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James Bristol
Climber // Ice Climber // AT Skier // Alpine Skier // Mountain Biker
James Bristol:
#792
of 174,379
36 Reviews:
Helpful?
24 Yes
10 Questions:
Helpful?
1 Yes
28 Answers:
Helpful?
16 Yes
7 Photos:
Helpful?
6 Yes
0 Videos:
Helpful?
0 Yes
3 Comments:
Helpful?
1 Yes
2 Wishlists:
Helpful?
0 Yes
0 Field Tests:
Helpful?
0 Yes
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Stomping Grounds:
Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado
Rankings 
- #53 of 406 - Climbing Packs and Bags
- #77 of 520 - Shovels
- #99 of 495 - Backcountry Ski Poles
- #126 of 1,181 - Alpine Touring Boots
- #141 of 590 - Lightweight Gloves
- #169 of 1,552 - Winter Accessories
- #210 of 1,331 - Daypacks - Technical
- #237 of 1,431 - Alpine Touring Bindings
- #239 of 781 - Avalanche Safety
- #248 of 1,027 - Mittens
- #251 of 1,206 - All Mountain Skis
- #251 of 3,658 - Backpacks
- #253 of 483 - Climbing Helmets
- #256 of 897 - Alpine Park and Pipe Skis
- #265 of 576 - Belay and Rappel Devices
- #290 of 875 - Men's Hiking and Climbing Shorts
- #294 of 808 - Big Wall Climbing
- #308 of 2,014 - Winter Packs
- #317 of 824 - Duffel Bags
- #332 of 2,232 - Ski Gloves
- #349 of 892 - Climbing Skins
- #352 of 852 - Men's Underwear
- #352 of 1,365 - Climbing Accessories and Training
- #381 of 1,215 - Men's Midweight Long Underwear - Tops
- #433 of 1,102 - Canister Stoves
- #458 of 1,020 - Carabiners, Quickdraws, and Belay Devices
- #477 of 1,715 - Men's Hiking and Climbing Pants
- #540 of 1,867 - Alpine Fat Skis
- #567 of 5,214 - Men's Softshell Jackets
- #568 of 1,430 - Men's Performance Shirts - Short Sleeve
- #624 of 2,202 - Socks
- #653 of 2,536 - Car Racks
- #703 of 2,746 - Goggles
- #837 of 2,649 - Helmets
- #857 of 1,080 - Alpine Ski Bindings
- #1,354 of 2,190 - Big Mountain Freeride Skis
- #1,452 of 4,990 - Alpine Skiing
- #1,607 of 3,220 - Men's Ski Jackets
- #2,001 of 4,652 - Men's Down Jackets
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This is how you compare to the other Gear Gurus within a group of products. You earn one point for each of your list / reviews / questions / answers / photos / comments / votes. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up (killer), but you lose a point for every thumbs down (filler). Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x-you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.
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Mammut Galaxy Climbing Rope...
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Black Diamond ATC-XP
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DMM Shadow Quickdraw
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Omega Pacific Jake Carabine...
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Icebreaker SuperFine 200 Ho...
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Arc'teryx Epsilon AR Softsh...
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Arc'teryx Rampart Long Shor...
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Metolius Rope Ranger Bag - ...
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Arc'teryx C40 Chalk Bag
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Black Diamond Momentum AL H...
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Petzl Ecrin Roc Climbing He...
- Helpful Votes: 0 Yes |
See Full Wish List -
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LEKI Cruise Carbon Ski Pole
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Look PX 12 Ti Jib Wide Ski ...
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Smith I/O Exclusivo Goggle
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The North Face Park Cargo I...
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Black Diamond Hollowpoint B...
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Smith Variant Brim Skullcan...
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Icebreaker BodyFit 260 Crew...
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Icebreaker Skier+ Lite Sock...
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Line Blend Ski
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Icebreaker BodyFit 200 Legg...
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Dalbello Sports Krypton Pro...
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Arc'teryx Epsilon AR Softsh...
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Patagonia Down Sweater Jack...
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Hestra Army Leather Gore-Te...
- Helpful Votes: 0 Yes |
See Full Wish List -
Miura 50 at Los Conchas, near Villa Caldera, NM
Arc'teryx Miura 50 Backpack - 2746-3356cu in
February 7, 2010
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
0 Comments
BD Traverse at Work...
Black Diamond Traverse Ski Poles
February 5, 2010
...among some carbon probes above Red Mountain Pass, near Silverton, Colorado.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
0 Comments
BD Carbon Ski Poles at Work...
Black Diamond Carbon Probe Ski Pole
February 5, 2010
...on Red Mountain in Colorado.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
0 Comments
Dream in the Snow Pits
Black Diamond Deploy 3 Shovel
February 1, 2010
The Deploy 3 on a 30 degree slope on Coal Bank Pass in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
2 Comments
Ramparts on the Wall
Arc'teryx Rampart Long Short - Men's
January 12, 2010
Coffee bean Ramparts at Momentum in SLC.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
0 Comments
Traverse at Alta
Smith I/O Exclusivo Goggle
January 7, 2010
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
0 Comments
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C40 in action
Arc'teryx C40 Chalk Bag
December 19, 2009
Near the Valle Caldera in New Mexico.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
0 Comments
DAKINE Transit 18L Backpack - 1100cu in
April 22, 2011
No. They all have it. It's a fine little pack. Peace.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Gregory Z 35-R Backpack - 1983-2472cu in
August 28, 2010
You are fine with the 31L and the 35L. The 39L becomes more sketch, particularly if you really pack the back external pockets. Happy flying.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Gregory Z 35-R Backpack - 1983-2472cu in
August 28, 2010
You are fine with the 31L and the 35L. The 39L becomes more sketch, particularly if you really pack the back external pockets. Happy flying.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Black Diamond Demon Backpack - 1953-2197cu in
July 7, 2010
Black Diamond is generally awesome. I use the BD Hollow Point for simple sport climbing days where I carry my rope in a separate bag--and the wall is not far from my jeep. The bag I use for longer treks to the wall with more gear, such as a trad rack, is the Arc'teryx Miura.
For comparison sake, the Miura is fine and easily will hold your gear but lacks an important feature BD typically integrates into their packs:
--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)
Be sure to look at the fine details of the packs...those extra bells and whistles make organization much easier, which makes a difference in your experience outside. Peace
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Dynafit Titan TF-X Ski Boot - Men's
March 7, 2010
Awesome boot! A great combo with the Z12 and the Wailer.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Dynafit Titan TF-X Ski Boot - Men's
March 7, 2010
I have wide feet. Go to a reputable fitter who can deal with the width. The boots will be painful, but, eventually will pack out and be much more comfortable that the first few (or more) days in the backcountry. If you're a Lange wearer this boot will fit much better on wide feet. You may also want to try the Black Diamond Factor. I believe it is slightly wider. Good luck.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins
March 4, 2010
Will these skins work on 178cm DPS Wailers with dimensions: 131/105/118? If not, what skin do you recommend?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Black Diamond GlideLite Mohair Pure STS Climbing Skin
March 4, 2010
Will these skins work on 178cm DPS Wailers with dimensions: 131/105/118? If not, what skins do you recommend?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Dynafit FT Manaslu Speedskin
March 4, 2010
Will these skins work on 178cm DPS Wailers with dimensions: 131/105/118? If not, what skin do you recommend?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Dynafit TLT Vertical FT Binding
February 28, 2010
If I my ski is 105mm under foot...should I get the 92mm and bend them or the 110mm?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Black Diamond Method Alpine Touring Boot - Men's
February 28, 2010
Thanks... I got the Titan.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Black Diamond Factor Alpine Touring Boot - Men's
February 28, 2010
Thanks...got the Titan.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Dynafit Titan TF-X Ski Boot - Men's
February 28, 2010
Forget it. I bought the Titan.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Black Diamond Factor Alpine Touring Boot - Men's
February 23, 2010
I need a new boot for a DPS Wailer 105 with Dynafit TLT Vertical FT 12 Bindings. Any strong thoughts on either BD Method, BD Factor, or the Dynafit Titan?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Dynafit Titan TF-X Ski Boot - Men's
February 23, 2010
I need a new boot for a DPS Wailer 105 with Dynafit TLT Vertical FT 12 Bindings. Any strong thoughts on either BD Method, BD Factor, or the Dynafit Titan?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Black Diamond Method Alpine Touring Boot - Men's
February 23, 2010
I need a new boot for a DPS Wailer 105 with Dynafit TLT Vertical FT 12 Bindings. Any strong thoughts on either BD Method, BD Factor, or the Dynafit Titan?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Blizzard Poacher Alpine Ski
February 21, 2010
Mitch, depending on your style and level of skiing, I can suggest the Look PX series TI Binding--from the 12, which is a great all around binding, to the 16, which, besides being good for skiing fast, hard, and super sick, is good for hucking cliffs. Look has a good price point--well worth the money. I've used the PX12 for the past year on a pair of Lines that are 100mm underfoot--skiing mostly powder in the trees and bumps--and I love them. If you want to spend a bit more money, check out Marker, which makes truly excellent bindings. I have a pair of Marker M14s on a pair of K2s--again, love them. Hope this help a bit.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Line Prophet Flite Ski
February 18, 2010
Hi Suzy, I ski on Line Blends (100 under foot), among others. Great ski. If you are semi-expert, check out some other sick skis--DPS Wailer 105 (Carbon), Moment Skis, PM Gear, or Blue House (I like the Maestro)(check the websites of these makes). There are some great skis out there... If you like the trees and backcountry, concentrate on a skis a bit wider than 90--and for the hell of it...support the small indies; they're making some amazing skis.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
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Line Prophet Flite Ski
February 18, 2010
Hi Suzy, I ski on Line Blends (100 under foot), among others. Great ski. If you are semi-expert, check out some other sick skis--DPS Wailer 105 (Carbon), Moment Skis, PM Gear, or Blue House (I like the Maestro)(check the websites of these makes). There are some great skis out there... If you like the trees and backcountry, concentrate on a skis a bit wider than 90--and for the hell of it...support the small indies; they're making some amazing skis.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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K2 ObSETHed Alpine Ski
February 17, 2010
A couple of years ago people said purchase a ski length, which when you stand the ski tip up in front of you, it rises to between your chin and your eyebrows. Now the independent ski makers seem to lean toward the longer, more limited lengths of ski (eg. 178 and 188 only). You want a ski that is big enough to be stable at speed, hold a good edge, but not sacrifice maneuverability. Longer skis are generally faster and more stable when going fast. The short skis are somewhat more maneuverable--although with rocker skis that may not be the case--but some stability is sacrificed at higher speeds. All this being said: Purchase the 189s--you'll be happier.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Armada Motive Ski Pole
February 15, 2010
Yes. Although the Motive comes in only one length of shaft, because of the quick release Love grip, the shaft can be easily cut down to your size. Adjusting is no problem.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
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Line Prophet 100 Ski
February 14, 2010
Really...there is not a huge difference between the 90s and the 100s. The 90s will be slightly better in the bumps. The 100s may be slightly better at carrying you on powder days. I would go with the 90s since you will be skiing mostly in the east. The 90s also will serve you adequately during the weeks you are experiencing killer powder days at Snowbird or on Kachina Peak in Taos--the 100s would be slightly better. But, again, in your situation, the 90s will serve you better all around. Either way, go for the 186 length, or for another line of skis, check out PM Gear, Moment, DPS, or Blue House.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
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Line Prophet 100 Ski
February 13, 2010
Joel...you'll be fine on the 179s. Enjoy a kick a__ ski!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Osprey Packs Kode 30 Backpack - 1600-2000cu in
February 12, 2010
While I love Deuter packs, I choose an Osprey after comparing the Freeride 30, the Kode 30, and the Switch 26. I purchased Switch 26 and LOVE IT. In your situation, I suggest the Osprey Kode 30, which is slightly bigger than my pack and the Freeride. You will be psyched that you have the extra room. The Kode 30 holds all the avi gear and essentials for a day of AT'ing. While these packs are really very similar, the Osprey gives you the option of a hydration system--although many people don't use it because of freezing. I've not had this problem. I think you'll be quite satisfied with the Osprey...they make outstanding packs!
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Line Blend Ski
February 10, 2010
I ski on the Blends. Matthew gave you a great answer. I definitely agree with him--go for the 183s, longer in this case is much better!
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
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DAKINE Heli Pro DLX Backpack - Women's - 1100cu in
February 10, 2010
You've got to purchase it separately. The pack is compatible, but does not actually come with the bladder.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
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Smith Scope Pro Goggle
February 9, 2010
I would test googles at a sporting goods store in your area. I own Smith goggles and most, but not all, of my prescription frames (both regular and sunglasses) fit inside the goggle with no problem. But I would test various goggles first and then purchase from Backcountry.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Arc'teryx Miura 50 Backpack - 2746-3356cu in
February 8, 2010
The Miura 50 loads easily from the top, essentially like any typical top loading pack, although this pack has zippers running down each side from the lip of the roll top, which make it much easier to load effectively from bottom to top. The roll top opening is large, and with the zippers down, even larger. Generally, I clip my quickdraws onto the loops running down the interior of each side of the pack, then I cram in the rest of my climbing gear. Once it is full, you place the two top flaps together, roll and synch down. I'll work on getting a photo of the pack opening. It's an excellent pack for your climbing gear on day trips, but for a climbing trip of more than a day you'll need something bigger for your additional camping gear.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Black Diamond Shiva Alpine Touring Boot - Women's
February 3, 2010
I would not put on two...simply have the toes punched. Whoever fits you in the liner should be able to deal with punching the toe box after you have skied a morning in the boot.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Ortovox 240 Economic Probe
February 2, 2010
The average depth of a body under the snow pack in an avalanche is 3 to 3.5 feet or approximately 100 centimeters meters. The Ortovox 240cm should function just fine. The real usefulness of a probe will be dependent on whether the person buried under the snow has a beacon, and that you have a beacon in search mode--nearly any probe over 200cm works when everyone in the party has a beacon.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Icebreaker Beast 150 Brief - Men's
January 14, 2010
BACKCOUNTRY: When are you getting a new shipment with Mediums?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Arc'teryx Epsilon AR Softshell Jacket - Men's
January 13, 2010
Brandon is completely correct. I own both jackets. I prefer the Epsilon, but I live in the high desert plane of New Mexico--I use the jacket year round, cool summer evenings and as a layer under a Patagonia Down Sweater in the winter. The Epsilon will be too light for the activities you describe, especially since you live in Michigan (I moved to NM from Chicago). While I LOVE the Epsilon, I recommend the Gamma AR--you certainly will be warmer. The Epsilon will be useful for fall and spring wear. Good luck!
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
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Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex XCR Glove
December 24, 2009
I need a warm glove. I own this glove and my fingers are cold, even with a thin wool liner. Any recommendations for a new glove? What about the Marmot Expedition? A friend of mine says stop using a glove with Gore-Tex. Thoughts? Thanks.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Arc'teryx Sentry Jacket - Men's
December 24, 2009
I agree with Kevin and Kurt, Arc'teryx is simply the BEST. I am fighting the urge to purchase the Sentry, as I have five others--from the Scorpion down to the Epsilon. I love each one for different reasons, and I will not waste my time dealing with another company. Life is short; I don't have time to experiment. So don't waste your time trying to buy another brand, just break down and buy the best; it's worth every penny!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Marmot Randonnee Mitt
December 21, 2009
I agree with Angus. You'll be warm down to zero. You may want to wear a very thin wool liner to keep warm at temps several degrees colder. If you think you'll need something warmer, try the Marmot Expedition mitt, which has been known to keep fingers warm at temps well below 0 fahrenheit.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
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Smith Variant Brim Skullcandy Audio Helmet
December 17, 2009
I am with Alexander. You have no idea that the helmet helmet even has headphones if it wasn't for the plug or the blue light. I think this helmet is awesome and extremely warm.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex XCR Glove
December 8, 2009
I have the Hestra Army and a pair of Marmot mittens (that otherwise look almost like the Hestras). The Marmots are warmer (but they are mittens). The first time I wore the Hestra Army I was skiing on day when it was about 20 degrees and windy...so the wind chill was probably about 10 degrees. My fingers were cold. I purchased a VERY thin IBEX wool liner--made all the difference. My fingers are warm now. The Hestra offers lots of dexterity--great glove.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Look PX 15 FS WB Ski Binding
March 30, 2009
Will these bindings work on Line Blends?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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