On a whim, I just picked up a pair of used Karhu XCD GTs in good condition--they're too short at 165, but they were 35 bucks, and I'd be a jerk for letting them get away from me at that price. Between the Pinnacles (with cleaned up bases and new flexors), the GTs, and the Hoks, I've probably now got...

So, I didn't hear any strong suggestions, so I waited 5 years and then I just went and got myself some Hoks. Got out on them today and had fun on the little bit of snow that we got overnight. I trucked around in the woods on and off the hiking trail and hit the local sled hill for a few up and downs...

Doing this with my snowboard-crazed boys in the upper Midwest next week. Fixed some DIY leashes to my Karhus with nnn-bc. Had no problems turning parallel at our little tow rope served ski hill here last year. Really fun and nothing like slogging around on heavy Alpine gear. Feels like I'm wearin' n...

Ok dudes, help a guy out here. Looking for something to tour with on hiking trails, two-tracks, etc, in Midwestern forests and Great Lakes dune country, but that will also be fun at lift served ski areas with my snowboard-obsessed boys; did this last year and had so much fun. I'd be using these with...

I thought this one was cool --

Have any of you MI guys skiied the dune climb in Sleeping Bear?

Hoks are amazing XC and downhill skis- if the snow is deep and soft- I find them virtually useless on dense, consolidated snow. Another technique to consider is using a single wooden pole- "tiak"/"lurk"- a single wooden pole can be used as both an outrigger and to create a tripod of balance- as wel...

Love it. Pocket wilderness. It's amazing how winter transforms well-trodden places into sources of solitude.

oh man, i wish i could get away that weekend...it's worth the almost 8 hour drive. that place is beautiful. and the biscuits and gravy at syl's in onthenoggin was great on saturday. endless coffee too, like a good diner should. just fyi! Syl's cafe is the spot. I've gotta make good on taking my boy...

I thought Hopslam would've dried up by now. I might try to get up this year to ski the ski area and then overnight in the woods. It's been a long time...