Light Touring Gear Reviewed

Marquette Backcountry ski

150-135-140mm in a single 135cm length  |  9lb. 4oz.  |  $179

Then there were the Marquette Backcountry ski. The company bills it as “30% snowshoe, 70% ski, 100% fun.” One tester inverted the first two figures, exclaiming “snowshoeing has never been so much fun!” As another said, “None of us skiers can figure out what this is.” Despite climbing scales half the size of dominos, grip was indifferent. Going down a figured 40° pitch might get them running. Or a crust rendered by freezing rain—but then there are no metal edges. “Backcountry skis?” asked another tester. “They’re backyard toys.”