But if you are a dirtbag winter adventurer —someone who climbs frozen waterfalls in the morning and skis out through the forest in the afternoon—the is a revelation. It collapses the barrier between hiking and skiing. It allows you to say "yes" to routes that require a technical descent without forcing you to carry a heavy, awkward load up the technical ascent.
Tip for buyers: Look for the "Alpine Touring" version versus the "Ultralight" version. The Alpine Touring version has a thicker edge (2.2mm) which is worth the extra 50 grams for rocky approaches. Let’s be realistic. If you only ski groomers or ride chairlifts, you do not need this. If you only hike in the summer, you do not need this. suki ski solo portable
Reached the ridge? Pop the binding release. Fold the ski. It slides back into your pack in 45 seconds. Continue scrambling over rocks. But if you are a dirtbag winter adventurer
Place the Suki on your dominant foot. Unfold the binding and cinch your toe and heel down tight. Because you only have one ski, you will "step and slide." Your unencumbered foot (wearing a crampon or micro-spike) does the stepping; the Suki does the sliding. This is surprisingly efficient on moderate slopes (under 20 degrees). Tip for buyers: Look for the "Alpine Touring"
It is not a pair of skis. It is an ice axe with a glide base. It is a snowshoe that actually carves. It is the ultimate tool for the solo traveler who measures success not in vertical feet per hour, but in smiles per mile.