Tips for getting into touring

SkiM8I've been downhill skiing for a while and used to race, but want to try out touring. Any tips on where to start/best/cheapest places to look for some equipment? (I sadly live on the east coast and craigslist looks pretty bare)

If your just looking to try it’s worth the consideration of doing daymakkers on your regular skis. Slap them on with a pair skins and go try it out. https://www.daymakertouring.com/collections/store/products/alpine-touring-adapters

daymakers are a polarizing product, for your first tour I personally wouldn't get them IF you can afford to spend ~500$ on a used setup. IMO too heavy to be worth it unless for booter sessions (good luck finding that on our side of the mississippi) Outdoor gear exchange in burlington always has used setups for sale and they rent as well. international mountain equipment in NH also rents and I think has consignment. There's a backcountry skiing in the northeast facebook group as well as backcountry skiing in the northeast buy/sell/trade facebook group, lots of info to be found there. Read blister reviews on products.

brogoldenhairdaymakers are a polarizing product...

Can you talk a little more about this wrt sidecountry (v.s. full-on touring)? Thanks.

chopchopCan you talk a little more about this wrt sidecountry (v.s. full-on touring)? Thanks.

I think short sidecountry is the 1 place where daymakers are superb. Especially if its a mix of sidecountry/resort laps. Weight isn't as big an issue, and skiability is much more important. plus the ability to use with any ski means your whole resort quiver just became sidecountry skis. For legit touring, not my cup of tea.

try it first you may not dig sweating uphill.
never waste your time with a frame binding they are heavy and suck.
bca trekkers and daymakers work. they arent great but they work and you get to ski down with nice bindings.
never ever cheap out on a beacon, shovel and probe. they save your life and your friends.