Let's ask riders to share their impressions on their favorite gear that they used to the fullest last winter.
This time, we will introduce the favorite skis, boots, and bindings of Kawaguchi TKY Yaya, who mainly works in Nozawa Onsen and skis in various places in Japan, including Rishiri Island.
rider profile
Takuya TKY Kawaguchi 40 years old
Experienced the world level after living as a bum in Canada.
She started focusing more on ski trips than park riding. She has traveled to over 50 countries on skis and surfboards, including a round-the-world road trip. Following her curiosity, she continues to travel to remote areas and meet ethnic minorities. Currently, we are holding events to convey the charm of traveling that combines BC skiing and surfing. He is the director of the travel planning ShareTavi project. Nozawa Onsen COMPASS HOUSE director and main guide. JMGA certified BC ski guide.
Kawaguchi TKY Takaya setup
Review of the entire setup
What kind of places and situations is this setup designed for?
This setup is for cool, playful adults to enjoy their snow trip to the fullest.
If you acquire the sport of backcountry skiing, you can enjoy it anywhere in the world where it snows, even if it's not on the slopes. This set maximizes the possibilities of such a snow trip. I believe this is a set that you can fully enjoy on Wandy's backcountry tours, so please take a look!
Please tell me why you chose this setup.
Our priority is to make sure that there is no compromise in slippage while being ultra-lightweight. Among ultra-lightweight gear designed specifically for climbing, there are actually many models that sacrifice slippage, and this is unavoidable due to their structure. However, the setup proposed here overturns conventional wisdom. It's like a new generation of perfection, with ultra-light weight that makes hiking an essential part of backcountry skiing easier, yet extremely satisfying skiing.
ski impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and ride quality of this ski?
Although they are extremely lightweight at 1350g (178cm) per leg, they are made by ARMADA, a brand that symbolizes free skiing, so they have a responsive feel and are designed to allow you to freely and enjoyably operate the skis.
The rocker is exquisite, so you can ski on powder even with a center width of 96mm, and the vertically cut side curves allow you to slide freely even in bad snow by adjusting the turn arc, which has many advantages in the backcountry where there are many uncertainties. is.
If you want to put more weight into powder or if you don't do many long hikes, LOCATOR 104 may be an option. For those who can add LOCATOR 112 in addition to LOCATOR 96, we are sure that BC in the middle of winter will be even more enjoyable.
In addition to that, please let us know what you like about this ski, such as its design or other points.
A simple design like a surfboard.
It's super cool with an adult riding it. The ultra-lightweight carbon seat is used to provide the perfect ride, but at the same time it has improved durability so you can use it for many years, and it is the best finish from an SDGs perspective.
I'm happy to have a simple design that I never get tired of since I've been with my partner for such a long time. The concave shape of the tail makes it difficult for the seal's tail clip to come off, which is also an annoying design that reduces stress.
What kind of people is this ski recommended for?
Recommended for playful adults.
I can't help but look forward to backcountry skiing on the weekends, and when I get back to town, I can't get the memories of last weekend's snowy mountains out of my head.
With light footwork, snow trips are the best way to live. It is recommended for such people. It's a well-calculated and excellent ski, so once I start explaining its functions and structure, I can't finish explaining it, but I recommend this ski to cool adults who want to play with both the rabbit and the horns, aside from poop. This is especially a must-see for those who have ridden ultra-light skis in the past, but regretted the ride because they didn't feel smooth!
boots impression
What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?
The previous model STRIDER, which was very popular as an AT boot specialized for slipping, has finally undergone a full model change!
It's even more lightweight at 1480g (26.5cm) per leg, making hiking even more fun. The last of the shell has also been narrowed down to 99mm, improving the fit and firmly holding the lightweight inner, minimizing the loss of slippage. The hiking mode switching lever is now external, and the ankle has a wide range of motion, making hiking just like trail running shoes.
In addition to that, please tell us what you like about these boots, such as the design or one point.
A bold structure in which the first buckle of the lower cuff is integrated with the second buckle using wire.
The best part is that with just one action of loosening the first buckle, the lower cuff including the second buckle is released and you can instantly switch to hike mode. Moreover, it goes without saying that this structure has resulted in further weight reduction.
The sole is made of Michelin rubber and is easy to walk on, making it a great structure for traveling skiers! Furthermore, since they are made from recycled old boots, you can help reduce your environmental impact!
What kind of people do you think these boots are recommended for?
Recommended for adults who enjoy backcountry riding.
Even if you want to go to the backcountry with a heavy set designed for skiing, you won't be exhausted when you reach the peak.
Make the hike easy and leave some energy left. And there is no compromise in sliding response. These boots will help you not waste your precious snowy mountain day. The flex of the UNLIMITED LT 130 may scare you, but since only the LT model uses ultra-lightweight materials, the LT130 is definitely recommended! In fact, it would be better to have something like LT130 because the ultra-light shell has a better grip and is easier to slip on, so be sure to give LT130 a try!
Binding impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?
You can hike to Mars at an incredibly light weight of 390g per leg.
The toe pin has a good grip, so I can run with the skis on (lol), which may sound like a lie, but I can't live without them because they're so light and offer skiing performance that far exceeds my imagination. It's also incredibly strong so it won't get damaged even if it flies in the park. There's no need to step on the scale every time you pack for a flight!
In addition to that, please let us know what you like about this binding, such as its design or other points.
Simple structure. Not only is it quick to switch modes, but it's also simple and hard to break. It looks clean and super cool.
What kind of people do you think this binding is recommended for?
An adult skier who is passionate about backcountry skiing.
Before you know it, you've found yourself taking long hikes deep into the countryside in search of snow. Even though everyone around me has switched to spring activities, I am the only one who continues to frequent the snowy mountains. People who just can't get enough and end up making two more round trips to the top of the mountain. Before you know it, you are not only traveling by car, but also going on flight expeditions. Try it as if you were fooled. Skiing will become not just your winter companion, but your life companion.
Please tell me where to install the binding and why.
Skis with this binding set are often directional skis that are good for hiking, so they are always FACTORY RECOMMENDED (manufacturer's recommendation).
