Backcountry Access Alpine Trekker

Pros: Ability to use Alpine Skis and Boots
Cons: Heavy, Clumsy

Two years ago, I got talked into doing a backcountry ski mountaineering trip. The plan was to take 3 days to climb 7,000 vertical feet to the summit Mt. Shasta in N. California, and to ski down. Sounds pretty good huh?... 7,000 feet of perfect Sierra...

Pros: Skiing steeps with alpine gear
Cons: price

Although my actual experience with the alpine trekkers is limited to 2 back country ascents it was enough to sell me on them had I the cash to buy them. The point is who wants to slog up 4000 - 6000 vertical ft in 2 ft of fresh powder, get to the top,...

Pros: compact, dont have to buy new skis
Cons: put you up too high above your skis, break easilly

The guides company that i work for and everyone in it has tried this system at least once and the outstanding opinion of everone there is "don't waste your money". The way these are set up put you much too high above your skis. Everytime i...

Pros: Nifty idea, light weight, good adjustability.
Cons: Plastic parts are prone to cracking and failure. Designed only for the lightest use.

Nearly every time I've used my BCA Alpine trekkers, something on them has broken. The black plastic heel clips broke incrementally, first just at the leash attach point and then the whole lever snapped in two. Worse, the plastic "boot toepiece" has cracked in half under minimal loads. I've done this twice: First while in use, when my ski rotated but my bood did not. Then I broke another two weeks ago while in the parking lot, clicking in. I think it is because when the oval beam is loaded rotationally (as in a kick turn) it "cams" the plastic apart. I fixed mine (?) by cross-drilling, inserting horizontal screws, and filling the toepiece with epoxy. I hope that solves the problem, but I'm very hesitant to trust these things after several bad experiences. Another problem is that the adjustable oval beam will pull apart when not under load, and pieces can get lost in deep snow. I'd recommend (a) bringing LOTS of duct tape EVERY time you use these, and (b) don't rely on Alpine Trekkers for any serious backcountry use.