James Bristol

This is to add to my March 7th review... I just purchased the Z12 110mm for the DPS Wailer 112...the carbon version. Along with the Titan boots, I can't think of a better backcountry set up for good powder days. These bindings really are the best. If you are teetering between, say, a Marker AT or the Dynafit, forget all the b.s. you may hear about Dyna-fiddle...just purchase the Z12 and feel stoked that you now have the sickest, most bad ass performing binding made. Peace

Whether you purchase the 60L or the 150L, you're going to get a huge, versatile duffel. The Rinotek is super tough material, which can take the stress of a good beating, adventure after adventure. I have the 60L which has lots of space to haul your abundance of ski gear or camping gear when you're car camping. The duffel has lockable zippers, backpack straps, two interior mesh pockets in the top flap. The lock loops at the top of the zippers are protected by a strip of velcro the width of the bag--many reviewers dislike this feature, I prefer it for the added protection. And, like many other reviewers, I do believe the bag would be somewhat better with compression straps inside. This bag is worth the money, especially on sale.

MSR and Arcteryx are my favorite brands, and both are making some of the highest quality products on the market. The Pocket Rocket is an compact, technologically sophisticated stove, an essential on every climbing and backpacking trip, or in your glove box just in case. The rocket is easy to use and light. If you are in overly windy areas consider cooking in a sheltered location, as I have had to re-light when cooking in high winds--it is fine in light winds.The red triangular case fits nearly anywhere and provides secure storage for your rocket. Just purchase if you want a small, lightweight work horse.

I recently purchased the Titan and had it fit by the Bootdoctors in Telluride. Wow. Unbelievable! The Titan is the most responsive, aggressive, and comfortable boot I've ever owned. I use it strictly with Dynafit bindings, which is a sick boot/binding system, both in resort and, more importantly, out of it!! The boots will not let you down. Don't waste your ski time thinking about another boot--buy the Titan!

I don't have much to add to the excellent reviews below (& above), except to say I am surprisingly amazed. I took a risk in buying the Z12 and a pair of Titan's. Killer set up. The Z12 will blow your mind. Amazing binding, easy to use (I've not had to dynafiddle with them), releases only when necessary--to save your as_-- but keeps you secure in the snow when you're tearing it up. I am duly impressed and proud to wear this unbelievable binding. If you are on the fence or worried about spending the money...just take the risk and purchase. You will be really glad you did.

Awesome rack. Very sweet. Easy to install. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee; fits perfect. Carries both skis and boards with ease. Closes and locks easily. Love the rack. Thule is sick! I used Yakama in the past; Thule stomps em.

Initially, I was skeptical about these gloves working well while skinning up the mountain in the morning when it is 14 degrees. The glove works great! When you're working up a sweat getting up the mountain, you fingers remain warm. The wind resistance keeps in the heat on the descent. If you have a long ride down be sure to throw a pair of Stoic Inbounds gloves in your pack--the Stoic is a great medium weight glove on very cold days for the descent. My hand is about 8" from the edge of the palm to the tip of the fingers and the XL fits great.

I am not sure why other reviewers report difficulties with chalk delivery through the Chalk Sock; I have had no problems. The sock quickly delivers the right amount of chalk over the entire hand. The sock is well worth the money!

The XP does exactly what it is supposed to do...the teeth on the belay add just the right amount of friction to any size rope in order to help you catch a fall or slow rappels. As long as the device is used properly, it will function perfectly.

The Ranger rocks--not only does my 60m Mammut Galaxy fit in the bag, but also 12 DMM Shadows. The synch straps pull it all together. The two shoulder straps make the bag easy to carry, whether over the shoulder or as a backpack. The attached 4x5 tarp keeps your rope clean! Excellent bag!

I first stumbled on Arc'teryx back in 2003, when I purchased a black Gamma MX for a winter trek in Europe. The MX was perfect!--whether in the snowy cold of Paris, the windy glacial breezes blowing down the Dolomites, or simply walking in a cool evening in Seville on Three Kings Day. I was comfortable in cold and warm in frigid-either very active or sitting outside drinking a beer. Two years ago I purchased the orange Gamma MX (because I loved the color) and wondered if it would be any better. Well, all the new features amp'ed up the quality, but the jacket remained as awesome as the first. If you want a great all around jacket, a jacket versatile enough to use almost every day in every situation (except a downpour), purchase this jacket. I own a number of Arc'teryx and this is my all around favorite (my ultimate favorite--for layering or wearing in Spring, Summer, and Fall--is the Epsilon).

The perfect helmet for every season and in any activity where you need head protection--whether ice climbing, spelunking, climbing at White Rock, or crazy mtn biking. This is the only helmet you'll need. The adjustments are the best and easy to maneuver, and the helmet holds essentially every headlamp on the market. While it can look dorkie on your head, in an accident or under a falling rock, you're safe. An excellent purchase!

If your plan is to purchase a probe, put it in your Osprey winter pack, and then forget about it (except for the occasional assembly for practice), then the Ortovox 240cm probe is perfect. Since the average burial in an avalanche is about 100cm, this probe will work well in nearly every avi situation. Make sure you also purchase a beacon and shovel...and if you like cutting fresh lines in deep backcountry powder, then you and your ski buddies should take an AIARE certified avi level 1 course--it'll make you never want to venture into the backcountry or totally psyched to do it!

While I hope you will never use the Deploy 3 in a real-life avi rescue situations, the shovel works perfectly in avi training--both in digging snow pits and digging out avi "victims." Some believe the blade is too small and the handle too short--wrong. The shovel's size allows you to pack it inside your pack, so the handle is not sticking out of the top of your pack or hanging outside of the pack to snag on something. And while you want a shovel in your pack and hope to never use it, you don't want it taking up too much room in the pack--Deploy fits perfectly and discretely. When in action, the small, lightweight size allows you to move more snow faster than a heavier, larger blade, because it is easier to handle. The large handle fits in heavy gloves. The Deploy 3 is one awesome shovel. If you need a shovel...stop looking, just purchase!

These pants are the only one to grab when you head to the mountains. While recommended uses do not include climbing, I highly recommend using them on your favorite wall. I have climbed in these pants for the past year both indoors and outside--the pants are in perfect condition, no abrasions, cherries, or torn fabric. I have plenty of room to move around. Because of the DWR coating, you can keep climbing on your super dry rope when it rains, and if you get hot you've good shorts to cool you down. The chamois cloth around the waste is awesome for keeping your hips comfy when you've got a pack full o' gear. The long belt loops keep your belt from getting hung up on your gear or pack. These pants are perfect for hiking, but equally as good for climbing--year round. l love um!

Great backcountry winter day pack. Osprey remembered everything when designing this pack! Starting at the top of the pack you can stash your helmet in an expandable zip pocket that contains an internal soft cloth goggle holder and key clip--yes, everything fits. Under the helmet stash is the traditional main compartment--will hold the some extra clothes and your avi gear. Through the back portion of the pack, on the other side of the main compartment, is another large compartment that will hold wet gear and your water bladder--but a full water bladder certainly cuts down on space for gear. In addition to holding a snowboard, the straightjacket compression system will hold a Black Diamond 3 (or 7) shovel. The belt has a zippered compartment that will hold nuts, two power bars and a small camera on one side and a beacon, knife, and a couple other small items on the other. Skis fit on the pack just fine and the loops are fitted with an interior fabric that works like rubber to protect your skis. I am impressed with the quality of construction, materials, and all of the features in a pack that is priced very well. Worth every dollar, especially if you can get it on sale!

The Arc'teryx Hardface is a great everyday glove for every purpose, from scraping a the ice off a car window or running a few miles in a snow storm. You can also use this glove as a liner in your favorite Hestra or Marmot cold weather glove to keep your hands warm below zero. The Hardface has excellent dexterity and passed all of my attempts to rip a seam. Great basic glove.

The climbers I belay are much safer with my Jake. The offset twist and lock gate ensure I never absentmindedly have an open gate. You cannot go wrong with Omega Pacific carabiners. Combine the Omegas with the DMM quickdraws and you have near perfection.

...bliss. These goggles are simply the best. I've been skiing with the Phenom for the past three seasons. The lens brings everything viewed to life--in bright sunlight, flat light, and low light. In bad weather they never fog up. The only time I had difficulty was in a wet driving snow, which caused the lens to collect a layer of ice (and was resolved with a pit stop for Irish Coffee). These goggles work perfectly with the Variant Brim, although when you take the goggle off it does not fit well on the helmet above the brim---You'll be perfectly satisfied with the Phenom.

I own the Hestra Army and the Randonee, both Gore-Tex. The Randonee is much warmer (I realize I am unfairly comparing a mitt with a finger glove). If you are skiing on a day with temps in the teens or below, take the Randonee. If temps are higher, use the Hestra (or add an Ibex thin wool liner for colder temps). I have never been dissatisfied with the Randonee. The quality of the glove is excellent. I've never had an issue with the stitching, as detailed in other review--for the last three seasons my gloves have remained in perfect condition. If you want warm fingers and are fine with losing some dexterity, purchase the Randonee. Great mitt!

Patagonia's down sweater ranks up there with my favorite jackets. It is extremely warm in very cold weather but light enough to wear when temps are in the mid 20s. It is also the lightest jack I've ever owned and looks great--it is not bulky and has a more athletic cut. The Sweater works perfect as an outer layer and if you need an under layer, works well under the Arc'teryx Stinger or Scorpion...and still is not bulky underneath. I'm 5' 11", 170; the medium fits perfectly. If you are wanting a down jacket, just purchase. Its awesome.

No complaints, just pure satisfaction. If I am skiing on a windy day with temps below 10 degrees and the trees are covered in perma-frost, I want to be wearing my Skullcandy Audio helmet. Wow...underneath that black polycarbonate shell is warmth and great music. The headphones produce extremely quality sound. The headphones don't look bulky--in fact you don't even notice them...only the little blue light. All of this AND ultimate protection for those unforeseen moments when you are cut off by some &^%$$$@#.... Whether you want the headphones or not, by the Skullcandy, protection, warmth, and high quality sound.

...for medium and small hands. Large hands need the C50p, C80, or even the Caco for mondo hands. The C40 is perfect for weekend climbing trips--easy dip in and out fully chalked. The draw cord ensures the top closes tightly so the inside of the C40 is white, not the inside of your pack. Only flaw: you cannot remove the belt without cutting--the famous Arc'teryx design standard faltered (a removable belt is a no-brainer).

I love Merino wool! This t is perfect for just about everything, particularly climbing and weight lifting. The t runs small--normally I wear a medium (5'11, 170ibs), but in this case the large fits perfect. I know it is pricey, so go for it when you have a coupon or loyalty discount.

Maybe at this point my reviews of Icebreaker products seem somewhat bias for anything they make. I love the Skier Ultralite Sock. On cold days my feet are warm and on hot days my feet are dry. The sock offers just enough cushion without compromising performance. The XL works perfect for those with 11.5" feet. Worth every penny!

I admit, Icebreaker is one of my favorites. The skier+ lite sock is excellent. I actually wore this sock for about 20 ski days when I finally threw it in the wash (I know ridiculous)...anyway...the sock was just as perfect, snug, and smartly tailored to my leg and foot as it was on day one--only slightly funky. I hate to compare but I think the sock is better than any of the other top ski manufacturers. I wear an XL in this sock with an 11.5 foot size and the fit is perfect. I really recommend this sock!

And all of you Lange boot wearers, who have the Boot Doctor put you in a few sizes too small--wear the ultra-thin...works great and prevents blue toe nails.

Awesome. Definitely keeps you warm on the slopes or while climbing on a cold day. The Rho is just as everyone says, you can wear it for days and not smell. I think I am giving it for a gift this holiday to a friend of mine who constantly stinks. The Rho will stomp out the smells.

Beware: the Rho runs slightly small. I normally wear a medium in everything. I should have gotten a large.

Awesome. Definitely keeps you warm on the slopes or while climbing on a cold day. The Rho is just as everyone says, you can wear it for days and not smell. I think I am giving it for a gift this holiday to a friend of mine who constantly stinks. The Rho will stomp out the smells.

Beware: the Rho runs slightly small. I normally wear a medium in everything. I should have gotten a large.

This bag holds it all and more. Just when you think it cannot hold other thing, there's room for the kitchen sink. Now if you have it that full, using the Boa as a backpack will be awkward--your gear will slip to the bottom and sit far off the back. If you carry it by the handles it works perfect.

I love this bag for carrying all my climbing gear when I head to the gym. My only wish is that the Boa had an additional internal pocket.

I love my Hestra Army with thin Ibex wool liner, otherwise, while your hands are dry thanks to Gore, they will not be warm on really cold days. But, again, think "liner."The Hestra offers lots of dexterity. The velcro cinch around the wrist is excellent and the end around your forearms cinches perfectly with a simply pull of a cord. The size chart is correct. If you are in the middle of two sizes, go up to the next size.Great all around glove.

Update. Cold day skiing...fingers were cold. Glove seems good down to about 10 degrees with a liner. Now I need to find a warmer glove. I still really like the Hestra.

Arc'teryx is my favorite outdoor brand. I own way too many of their jackets, love their shorts (especially the Rampart), and use their chalk bags.

Regarding the Miura: I like it, but not like my jackets.

The Miura is comfortable during the hike to your favorite wall. It will carry most of your gear. However, I would like two improvements: 1) the long zippered compartment running up the front should be organized like the zippered compartment on the Black Diamond Hollowpoint--lots of separate small storage pockets (sometimes you need to be able to organize your knife, lip balm, headlamp, gum, camera, keys, and other small essentials); 2) a base that allows the pack to actually stand upright without falling over.

Other than these two improvements. The pack ROCKS and looks great.

I agree with Loren's review--the Beasts are the best underthings I've owned. In fact, I threw out all my other underthings and have worn these exclusively for about two years. I have a 32" waist and the medium works fine, even with the shrinkage--which I did not find too cumbersome.

These underthings are a bit of an indulgence but worth every penny!

I just purchased these gloves because I needed a mid-weight ski glove and a gear-head-freak-friend of mine recommended this glove.Well, I must admit, I am impressed. While I cannot (yet) comment on whether the glove is warm, it certainly is made well! The leather is laid-in in such a manner as to cause the least seam stress, and the sewing appears quite strong (I gave the glove quite the stress test--since backcountry.com has a lifetime warranty. The wrist band certainly will not let in the cold snow or sleet and the velcro seals together perfectly. The glove passed all tests in my book.While I like the yellow gloves, I own the black ones since friends have the glove in yellow. I normally wear XL and the XL in this glove fits...well...like a glove.Peace!

Update: Glove very warm down to about 18 degrees.

The Rampart is my favorite all around climbing, workout, and summer party shorts--one looks good working up a hot cliff face--eg. White Rock--fighting off the centipedes or hiking some back country trail. I have the Rampart in each color--Titanium is my favorite (Mineral actually appears very light green).

When you climb the shorts offer plenty of mobility without being baggy. The Rampart length ends right at the knees. I am 5'11" 170 and the medium fits perfect.

So if you want a perfect pair of shorts...wait until you get a 15% off coupon and then splurge. You be glad you did.

I agree with Ronnie: this jacket is the perfect outdoor staple when the weather is less than perfect. I find that the is just the right type of protection against light wind and rain, particularly after climbing when a drizzle hits as you are heading back to your car or into a cave for cover. The jacket looks killer in town or out. I am 170 pounds, 5'11" and the medium is perfect with a layer (but not much more than than).December 8, 2009 Update: the Epsilon is a perfect ski layer above an Icebreaker 260 and under the Scorpion, and at the end of the day when you are having a Margarita at the base of the area, you can take off the Scorpion and look killer in your Epsilon. This jacket is extremely useful in multiple situations.

DMM Shadow is simply the best. You're done trying to figure out which quickdraw to purchase. While DMM is a bit more expensive than other brands, it is worth every additional dollar.

Update: June 14, 2010 - SInce the last review, I can still say that the Shadow is THE best. Don't purchase another brand of draw; you'll LOVE the DMMs.