Clothing

Gear

Accessories

Get Your Profile Dialed

Christopher Smith

Whitewater Kayaker // Trad Climber // Skier // Backpacker

Christopher Smith

  • Backcountry.com Employee Backcountry.com Employee

24 Reviews:

Helpful?
16 Yes | 2 No

1 Questions:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

2 Answers:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

0 Photos:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

0 Gearlists:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

Flag

Un-Flag

Close

Something wrong with this profile?

Thanks for pointing it out. We'll take it down immediately and send it to our clean-up crew.

This profile was: (Optional)

Use your real name to add some legitimacy to your content. Real names mean real community, and real community means real knowledge. Gear Gurus who use their real names get bumped up 1.5x for each contribution - you deserve the credit. For more info check out the Help Center.

This is how you compare to all the other Gear Gurus on Backcountry.com. You earn one point for each list / review / question / answer / gear photo / comments / votes you contribute. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up, but you lose a point for every thumbs down. 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.

Change me.

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.

Warm but Small

Stoic Luft Down Sweater - Men's

Stoic Luft Down Sweater - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 November 9, 2009

I love the jacket, but the sizing is definitely off. I know it's an "athletic cut" but I think that the sizing chart is just flat out inaccurate. I normally am between a L and XL, but the XL fits on me like most L's would. My chest size is about 45, which would put me in a L on the sizing chart. I'm fairly confident that no one with a 47 in. chest (let alone a 49 in. chest) could fit in an XL.

On the bright side, it's a very warm jacket with great pockets. I especially like the fact that the material on the inside of the pockets is soft, but doesn't snag when my skin is dry (like DriClime does).

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 2 No

4 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Not going to break this french press.

GSI Outdoor Java Press

GSI Outdoor Java Press

Rating for this product: 5 May 20, 2009

My wife and I got this for camping and road trips. We drink French press coffee at home, but wanted a press that we wouldn't have to worry about breaking when it's buried under a bunch of gear or stuffed into a pack (i.e. one that's not made of glass). The previous version of this press had a plastic handle and no insulating sleeve. I definitely prefer the new sleeve with the cloth handle as it's much more compact.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Not durable enough

SealLine Baja Dry Bags

SealLine Baja Dry Bags

Rating for this product: 1 May 20, 2009

I bought a 10L version of this back to keep essentials with me on kayaking day trips and it developed a hole on my second outing with it. Since this is supposed to be a dry bag, any size hole is, of course, a big deal. The material feels really burly, but it apparently isn't. Next time, I'm going to try one of SealLine's Black Canyon dry bags (item number CAS0573) in the hopes that it's more durable.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Extrasport X-Treme Pant - Men's

April 15, 2009

Does anyone know if these have neoprene or latex cuffs at the ankles?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Beats skiing inbounds

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Rating for this product: 4 March 20, 2009

These are the only AT bindings I've owned, so I can't really compare them to others. However, I will say that they are very intuitive to use. I really like having the two different heel lifter settings and being able to easily adjust them with my ski pole. One downside is that they can be hard to get into in soft snow or on a slope because of how far the heel-piece retracts. But I'm comparing that to alpine bindings and not other AT bindings.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great for going downhill...

Black Diamond Megawatt Ski   08/09 Model

Black Diamond Megawatt Ski 08/09 Model

Rating for this product: 4 March 20, 2009

I used these on a day in the backcountry with about 12in. of new snow. Turns in the powder were effortless despite the fact that it was very early in the season for me. The next day, I had them at Solitude and found them to be easy to ski in powder (of course), but also more manageable on hard pack than the Pontoons are. I think these are a great ski for the resort, but too heavy to tour with on a regular basis. I also don't like the tip rocker when skinning.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Very comfortable

KEEN Bandon Clog - Men's

KEEN Bandon Clog - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 9, 2009

I got these to replace some Merrell clogs that I got about 7 years ago. These are super comfortable and have great arch support. I like the tread on them and the fit. They're feel much more secure and are much easier to drive in then my previous clogs were.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Sold Out

Easy and Versatile

Rossignol S7 Caballero Alpine Ski

Rossignol S7 Caballero Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 5 March 2, 2009

I rode these in some pretty good snow at Snowbasin a few weeks ago and loved them. They're almost as maneuverable as Pontoons in powder, but way more manageable on groomed snow. You can definitely feel the short running length when on a groomer, but I still felt comfortable going pretty fast. These are, by far, the most versatile and easy-to-ski powder-specific ski I've tried so far.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Thule Stacker Review

Thule Stacker Carrier

Thule Stacker Carrier

Rating for this product: 5 October 2, 2008

I just got this rack and love it. It works really well for whitewater boats. I've even found that the space in the middle of the rack works well for carrying paddles.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

It's Dry

Pacific Outdoor Equipment Expedition Dry Duffel Bag

Pacific Outdoor Equipment Expedition Dry Duffel Bag

Rating for this product: 4 June 11, 2008

I used this bag on a three-day trip down the Dolores River in southwestern Colorado and was very impressed. It kept everything completely dry and held a ton of gear. The daisy chains made it easy to lash down. Only thing I didn't like is the zipper. I think it's unnecessary and the bag would be easier to roll down without it. That air release valve is super handy.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Sold Out

Great all-round shoe

Evolv Pontas Climbing Shoe

Evolv Pontas Climbing Shoe

Rating for this product: 4 May 20, 2008

I got these shoes early last summer and have found them to be great at everything except for cracks. They climb cracks well enough, but the Velcro doesn't hold up super well when jamming. The rubber is really sticky and seems to be durable enough. Also, you can pay to have your shoes resoled by Evolv themselves (I did that at the end of last summer and it worked out well). In short, get these shoes if you do a lot of face climbing and want to be able to get out of your shoes quickly. If you climb cracks, you might want to look at some slippers or lace-ups.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

They do the job

NRS Cross 4 Wetshoe

NRS Cross 4 Wetshoe

Rating for this product: 3 May 20, 2008

I've been using these shoes for whitewater kayaking and they do the job. They hold water and can make my feet wrinkled, but that's what you can expect from neoprene booties. My feet definitely don't every get cold in them.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Bomb.com

NRS Hydroskin Rash Guard - Long-Sleeve - Men's

NRS Hydroskin Rash Guard - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 20, 2008

This shirt is awesome. I just used is on a 50 mile section of the Dolores river in Colorado and it worked perfectly. I was in a kayak and the water temp. was probably in the low 50's with the air temp. being in the high 80's. I would get a little overheated while getting ready to be on the river, but once I was in the river with that cold water splashing on me, it was perfect. Also, it dries really quickly.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

K2 Darkstar Snowboard

March 12, 2008

We can ship most products to Australia. However, we can't ship K2 outside of the U.S.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Sold Out

Great Vest

Patagonia Synchilla Vest - Men's

Patagonia Synchilla Vest - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 March 5, 2008

This is the vest I use when I ski. It's warm enough to keep me from freezing on the chairlift, but it gives me the breathability and freedom of movement I need for the ride down.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Awesome in what they're made for

K2 Pontoon Alpine Ski

K2 Pontoon Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 5 February 27, 2008

I had the chance to try the 189's out in 15 inches of new snow at Solitude here in Utah. They were amazing. Not only was I able to ski faster than I ever have in powder, I was also able to turn these more easily in powder. As long as you don't mind watching the tips flutter nonstop of the groomers, they're not too bad. Let's face it, though, you're not buying these to ski hardpack.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Love 'em!

Movement Skis Baggy Alpine Skis

Movement Skis Baggy Alpine Skis

Rating for this product: 5 February 5, 2008

I demoed these skis the other day and loved them. They have enough girth to be awesome in pow and crud yet have enough stiffness and sidecut to haul on groomers. Only thing I'm not crazy about is the creepy guy wearing a gas mask.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Way fun.

4FRNT Skis VCT Alpine Ski

4FRNT Skis VCT Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 5 February 5, 2008

I've tried these in both the 182 and the 189. While I love the float that the 189's provide, I preferred the manageability of the 182's.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

What I expected.

CherryMax Sleds Pro Carving Skis - Set of 2

CherryMax Sleds Pro Carving Skis - Set of 2

Rating for this product: 4 January 25, 2008

I used these with the Hammerhead Sled and had a blast. It's pretty cool sledding on something other than hardpack and being able to go fast and have some control. They're super easy to put on and take off.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Very Comfortable

Petzl Corax II Harness - Men's

Petzl Corax II Harness - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 27, 2007

This harness is a lot more comfortable than the one that I had before it (Black Diamond Momentum). I like having a stiff gear loop in the front and flexible loops in the back. I haven't noticed the quick-release buckles creeping at all. Overall, a great harness for long trad climbs.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Why pay more?

Therm-a-Rest Trail Comfort Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Trail Comfort Sleeping Pad

Rating for this product: 4 September 27, 2007

You could pay more for a sleeping pad that's not as warm or thick, but a little bit lighter. However, if you're going to be doing any winter camping, I highly recommend this sleeping pad. It is much warmer than the sleeping pad I had before this (Thermarest ProLite 4) and significantly less expensive. It does of course, weight more, but I think it is worth the extra weight.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great for kayaking

NRS Cross 4 Wet Shoe

NRS Cross 4 Wet Shoe

Rating for this product: 3 September 27, 2007

I bought these shoes to use when whitewater kayaking. They are everything I was expecting: low profile (especially compared to my Chacos), warm, and secure. They don't drain like other water shoes, so expect your feet to be pretty wrinkled by the end of the day. However, they are very warm.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Style with Chaco Support

Chaco Latitude Sandal - Men's

Chaco Latitude Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 27, 2007

If you want a stylish pair of flip-flops that won't leave your back sore at the end of the day because of a lack of support, these are the way to go. Another bonus is that they don't start to stink like rubber Chacos do.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

I wear them everywhere

Marmot Sarchasm Short - Men's

Marmot Sarchasm Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 August 15, 2007

These shorts are super comfortable with just the right amount of stretch. The long inseam helps protect my knees when I climb with them on. I like the fact that they're great for climbing and look good enough (read: they're not man-pris) to wear everyday.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Ditto

Marmot Drake Button-Down Short-Sleeve Shirt - Men's

Marmot Drake Button-Down Short-Sleeve Shirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 August 15, 2007

This is a stylin' shirt, and it does run a little small. Specifically, I've found that there's not quite enough room in the shoulders. I wear a size L or XL in most brands, and in the XL in this shirt I feel my arms are constricted.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great Rope

Beal Flyer ll Climbing Rope - 10.2 mm

Beal Flyer ll Climbing Rope - 10.2 mm

Rating for this product: 5 July 11, 2007

I've taken this rope out on 5 or so climbs so far and love it. I got the 70m GoldenDry. I've already found two climbs in which having the 70m cut two rappels down to one. I like the stretchiness of the rope and the peace of mind that gives me when trad climbing (less force on my gear).

Helpful Votes: 8 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product