1. I have been considering buying a new backpack to use for hiking/fishing/biking trips. Here lately (especially because of the possible meeting for skiing in April) I figured I might as well buy one that I can attach skis to. Anyone have any recomendations for a good pack? I am not looking for something that is huge, but I would like something that is moderate sized. Another question I had was which for of ski attachment is most perfered? On the sides angled up? On the back straight up and down?? Any feedback would be awesome!


2. The other question I had was about ski waxing. I would really like to get my own iron and basic equipment to wax my own skis. I would really like to do this because the only local ski shop is about 30 mins away and doubles as a boat shop. They have already put away all of their ski tuning equipment and got out there boating stuff. This happens every year and makes it a pain to get any waxing done. I believe that having my own waxing equipment would save me a WHOLE lot of hassle. I was wondering if waxing your own skis is worth it? I know some about waxing already but would certainly purchase a handbook and probably DVD before putting a hot iron on my bases. If you were in my position would you get your own gear?

Thanks for any input!!

Can't comment on the backpack be would whole-heartly recommend waxing (and tuning) your own skis if you're of a mine to. It's not difficult and there's very little you can do wrong that can't be scraped off and done again. Of course, you could burn the bases, but you would really have to try hard.

This is the first year I've waxed and tuned my own skis and I am very happy. My skis get at least a touch up every weekend and sometimes more often

I would say go for it. Feel free to PM me, or to post questions here if you run into any problems.

Clay

1. Backpack. You should have no problem getting one right now. Look online. My buddy got a really nice one by dakine. Medium size, easy to ski with and it has ski loops.

2. Waxing. Started doing it myself this season and it's really not that hard. Use the temp recommended for the wax and keep the iron moving. Don't let your bases get too hot, i.e. don't stand there with the iron planted on the base while you chat on the phone. The point of a hot wax is to get the base warm enough to accept wax better. As long as you don't melt the damn things you're fine. Afterwards have a good scraper to get the excess off and then use a scotch brite pad to buff and texurize it.

BTW when I was in Utah I used Zardoz Notwax on my base one particularly warm day. Yeah. Think Clarke Griswold in Christmas Vacation on the saucer sled and you get the idea.

I plan to try them on at a store and find about what I want as far as size and extras, then I will take to the internet (probably Backcountry) to buy. My main concern with the backpack is ski location. Which is generally perfered? Does it really make a difference? I am completely new to this so I have no clue.

Hiking/skiing I use 1500-2200 cubic inches, with sternum and waist belts; for biking I'd use something far smaller than that, around 700 cubic inches, that doesn't span the chest and doesn't come up as high on the back, both for sweat evacuation and non-interference with the head/helmet.

For ski attachment, A-frame carry tends to be annoying with low ceiling/canopy or when the tip-tying strap gets loose; diagonal carry is a PITA in narrow places, they're both pesky to deal with for short hikes. A bigger backpack (one I wouldn't wish to bike with) is more stable for them jouncing around on your back.

Waxing:
Swix has online videos, Swix and Toko and Holmenkol have online instructions.

check out tognar.com,

I have been tuning my own for years and only use a local shop for restructuring after a major base repair. The more wax applications the better your skis will glide. I am always amazed at the number of people who do not wax and ski on dry bases.