Garrett Grove

Super versatile, breathes pretty good and gives great weather protection. I do not recommend a light color as it gets dirty fast. It feels like your favorite shirt or sweatshirt, stretches like Stretch Armstrong too! Cant go wrong with this. Very trim sizing, wish it was a bit of a longer cut for my tall lanky frame.

These pads saved my knees when I was learning to snowboard and telemarking.... You put them on under your pants and nobody can tell you're wearing them. I don't even notice that I am wearing them, they are so light and comfortable. I don't want to take any chances with my knees. I STRONGLY recommend them for any beginner snowboarder or avid tele skier.

I have done experiments with these bags to see if they are actually waterproof by dunking them filled with paper to soak up water if it leaks though. The paper comes out totally dry. On top of that they are tough and can handle many years of use. Big fan of these bags.

I got this to protect my down bag in wet environments and it keeps it totally dry and compresses to an smaller size. The straps are strong and the bag is durable. Can't complain about this bag in any way.

This is not my compass of choice for any precise measurements but for a basic compass to have with you it does a great job. Can take a few drops to the ground, gives good easy readings and is very small.

It has a longer straight edge, declination, measurements and still nice and small for my pocket. I have used it for many years and still performs like new, great for nearly everything you could need a compass for. Would be nice to have a mirror on it for more accurate readings. Very similar to the Suunto M-3G Global Compass but without a Global needle and with declination adjustment.

"Advanced input like 1:50 scales and inch and millimeter rulers let you plot a course no matter what type of topo map you are using." This is the reason why I got this compass, ease of use on many different maps. The sighting mirror makes readings faster and more accurate. The declination is easy to adjust and the compass is very strong and can handle lots of backpacking or orienteering.

This ski sock is outstanding. It fits like it was made custom for me and the cushioning is just right. Still waiting for them to start smelling, has not happened yet. After 30 days of riding they still don't have any rub spots or holes either. Very durable.

I love the lexan material. It can bend a lot and not break, lightweight and just lasts forever. Used these for a very long time and still waiting for them to break on me.

Received this as a gift a while back and the LED first was hard to turn on then it just stopped working. Awkward sizing and design. I suppose it is ergo but impractical. The tools themselves totally work and are very strong but just don't like the design very much for backpacking and general use.

Leathermen did a great job on this multi-tool. Used it for a while now and has performed excellently for me. All the tools are still attached and working smoothly. Like the pocket size and versatility.

This is the classic design. Scissors, saw, can opener, all the essentials are here with nothing unnecessary. I have been using mine for years and love it. Blades are still sharp and nothing has broken.

This is the pocket knife I take with me everywhere I go. It is basically my money clip. Very small and lightweight so it in unobtrusive and very sharp. Works great!

I worked at a gear store for a while and we could not keep these in stock. From the thin design and great materials and the weight of only 1.8 ounces it is very nice. Super strong and functional.

This shirt is indestructible. Super comfortable and bright! I wear it at least 2 days a week. Love it.

I love this watch. The size fits my medium wrists perfect and it only has the basic functions that I want to go on a run with. Lightweight that I don't notice it too much and strong enough that I don't worry about it either.

These shorts are the perfect length. I have nice long chicken legs so I like a medium length short on me. The material is very soft and dries extremely fast. Quality is very high and the inseam is high enough that you don't notice it when you are taking long strides! Great short, true to size. 6'1" and 170 use size Medium.

Works great in all winter temps until about 20 degrees. Bite valve is nice, sits snug to your back and you get plenty of suction out of it. Great bag until it freezes, so use it in mild winter climates.

These are great on hard surfaces, even hard packed trail. They last a very long time and don't slip off the end of you poles. A good purchase in order to extend the life of your poles.

These are the sweetest gaitors and a great price. The Ventia membrane repels all water, is very durable and lightweight. They fit great and breath pretty descent. The strap underneath the foot is very strong to, as it has never ripped on my. I wear size 10 boots, but have skinny legs and use a medium.

I use touring pants that do not have built in gaitors but I don't want to use full on gaitors to just keep that snow out. These do the job for me wonderfully. They do not ride up or down, they stay put nicely and no snow gets in my boots when going into the deep stuff!

Not my favorite gaitors, they are pretty bulky, not super waterproof and not very durable. I would rather them not have those useless vents at this point. They seem to be wearing out rather quickly too.

Arcteryx has accomplished making the best backcountry pack in the industry. Totally waterproof and bombproof. This holds your snowboard or ski super tightly, so they don't move around and cause extra fatigue. I love the big size for light overnight tours or bringing all my camera equipment. The hip belt fits very snug. Wish it had a hydration insulation sleeve and pouch though.

This doesn't have a very good hip belt, but everything else is still fairly comfortable. The hydration sleeve keeps your water from freezing to about 10 degrees outside. There's an easy access top lid, and plenty of room for overnight tours. I love this pack.

This is the super light, take only the essentials touring pack. I use it on my short yo-yo days around the resort most of the time when I do not need any extras. Holds the stuff in tight without a bunch of clanging around on my back. Makes skiing easier without all the extra weight back there too.

Osprey's packs seem to be getting better and better lately. Their fit is stupendous around the waist and how it fits securely to my back. Very strong and lightweight backpack. Use it for cragging, rock or ice, ski tours or fast and light alpine ascents. I even use it to carry my school books! I use it all of the time and love it for everything. Not a single thing on it is falling apart after 6 months of good use.

This has gotten me through a few hairball traverses. Never worried about it performance, very secure and solid crampon. Use it all the time for steep ascents or traversing. Attaches pretty easy and have not bent it or anything yet of any major significance.

With how low Dynafits sit these risers are great to transfer for edge to edge with less stress. They are very stable and secure and did not lose any of my torsional rigidity with them. Expensive though for some plastic...

These are my ski of choice for ski mountaineering. They hold an edge with the best of them for those steep hairy, icy descents. Pretty lightweight and great response to my movements. Very snappy and lively and can make very tight turns when you need them. Overall very reliable and proven ski.

The Rapid Transit ski offers a quick-turning ski for its dimensions. I prefer it in consistent snow conditions, and it takes a few runs to dial it in. Once dialed in, the ski offers quick response from edge to edge and good edge control in firmer snows.

This ski is characteristically Atomic in feel, stable and predictable. Stiffer than some or many other ski, it holds its own in all snow, although getting from edge to edge on groomers takes some getting used to and big boots are a must to control this big daddy!

Skis well on groomed - like a cruiser it is very comfortable and predictable to use. Cuts and busts up crud well. It's a fun, mid-speed carving ski that seems to like to dodge, dart, and play. Great for ski mountaineering or icy descents.

nice combo of lightness and stability-tracks well while busts crud with the best of them, quiet and damp. They are crudbusters capable on consistently arcing turns, even at super speeds! Nice nice touring ski!

Waxed my ski last night and took out this tool and was stoked I spent the 3 dollars to get it. Super easy to use and makes sure you clean just the edges of your ski or board and not the base of that fresh wax.

Received this as a gift a little while back and have been super thankful for it. Heats up in seconds, you can dial in the perfect temperature. Makes waxing your ski's or board super easy and fast. Never had any problems with it. I guess if you know that you are going to be waxing your own stuff for years then this is a good purchase.

For many years I just scraped my board with a flat edge before waxing then my friend told me to use this. It is amazing how much wax is still left on your board after a thorough scraping. It really is an attention to detail not worth missing. Great purchase.

These really do there job; removes all those nasty little burrs that cause your face to smack to the ground after you tried to de-tune or tune up those edges. Lasts a very long time. Dont use inside though, little particles fall off when gliding across the edges. Save yourself some pain and get one.

After one too many screwed up edges with the cheap edge sharpeners I finally forked out the money for this guy, and it was well worth it. No more dull edges, wrong angles or dings, this sharpens them right up with ease. Worth the money if you want to do it right the first time and not pay a ski shop about this price for them to do it over and over again.

Much better then trying to tune your board or skis and having them move exactly when you dont want them to, causing a burr in an edge or un-needed stress. I finally decided to just bite the bullet and make my home able to do what a shop can and it has actually saved me money over the years. The vise is secure but it could be even more, slightly wobbly.

The looks on this tool are intense but it really allows you that extra torque you need to tighten those bindings down in the cold. All the different screws and hexes you could possible need. The screws fall out on occasion though, be forewarned not to use this in soft snow, the accessories might disappear.

Stomp pad, wax, leash and tool the 4 accessories you need on top of a board boot and bindings while learning to ride. I have used them all and they work great. I actually received this as a gift when I was learning to snowboard and still use the tool a few years down the road.

Not necessary on most days but for those cold ones this is great! Super warm and breathable, you cannot beat the quality and performance of wool. Very durable, no holes in them yet and they dry very quick without a stench.

For a while I was just using the Tech Wash by NikWax for my soft shells, it did the trick but left a slight residue on them and did not seem make them perform how they should. I have been using this lately and the residue is gone and the water shedding properties are way up again.

I highly recommend this for the Nubuck and Suede shoes. It really extends the life of them by a big margin. Easy to use, little messy.

I heard that you could use a light detergent to wash your down bags or coats and do not do it. Totally deflated it. So heed my warning, use this instead. Keeps up the loft and the life of the down product. Use a front loading washer/dryer though if possible

Having this in an easy to use spray bottle is amazing. It works super well and is very easy to use. If you rain fly is losing it's repellent finish then use this stuff, it works very well.

Now I don't usually use my fleece as a layer to keep the rain off. I got myself a bottle of this to wash my old fleeces and then took them outside in a drizzle and the water beaded right off of me. It lasted for a good couple handfuls of outings. Not a necessity but a nice option to have.

This globe has nice and thick glass for some extra durability. Works great and can handle the high heat well. No complaints.

I have used this on some night ascents on Rainier and Baker and it has probably saved my life. I used to manage with a Tikka Plus (before they got brighter) and now I use this. The xenon light boost shines up the entire side of the mountain. Great for alpine pushes or dawn patrol in the cold weather. The batteries last for a long time also.

Not a very necessary item to take camping but a nice one. When all set up it is plenty sturdy and big enough for one person to eat on. Wish the legs were a little taller, but breaks down small and easy to set up.

I was a bit nervous about this purchase but after a few uses with groups of 3-4, even 5 once I am sold on it. It sets up fast, breathes pretty well, packs down to a good size and handles wind very well. I have only used this on ski tours and winter camping but have no complaints or qualms with it. The vent really lets out that rising moisture that condenses on the roof, and the foot print is a good purchase to add to the shelter.

Man this is a great thing to bring along on you rock climbing road trips. Perch it up next to your car and wallah you are set. Never though I would be caught dead with one of these until I saw another person using it and I copied there idea. Good room inside and fast and fun way to camp.

I had these as a sample a few months back and now this is all I use. About the equivalent of two cliff bars, thus the higher price. They go down very easy, no indigestion of feeling of it not being absorbed. Apple Cinnamon is a tasty flavor too. Made in my hometown of UTAH!!

I had these as a sample a few months back and now this is all I use. About the equivalent of two cliff bars, thus the higher price. They go down very easy, no indigestion of feeling of it not being absorbed. Take a look at that list of nutritional ingredients. Koka Moka is my favorite flavor, never gets old to me.

I have tried to use the backpacking case to carry eggs with me. Eggs have so much good protein and calories, but they always break. This is a great tasting option to have when you are fed up with your eggs breaking before breakfast on your camping trip.

It is hard to go wrong with cereal, that is why I chose this. It tasted just like my cereal at home but doesnt go stale on a week long backpacking trip. They dont get soggy fast either a nice option.

Mary Jane makes the best tasting back country meals in my opinion. This amazing oatmeal is a testament to that statement. Nice and thick and creamy the way I like my morning oatmeal!

Can life get any better then cooking up some amazing pancakes on your Whisperlite in the middle of the mountains. These pancakes are ones I would cook at home if they weren't so expensive for everyday use. Puts bisquick to shame!

Mary Jane does it again, makes a new favorite meal for me to consume while hiking or camping! This one takes a bit longer to get ready, extra boil time to soften up those lentils, but once it is done it tastes nearly like your moms homemade soup. Not all salty and bad indigestions after like other camping meals. Warms me right up!

This is my top three of Mary Jane foods. This soup is super thick, tastes great and very quick to make. Not super salty or any bad after tastes. Simply put, you cannot improve this Lentil Bisque even at home!

I dont know how Mary Jane does it but everything I have of theirs is incredible. So easy to make and way to easy to eat. I brought this on a three day hike and we had it on the last night and for some, it was a highlight of the entire trip. Hot, moist brownies 3 days into a backpacking trip, who can complain. Very Good!

One of my favorite backcountry meals to have is bean and cheese burritos, lots of calories and protein and they taste great. I used to bring canned black beans and tried some other brands but these ones are the best by far. Take them with me on nearly every trip now, I have even used them at home for dinner.

I call this my "B.I.F.F." shovel in the backcountry. "Bathroom in Forest Floor". It digs like a dream and is very sturdy. Weighs in at two pounds but is very nice to have with you in the woods or where the soil is deep. Never had any problems with it.

I use this whenever I go camping, most especially snow camping. I have had a lot of pots tip over in the snow due to it melting underneath it and now it is not an issue. Very durable as a cutting board too. Attaches to the outside of you pack with a beaner.

I attach this to the outside of my backpack and throw it around and it still has note broke. Not quite as good of a seal for pushing the grinds down as I would hope, but oh well more caffeine. I never worry about it falling apart on me during my trips and brings a good comfort of home out into the woods.

I take these in my RV or any car camping trip where wine glasses have a very good chance of shattering. They break down small and I don't ever have any problems with the top falling off when I am drinking out of them. Have not had a single glass break on me yet.

These are so lightweight that I don't even really notice that I have them. When folded out and in use they are sturdy and not flimsy, never collapse on me when I do not want them to. Do not melt under heat either, a great addition on my hiking trips.

Extremely lightweight and easy to take with you when you are debating the necessity of a 3rd. The sharp end plunges right into packed snow for various belays that are needed. Head grabs snow well, overall a great tool.

I have used this confidently on steep ice pitches or chutes and it gets a good grip in most condition. The slightly bent shaft is a great feature and makes this tool super versatile. My favorite tool for most uses.

With the semi aggressive pick and short shaft with grip I take this on many outings. The pick is durable and takes hold of ice very well. I was trying to decide on a general mountaineering axe or a ice tool and the venom fits what I need perfectly. A great alpine tool!

Slides right into the snow and can take a descent beating from your feet or from the hammer of your ice axe. It is aluminum so it is somewhat soft and the metal will dent when hitting it into very hard ice conditions. Overall very satisfied with the product.

Not quites as smooth as the more expensive models but a great screw none the less. It goes in very smooth, easy to rack/un-rack and extremely strong. Wish they were color coded though.

What can you say about this tool? It is super sturdy, lightweight, great angle, subperb grips. Only wish it could plunge into snow easier for boot belays. Over all I really enjoy this tool and the hammer gives a very study blow when needed. Have not experienced the pick wiggling loose and needing to tighten it as often as I do with other tools.

This is the most beautiful performing tool I have ever used. I borrowed it from a friend for a alpine route and felt so solid. The angle is perfect and I love the optional hook at the bottom of the shaft. Pick never wiggled loose and felt like a very natural swing.

I have used this crampon on many a glacier slog and cannot file a single complaint. They walk very well and are extremely light. Not durable enough for kicking hard and planting steps on steep icy terrain of about 50 degrees or more for an extended period of time. But for what they are made for they excel!

I use these when I have a route that has a bit of everything in it. Glacier slog, steep chutes and even a few good icy pitches. They hold there own very very well and are a great do it all crampon.

These go on very secure and stay on. The wet snow stays off of the bottom of my crampons. No more slipping for me, these work very, very good!

These go on very secure and stay on. The wet snow stays off of the bottom of my crampons. No more slipping for me, these work very, very good! The bowl design pushes the snow off before it even has a chance.

I went without these for as long as I could bear because I am cheap. When I finally slipped one too many times on one too many trips I gave in and got them. IT IS WORTH IT! I hardly fall anymore and the snow does not stick even for a moment. Fit very well on the specific model they are made for.

From the dexterity to the great padding on the back of my hands these are my favorite climbing gloves. They do get wet after extended use in wetter conditions though. The warmth is moderate, will not handle temps in the teens too well. But for some good climbing gloves these fit the bill, and they are very durable.

This pant fits very true to size. I would have preferred a medium long size (6'1" 170 lbs.) but a large works pretty good. They shed rain very well and are super durable. Side zips would have been a nice option to add to them.

This hat is on my head 75% of any given day. I have broken it in and really like the simple looks of it. Comfortable and not too stiff of a fabric. Breaks in nicely.

I take a .5 liter of hot chocolate up with me to the mountain every time I go skiing. Drink the first half to warm me up before skiing and 6-8 hours later it is still hot for a nice warm up after skiing. Does not leak at all and the lid makes a nice little cup.

Used this on a few camping trips and social gatherings. The wide mouth makes it easy to drink and the shot glass is a great size. It is virtually indestructible and has taken many falls. The seal is very good and I never lose any precious cargo that is stored inside of it.

This protects your friends, yourself, or your gear from some unnecessary harm when your ice axe is on your backpack. Very durable and stretches over most ice axes as I have experienced.

These may be the smoothest screws I have ever used. Fit in very narrow places and are extremely easy to distinguish in sizes. The handle is excellent and makes placement very effortless (relatively speaking).

This is a great pole for the occasional skier. If you go more then 8 times in a year or so get some better ones because they will bend with ample use or aggressive skiing. But they are a great cheap pole you don't have to worry about.

I got these some from friends and feel super lucky. They are so light and feel great in my hands. The slings for your hands adjust very easily and loosen very easily too. Really like these poles for some serious carving on those groomers!

I took this Dakine bag up to Alaska and over to Europe with two pairs of skis and it still looks like new. No tears and my skis were all in one piece. Zippers are strong and there is enough room for two skis and clothing also.

Much like his bigger brother the Double, the Single is very durable and the zippers do not snap off at all. The padding is more than adequate and there is enough room for clothing and extras too.

I could only handle so many days in the cold with my water freezing before I tried this winter hydration sleeve. It works, too. My water will only freeze when the temps drop down to the single digits. The bite valve seals the water from dripping excellently and lets water out very fast when needed. Wish it was a 100 ounce though for those longer days outside in the cold.

I do not think a spoon can get any better than this. I seriously cannot break it or melt it. I have even dropped it onto my stove and it did not melt. Bent it to extreme angles, still one piece. Great backpacking spoon!

Like advertised, this is a very compact and fast drawing knife for your basic needs. I have found that it takes a bit more sharpening then the ones that I have had in the past. I am willing to deal with it though because I love the size and action of the blade.

So this is not the best small pocket knife I have had. It opens a little too easily and I am not a big fan of the stumpy blade. But the blade is a good quality and it stays sharp.

These skins run up the snow unbelievably well! Ice, powder, crud, high winds, sleet, they handle it all very well. Little heavier then I would prefer but the durability makes up for the weight 100 fold. Use them and love them!

These were a great replacement tip for when my old ones ate the dust, literally. Goes right on and my poles are working again and in great shape.

These adapters work just as well as buying the whippet poles themselves. My buddy and I both use them and swap poles and notice no difference at all. Easy to convert your carbon trekkers into sweet whippets!

Not the best pole out there but a great option when I did not want to spend very much on them. They have held up but they do not break down very small and the poles are a tad on the heavier side. They are very strong and they hold their own in stability.

This pack is amazing for in-bounds and short out-of-bounds riding. Holds your ski or board super tight and the hydration sleeve keeps me sipping on water. The fit is excellent, they really nailed it on the head with this pack. Very comfortable, wish it was a bit bigger like 32 liters for longer tours or to fit camera equipment.

Started using these on my splitboard mountaineering endeavors and they work great. Solid hold of the boots to the binding interface. Do not loosen up and easy to use in cold weather.