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Brendan Gibson

Trail Runner // Mountain Biker // AT Skier

Brendan Gibson

  • Backcountry.com Employee Backcountry.com Employee

37 Reviews:

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53 Yes | 35 No

2 Questions:

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2 Photos:

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1 Gearlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Wasatch Back
  • Bio:

    I ski in the winter and trail run and mountain bike between times to make the time go past faster.

    I've been skiing for about twenty years in Australia, New Zealand, Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy, Chile, and of course the USA. Mostly fixed, but have recently started to tele as well.

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Teton View

Teton View

The North Face Roadrunner 33 Tent 3-Person 3 Season

October 8, 2009

National Forest campsite with a view of Grand Teton

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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In a Memorial Couloir

In a Memorial Couloir

MontBell Ultralight Down Jacket - Men's

February 11, 2009

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Not for MTB

Hutchinson Air Light Mountain Tube

Hutchinson Air Light Mountain Tube

Rating for this product: 3 August 24, 2009

Make sure you look at the size before buying these. If you want tubes for a normal mountain bike they should be at least 26x2.1

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Look Good

Mountain Hardwear Mesa Convertible Pant - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Mesa Convertible Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 9, 2009

Hey - these look good. What more can I say?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Great but fragile

MontBell Ultralight Down Jacket - Men's

MontBell Ultralight Down Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 June 9, 2009

I took this jacket out almost every time I went into the backcountry for skiing last season. Takes next to no room in the pack, and is warm when combined with another layer. Probably best not to wear this as the outer layer when skiing through the Scourge of the Wasatch - Gambel Oak - it will rip. Not that that is a bad thing - gave me an opportunity to add some duct tape for coreness.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Taste is fine

Nuun Nuun Tube - 8 Pack

Nuun Nuun Tube - 8 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 June 9, 2009

I bought these to do a Grand Canyon R2R2R. I tried them out a couple of times in training first, but was still wary of getting sick of the taste during the run. So wary that I took another bottle of clear water in case I needed to wash my mouth out. I carried that bottle of clear water the whole way without drinking it. I never got sick of the Nuun taste.

Oh, and I didn't get dehydrated either.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Backcountry.com Luft 800 Down Sweater - Men's

December 15, 2008

How small does this pack down? Is it suitable for ski-touring?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Versatile

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Rating for this product: 4 October 2, 2008

I skied with these for over 100 days. I used them both in the backcountry and on the piste with stiff alpine boots (both places). They worked as well as I hoped most of the time. I clicked out, or went into tele-mode, probably about 5 times in those 100 days.

I found that in the spring snow, towards the end of the season, there would be a lot of ice buildup near the rear attachment after skinning uphill. Not a major problem, but could take a minute to clean out.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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They do so much more

Line Prophet 100 Alpine Ski

Line Prophet 100 Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 5 October 2, 2008

I got these for big powder days. I skied them every day. On everything.

Float on the crud much better than any other ski I've had, carve easily, eat powder. Just a lot of work in moguls.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 6 No

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Zing!

GU Energy Gel - 24 Pack

GU Energy Gel - 24 Pack

Rating for this product: 4 September 16, 2008

I have very little caffeine in my diet, so when I suck one these down - it does the job!

The residue can be a bit sticky - that's the only problem I've had with these. Have used them in adventure trail runs and MTB races.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Not too sweet

Hydro-Boom Electrolyte 5 Sports Drink - Box of 12

Hydro-Boom Electrolyte 5 Sports Drink - Box of 12

Rating for this product: 5 September 16, 2008

I bought these for a 64k/4k vert trail race in SoCal. Hadn't tried this mix before, which was probably unwise, but this drink did the job for me. The flavor is not too sweet, which I like, but it is pleasant enough to drink a couple of liters of mixture along with some plain water.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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My shoe of choice

KEEN Wasatch Crest Shoe - Men's

KEEN Wasatch Crest Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 16, 2008

These are the most comfortable trail-running shoes that I own. I have used them in a couple of trail running races on very rough trails and they have protected my delicate little toes.

They are a little heavy for road, or buff trail. I wear other shoes in those situations.

The slight downside? The big plastic bit above the toes sometimes catches on rocks as you drag your feet.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Twisty

ZOIC Ether Bike Short - Men's

ZOIC Ether Bike Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 16, 2008

These are very comfortable shorts, and they don't puff out too much like some other MTB shorts.

The attachments between inner and outer short can get a bit twisted up. Picking at straws here - a fine pair of shorts.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Whip it out

The North Face Surge Backpack - 2050 cu in

The North Face Surge Backpack - 2050 cu in

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

This bag is great for traveling. So easy to just whip out the laptop when going through security.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Bends Easily

Black Diamond Carbon Fiber Ski Poles

Black Diamond Carbon Fiber Ski Poles

Rating for this product: 3 March 20, 2008

One of my poles already has a bend in the top section. Other than that, they are light and maneuverable. The baskets provide decent gription in the powder.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Slip a bit

Swix Ski Straps for Carve Skis

Swix Ski Straps for Carve Skis

Rating for this product: 4 March 6, 2008

These straps come with a rubber end that goes between your skis to stop the strap slipping down, I assume. They still slip a little, but otherwise hold the skis together.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Returned it

Giro 2008 G9 Audio Series Helmet

Giro 2008 G9 Audio Series Helmet

Rating for this product: 1 March 6, 2008

The little black box with the bluetooth goodness caused the sound to be very scratchy. I didn't want to find out that the quality assurance of the electronic bits was the same as that of the protection bits just after I hit a tree. I ordered another helmet from a different brand.

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes | 0 No

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The Perfect Boot

Blundstone  500 Series Original Boot - Men's DO NOT USE

Blundstone 500 Series Original Boot - Men's DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 5 December 28, 2007

I am wearing a pair of Blundstone #500 boots at the moment. In fact I wear these boots every day over winter.

These boots can do almost anything.

They are comfortable enough to run in - I have completed two road races wearing these boots.

They are stylish - I have worn these boots to the Ritz.

They are durable - I am on only my second pair in ten years.

They are waterproof - That's why I wear them every day in the snows of winter.

The only thing they are not ideal for is hiking. You can get better boots for that.

Keep the boot in good condition with Dubbin or beeswax.

Helpful Votes: 11 Yes | 13 No

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Great for warm days

Black Diamond Prodigy Glove - Men's

Black Diamond Prodigy Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 December 28, 2007

These gloves are perfect for when your hands have warmed up or on warm sunny days.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 5 No

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Yellow

The North Face Monte Cargo Pant - Men's

The North Face Monte Cargo Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 December 28, 2007

Another reviewer wrote about how yellow these pants were. Well for me, they are not yellow enough. I think the picture is pretty accurate. They are definitely yellow, not fluoro, and not khaki.

Apart from the color - they are functional. They keep my legs warm when I want, and cool down when I unzip the sides when hiking.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Take a backup

Katadyn Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter

Katadyn Vario Dual Technology MicroFilter

Rating for this product: 1 October 2, 2007

This filter worked fantastically well, had a great flow rate and very useful attachments. For the first three liters...
The filter stopped being able to pull water. Katadyn Customer Service were very helpful, but a little hard to contact in the backcountry.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 7 No

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Comfy

Mountain Hardwear Hardwear Baseball Hat

Mountain Hardwear Hardwear Baseball Hat

Rating for this product: 5 October 1, 2007

The cap fit right straight away. The brim is curved at just the right angle to mold the rest of the cap to my head. Unlike another reviewer, I think the buckle is great, the way that it tucks away.

Don't look too bad either.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Seemingly unbreakable

GSI Outdoor Table Set - 1 Person

GSI Outdoor Table Set - 1 Person

Rating for this product: 4 October 1, 2007

The plates can be bent inside a backpack, and have no ill effects.

The knife/fork/spoon are attached together by a plastic ring, that is a little annoying to take apart each time you use them. Didn't stop me losing the fork either.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Biking in the evening

Smith Threshold Interchangeable Sunglasses - Polarized

Smith Threshold Interchangeable Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 4 October 1, 2007

I got these glasses because I am often mountain biking in the low light of evening, and my normal sunglasses were too dark, but I still needed something over my eyes to protect them from the wind as I rode downhill.

The clear lenses fit that need well.

The only problem I have had with these glasses is that they fogged up while running in the snow.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Perfect for medium-length rides

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Backpack - 200cu in

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Backpack - 200cu in

Rating for this product: 4 July 13, 2007

The two liters of liquid that fit in the bladder is just enough for a 2-3hr ride. There is enough space for a few tools, wallet, a bar or two and a spare tube. They all fit comfortably. I have also taken this out running. Providing you 'burp' the air out of the bladder this bag is surprisingly comfortable.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Built well

Leatherman Juice CS4 Multi-Tool

Leatherman Juice CS4 Multi-Tool

Rating for this product: 4 July 13, 2007

I have had one of these for about three years, and I use it constantly. They are built very durably. All the parts still work as they should.

The only negative I have about this product is that the wine bottle opener is a little sketchy, but apart from that this tool is excellent for general use.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 1 No

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Comfy

Under Armour Red Line T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Under Armour Red Line T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 11, 2007

This is my favorite running shirt. It just feels so nice on my skin.
It is great when it's hot, but doesn't help at all when it gets a bit chilly, but I know it's not designed for that.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Stinky Pants

Under Armour Red Line Short - Men's

Under Armour Red Line Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 June 26, 2007

The tight inner doesn't provide much airflow, so these shorts get really stinky after a run.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Yummy

ProBar Koka Moka - Box of 12

ProBar Koka Moka - Box of 12

Rating for this product: 5 June 26, 2007

Anything with this many ingredients must be good for you! They taste fine too.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Needs a rubber band

Snow Peak Trek Combo Titanium Cookset

Snow Peak Trek Combo Titanium Cookset

Rating for this product: 4 June 20, 2007

I have used this set of pots on a few backpacking trips. No complaints about the weight, or size. I can fit my Whisperlite stove inside the small pot.
The pots discolor a bit after use over a flame.
Although the pots and lids fit together quite well in the supplied mesh bag, it is handy to have a rubber band or something to keep the lids closed tight to stop any rattling.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Stay on top

Pacific Outdoor Equipment All Out Lite Sleeping Pad

Pacific Outdoor Equipment All Out Lite Sleeping Pad

Rating for this product: 5 June 11, 2007

I bought this mat because it was advertised as 'slip-free'. Well, it is. I always used to wake up in the middle of the night halfway down my tent with my last mat whenever I camped on a slope so that feature was important to me.
The 'guard-rails' on the side of the mat also help keep you on the mat.
And it's very comfortable too!

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Good, light stove

MSR WhisperLite International Multi-Fuel Stove

MSR WhisperLite International Multi-Fuel Stove

Rating for this product: 4 June 11, 2007

I have used this stove with Coleman Fuel only so far.
Good points:
It boils water quicker than I expected, even at 2000m altitude.
It is very light and packs inside a pot easily.
Not so good points:
It is difficult to set a good flow for simmering without the flame going out.
You have to explain to your camp-mates how to use it, even if they say they know how. You can get pretty big flames if you don't prime it right.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Super Sock

Pearl Izumi Low Rider Sock

Pearl Izumi Low Rider Sock

Rating for this product: 5 June 11, 2007

I wear these socks all the time, mountain-biking and trail-running.
They are super-lite, don't slip in the shoe and have withstood a lot of washing and tumble drying without degrading.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Ultra-Lite, Ultra-Good

Pearl Izumi Ultra-Lite Sock - Men's

Pearl Izumi Ultra-Lite Sock - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 11, 2007

These are good socks. They don't leave your feet sweaty and they fit snugly without wrinkling. They have a bit more volume than the Low-Rider, but are still very light and compact.
What more do you want in a sock?

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Kill the noise

Thule Fairings

Thule Fairings

Rating for this product: 5 May 3, 2007

The whistling noise from my roof racks was driving me insane. I bought this fairing. Installed it. Now I can put the sunroof down and not be deafened.

Well worthwhile.

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Super Easy

Thule Big Mouth Bike Mount

Thule Big Mouth Bike Mount

Rating for this product: 5 May 3, 2007

I found this rack very easy to install. The only note is that you need a ruler/tape measure and an allen key. The allen key comes with the rack, a ruler doesn't.

My bike gets on and off easily and feels secure.

The rack is also easy to take off the car for when you aren't using it. I assume that if you have locks then it wouldn't be, but I don't have locks. Yet.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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5 pairs can be a squeeze

Thule Flat Top Ski Rack

Thule Flat Top Ski Rack

Rating for this product: 4 May 3, 2007

I took four of my mates up to Alta for the last day and we were able to fit all our skis in the rack, but it was a tight squeeze.

One pair of skis had to be split because the binding plate was too big, so we had one pair of skis taking up two places.

If we had 6 pair of straight skis we would have been fine, but I was the only one on 210 Heli-Dogs (for some reason).

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

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Grommet Warning

Reef Fanning Supreme Sandal - Men's

Reef Fanning Supreme Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 3, 2007

If you don't want to look like an idiot in front of your mates, make sure the beer you are opening with these thongs is upright, even if it seems easier to open the beer with the bottle upside-down.

Apart from that, these are nice and comfy and look great.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 3 No

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Oh so warm

Marmot Supernova Jacket - Men's

Marmot Supernova Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 February 13, 2007

I ordered this jacket because I was getting a little cold on the mountain with my older fleeces. Not anymore. This jacket keeps me nice and toasty even when it's r**ning.
The fit of the jacket is quite loose. There would definitely be room for another layer if it got arctic.

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes | 0 No

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Love this pack

Osprey Packs Switch 16 Pack - 900-1000cu in

Osprey Packs Switch 16 Pack - 900-1000cu in

Rating for this product: 5 February 13, 2007

There are so many pockets and straps on this pack that it comes with a manual!
Still, the features that I have used have been very handy, particularly the hip pockets for camera and phone. The big zip handles also make it easy to open and close with gloves on.

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes | 0 No

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