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Joel Brazle

Sport Climber // Mountain Biker // Alpine Skier // AT Skier

Joel Brazle

  • Backcountry.com Employee Backcountry.com Employee

31 Reviews:

Helpful?
16 Yes | 3 No

2 Questions:

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0 Yes | 0 No

5 Answers:

Helpful?
1 Yes | 0 No

2 Photos:

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7 Yes | 0 No

3 Comments:

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0 Yes | 0 No

2 Gearlists:

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0 Yes | 1 No

  • Stomping Grounds:

    Park City, Utah, USA
  • Bio:

    I grew up in Indiana, lived in Chicago for ten years and I've been in Park City, UT now for three years.

    Skiing:
    Alpine (25+ days a year for the last three years). 10+ days the previous two and one week per year since I left college.
    AT (5-10 days a year for the last two years). I love powder and hitting groomers early in the morning when the former doesn't exist.

    Snowboarding:
    Only down the driveway on Mick's snowboard.

    Climbing:
    Leading 5.8-5.9. I love climbing in Big Cottonwood and American Fork.

    Moutain Biking:
    Often, killer single track out the back door for the last three years. I stick to PC area trails mostly.

    Cycling:
    Just started...triathlons are the driver...NOT Lycra.

    Surfing:
    Addicted and trying to learn every chance I get. I still suck though. I've surfed in CA, Hawaii, Costa Rica and South Africa.

    Wind Surfing:
    Addicted...Once in the Caribbean and once in Costa Rica.

    linkedin.com/in/joelbrazle
    joelbrazle.wordpress.com

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  • Joel Brazle's Beginner Sport Climbing

    Created October 30, 2009

    I moved to Park City, UT five years ago. I took up sport climbing with my wife three summers ago. I ended up lead climbing my first summer. I average about a climb a week during the summer so I'm not a complete addict. I do love it but I'm doing triathlons now so climbing time is limited. As an FYI this list is not filled with gear that you'll want to ditch after one season. This is quality stuff that folks with years and years of experience use. You should feel good about this aspect as your investment won't go to waist. A good friend who's an experienced climber walked me through my first purchases. Here are a few details... The Mythos are a forgiving shoe. They stretch nicely so ensure you get a tight fit. Size down at least a half size. Check out the product reviews as they provide great info on this. Also, the focus harness is a great harness that will provide you with something that will work beyond your beginner years. After the shoes and the harness, the rest is mostly optional as you get going. The key is to find a partner that knows what they are doing. Hopefully that partner can provide you with some additional gear to ease your financial burden up front. As you progress, I've listed additional items to consider... One note on the pack. I purchased one to keep my rope clean. The Boa has a nice tarp that clips inside that you can coil your rope on during climbs. One other note. I didn't include a rope in the list. Ask your partner what you need but you can't go wrong with a Edelweiss or Mammut rope. I'm still in the same gear after three years and I've still got life in my goods. Climb on and be safe!

    See Full Gear List
  • Joel Brazle's Just a wish list

    Created October 20, 2009

    Gear that I dream about from time to time.

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    See Full Gear List
New Logo Shirt a bit on the Long Side

New Logo Shirt a bit on the Long Side

Backcountry.com Backcountry Logo T-Shirt - Men's

March 7, 2009

This photo was taken of two of Backcountry.com's Software Engineers. You can see that the shirt on the looker's left is unaltered. The sleeve length and the shirt length are both on the long side. The engineer on the right altered the body length and cut off almost eight inches of length.

5/28/09 - I've since become more familiar with these shirts. The shirt shrinks considerably after the first wash and the sizes become closer to what I'd first expect. After two washes, it's all good.

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes | 0 No

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2007 Havocs

2007 Havocs

Black Diamond Havoc Ski

November 11, 2008

BD made a great ski here. Combined with my fritschi freerides this has been a sweet setup. I'd like to try the newer model but mine still have a lot of life left after skiing them hard for two seasons in the Wasatch.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Quiksilver Sidearm Rolling Carry-On Bag - 2970cu in

August 11, 2009

Specs from quicksilver.com...

22" x 15" x 9"

I'll request that our content team changes this.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Shell - Men's

July 13, 2009

This product does have a draw string at the waist. Powder whores rejoice.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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This Floor Pump Blows (and not in a good way)

Pedro's Super Prestige Floor Pump

Pedro's Super Prestige Floor Pump

Rating for this product: 1 July 9, 2009

It's a throw back to being a kid when we had a crappy floor pump we bought at a garage sale. Except that pump cost me $5 compared to $75. The base is somewhat unstable. It's hard to engage with a presta valve and resulted in my wife breaking at least one off. However, the worst part is that if I go above 110 PSI the air flows back into the pump leaving my tire lacking the air it needs and deserves.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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GoLite = GoRight

GoLite VO24 Backpack - 1500cu in

Rating for this product: 5 July 9, 2009

I love this pack. It's lightweight but you don't have to sacrifice functionality to save lbs. The waist-belt pockets rock. If you don't have a pack with these little gems you are missing out. I'm a disorganized person by nature but I strive for organization. These compartments help me fight the good fight and also increase accessibility to particular items of need (e.g., digital camera, snacks, etc). I use this backpack on all day trip adventures in the Wasatch Mountains and I also throw it on when I need to transport goods when I'm on my road bike. The pack is super comfortable and is worth every penny.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond Havoc Ski

June 23, 2009

I ski fritschi freerides with the BD Havoc. I like this option because it provides a nice setup that I can toggle between resort and backcountry. The binding works with both an Alpine and AT boots. I still ski an Alpine boot in the Backcountry to save $. You might consider a lighter, more svelte binding if your trying to keep the weight down: http://www.backcountry.com/store/DNF0014/Dynafit-TLT-Vertical-Race-Ti-Binding.html.

The color is as seen. I hope this helps.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Warmth, Dexterity, Yahtzee!

Hestra Heli 3-Finger Glove

Hestra Heli 3-Finger Glove

Rating for this product: 5 June 3, 2009

I've skied these gloves at the Utah resorts for two years. They've held up nicely and they have a lot of life left.

I love the psuedo-mitten design for warmth and the leather outer is soft, supple and grippy. The first time I put them on I regretted not ditching my old crappers sooner. The full gauntlet keeps the pow out which keeps the gloves try for the most part (except the sweat). Enjoy this glove. Drew Tabke mentioned this were alien like but they look great IMO.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Fully Loaded

Osprey Packs Switch 26 Pack - 1500-1700cu in

Osprey Packs Switch 26 Pack - 1500-1700cu in

Rating for this product: 5 April 22, 2009

Copy and paste this URL into your browser for a video review....

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=116666507406954559

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Not Just a Liner

SmartWool Hiking Liner Crew Sock

SmartWool Hiking Liner Crew Sock

Rating for this product: 5 March 20, 2009

I wear these as a light hiking sock and a liner for my ski boots. I purchased one pair a year ago and went back for one more. Also, these seem to be a little more durable than other wool blend socks I've had in the past. The heels and the front of the soles have remained intact. PS. Don't tell anyone but I wore these to my cousins wedding beneath a very expensive rental tux. I danced the night away and they were much more comfortable than a typical dress sock.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Echowell Echo V-3 Cycling Computer

September 23, 2008

Does anyone have thoughts on wired vs. wireless computers? I've read conflicting information regarding wireless computers and their advantages and disadvantages. I bought this computer but I'm thinking about returning it and buying a wireless device. Unfortunately, Backcountry.com doesn't have any right now.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Diadora Ergo Carbon Mountain Bike Shoes - Men's

September 22, 2008

Check out Sidi's mega line of shoes. Backcountry stocks a few of them and they're the best out there.See...http://www.backcountry.com/store/SID0003/Sidi-Dominator-5-Bike-Shoe-Mens.htmlhttp://www.backcountry.com/store/SID0013/Sidi-Zeta-Bike-Shoe-Mens.html (I have a wide foot (15 4E) and these fit phenomenally well).Sidi's Dealer Locater (not entirely comprehensive, be sure to call around to your local bike shops too…):http://sidiusa.com/dealers.htmlI have 9.5 EEEE feet and for some reason I've had good luck with cycling shoes. SIDI in road and Nike or Specialized for MTB. Some people find that Northwave cycling footwear runs a little large. Also, like ski boots the "high performance" footwear is usually narrower for a more precise fit. I.E. not all Sidi footwear comes in wide.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Pearl Izumi SyncroFloat 2 Trail Running Shoes - Women's

August 4, 2008

This is from Pearl Izumi's site...Weight - Size 7 9.8oz/277g

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Easy Does It Biner

Black Diamond Rocklock Carabiner

Black Diamond Rocklock Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

Works well with belay device and I really like the twistlock feature. Evan my wife can't screw it up (BTW, she told me to write that).

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Biner in the house

Black Diamond Positron Carabiner

Black Diamond Positron Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

I've been super pleased with all the BD climbing gear I've purchased so far. This is only my second summer of climbing but I feel confident having a quality extra Biner for my future lead climb that doesn't pan out.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No

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Merino Makes me Happy

Backcountry.com Merino Crew Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Merino Crew Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

I've only had this a few weeks but my initial impressions are extremely positive. I ran Jupiter Peak along the Wasatch the other evening and it worked well across a variety of conditions. We started out in 80 degree temps with sun and this thing was very breathable and I didn't overheat. By the end of the run/hike it was dusk with temps around the mid 60's. The shirt had dried out nicely on the decent and kept me warm especially on the bike ride from the trailhead to my car. I dig it.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Sweet Bag

Black Diamond Boa Backpack/Rope Bag - 2136 cu in

Black Diamond Boa Backpack/Rope Bag - 2136 cu in

Rating for this product: 4 August 4, 2008

I'm supposed to be a minimalist but transitioning my crap from one pack to another several times a week just blows. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on this and haven't regretted it one bit. It holds climbing gear for two people and is comfortable to carry. The removable tarp is nice and large.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Didn't work for me

Backcountry.com Merino Trail Sock - 3 Pair

Backcountry.com Merino Trail Sock - 3 Pair

Rating for this product: 3 August 4, 2008

This is the first Backcountry.com brand gear that hasn't worked for me. As an employee, I've purchased a good bit. I hike it trail running shoes and this was just too much sock. The height of the "tube" was creeping up towards my knee. Maybe I'm just too short?

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 1 No

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Slam Dunk with this Basket

Life-Link Snag Proof Trekking Baskets

Life-Link Snag Proof Trekking Baskets

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

I'm using these with the Life-Link Guide Ultra Light Trekking Poles. It's hard to get fired up about baskets but they do seem to avoid snags which is appreciated.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Felt Like a Redneck

Cloudveil Beer Label T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Cloudveil Beer Label T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 August 4, 2008

I wish there would have been an image of the back of this shirt. I thought I was getting a simple T with the Cloudveil brand but this ended up not being my bag. The back of the shirt has a massive "beer" labelesque Cloudveil deal that didn't work for me.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

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I love this shirt

Arc'teryx Arc Tools T-Shirt - Men's

Arc'teryx Arc Tools T-Shirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

The simple design is very cool. It fits nicely and the material is comfortable.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Hurricane Montrail hits Utah

Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 July 7, 2008

I owned the hardrock prior to this shoe. These weren't quite as comfy off the bat but they've broken in nicely. I wear these extensively and haven't had any problems with them. I hike the Utah backcountry in them and they do well in all conditions. They are light and well constructed. One complaint is that I can't keep the shoes tied if I ever have to bushwack or go on extended hikes. Maybe that's my problem?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond Verdict Ski

March 6, 2008

I've heard that the 2008 Verdict performs a bit better than the 2007 as an all mountain ski. Has anyone skied both models and do you have a perspective on this?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Comfy

Backcountry.com Goat Organic Cotton Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Backcountry.com Goat Organic Cotton Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 3, 2007

This sweatshirt is stupid comfortable. It's a great fit as well. I agree with Dj Nebula. The logo placement is tight. They kept this simple and I love it.

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes | 0 No

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Light and Sturdy

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles - 1 Pair

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles - 1 Pair

Rating for this product: 4 September 10, 2007

I think the Trail Trekking Poles are a great value. They actually weigh less than some of the more expensive models. I've never really hiked with poles before, and it's been a relief on the knees and makes going down almost bearable.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Light up like a Christmas Tree

Under Armour Red Line T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Under Armour Red Line T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 11, 2007

I wore this shirt during a night relay race and found the reflective properties to fit the bill. I like the material for endurance running as chafing isn't a problem. I also find the shirt to be cool and comfortable.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Love the liner

Under Armour Red Line Short - Men's

Under Armour Red Line Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 July 11, 2007

The inner liner really sets these shorts apart from others. They are very comfortable and chafing is not an issue. My only beef is that the antimicrobial is not so anti-stink. You'll likely be washing these often.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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I love this T

Mountain Hardwear Wicked Tech T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Wicked Tech T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 July 11, 2007

The comfort level is awesome with this T. It's extremely light and does not intrude. I do agree with another review regarding its durability. If you trail run you're going to snag early and often. If you stay out of the woods then you'll be fine. However, the snags only build character.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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This puppy rocks

Suunto T6 Watch

Suunto T6 Watch

Rating for this product: 4 June 20, 2007

I'm quite pleased with the T6. It's less bulky than the Suunto vector altimeter and you get more functionality. I've found the interface to be user friendly and easy to adjust. If you need a this type of functionality then you won't be disappointed. The software that comes with is decent although I'd love to see Suunto come up with an online application to house my workout data.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Upload your sweat

Suunto USB Datasnake for t6

Suunto USB Datasnake for t6

Rating for this product: 4 June 20, 2007

The datasnake is easy to use for the average computer user. If you can upload the pics from your digital camera of choice you can nail this. I did have to download a patch for windows XP from MSFT to get this to work (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935448). Suunto has a good FAQ and BBS at www.suunto.com if you have problems.

My only issue lies with the software rather than the datasnake. I'd much rather have a web interface for my workout data rather than having to install software locally.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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I love my Mythos

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 June 20, 2007

These are my first pair of climbing shoes and I love'em. They break in nicely so don't be afraid to go down a size to a half size. That was a recommendation from a good friend and I'm glad I took it.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Thanks Phunk

Black Diamond Focus AL Harness

Black Diamond Focus AL Harness

Rating for this product: 5 June 20, 2007

This Harness is fantastic. I dig the fit and the comfort bar has been set pretty high. Lastly, if you're looking for quality this won't fall short.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Great Shoe....Terrible Color

The North Face Arnuva 50 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

The North Face Arnuva 50 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 June 20, 2007

This is a great trail shoe that fits true to size. It's sturdy and I'm really starting to enjoy the Park City trails in them. I'm usually not that concerned about appearance but this time I've got a problem. The Foil Grey and Gunnison Green is a mistake I recommend avoiding.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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On the trail or off

Pearl Izumi SyncroFloat 2 Running Shoe - Men's

Pearl Izumi SyncroFloat 2 Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 20, 2007

This cushy sneaker works on or off the trail. I've completed a few climbs in these on single track with some exposed rock without incident. This is my first time trying Pearl Izumi and I'm very pleased.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Rack on

Thule Velo Vise Bike Mount

Thule Velo Vise Bike Mount

Rating for this product: 2 June 20, 2007

I like the rack but...I find it a pain to have to go wheel off every time but that's the sacrifice for security, right? The problem is that my wife's trek fuel 70 has disk breaks that actually impede a solid connection at the fork. In addition, I had an end cap fall off and I lost the clasp. Not cool.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Easy does it

Thule Lock Cylinders

Thule Lock Cylinders

Rating for this product: 5 June 20, 2007

Straight forward installation and peace of mind.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No

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Not your crappy REI shirt

Backcountry.com The Goat Organic Cotton T-Shirt Short-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com The Goat Organic Cotton T-Shirt Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 20, 2007

It doesn't get any better than this as far as cotton goes. The shirts are soft and fit very nicely. I love the simple design and look. Keep'em coming.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Mythos Comfort Plus

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 April 30, 2007

I thought climbing shoes were supposed to hurt? I'm a newbie at all this climbing stuff but this shoe definitely rocks. I tried them on at REI for sizing and settled on a size. I spoke with a friend and he said if that I should go a half size lower than I felt comfortable in. I did and after three climbs they've broken in nicely. My wife got the women's version and she's pleased as well.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Crap

Powder Mountain 16oz Insulated Travel Mug - see note DO NOT Reactivate

Powder Mountain 16oz Insulated Travel Mug - see note DO NOT Reactivate

Rating for this product: 1 April 30, 2007

This thing leaks. Enough said.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Mount it up

Thule Hitch Ski Carrier

Thule Hitch Ski Carrier

Rating for this product: 3 December 15, 2006

The carrier is easier to assemble than IKEA furniture. I'm using the Hitch Ski Carrier with the Thule Spare Me Spare Tire Mount on a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. The ski carrier fits snugly on the Mount but is slightly off center. It's not going anywhere but if it fit a bit more flush I'd like it even better.

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