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Michael McGuigan

Mountaineer // Sport Climber // Trad Climber

Michael McGuigan: #307 of 91,775 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    I love to play and frolic in the mountains of Central and South America. Especially Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, and Ecuador.

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Solid Boot

Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 28, 2009

Purchased these boots a while ago and love them. Very good for climbs below 14K or where you don't need uber-warmth. If you are thinking of climbing something over 6,000 meters, you may want to consider plastic. Don't wear these puppies into the back country strait out of the box, give them some real break-in time clunking around the house or taking the dog for a walk. I wear a 10.5 shoe and the 44s fit fine with a pair of silk liners and thick wool socks. My Sabertooth crampons fit like they were made for this boot but, I would not do any serious ice climbing with these guys. Mixed terrain, good neve, or short ice climbs are what this boot thrives on.

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A Tiger by the Tail

Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Crampon

Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Crampon

Rating for this product: 5 October 18, 2009

I used these crampons on a recent climb up Huayna Potosi in Bolivia. What an absolute pleasure. You could really feel those teeth sink into the hard stuff - I really felt as if I could focus on technique with these on my feet. On the final push up an almost vertical wall of mixed climbing, the front teeth performed flawlessly. These beauties go on and come off easily. The micro adjustment on the heel worked great, even with gloves. On the way down, as things got a bit softer I was grateful for the anti-balling plates.

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The Best Technical Shell Out There

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 29, 2008

I have had this jacket for three years and absolutely swear by it. This jacket has kept the wind, rain, snow, and ice off me at altitudes of up to 21k. It is bulletproof. The water proof sippers are tough as nails but easy to use. The hood goes over my helmet with no problem but does not interfere with my headlamp. There are pockets were they need to be and none that serve no purpose. I especially like the little shoulder pocket where I keep my lip gloss and map. Basically nothing gets that don't want in. This is a solid, tough, lightweight shell that, when used in conjunction with your other two layers, will do its part to keep you high and dry. Sure, its wicked expensive, but so aren't the medical bills when you use cheap stuff at extreme altitude and in extreme weather.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Does a Bang-Up-Job!

Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet

Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet

Rating for this product: 5 October 25, 2008

I have had this helmet for several years and swear by it. It has come with me to Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Vermont. Whether climbing glaciers at 18K or finger jammin' from a top rope, this light piece of protection will keep your noggin safe. Its easy to adjust, lightweight, ventilates, and you can attache a headlamp to it in the dark. Always wear a helmet and this one will do just fine.

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Classic Shoe

La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe - Men's DO NOT USE

La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe - Men's DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 5 October 25, 2008

Want to smear? Want to jam your toes into a crack? Want to climb all day and not loose too many toe nails? Buy this shoe, about 1/2 smaller than street size, trim your nails, and climb on! This shoe sticks to anything and will help keep you on the rocks and not in the air.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 0 No

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A solid investemt

Black Diamond Quicksilver Quickpack Quickdraws

Black Diamond Quicksilver Quickpack Quickdraws

Rating for this product: 5 October 25, 2008

Great standard gear for any regular sport route. They are light and easy to use. The rubber insert keeps them steady for those long reaches.

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Time to Upgrade

Arc'teryx R320 Rock Climbing Harness - Men's

Arc'teryx R320 Rock Climbing Harness - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 22, 2008

This is the best gear "investment" I could have made. I have always used Arc'teryx harnesses but this thing raises the bar to a whole new level. Everything from the self-locking buckle to the wear safety markers make this a piece of equipment you can trust. And is it comfortable! I dangled for about 45 minutes from the top of a crag belaying my partners and never once went numb! Just check to make sure you really are wearing it - its that light!

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

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Gear Galore

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag - 250 - 9070cu in

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag - 250 - 9070cu in

Rating for this product: 5 September 22, 2008

I have dragged this bag across more terrain than I can describe. It is my expedition bag and has come climbing with me to Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Chile. I own the medium size and can stuff my peak bag, all my climbing gear, cold weather clothes, snacks, and sleeping bag into this bag. It is tough, water resistant, and practical. I love the interchangeable and adjustable shoulder straps/handles. I usually line it, like my my backpacks, with large plastic bags to protect the contents from water.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Watch the Watch

Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch

Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch

Rating for this product: 5 September 16, 2008

I have owned this watch for two years and usually only wear it when I climb. I find that when I wear it I tend to bang it on door jambs, walls , and railings. It is thicker than your average timepiece. Tat being said, in the mountains and hills this thing does what it's supposed to do. I find the altimeter pretty accurate for something that uses air pressure to measure height. The barometer has given me a heads up on weather change a couple of times. Bottom line - its does what it was made to do - use it, enjoy it but know its limitations.

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Slip Sliddin' Away

Beal Stinger lll Climbing Rope - 9.4 mm

Beal Stinger lll Climbing Rope - 9.4 mm

Rating for this product: 4 September 8, 2008

I purchased this rope because I was looking for a single rope that didn't weigh six tons or fill up my gear bag. This rope meets both of those goals. My 60 meter length weighs in at just over 7.5lbs. By comparison, my 60 meter 10.2mm Flyer weighs almost exactly 8.5lbs. Word of caution, this is a thin rope and can scream through your belay device. Take a couple of test falls with your belayer if he or she is not used to thin ropes.

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Takes you to the top

Osprey Packs Stratos 32 Backpack - 1800-2200 cu in

Osprey Packs Stratos 32 Backpack - 1800-2200 cu in

Rating for this product: 5 August 28, 2008

I have used this pack to climb over a dozen 10,000' plus volcanoes. It has come with me up Cotopaxi, Orizaba, and Chimborazo. The Stratos has carried my sport climbing gear on countless crags throughout Guatemala. On expeditions I can cram it into my North Face duffel. This pack is tough, fits like a glove, keeps me dry, and holds everything I need to reach the top. I love the simplicity of the design, the side access, and the dual gear loops Ice ax on one side and poles on the other. Everything about this pack was designed for folks love to climb above the clouds.

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Awesome for alpine style mountaineering

Arc'teryx A300a Alpine Climbing Harness

Arc'teryx A300a Alpine Climbing Harness

Rating for this product: 5 August 28, 2008

I just wore this harness to the top of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in Ecuador. Awesome piece of equipment. Super light, functional, comfortable, and has all the right parts with nothing extra to get in the way or add weight. If you do technical climbing at altitude and plan on carrying a big rack, this may not be the harness for you. This more of an alpine style harness.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Sun, what sun?

Julbo Nomad Sunglasses

Julbo Nomad Sunglasses

Rating for this product: 4 September 24, 2007

I purchased these shades because I needed a replacement pair for high climbing. They are everything they claim to be: light, tight, tough, and definitely worth the investment. I did have to take them off every now and then when crossing rocky terrain and hard lava flows. Because of reduced contrast and the dark lenses, it was difficult to navigate the rough landscape. This is probably because it was a very sunny day and we were crossing lava beds/rocky terrain which tend to have very dark surfaces. That being said, these glasses are a must have if you want to protect your eyes at high altitudes.

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Compact and Able to Deal With Water - Tadpole

The North Face Tadpole 23 Tent 2-Person 3-Season

The North Face Tadpole 23 Tent 2-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 5 March 2, 2007

I recently purchased this tent as a replacement for one I had had for about 7 years. Its first trial came when I took it with me on a climb in Guatemala. The tent was super easy to set up, the color coding helps a lot, and had lots of room for one person. The vestibule also served as a great place to stow the pack. While we sleeping, we got hit with a nasty thunderstorm. The Tadpole kept me and my gear warm and dry throughout the storm, unlike the rest of the team. The only challenge I had with this product was changing in the morning. If you like to stand and stretch, this is not the tent for you. The Tadpole is a great product for the price.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

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Shrink Wrapping Rocks

The North Face Thermastretch Mock Long-Sleeve - Men's

The North Face Thermastretch Mock Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 16, 2007

I bought this shirt just before climbing two 13,000 foot volcanoes in Guatemala. It took a little bit of wriggling, tugging, and twisting to get comfy but, Wow, once on this shirt is sweet! I didn't want to take it off. The wicking action was superb, no bunching up under the arms and other places, and great flexibility. I was comfortable all the way to the top and only needed to add a light shirt when resting (cooling off). Highly recommended as a first layer.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Great Shades Except When Climbing Volcanoes.

Julbo Nomad Cameleon Polarized Sunglasses

Julbo Nomad Cameleon Polarized Sunglasses

Rating for this product: 4 January 17, 2007

I purchased these shades because I needed a replacement pair for high climbing. They are everything they claim to be: light, tight, tough and definitely worth the investment. I did have to take them off every now and then when crossing rocky terrain and hard lava flows. Because of reduced contrast and dark lenses, it was difficult to navigate the rough landscape. This is probably because it was a very sunny day and we were crossing lava beds/rocky terrain which tend to have very dark surfaces. That being said, these glasses are a must have if you want to protect your eyes at high altitudes.

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