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Equipment |
| As a full time professional outdoor educator equipment is an essential element of my life. To maintain my comfort and clients’ safety, only the best will suffice. I often need to function beyond expected limits. Gear becomes crucial. My choice of equipment helps me keep this edge and I need to pay attention to detail. Here is an overview of my equipment: |
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Clothing |
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I rely on Haglöfs as their quality base layer, mid-layer, soft shells and shell clothing is unsurpassed. The garments are multi-functional and perform just as well in the mountains, woods, river or lake. I work in the outdoors just about every day and Haglöfs range always keeps me protected! Haglöfs is the largest supplier of outdoor equipment in the Nordic region. What started with Victor’s (the founder) backpack has grown into a range of 350 products and the Haglöfs market has expanded from the Swedish towns of Torsång, Rättvik and Sveg to include the whole of Scandinavia, Europe and Japan. |
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I use Active base layers, Bungy mid layers, Husky fleece, Nube 2 down insulation, Sharkfin soft shell, Spitz jacket and pants shell in Pro Gore-Tex, Helix and Rando gloves, Yoho cap and Yak and Rand rucksacks, Goga sleeping bag, Rugged mountain pant, LIM Jacket and pant, Jaw jacket and pant, Speed vest.
www.haglofs.se
Hear are two reports that have been submitted to Haglofs Technical and development Department:
Jaw Jacket and Pants
Just the best ski gear I have ever used!
Temperature range is fantastic, I went from around –22 one day to +17 the next.
La Thuile is renowned as being windy and cold, locals refer to it as Little Siberia, what great fabric, I was never cold or did I feel the cutting breeze.
Tailored to perfection and the hood is just a sanctuary of smugness when on a chairlift with those less fortunate!
Looks good and performs even better.
Helix Gloves
For the past few years I have usually destroyed, wrecked or shredded a pair of gloves per ski season. If you consider that whilst teaching skiing that you basically live in your gloves for nearly 8 hours a day, then add to that the abuse that a working glove receives of handling skis, picking up and positioning of clients skis, holding skis in that snowplough position and forever unclipping telemark bindings. Then increase the wear with off piste usage, ropes, metal ladders, rocks, skins, ice axes and crampons. Then count the endless number of times that the gloves are put on and removed in a day. I guess that being a professional glove is no fun!
Despite this my Haglofs have now lasted 2 full seasons, plus usage in winter cycling to work and on canoe expeditions in autumn to Sweden. The only visible wear has been to the thumb and first finger tip of the right hand, slight and still not detracting from their function and the separation of the stitching to the liners. The later is more significant to the right glove. I am right handed.
They are still in serviceable condition, being still warm, weatherproof and retaining the soft supply feeling as when new.
What a great bit of kit, people often forget that if your hands can not function then you are
heading for potential disaster.
Please do not hesitate to contact Ski4Real for information or advice on the range. |
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Scarpa Boots and NTN Rotaffella Bindings |
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This season I am skiing on the NTN Rotaffella binding and the Scarpa Terminator X Pro NTN, a stiff boot for ultimate control. For those considering new Telemark equipment, the NTN, with its improved edge control, is the future for all Telemark freeriders whether starting off or experienced. NTN provides critical performance and control with the boot gripped in the binding independently of the spring tension; this provides a direct contact between the ball of the foot and the ski.www.scarpa.co.uk |
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Scarpa Description |
| "Expanding on the success of Terminator X, SCARPA introduces the Terminator X Pro for winter 2008. The Terminator X Pro employs triple-injection molding in the foot to achieve different stiffnesses in different places (bellow, torsion bars, shell/cuff), so that the bellows flexes ideally for telemarking while the boot is as rigid as possible elsewhere. It also uses more substantial torsion frame that wraps from the back of the foot around under the forefoot for maximum lateral stability. It is compatible with Rottefella’s NTN telemark binding and with the TLT alpine-touring binding, answering the age-old call for one boot that does it all." |
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Kim’s Skis: Scott Mission |
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"The Mission continues to be Scott's most versatile ride. The hardwood core is sandwiched between two layers of laminate. While it devours the hardpack, it is even better, thanks to a wide shovel, in crud, bumps, trees and knee-deep powder." - Powder Magazine. For skiers seeking a stable, high performance ski that is also a pleasure to turn. |
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| “If golf utopia was having one club that suited all occasions then Scott have found the skiing equivalent. The Mission provides performance and enjoyment in all conditions. Compromise is not in the Missions vocabulary. Just an outstanding ski. My only complainant is that many clients are purchasing them reducing the "advantage" they provide me with!" |
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Technology: Wood core triaxial laminate for the best combination of torsional stiffness and flex distribution. The wide-body shape with ample sidecut allows all types of turns. The Mission is the perfect tool for free riding in all snow conditions and types of terrain.
Constructions: SSC Lam, Sandwich Sidewall Cap Laminate. Visit www.scottusa.com |
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Advice |
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Communications |
| Freeloader Solar Charger: Throughout last season and on canoe expeditions during the summer I used a freeloader portable solar energy device. An invaluable safety tool to recharge a mobile phone or camera whilst on the move. Visit www.solartechnology.co.uk |
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Ski Clothing |
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