Backcountry guides share their favorite gear changes recently

Echigo Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture is a heavy snow area, so there are many conditions where the fresh snow is too deep, so last season I changed from the VECTOR GLIDE "GENIUS (Standard model)" to the 193cm "GENIUS carbon (Limited model)".

This popular model features a big fat 130mm center width, but now it's capable of quick, sharp turns with excellent response even in deep powder, improving its performance. It's also relatively light, but the inherent tension of carbon makes breaking through snow much easier and faster. I'm looking forward to enjoying snowboarding and breaking through snow with the GENIUS carbon this season!

Shimano sunglasses "EQUINOX." Shimano's bright lenses are easy to use on cloudy days and are very useful.

I also found MIZUNO's glove oil very good because it softens the stiff leather. It's cost-effective, but it makes the leather more flexible, which improves the ease of use with ropes and other glove parts. It also has less of a strange smell. Even if you use a more expensive product, it doesn't make a big difference, so this is enough for me.

TONES SKI

This is the third model from TONES SKI, which debuted in the 2024-2025 season. I haven't completely switched to this model, but it has recently been added to my favorite lineup. True to its name, which is derived from "ninja," it allows you to rhythmically descend technical slopes as if clinging to the surface, much like a gecko, which is also a key design feature, and it boasts high maneuverability and performance. The

moderate balance of rocker and camber accurately grips and holds all types of snow, providing excellent steering. All in all, it has a skiing feel that is a perfect match for enjoying the various situations in the Hakuba mountain range.

Nano-Air Ultralight Freeride JKT. This thin windbreaker jacket is lightly padded and was perfect for hiking in the cold areas of Hokkaido. It's easy to use and I feel comfortable riding in it. It will be very useful.

I mainly use K2 boots with BOA system, specifically the "K2 Mindbender 140 BOA®," and I like these aspects:
• When switching to ski mode, you don't need to remove snow from the buckles before setting them up.
• When hiking with the lower buckles unfastened, the buckles inevitably get in the way of the snow, but BOA boots don't have this problem, making them comfortable.
• The overall setup is easy and time-saving.　
• Tightening and loosening is simple and stress-free.

I changed to five-finger socks. I use injinji's "Trail Midweight Crew." I've been wearing tight socks up until now, so my pinky toe has started to fall off. By switching to five-finger socks and giving them a little more room, I've been able to improve the fit of my toe and the areas where my feet touch.

Sweet Protection's Shinobi RIG Reflect. I'd never used sunglasses with large lenses before, but this model completely eliminated glare from the sides of the lenses, making them incredibly comfortable for the eyes. It was a real eye-opener. They're a bit bulky to store, but even considering that, they're a piece of gear I'd like to continue using regardless of the season or activity.

The SCARPA TX Pro telemark ski boots have been redesigned for the first time in a long time, and were the talk of the town in the telemark skiing community last season. Lighter and with a wider range of motion in walk mode, they are now boots that are comfortable for touring without sacrificing gliding performance.

My new skiing partner is the extreme Factory102 176cm.

It leads you through the turn vertically, yet the top transition is easy and smooth. The size of the turn and the depth of the arc are easily controlled by varying the load. The pressure received at the top is transmitted firmly to the tail, giving you a sense of unity in the deflection.

The tail is stiff and the turn release is smooth, so each turn flows smoothly into the next. There's no abrupt cutoff or sudden release in the latter half of the turn, and you're left wishing you could turn a little further. Another appealing feature is the feel of carving turns on packed snow slopes.

Also, each board is handmade in the factory, and the finish of the running surface is so beautiful that I have never seen anything like it before. The fact that the board is shipped with a sticker with a portrait of the person who pressed it is another point that makes you feel a strong attachment to it.

I changed my backpack to the Deuter Freescape Pro 38+SL.

I was thinking about buying a new one, but the one I was using before was going to be discontinued, so I was looking for a new partner and narrowing down a few candidates.When STEEP featured materials used by guides, I saw a guide recommending the Deuter/Freescape Pro, and I thought it was a good choice, so I decided on it.

It's easy to carry, fits snugly around your back and waist, and doesn't get in the way of hiking or skiing. The pockets are just the right size and are easy to use.

These tabi-style merino wool socks were designed by me, drawing on my knowledge gained from hiking in the mountains as a guide. While taking advantage of the comfort of shrink-proof wool, the tabi-style design ensures freedom of movement in the toes and a sense of grip on the ground. They don't get stuffy, and they gently wrap around your feet even on long hikes, providing firm support with every step. Coming soon!