Vacuum Skins 130 is a great example of a vacuum skin, but there are many skins for skiing out there and you just need to grab one so you can be the first on top.
Music - 10 hours of partying with audio chips
When conquering new powder lines, it's rarely done without bass in your ears. Sweet Protection has developed the ideal solution for the freerider who enjoys minimalist design, great sound and functionality. The new Audio Clips are wireless and can be quickly and easily set up to your nearest Bluetooth device, even inside your helmet! You get 10 hours of playtime and no more hassle with the cord under your ski jacket, which is always pulling and annoying, and can instead enjoy the crisp music as soon as you put on your helmet. The icing on the cake - your audio chips have a built-in microphone and walkie-talkie interface, so you can easily answer calls from your phone and get in touch with Siri without having to take out your phone.
The back shield - Safety combined with comfort
You can never compromise on safety, especially when it comes to head and back protection. Many people think that ALL back shields are heavy, hot and without any flexibility, but this is far from the case with Atomics Live Shield! Live Shield is designed with comfort and protection in mind. A back shield that is breathable, flexible and adjustable around the waist and chest. The Live Shield changes its character when exposed to impact, and in a split second transforms into a steel shield that hardens and absorbs the impact of the fall.
Freeride Goggles - Safe visibility and functionality
As always, the quest for a fresh powder run requires a wild ski goggle that doesn't compromise on visibility, fit, and ventilation. Oakley's Fall Line XL Prizm Snow Jade offers it all! A clean ski goggle with one of the largest goggle lenses you can get! PRIZM technology ensures sublime visibility, and should the weather change, the Fall Line allows for a quick lens change with the easy-to-use switchlock system. The Fall Line is just one of Oakley's state-of-the-art ski goggles - you can see more of the latest Oakley ski goggles here!
Sunglasses - Performance combined with a stylish design
Towards the top, ski goggles aren't always needed, so why not grab a pair of sunglasses that really feel at home in the backcountry? Oakley's Wire Tap 2.0 sunglasses have been a solid sunglass in recent years. UV protection and O-matter frame - It has to be seen to be believed, but the Wire Tap 2.0 delivers ultra-sharp vision with its Prizm lens. Oakley provides a wide range of performance sunglasses specifically designed for sports and lifestyle - Check out Oakley's full range of sunglasses.
Safety and avalanche gear - All in one package
If you're new to the backcountry and deep snow, the ABS bag and its possible add-ons give you all the gear a real backcountry rider takes on a trip: An avalanche backpack that pulls you over the snow in case of an accident, and with an option to add a general backpack outside with all the gear you might need inside!
BCA TRACKER3
An avalanche transceiver is the best bet for an essential tool for a real freeride rider! The BCA TRACKER3 is perfectly suited to the ski domain, and developed with an extremely powerful process that displays and picks up signal in real-time mode, which is the fastest in the world. TRACKER3 is a great tool for the freeride rider who always wants to insure themselves against the harsh forces of nature. The best investment if you go skiing to explore all sides and edges of the mountain. Avalanche gear should not be underestimated, and in the video below the BCA team explains how the TRACKER3, avalanche shovel and probe are used in practice.
TRACKER3 Specifications:
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Frequency: 457 kHz
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Range: 55m
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Weight: 215g
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Size: 11.5cm x 7.1cm x 2.4cm
Avalanche gear, skins for skis, the right goggles and a comfortable back protector - all are essential tools for moving safely up and down new areas in the mountains. Freeriding is not for beginners and you should always take precautions. We freeride ourselves, and if you're looking for guidance on new products, gadgets or want to learn more, One Open Sky is ready with professional guidance.
You can visit one of our stores in either Herning or Copenhagen, but you can also contact us by email: Info@oneopensky.dk or by phone: +45 97 12 29 65.
