Advice on how to save on a full touring setup

[Adrider83]

I want to make the move to a real lighter- weight set up. I have quite the opposite at the moment-4frnt Renegade with Marker Barons- good for a quick lap or two, but obviously not a real touring set up. Also, my boots (2010 Salomon Ghost 130s) are pretty much shot, as are my ever day Gotamas.

That said, I was thinking of getting new boots (potentially an alpine boot and a touring) and a new 100-110 waisted ski that would be a real touring set up, without spending too much money. Two problems though: (1) I'd like to be able to use this new set up at the resort, and I'd like to avoid spending a huge amount of money, if possible. This doesn't have to be all at once- but I was hoping I could kind of make the transition over the next year. If I'm going to cheap out on one part of it, where can I afford to do so? Can I just get a good AT boot like the Virus/Sherpa or Vulcan, and use in inbounds and touring? That way, I wouldn't end up buying two boots. If I really wanted to start going on longer tours, would it be that much of a slog with a heavy set up? (I've honestly never gone on anything longer than 2K vert.

At the end of the day, am I probably just going to end up geting a dedicated lightweight setup exclusively for touring? Honestly, that wouldn't bother me too much, because I enjoy the Renegade in almost all conditions. Thanks.

[Lunchwagon]

If you really want a boot that does double duty, then it seems like you should be looking at the Tecnica Cochise, Scarpa Freedom, or new K2 boot. Then get some inserts or bindingfreedom plates and mount your new skis for both tech and alpine binders (or your barons if you don't have alpine bindings).

Some have complained about the tedious nature of swapping boot soles and bindings and keeping track of small metric screws, but for me it's worth the cost savings and versatility.

[bfree]

IMO, tech bindings are a must for a long day of touring. Boots will see a good ROI too, whereas skis are a better place to save money. If you want to use the skis inbounds too, mount them with inserts and swap to alpine bindings for those days. Buy gear used and you can save a lot of $$.

Fancy new boots like Vulcans would be a great option for touring and lift-served, but they're so expensive that it's probably not cost effective. Maestrales pop up in gear swap frequently for near $200, then add a good fitting alpine boot and you'll be in way under Vulcan cost.

Anyways, weight is all relative and depends how far you're going, what kind of shape you're in, and what sacrifices you're willing to make. 2k feet can be done in anything - hell I've bootpacked more than that in a day this year. When I switch from my 112RPs to Waybacks for spring/summer touring, it makes a huge difference on the 5k+ days.

[plugboots]

Shop for any used AT tech-fitting boot in your mondo size at the price you want to spend, then put in a pair of power wraps. Shop for some used lightish skis. Spend as much time as you can looking for used Dynafits, this will be the hardest part. Buy skins from skins direct. Upgrade as money becomes available.

[Gone Skiing]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...ystem?ref=live

[D(C)]

For boots, I've used Titans and Maestrale RSs, both which are models that are supposedly on the more solid end of the spectrum. Neither is a boot I'd want to use as my everyday boot inbounds. If I were you, I'd look at having 2 pairs of boots. That said, I haven't tried the Cochise, though it sounds like it compromises a bit of touring ability. You can probably find alpine boots to replace your Ghosts for cheap, or maybe you just need new liners.

Dynafits, as others have said, are the way to go. Sit tight and pull the trigger on a used set when one comes along. Also check out the G3 Onyx, which can often be found for less. I have a couple friends who use them and really like them.

[Lindahl]

Cochises at bentgate for 350-450. Speed radicals at alpenglow for 320. Cheap used skis from craigslist, here, or geartrade.com. Use inserts to swap between Dynafit and Alpine.

Sub-1000$ for full dynafit touring gear and an alpine boot.

If you also want a lightweight boot or not thrash your touring boot inbounds, get a cheap alpine boot and pick up a Dynafit One/TLT5 or Garmont Cosmos/Orbit (tech fitting issue has been fixed, and Garmont will replace).

I run Cochises and am picking up a lightweight boot for next season.

[userA]

second ascent, sells mountain travel gear at a comfortable price.
bF

[Adrider83]

Thanks all for the advice.

I think I definitely need to get some quiver killers? Maybe just get two pairs of boots and get a used pair of dynafit binders? Also, I totally would not be opposed to skiing on a tech binding in bounds, but I don't think it's doable if I spend a good amount of time out east. That said, the inserts seem like they would be a great way to just consolidate.

Alternatively, if I just did inserts on the Rengade and got an AT boot along with, is that something that could get me through longer tours? Even more, I could just skip the inserts and always ski the Renegade on dynafits. Works for Hoji, I guess, and I enjoy that ski in all conditions, for the most part. Thanks again.

[userA]

at boot with fritschi binders to begin the journey. no at boot no problem, fritschi handles alpine as well.
b

[mfa81]

take a look at sierratradingpost as well, if you wait for a 40% or maybe 45% coupon you can get bd skis and skins for a good price!

[skimaxpower]

Shop for any used AT tech-fitting boot in your mondo size at the price you want to spend, then put in a pair of power wraps. Shop for some used lightish skis. Spend as much time as you can looking for used Dynafits, this will be the hardest part. Buy skins from skins direct. Upgrade as money becomes available.

This would be my advice as well.

[John_B]

I've got a 35% of sierratradingpost coupon if someone is in need. PM me it should be good for a few more days. Or just sign up for their emails.

[Lindahl]

Lots of cheap skins on geartrade right now.

[saxon]

Honestly, in your situation I'd sink all the money I could into good touring boots. That's where the biggest weight and comfort savings are compared to Alpine gear.

I'd rather tour in my heavy resort gear (Gotamas+Dukes) with my AT boots (Mercuries) than in my Alpine boots with my light-weight gear (if it were possible). I'd even rather tour and ski in my Mercuries with that heavy resort gear than in crappy AT boots and my favourite skis (DPS Lotus 138's + PLUM Guides).

If you then find that you can't ski your AT boots in-bounds then get new liners for your Alpine Boots (I never touch my alpine boots anymore). You'll be out another $150 or less if you find a deal.

If you're primarily doing laps or focusing on ski descents then consider my advice. If you're primarily travelling (traverses, etc) then I'm wrong and cheap(ish) AT boots and lighter skis, etc, would be a better choice.

[camlax]

find out what you want, search gear swap, online classifieds, ski swaps for ski and tech binding

find a boot you like, find a used shell and put a new liner in.

should be out the door with a full tech setup for under 500.

[sethschmautz]

What's your budget?

I've been close to weighing in a few times now, and think I generally agree with Saxon. As I think back on my own decisions (that are remarkably similar to your own), the thing that has almost always been a compromise were my boots. For a long time, they were too soft. Then I bought Factors with the intention of doing the 1 boot thing. Worked great for a year or two until I bought Katanas which were just a little too much weight for those boots, it seemed. I ended up going back to two boots.

This year I splurged and bought a late season pair of Vulcans and I'm now back to the point of wanting to drop down to one boot on both set ups. I think that the Vulcans and Mercuries actually make this possible - light enough for a great touring boot with great walk mode, and plenty stiff for a bigger heavier ski inbounds.

My suggestion would be to buy a great pair of boots that you're going to love for a while (Vulcan, Mercury, Maestrale RS, etc.). Keep the Rens/Barons for your inbounds setup, and start piecing together a light bc setup as you have the cash. You can ski the Rens inbounds and tour in them with your new super boots until you have the lighterweight setup put together.

In the past, I think I've really underestimated the value of my boots. Good luck!

Seth

[swampdonkey]

Craigslist ad

"WTT ButtSeX for touring setup"

You get skis and only have to pay with some slight discomfort. Win Win

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Vulcan, Mercury, Maestrale RS

Start here. These boots are wonderful and perform adequately as a 1 boot quiver. Alpine boots ski better and are more durable, but any of the above can drive a big ski.

A pair of one of the above boots plus Dynafits to go with inserted Renegades and another cheap pair of skis = great all around quiver. Good, cheap daily driver type skis are easy to find (Old Gotamas, 4frnt Turbos...).

[neck beard]

Shop for any used AT tech-fitting boot in your mondo size at the price you want to spend, then put in a pair of power wraps. Shop for some used lightish skis. Spend as much time as you can looking for used Dynafits, this will be the hardest part. Buy skins from skins direct. Upgrade as money becomes available.

Way too practical.

Way too sensible.

Wasted here I think.

[beer30]

Ive got an older large fritschi and a pair of 27.5 garmont axiums in great shape ill sell ya for a 150$ plus shipping. That an older ski and you on the skintrack.

[Angle Parking]

One piece of advice would be to do your shopping now. There are serious deals to be had on both new and used gear at this time of year.

[sb]

Spend $$ on boots, buy off season and gear swap.

[XXX-er]

Go into a hut with a group and you will see everyone on dynafit bindings, its only a matter of time & $$$ before you end up on dynafit so do it now cuz its cheaper to not go thru the fritschi/baron/naxo phase

Used is ok make SURE you get a boot with tech fittings BUT consider the new boots like the mercury are a big step above what was available 5 yrs ago, IME my mercury are better/stiffer/more ROM and 1.5lb lighter than the 4 buckle "freeride" boots I bought 6 yrs ago

get a light used ski/skin combo with dynafits

Sure you can tour on heavy gear and alpine boots but the weight and loss of ROM will cost you in speed/energy

BUY NOW

[Jack Burton]

yeah like most of the responses - boot$ first. Depending on your skiing style the transition to a tech boot can suck. I went through a few before settling into the cochise.