I'm sure this topic has been posted many times, but I'm not finding the results I had hoped for. Maybe you guys can help me out!

For the next 3-5 years I will be exploring the bwca in the winter months heavily by xc skiing and I need a good set of skis that I can navigate the lakes and forest with. I will not be using these for groomed trails at all. I will be pulling a 100-125lbs of camping and photographic gear behind me on a expedition pulk sled (not sure if this will change the criteria for needed skis). A good, highly insulated boot is also a must as I will be in the wilderness during subzero temperatures frequently.

Could you give me any recommendations?

I appreciate your help!

Truly,

Ben

quote bolsonphoto: "I'm sure this topic has been posted many times, but I'm not finding the results I had hoped for. Maybe you guys can help me out!

For the next 3-5 years I will be exploring the bwca in the winter months heavily by xc skiing and I need a good set of skis that I can navigate the lakes and forest with. I will not be using these for groomed trails at all. I will be pulling a 100-125lbs of camping and photographic gear behind me on a expedition pulk sled (not sure if this will change the criteria for needed skis). A good, highly insulated boot is also a must as I will be in the wilderness during subzero temperatures frequently.

Could you give me any recommendations?

I appreciate your help!

Truly,

Ben"

I would recommend the boot that fits your feet the best. That's the most important thing by far. Shop for the boot first, and when you find one that is super comfortable, that in turn will determine the binding. I have personally found that the Salomon boots fit me well and I prefer the X-Adventure 8. If you are wanting something heavier, I would look at boots like the Scarpa T3 or Garmont Excursion, again with fit being the deciding factor.

For the skis, I would look for something waxable with a full metal edge. In cold dry snow a waxless ski will not get enough grip to pull a heavy sled without slipping all over the place. The metal edge will give you more confidence in hard or icey conditions. Madshus Glittertind, Fischer Boundless, Fischer E-99 are some to consider.

Ben, contact Mark Hansen in Grand Marais, he will build you a set of bush skis. He knows his stuff.
Whitecedar

quote bolsonphoto: "A good, highly insulated boot is also a must as I will be in the wilderness during subzero temperatures frequently."

I went the luddite route, with Steger "Arctic" mukluks and Berwin bindings, and love it. The mukluks are very warm and comfortable, and you're not changing boots in the cold. I also wear a wool shirt and pants with suspenders and use wood, tar-waxed skis...I get some funny looks at metro parks.

30% snowshoe / 70% ski / 100% fun

I have fischer silent spiders - the widest ski that will fit in a track. Great backcountry, yet fast enough on packed or wind-swept lakes.
Whatever you get, make sure to have metal edges - heavier but worth everyone in "footing" on uneven or packed area. I would not have waxable skis - I would go with waxless (it really sucks to be humping gear along and trying to get the right kick wax for temps) and the basic glide wax for enhanced speed where appropriate.
Boots - I have the greatest pair of rockies with removable liners. Fit like a hiking boot, but warm as a pack, but alas, they have been discontinued. Find something that will match that - go to gander mountain and try them all on. Steiger mukluk? They look neat - they are not water proof, they are a pain in the --- to keep dry and their foot support stinks for long walking - imo.

quote ewbeyer: "Steiger mukluk? They look neat - they are not water proof, they are a pain in the --- to keep dry and their foot support stinks for long walking - imo."

You're right, they're not waterproof. If you want that, they do make a rubberized version called Camuks. The soft sole is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it personal preference, and takes a little getting used to. They're terrible for pavement in the city, but I love them on snow.

sounds like a fun project, skiing and taking pictures.