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).

In the world of backcountry skiing and winter adventure, the gear mantra has shifted dramatically over the last decade. Skiers are no longer asking, "How much can I carry?" but rather, "How little can I get away with?" This pursuit of ultra-light freedom has given rise to a new category of equipment designed for the solo traveler, the day tripper, and the minimalist. At the forefront of this movement is a product that is quietly revolutionizing how we approach side-country laps and remote ridge lines: the Suki Ski Solo Portable .

The name "Solo Portable" is the key differentiator. Unlike traditional skis (which require a matched pair) or snowshoes (which offer no glide), the Suki system consists of a single, wide-bodied ski with an integrated, collapsible binding system. When "portable" mode is activated, the ski breaks down or folds into a size small enough to fit inside a 30-liter daypack or strap vertically to a climbing pack.

Strap the folded Suki to the outside of your backpack. Use the included compression straps. Hike in flexible, insulated boots (think La Sportiva Trango or Scarpa F1). Use trekking poles or whippets for balance. When you hit a steep snow slope, deploy the ski.