Backcountry guide gear setup '24-25 season | Professional selection and reviews

For a guide who adventures through a snowfield with no set paths, gear is his or her hands and feet. What is the ``reliable gear setup for all seasons'' selected by professionals to provide guests with a safe and wonderful experience while responding to the various slopes and snow conditions of nature?

*Click on the guide club name for detailed information on the guide club.

Infield ｜Toyokazu Nakano

Telemark setup with the best balance between lightness and glide.

GEAR Set Up

SKI: Black Diamond | Heliocarbon 104
BINDINGS: 22DESIGNS | Lynx
BOOTS: SCARPA | TX Pro
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Pro POLE

As a set of telemark skis for use on backcountry tours, I feel this is the easiest combination to use when considering the balance between lightweight and glide. Skis with a center width of 104 mm are the skis that are used the most, as they can be used from deep snow in the depths of winter to early spring when the snow has not yet settled down.

To use the ``LINX'' binding, you need to get used to tech bindings, but you can use it with the same gliding sensation as ``OUTLAW X.'' The best part is that it is lightweight, which greatly reduces stress when walking.

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KinTouN Backcountry Guide｜Kenichi Minegishi

What I am conscious of is keeping the overall weight light and not compromising on slippage.

GEAR Set Up

SKI: FOON SKIS | MAVERIC 182 Custom
BINDINGS: FRITSCHI | Tekton 13
BOOTS: SCARPA | Quattro Pro
POLE: BLACK DIAMOND | Viper Carbon

Overall, we are conscious of a setup that is lightweight and does not compromise on slippage.
For FOON SKIS, we chose the surfy "MAVERIC" template and had it customized to a supple flex according to personal preference, creating a one-of-a-kind original. This set is best suited for freeriding, which uses terrain more than speed.

The binding is FRITSCHI's Tekton 13, which I've been using for the past few years, and although it's lightweight and has pin tech, the toe piece has a system that absorbs vibrations, so I think the ride is as smooth as an alpine one. . The boots have been updated from "Quatro XT" to "Quatro Pro", and the poles are "Viper Carbon", the lightest class. It's surprisingly light.

Kuroda Mountain Guide Office | Makoto Kuroda

Not too strong, seems to be able to handle any situation

GEAR Set Up

SKI: ATOMIC | bent 100 188cm
BINDINGS: G3 | zed
BOOTS: SCARPA | Maestrale RS
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Propol

I just bought the board "bent 100" so I don't know how it feels. I chose it because it is not too strong and seems to be able to handle any situation. I've been using boots and poles since last year, and I like them because they're easy to walk in and I don't have many troubles.

Slips are not a big problem with any type of boots, but if they are difficult to walk in, they are physically demanding and can lead to shoes getting stiff and knee pain, so I choose them carefully.

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Niseko Mecca ｜Hisataka Tanaka

Setup for ease of movement with HOJI's 4LOCK system

GEAR Set Up

SKI: 4FRNT | HOJI184cm 4LOCK
BINDINGS: DYNAFIT | ST ROTATION
BOOTS: TECNICA | ZERO G TOUR PRO
POLE: 4FRNT | UPTRACK POLE

I am using the ``4LOCK System'' from 4FRNT's HOJI series. It's a full rocker ski, so you can easily turn without putting any weight on it. Good on steep slopes and crust slopes. It has a 4-lock system and comes with "POMOCA Free Pro 2.0". The Free Pro 2.0 is the number one compact seal, is lightweight, and offers outstanding ease of movement. This is a reliable system recommended for those who are having trouble with the tail hook of the seal coming off.

Both skis and boots are lightweight. Technica's "Zero G Tour Pro" is lightweight but has high sliding performance. The binding is DYNAFIT's "ST Rotation 12", which has fewer resin parts and is highly rigid. There are fewer troubles on the mountain.

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RIKI JAPOW GUIDE｜Riki Nakajima

Buoyancy, stability, lightness, everything is ideal.

GEAR Set Up

SKI: Rossignol | Super 7 HD
BINDINGS: Look | HM Rotation 12
BOOTS: Rossignol | AlltrakPro130 GW
POLE: Rossignol | Escaper Telescopic safety

Buoyancy, stability, lightness, everything is ideal. The boots are also designed with hiking in mind and can be used in the mountains without sacrificing gliding properties.

Click here if you want a route with little climbing or walking.

GEAR Set Up

SKI: Rossignol | Sender Free110
BINDINGS: Look | CAST Freetour 1.0 Pivot 15
BOOTS: Rossignol | Alltrak 130 HV GW
POLE: Rossignol | Escaper telescopic safety

Overwhelming stability, operability, and running performance. It's a little heavy, but the satisfaction of sliding will never exceed this, so if you're going on a trip with little walking, use this setup even if it's a little heavy.

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Masaaki Sato

To be able to respond to various conditions in Hakuba

GEAR Set Up

SKI: A 148-122-135 190cm | B 136-105-120 181cm
BOOTS: DYNAFIT | RIDGE PRO
BINDINGS: DYNAFIT | ST ROTATION14
POLE: POLEFREAK | TITAN

Hakuba has a variety of snow conditions, so if you have skis with a 122mm center, you can enjoy pack snow and deep wet snow. Since I spend a lot of time walking during my work as a guide and for play (private), I choose boots that are light on my feet, allow a wide range of motion, and have a good sliding feel and maneuverability. Boots are important because they have the biggest impact on skiing and climbing.

Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service | Mariko Sato

Is it possible to stay comfortable without compromising sliding or hindering walking?

GEAR Set Up

SKI：FACTION｜ agent4 179cm／ gent3 172cm
BOOTS：ATOMIC｜ HAWX ULTRA XTD 115
BINDINGS：ATOMIC｜ SHIFT² 10 MN
POLE：Black Diamond ｜RAZOR CARBON PRO

When it comes to boards, I don't want to compromise on slippage, but at the same time, I wonder if I can rely on my feet in a variety of situations while working. That's why I choose it. Whether you like the ride quality or not, and if possible, the color and design should also make your heart flutter. The moment we met, the moment we started skiing, the board that made me think, ``I might be able to make friends with this girl!'' (I'm excited!) is the board that will be my partner.The

weight of the board is also important, and when paddling through the bushes Most of the time it is held in one hand, and if it is too heavy, it will be difficult to carry, so no matter how sturdy the set of boards and bindings is, it will not be suitable for action, and even if you carry it, it will take away your stamina, so it is important to be able to hold it with one hand.

``Agent3 172cm'' can be enjoyed throughout the season, from getting used to the slopes in December, to powder in the high season, to Mt. Chokai in May, and is one that you can trust with confidence
. I like how the tail has just the right amount of tension and how it follows me well in the latter half of the turn. As for the length, I sometimes feel that it is insufficient, but when I think about whether or not it can be safely maneuvered in both open barns and forested areas, I think this length is suitable for me if I give safety a slight advantage. Does it match? That's what it feels like.

The ``Agent4'' has a slightly different riding feel than the Agent3, has a high degree of freedom, effectively eliminates the recoil that is transmitted to the soles of your feet, is easy to handle, and is a very fun board. It doesn't feel as thick as the numbers, so you can play with it anywhere, and it's a companion you can take with you on tours.

I've used several other bindings, but I've settled on ``Shift12.'' As with any tool, after understanding the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, we can spend the season in comfortable conditions without compromising the skiing or hindering walking, so we don't experience any particular problems or stress. .
In particular, I think it's important to handle bindings carefully, and to not rush when changing modes, and to take enough time to check whether they are functioning properly.

For boots, I use ATOMIC "HAWX ULTRA XTD 115" and I really like the way they hold my ankles. Moreover, since I started wearing these shoes, I have not had any blisters, so I think they are suitable.

I use Black Diamond poles when I go mountain climbing, and I trust them because they don't break easily, I've never had any major problems with them, and they handle parts replacement and repairs.

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TERUI DAICHI

The three elements of lightness, rigidity, and ease of handling are harmonized at a high level.

GEAR Set Up

SKI: ATOMC | BACKLAND102 (Winter) / BACKLAND85 (Spring)
BINDINGS: ATOMIC | SHIFT
BOOTS: ATOMIC | BACKLAND XTD

I decided to use a 102mm center lens because I wanted to be able to handle any situation with just one rod. I chose 85mm for spring because of its hiking performance and width that prevents it from getting buried even in coarse snow. I prefer boards that are not too long for my height, with climbing in mind. The boots are ATOMIC "BACKLAND Carbon XTD". Not only is it light, but it also has a good grip. The last is also 100mm, so it has a medium last instead of the narrow last that is common with light boots. I think many skiers can use it.

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Kagura Powder Station | Kazuya Igarashi

Lightweight so you don't get tired when climbing ・Boots are BOA for quick and reliable setup

GEAR Set Up

SKI: K2｜MINDBENDER 116C, MINDBENDER 106C
BINDINGS: Marker｜KINGPIN 13, CRUISE 12
BOOTS: K2｜MINDBENDER140 BOA
POLE: BCA｜ SCEPTER CARBON ALUMINUM

K2 "MINDBENDER106C 176cm" is set with "CRUISE 12" and is mainly used for long touring from the spring snow in mid-March to Mt. Gassan, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Tate, and Mt. Fuji. The skis and bindings are also lightweight, allowing you to climb long and steep climbs without fatigue and stability. The well-balanced combination of wood and carbon fiber provides a firm hold on slope changes and ice burns, giving you a sense of stability under a variety of conditions

. This allows for a precise hold that wraps around the entire foot, making it possible to start turns quickly and reliably. You can make fine adjustments by turning it backwards. When hiking up, the buckle doesn't hit the snow wall, and when setting up for skiing, there's no need to tighten or adjust the buckle, just tighten the BOA, and it's fast and reliable.

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IDEHA｜ Takahiro Ishizawa

Recommended setup for telemarkers

GEAR Set Up

SKI: K2 | WAY BACK 106 (179cm)
BINDINGS: 22DESIGN | Axel
BOOTS: SCOTT | VOODOO
POLE: K2 | DISPATCH 120

I'm a telemarker, so I like the K2's WAY BACK, which is lighter and more flexible than a hard, heavy board. During the powder season, I use a 106mm center, and from late March when the snow starts to settle down, I use a 98mm center. I like and use 75mm cable type bindings instead of NTN. A stiff binding with no play like NTN's is not bad, but I like to glide more freely on powder with a little play, so I'd go for the cable. The simple structure of ``22DESIGN Axel'' and its low failure rate is another reason for choosing it.

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Mountain Guide Coyote｜Ryuta Furuichi

Setup for enjoying powder in Niseko's backcountry

GEAR Set Up

SKI: tesma ski | Flipper 193
BINDINGS: 22DESIGNS | Lynx
BOOTS: K2 | SCARPA | TX Pro

I'm skiing on fresh snow in Niseko's backcountry area!　

COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜Tomohiro Shakawa

A setup that has excellent rigidity and power transmission, and has excellent running feel and running performance.

GEAR Set Up

SKI:TONES SKI｜NINJA -Black Edition -. ｜HANDS｜KANBA
BINDINGS:Marker｜KINGPIN 13
BOOTS:K2｜MINDBENDER120

TONES SKI is a domestically produced ski. You can tell from the shape of this ski that it has great glide, all-terrain performance, ease of maneuverability, stability underfoot, and stickiness of the tail. TONES SKI's third model "NINJA" has been released for the '24-25 season. The name comes from the word ninja. . a black version that creates functional beauty .

It makes sticky movements on the technical slopes of mountainous areas, and the way it rhythmically drops and turns is like a housekeeper (gecko). Its movement and diverse abilities give it a sense of elegance, and it is extremely fun to ride.

Marker ``KINGPIN13'' is lightweight and has a very direct feel with a low setting closer to the board. The seasoning and balance are exquisite. By using Marker KINGPIN13 with TONES SKI, you can expect a reliable sense of quality that will never fail, such as a reliable feeling of rigidity and a well-balanced feeling of communication with the snow surface.

The MINDBENDER 120 boots are also reliable boots that can be expected to enhance the feeling of skiing, with their reliable rigidity, the feeling of putting your feet in, and the feeling of catching the snow surface with the entire sole of your foot.

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JUNRINA mountain service ｜ Jun Nagai

A wide range of setups that can accommodate a variety of mountain conditions

GEAR Set Up

SKI: VECTOR GLIDE｜GENIUS narrow185
BINDINGS: MARKER｜Kingpin13
BOOTS: ATOMIC｜HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA GW
POLE: VECTOR GLIDE｜V STICK Straight

Narrow version of the popular fat ski "GENIUS". With its appropriate weight and flexibility, you can enjoy turning in a wide range of conditions, from deep powder to compacted snow. Since it can handle a wide range of conditions, it is also recommended when you can't predict the mountain conditions.

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CIRCLE GAME guide service ｜Shohei Sasaki

Setup with emphasis on balance between glide performance and weight

GEAR Set Up

SKI: VECTOR GLIDE | INTIMACY SE 188
DYNAFIT | ST rotation14
BOOTS: DYNAFIT | TIGARD110
POLE: VECTOR GLIDE | v stick straight 115cm

This is a machine that allows you to enjoy the snow and terrain from the mountains to the ski slopes throughout the season.
This is a setup that keeps the weight as low as possible without sacrificing glide performance.

"INTIMACY" has very high carving performance as well as powder. The binding is mounted quite far from the center, which may surprise you at first, but once you ski, you'll feel the ski flexing beautifully from the center, and it feels so good that you'll become addicted to it. The twin-tip shape makes it easy to operate with less snags even in bad snow in the mountains, and the front part of the binding is shorter than the toe piece, making it easier for the top to come up during kick turns. The strength and responsiveness of the skis is what makes them so appealing.

``ST RATATION14'' is a binding with a high level of perfection in all aspects, including the ease of switching to walk mode, the ease of putting on the toe piece, and the ease of raising and lowering the heel lifter.

"TIGARD110" is a 4-buckle boot equipped with the Hoji Lock system. This feature is so great that you can finish switching modes at least 30 seconds faster than other companies' products. If you're not used to it, one transition can make a difference of about a minute.

This feature can be a big help when it's windy, snowstorming, or your hands are freezing from the cold. When in walk mode, loosening only the third buckle will further expand the range of motion. If you loosen the 4th buckle, the benefits of the Hoji Lock will be halved, and I didn't notice much of a difference in the range of motion, so I recommend loosening only the 3rd buckle.

If you're a skier, you don't need telescopic poles, but they're lighter and your swing balance is much better. When I work as a guide, customers say to me 3 or 4 times a year, ``It's not a telescopic pole, is it?'' If you think you've been fooled, please try using a straight pole! ︎