Courtney Dean

I have to admit, i have an oral fetish. I chew on pens, bottle caps, gum, whatever. It's a primary indicator of stress and tension for me.

I like these shot blocks because I am slow to eat them. Rather than suck them down like gu (which has it's time and place), these gummies can be eaten at a slower pace. As I walk, I'll bit off slivers and in turn bite those slivers into thin strips. I chew each strip one at a time. It takes about 5 minutes to eat one block. Doesn't work for fast mountain biking or jogging. But it's awesome for hiking and moving up a skin track. My weirdness may raise an eyebrow, that's fine, but it's how I like to eat my blocks.

They're all good.

They taste good, they mix pretty easily and they're easy to prepare. Can't go wrong.
Great variety, good mix of salt, carbs, calories, etc.

Perfect gift for her. They are awesome and she thinks they're cute. the fact that they work well is secondary to the cuteness. Let's face it, if she doesn't like the way she looks, fancy goggles will sit in a drawer somewhere.

Swappable lenses make them dynamic and adaptable.

I had a TNF VE25 and I think it is the benchmark for 4 season goodness. But it also weights 12 lbs. and packs down to the size of a Smart Car. Tough to carry, even to distribute among three. The EV 3 cuts weight by about 40% and will pack down nicely. The single wall design does come with it's limitations, but there simply is no getting around the condensation thing perfectly. There will always be some consequences of exhaling warm air into a cold environment. If you don't need massive vestibules and you want to move faster and lighter, choose a tent with all the sleep space but much less weight. Drop the stuff sack and get some cheap tyvek and you've got a winner for winter, and margin months. Get some of those expedition group dome tents and go make a kick-ass documentary.

Unlike some socially awkward backcountry enthusiast, this bottle will fit anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances. Use it as a primary water source during a movement, or just as a supply at camp. Either way, it has virtually no impact on your pack weight, or space. Weighing about as much as the pebble that hitched a ride with you from mile 11 to 15 and taking up only a little more space, it's a no brainer to carry one or two of these on every backcountry jaunt.

It's not insulated, so it isn't appropriate for hot water, coffee, tea, etc. But it'll hold cooking water or drinking water until you need it.

On my last trip I carried two empty 1L bottles. Filled them both at camp, cooked, cleaned and drank from them and didn't have to fill anything up (e.g., camelbak reservoir, nalgene) in the morning before breaking camp. I'd replace my nalgene with one of these completely, if they had a large enough opening to fit a steripen.

They're lightweight, and ergonomic making for a pretty comfortable hike. The straps work nicely to hold your hand in place when fatigued and the cork never gets slippery even when hot and sweaty hands are groping them. Fold up nicely, too.

Rule number one, don't sit on these poles on the chair lift.
I foolishly got mine caught between the seat and the seat back. Crunch.

If using these for their intended purpose, you're going to be golden. I've toured successfully with these and been very please. They collapse to about 24" and store nicely on a pack's pole/ice axe loops.

The powder baskets are great, durable, and removable.

Have the orange ones. They are solid, good venting, nice fit. I'm about a 34 inseem and the large fit pretty well. Baggy, but I guess that's the style. i could wear my tall T with these and fit in with the jibbers.

Two thigh pockets are great for knife, wallet, snack, tissue, etc. they sit just above the knee and below the hip at a pretty good location to avoid landing on the contents inside.

The venting is all taped with a material flap over the top. Probably overkill, but looks good for those that want a clean, zipper free look.

I was actually pretty amazed at how instincts took over and i rolled and planted this baby in the snow. My fall was in spring corn on a steep slope, though not a no-fall zone. The spring corn was obviously very receptive and had I been on something a little more bullet proof the fall may not have been so routine. Regardless, the utility of this tool is unsurpassed. I know many want to keep the tip covered on the down to avoid impalement, but i'd argue it's the most vital time to carry a whippet in the ready position.

Carry these in all of your mountaineering pursuits as a safety measure and a life saver in the event that you do fall.

yeah, they taste good enough. And they're easy to eat with one, or even no hands.

usually a sticky mess with the package if put back in your pocket - unless you are DILIGENT about getting all the gu out first, but nothing is perfect.

I have a better BC shirt made from a super soft cotton that's great first time you wear it. This one is sharp, but a little stiff for my taste. Definitely starchy and in need a of a few days' breaking in.

I have a Dakine roller for my skis and this was picked up for the little lady after her last bag bit the dust. It's perfect for one or two boards, best when the second board's bindings are removed though as that leaves a lot of room for more stuff. Stuff a helmet in, a few dozen layers, some snacks, a tv, and you're good to go. there's plenty of room for boots in the dedicated boot pouches so long as you organize your gear in a smart fashion. It gets heavy, but the wheels totally make up for that. It can be dragged in one hand with bags in the other, or strapped to a rolling suitcase for a manageable load.

The wife's boards are smaller than most, so I got the shorter bag, but the two sizes gives a rider plenty of options.

The bags are durable. They'll take a beating in the airports but stick it out, season after season.

Set it up, prime it and cook. Cook fast, simmer, eat, relax, reheat, whatever. This stove is awesome and super flexible. MSR makes some amazing gear, and while this won't do canisters like their new gear, for folks who already have a canister stove and are looking for a first multi-fuel option, this is it. Though I recommend you go with white gas. Kerosene is dirty and will pollute your system pretty quick. But, if you're finding yourself in a foreign country, the option is there. And that is a life saver.

Don't cook without reflector. The efficiency boost is amazing and the weight is nominal. Pack it, set it up and use it. Cook in cold temperatures without it and you could go hungry, or thirsty. Spend any duration in the alpine and you could run out of fuel.

This bag fits two pairs of fat skis, a helmet, some avy gear and a few other nick nacks. I've even managed to fit a snowboard and skis in. Get this bag for all of your travel needs. The wheels are essential, too. Nobody wants to hoof a bag full of gear on one should.

The bag is long enough for my 189s and could probably accomodate up to 192 or 193 (specs say 190 but assume a bit of stretch).

My only complaint is that it is tough to fit boots and two sets of skis at once. I dare not check boots on trips, but the ride home is always nice without boots on my shoulders. If you go with one set of skis, it's an easy fit, but two is really pushing it.

Regarding durability, the bag is impressive. I've put mine on 10+ flights and it only shows a little bit of wear despite all the efforts of the airlines to destroy it. It's traveled globally and is still in one piece.

The size and fit makes this a brilliant pack for slack and backcountry excursions. Pack it with shovel, probe, a layer or two and some other emergency essentials and you're good to go. I've stuffed my 18L Arcteryx Silo 18 to the point of splitting just to get the bare essentials for slack country, but with this pack, I've got enough extra room for some food, repair tools, an emergency bivy and a puffy and/or midlayer. The helmet slot is excellent for secure storage during the skin up.

The diagonal ski carry is, in my opinion, much better than an aframe approach and teh cord is secure and reliable.

HIghly recommend this pack for skiers but not for snowboarders. Though it has a vertical snowboard carry capability, the Heli Pro is far superior with it's secure horizontal snowboard carry feature.

I bought this jacket for the little lady and she is thrilled. She's always cold in New England winter. This jacket's shell and down liner combo make it toasty warm for even the most miserable days. It has a slim, sexy fit. She's thrilled with that - it allows her to look cute and function as a snow athlete at the same time.

The liner easily snaps and zips out and compresses nicely in a backpack when not in use.

The magenta shell is a flattering color that she can match to different pants. The liner is nice by itself, too for comfortable apres events.

I can't comment on the durability of the shell just yet as she hasn't put it to any great abuse, but with Patagonia's rock solid guarantee, we're confident she can beat the snot out of it and make a pain free claim later (if needed at all).

There are a lot of features elegantly packed into this boot. From the swappable soles (makes traveling that much easier) to the three buckles and one really great power strap to the air shell, this boot is designed to manage a variety of conditions. IT can be loosened for a long slog up the hill or an apres evening and cinched down tight to facilitate an excellent connection between the skier and the the ski. The powerstrap with a buckle is amazing. I could get this boot wrapped tightly around my bird legs. Even wit one large buckle, the boot fits tight and holds the foot nicely.

The airshell technology is really useful and only takes a little bit of tweaking to dial in the fit. A few rounds with the pump and valve and the user should be set with a comfortable, skiable or walkable fit.

The optional swappable soles is what really sells me on this boot. Being able to take one boot, two sets of soles anywhere is a major advantage over committing to tech/alpine bindings for a whole trip.

The fit is a bit long. I normally wear a 29.5 but found the 28.5 to feel much better. The 28.5 is 5mm shorter BSL than my Lange boots, so that suggests Technica runs a bit long. Witha neoprene toe, the slightly (and only slightly) snug fit of the 28.5 is no problem.

With two slots for clippers, this makes an excellent ice climbing harness. Harnesses can be no frills to luxurious sweets with all the amenities. All that extra might mean unnecessary weight and a lot of monkeying around with too many features. This thing is simple, easy to use and not a whole lot of weight - even for the size two. Clip all your quickdraws to the four gear loops, add a few clippers to hold screws and send it.

I only have two clippers on my setup, but can understand the justification for a couple more (with a large rack of screws, sorting them out can be a PITA).

Would be nice to have a better haul loop, no doubt. But the existing one does support a personal anchor system biner just fine.

Stows away nicely, accomodates two 'biners. Will hold you in place and free you up to work out an anchor, belay or just rest for a few minutes. The multiple links allow you to modify your hook up to the wall very easily. Need to get closer, or higher? Just catch another link in the carabiner.

What? No need to hook in a quickdraw? Sure! Why not just screw it in, clip the rope and go! This is a very solid screw with a solid interface. The handle is easy to manage with thick gloves and the draw is just fine for a typical clip. The variable draw lengths makes shopping for these a little bit difficult, but if you can find a satisfactory size or combination of sizes, you're in business.

I honestly was a little surprised when I pulled these from the box. They were soft and supple right out of the bag. Other reviews left me to believe they'd be a firm, unconforming glove that would take some work and sweat to break in. But they were soft right our of the box. They also feature a lot more insulation than I expected. I bought these for less miserable days and touring but I think they might be a bit warm for the climb up. But they should do the trick on days above misery level cold.
I like the reinforcement of tough leather in the palm and fingers. This is essential to any glove's durability.
My only complaint is that i have long fingers and these aren't quite long enough. I bought XL and it fits like an xl in girth but in length.

It's not going to take up too much room, and is a nice way of managing a lot of avalanche details. But it isn't necessary if one is diligent and practiced.

This was my first scraper and I've had a ton of luck using it on a number of skis. But it does reach it's limit when you put it on a powder ski or snowboard. It requires multiple passes to cover the width of the base and that's just not as convenient or precise as using a longer/wider scraper.

I haven't had trouble holding it, but the rectangular scrapers are much better.
Also, the notch doesn't exactly get the edges as advertised. It kind of works but that's "kind of" like "i am going to have to hit this about ten times to get the wax off the edges."

This is the last step in all of my waxing. This brush has a nice soft bristle that's perfect for finishing. It puts just enough friction on to give the wax a bit of a sheen - sort of that newly waxed car look or showroom floor finish. It can' really be overdone, I don't see much extra wax being lifted - just kind of a polish that revitalizes a 3-4 day old wax job. I don't have the time or luxury or need to wax before every day - I'm not racing for a living. But this brush is a nice compliment to my kit.

Also, the strap is great. I've only thrown my brass brush (without strap) across the room 3 or 4 times. This brush sticks with you - even when you lose control.

I read somewhere that a good wax scraper not only has a nicely squared (sharp) edge, but it's also textured for a better scrape. I run my old scraper along this sharpener and my edge gets a smooth, 90 angle. I lose the textured edge. It does sharpen but it doesn't have that textured edge anymore. Also, I don't think it does anything that a bastard file or some sand paper and a vice couldn't have done...So why did I spend 20 bucks on it?

Also, you need big screws to secure it. It does have appropriately sized nests for them. That is a plus.

While I don't make it a habit of putting in and removing ski screws, a posi driver is essential to any ski tech's toolkit. I found a great one for the shop, but actually need something more portable for travel -- this is the perfect driver for adjusting heel settings on my dynafit bindings. With binding inserts, I've got the ability to swap these bindings across multiple skis. But the heel doesn't always line up from one mount to the next. Enter this.

Also, the bits are compatible with other swap tools I've got making this an excellent value with transferrability. Yes. That is a word.

Slippers with a legit sole and weigh nothing. So much better than slipping into boots to answer nature's call. These aren't as great as the booties for lounging around a winter camp site as the coverage isn't equivalent, but slip then on after emerging from your sleeping bag and your rushing to the latrine (tree) fast enough that you might just be back in bed before the cold even hits you. And it won't come up though the snow with these on.

Their long term durability is in question, but they aren't designed for hiking and daily use. This is either a comfortable house/get the newspaper or mail slipper or a great addition to a camping/mountaineering kit where comfort is worth an extra half pound.

It takes two people to get one glove on. But once they're set, you've got spiderman grip. I practically scale ice walls without tools in these. The palms are so tacky, I'd consider them at the bar to hold my 11th beer but if I fall over, it doesn't seem to do me much good.

The fit is pristine. I wear an XL in everything and these are true to that size. They even seem to fit my shorter than average pinky finger. I think they were made on a mold poured from my hand.

A few of these either in pockets or pinned to your clothes is an ideal system for getting from point A to B without bonking in the middle. They're easy to open with one hand and a mouth and can be eaten all in one gulp or "slurped" on for a few minutes.

The flavors aren't going to blow you away. They won't replace a snickers or swedish fish in that category. But they're made with good stuff and definitely are tasty enough.

I pack them on hikes, alpine tours and any other activity where weight, convenience, energy, etc. are an issue.

Really helps for cleaning and managing wax on the bases of boards and skis. Swix has a pretty spectacular system that includes a few strategies for applying wax using the fiberlene. Is a great cleaning wipe for prepping bases.

Much better than the Fritschi system. The light weight alone is justification for the purchase. On top of that, these have much better torsional rigidity making turns actually an option.

Clicking in and out is easy and adjusting the heel for variable pitches is easier with practice.
They're rock solid, despite the very limited connection to the boot. I've skied them on spring bumps with no release and taken at least one good fall without a release. Just in case, they do come with a leash that's easy to install. It's a little short, but good enough.
Pair them with a good ski and enjoy lightweight, bomber ski control.

Slathered this all over my skins before a spring tour on Mt. Washington, NH and glad I did. Snow was very wet with a light drizzle coming down and this kept thing working effectively for the haul up.

It's easy to apply and really light weight so keeping it in your pack is not a problem. Definitely a good buy for a tourer.

Cheaper than the Swix and does the exact same thing, so why not use it? I have a square Swix and can relate to Lisa B.'s review. They are hard to use. You can get even, reliable pressure all along the length of the ski or board with this brush making a quality, reliable pass every time.

So far she hasn't complained. The color is flattering and the fit is adjustable. She likes the haul loop for securing her when she belay's me and the 100 lbs. I've got on her. It's comfortable, doesn't bind, easy to adjust and light enough to haul up a longer wall. Now if I could just convince her to stop looking down.

On the east coast a 265cm seems sufficient for our wicked deep snowpack.

The probe is light enough and easy enough to access, even if you leave it in the bag for the tour. It'll deploy quickly and effortlessly for a timely search.

Also works well for looking for hidden crevasses and other unseen threats.

Could go with a higher end carbon or a longer probe, but the justification isn't always there. The weight is fine on this. The length works for up to the deepest burials.

Easy to pack, easy to deploy, light enough to manage and burly enough to work. That about sums it up.

The curved shape of the shovel and retracting handle makes it fit in a backpack easily as it conforms to the shape of the pocket.
The retractable handle deploys quickly and easily with gloves on.
It's not too big or too heavy to make one miserable on the up
It's hard and solid so it'll dig your test pit, snow cave or our buddy out reliably and efficiently.

Now, you just need a waterproof boot and you'll stay dry to you knees. These are the real deal - heavy duty gaiters for heavy duty activity. I bought these for ice climbing and mountaineering because the infinite warranty gives me piece of mind when an errant crampon lets the light in.

The gaiters are glove friendly, even with a thick glove like the BD Guide. The wrap around and velcro closure supports easy dressing and a cinch strap at the top helps them to stay on your legs (even skinny bird legs like mine). The underfoot closure is heavy duty and easy to set/adjust, even with thick gloves on. The laces anchor may be the only part about this gaiter that isn't totally manageable with thick gloves, but can be done.

OR makes a number of cheaper gaiters and for exclusively climbing, I'd recommend something cheaper because putting holes in fancy stuff is just disheartening - but if you want something reliable, heavy duty, and the support of a dedicated company (two if you consider the retailer), this is your gaiter.

Works well for cooking off a lot of different fuels. The modification is easy and can be done in low light with included tools.
You do need to be diligent and attentive when priming. It seems to go from empty to full instantly. It'll push gas out quickly and set you up for an inferno pretty quick if you miss that "happy medium."
The wind screen and foil reflector are splendid.

I found it adjust nicely but simmer flame was pretty hard to achieve.
It goes from boil fast to boil slow easily, but the avoid boil setting is tough to find.

Finally, it gets dirty as all get out with a dirty fuel. This is a consequence of a dirt fuel.... But just be ready for a mess.

For three season activity, this jacket can't be beat. It fits well, packs tight and is light and breathable. I loved this jacket till it mysteriously disappeared. I'm heartbroken to have lost it but recently bought a new one. I'm so impressed with the waterproofing and the breathability that I'm picking up a pair of the pants as well.

The cyborg is heavy, so i don't like carrying it in my pack on ski trips, but when I'd ice climbing or mountaineering over mixed ice/rock terrain, these are the crampons I take. They're burley, have many, sharp points and cinch up nicely. The micro adjustments on the heel allow me to get a good, secure fit and there's a big, long strap that can fit over any boots. Cut the strap for safety or weave it back in if you're afraid of cutting it too short. - otherwise it's a liability you don't need in a nofall zone.
The replaceable front points are excellent for long term use of the product.

I bought the Fakir because it was $3 cheaper than the Black Diamond and didn't see the point in throwing the extra cash at an equivalent product. The bag fits my BD Cyborg and Neve crampons just fine and keeps things tidy and dangerous points away from soft vulnerable things (like my back). The bag features a nice velcro strap to hold down the crampons within the bag so you aren't hit with an avalanche of sharp pointy thins upon opening it.
Opens VERY wide to get at your gear without trouble.

I bought this on an impulse thinking it'd make mine and the fiance's climbing a little more enjoyable. With a 100lbs. weight difference, she isn't a big fan of holding my fat ass on the wall while I figure out why I couldn't make that little crux move. The auto lock feature takes a ton of weight off her hands as I dangle and keeps her fresh for her next climb.

Lead climbing: It took a little getting used to to feed rope to the leader and I had a few choice words for her the first few climbs while she struggled to find her best technique (luckily I was not dangling at the time). But once it was squared away, we had a very good dynamic.
I never used the original but am very pleased with the size and function of the grigri 2. It's made climbing more satisfactory (and safer) for both of us so i can get my fix and enjoy her company a lot more frequently.
Gym climbing: the grigri 2 is a bit tempermental with swollen, old ropes. We stepped away from a few climbs at the gym where ropes (that we assume were still safe enough) wouldn't feed well through the device. I'd call this an added safety feature.

Spectacular rope. Incredible dynamic stretch and super lightweight. The rope is tough, durable and ideal for just about all the climbing you can throw at it. And its super lightweight making it useful for a mountaineering trip where budget doesn't support the purchase of twins/half ropes.

I've set up top ropes, sport climbs, drug the rope across the country (literally from Mass to Idaho)and had a lot of great climbs with it. I expect a lot more before I retire it. I even used it to teach the lady friend to lead (pictured).

Get this rope for satisfactory sport climbs, trad climbs whether you're doing a five minute or five mile approach.

I probably should preface this review with a caveat. I haven't yet used it for its intended purpose - skiing - But I love it nonetheless.

I bought this pack with the intention of using it for overnight ski touring/mountaineering trips but found it a spectacular reliever for my last backpacking trip. I packed my backpacking bag the night before, tested it for weight and strapped it on and knew immediately I was done with it (never been happy with it). So I went to the South Col as a backup. I hadn't used the South Col yet and was putting faith in its ability to delivery up and down a handful of 4000 ft hills in the White Mountains, including the steepest 1/4 mile of the AT at Wildcat Mt. It didn't let me down. Besides having plenty of room to fit gear for three days in the woods, it's an extremely comfortable fit. I was able to quickly get the back situated to where I could move freely without it moving me. I could hike, climb and down-climb over technical terrain without fear of losing my balance and tumbling.
Top benefits:
1. weight is good. It's not an ultralight, but is much lighter than many packs of the same size.
2. has an independent pocket for a bladder. Keeps other things dry and idiot proof
3. removable hip belt knocks a lot of weight off
massive space that can be cinched down when the load is smaller
The downsides:
1. It has shallow side pockets that don't fit a nalgene but I generally use a bladder anyway.
2. it doesn't have a little hip pocket, which isn't essential, but is nice for a knife and compass and lip balm.
3. Lots of unnecessary extras like dual zippers and two pockets in the brain. I can't say that these things are entirely useful to me and the extra ounce or two seems like a waste.

Though the bag wasn't really designed for this use, it's a great backpacking pack and I'm happy to carry it again in future.

I like the bag enough to keep it. It's warm and the tall is REALLY tall giving my 6'3" plenty of space to move "vertically." But it's pretty narrow meaning a back sleeper or a side sleeper option is really all you got. I tend to sleep with a bit of a jack-knife orientation - one knee out wide and I couldn't move much before reaching the max width of the somnus.

I also can't support the top zipper. In theory, it's a great idea to avoid sleeping on the zipper for a side sleeper. But I found it failed for a couple of reasons:
1. The bag doesn't always move with you. I could easily turn to one side leaving the hood flat on the ground and the zipper on top. I actually had to work the bag onto its side with me in it. This led to #2
2. The bag unzips easily. Unless I was diligent about getting the zipper all the way closed and then holding it as I shuffled, it popped open and let the chill in. I was constantly trying to rezip it.

I've been looking for a do anything sleeping pad and this seems to be it. It's not as small and lightweight as the ultra light pads, but I can't sleep on those anyway. I went with the dual core to get the extra R value for cold weather camping and this delivered. I did an early October backpack through the White Mountains on the AT and found this pad to be a lifesaver on a cold-cold night in Imp Shelter. The low was below freezing (I'm guessing high 20's). Sleeping on the dual core, I barely noticed the cold, but when my knees and elbows ventured off the pad, I could really feel the change. The insulating value of this pad is remarkable. Pair it with a good sleeping bag and you're all set. It packs small (not nalgene small, but close) and 2-2.5lbs it's worth it's weight.
My only complaint - it does suck to blow it up, especially when you're cold and tired.

I have no dexterity in them, but i can get around. They're super warm and designed to handle pretty bad conditions. Great for an early morning start or for shoveling snow. I probably shoveled 8 feet in them this last winter.
The ankle cinch could be a little it tighter. I'd feel more secure if i could get that draw cord to cinch up more.

No way am I sporting a typical climbing harness while trudging up hill on the chance that I am going to need it. And while the Bod is great, why not just go a lighter, and more compact and grab this? The couloir is perfect for ski mountaineering when ropes might be needed. It'll get you safely around in a pinch and can be worn all day thanks to clips on the leg loops or stowed in your pack.

My only complaint is that the leg loop clips see awfully weak, being only 1.5 inch wide plastic clips. I'm worried they'll break sooner rather than later - and most likely it'll happen because of a careless scrape or knock against a hard surface.

I haven't utilized the helmet to its full extent yet. Just rubbed it up against an overhand here and there as I was ascending, but it saved me from the ouchy. I'm sure it'll do the trick in the event I really need it.

Super light and the fit is excellent. sucks it's getting old.

A little small for my bear paws to use, but work pretty well for simple anchors and other tasks where I don't need to fuss with them too much.

Cost a little more than nylon, but the weight saving is great and they're bomber! I can set anchors quickly and reliably with these with no fear. They're solid, light, reliable and convenient. I'd buy them again and again.

I've set anchors with these reliably for top roping and used the 120 as part of my personal anchor. Their light, they loop, knot, hitch and fold to do whatever you need. But, if you do knot it, use a better knot than an overhand... once loaded, these buggers are impossible to untie.

Size is a little big for a small girl. But that makes it easy to find and access. The waist band leaves me jealous. It has a cute pattern that makes her feel feminine while scaling the rock.

I know it's filled with good chalk, but I can't seem to get it to work reliably. I feel like I've got to really work it to get chalked up and if I pull it out of my chalk bag I am enveloped in a cloud of white smoke.

I'm going to empty it and use loose chalk from now on.

Not the season for it, but it replaces a really great skull cap I lost at Mt. Washington due to stupid. It fits well, and the reverse colors give me some flexibility. I like that. Not sure on warmth and stink wiking yet. Will know next winter.

Admittedly, I've only used this screw, but was super pleased with the sets. It's easy to start and the crank is manageable even with my goliath BD Guide gloves on. They have two hangers, which provides some options for anchoring and setting up a pulley.
haven't had any issues with dulling or weight yet, but the screws were well maintained by the time I got hold of them.

Pretty good entry level axe with a technical shape for mixed climbing. But it's still a large investment for a transition tool. If you like it and don't want to ever replace it, then it's a great deal. But I found it good enough for a day's scaling but wouldn't add it to my kit. It doesn't support matching too well as the mid section requires a firm grip to maintain. Other tools with a hooky mid (Quark, Cobra, Viper, etc.) give you a much easier rest and more comfortable hold.

These are great, but for only a little more cash, I can get the quarks and have a remarkably lighter setup.

These are bomber and have a great strike angle. The standard pick works well thick bullet-proof ice and holds up well to rock, too. If the quarks didn't exist, I'd be all over these.

Have an older version of these and they're the greatest bindings I've ever skied on. No prerelease, no fears of any kind. I can cinch these down and the pivot heel will release before my knee does. I had a few nasty, twisting falls last season that would have been pretty ugly on a different binding at the same din setting.

If weight isn't an issue, and it shouldn't be if you're using lifts, cats or helis to get to the top, then this is the winner. Hands down.

I like to go without brakes most of the time. But it's nice to have these stashed away in case I decide to add them before a trip. Given certain conditions, a brake is often justifiable and worth the weight. Having that flexibility is priceless.

I like packing the tent and carrying it. I can solo in it, but it is hardly a 2 person tent. If you're larger than small, this is not a two person tent. At 6'3" and unable to sleep like a mummy, I find my toes touching one end and my head nearly touching the other. Would think the 9" would suffice (between my height and the tent length), but the angle of the tent walls shrink that advantage.

Has kept me warm on a frosty night and been cool enough on summer nights with the top. Just not going to put my sweetie in it next to me.

Grab one of each color (hardness) and use them as a system to prep and maintain your edges. They make for a great recovery tool after poor care leaves little rust spots on your skis (red one).

My only complaint: I want bigger vents.
I live and breath by full length zippered vents, but very few pants have them. No soft shell does, that I am aware of... but they should
These pants are warmer than my hard shells, but do vent pretty well when the body temperature rises.
They have adjustable waist bands which supports inclusion/exclusion of body armor. This is essential as I don't want to have to buy multiple pants for different situations.

The fit is a tiny bit generous, but you can easily buy your normal size and be pretty close to spot on. Length is good. I've got a 33" inseem and these cover it.

Two things drew me to this ski: the S7 like specs and the wicked graphics. Graphics don't make a ski trailworthy, but it does get you reading the specs. This ski is remarkable. It floats through powder and provides a solid base for landing big airs. I haven't had many days on this ski given my magical knack for missing the big dumps, but when I did take them out the impressed.
They're turny in the trees and floaty in the soft snow. You can brake check, charge or just cruise in the Keepers all day.

I also have an affinity for the boutique brands (as my most recent quiver additions seem to come exclusively from small Colorado manufacturers). There's an essence of skiing that one observes from these companies that makes you feel like your purchase is a bit symbiotic.

About me: 6'3" 225 (chub) skiing 189 cm and loving every cm of it. For a powder ski, the long length is kind of a no brainer and at 18m turn radius, the 189 with a slight tail skis like a much shorter ski.

I picked these up because the dimensions matched the Mantra, but the construction is anything but the same. As a lightweight, responsive ski, it was perfect for a touring setup. I've been pleased with my choice.

The lighter, more flexible ski is definitely different from my daily driver, but as a touring ski, it works in a number of conditions, up to boilerplate where only a very sharp edge will keep the ski from chattering and slipping.

Best ski I've ever owned. beat the hell out of them but they still dominate. I've skied them on bullet proof, boilerplate, powder and everything in between. Besides the spectacular collection of core shots, they're still spectacular after several seasons.

Stiff and responsive they support anything you can dish out.

This is a fine binding if you wish to compromise your up efficiency to get a more secure feeling on the down, or if you don't want to get tech boots. But if you want a good run up and have a second pair of boots, buy a tech binding.

The engineering in the freeride puts the pivot point in front of your toes (actually outside of the boot's sole) creating a less efficient lift. Add to that the bar and heel lock mechanism which stick with you and you're lifting more with each step. That means a lot of wasted energy on a five figure ascent day.
The descent feels weird on these because of the high profile. It takes getting used to and is a big adjustment for folks who ski alpine bindings most of the time on flat board skis.
On the plus side: it's super adjustable so you can share with your friends (not always recommended for safety reasons, though). it also has a traditional binding look/feel. Brakes and a good din rating make it a safe option for those tiptoeing into the backcountry.

These things are warm. I'd lusted over them for two years before finally getting a pair. The removable liner adds tremendous insulation and, coming out allows for some versatility. WEaring the shells without the liners isn't a terrible option, but they become pretty floppy and dexterity is limited. Experimentation with fleece, wool or other thinner liners improves your options for different conditions.

My hands get cold EVERYWHERE so I opted for the warmest glove I could find. This is it and I'm pleased with it. Just don't ask me to tie a knot with them on.

Great features and adaptability. This boot has been great for cold and mild tours. The cant and lean adjustments are great for those of us with not-so-perfect feet. I've fiddled with them a bit to try to get the perfect fit and am almost there. I regretted not opting for the three buckle Spirit 3, but the 4 is proving plenty light enough and with the black tongue, it's plenty stiff. These boots made me forget how tough my alpine boots were to put on.

I absolutely loved these gloves. They were awesome, warm and thin enough to fit as a liner inside my heavy gloves. But they wore through pretty quickly. I used them exclusively one day at Snowbasin and wore a big hole in the thumb. They should just weld the leather up the inside of the thumb.

I gave them to a homeless guy in Philly this weekend. Now I'm shopping for a second pair.

I got these for my touring skis. I compromised on weight, fitting them with a pair of Fritchi freerides, in the hopes of having a powerful downhill kit.

They're lighter than most, making them a good compromise. I wouldn't randonee race in this set up, but it's perfect for a little bit of touring and ascents down sketchy, steep lines.

Have taken the pack on a couple of trips and haven't completely fallen in love with the innovative ball joint. Pack tends to swing a little more than I'd like with this thing. I have a funny gait that promotes the swing and it gets a little irritating.
Features of the pack are pretty great, though. The empty weight is pretty good for a pack not dedicated to ultralight activities.

I debated a bunch of packs before grabbing this one. I was sold on the weight and the helmet "pouch." It doesn't feature a lot of room, so to have an extern helmet pouch that keeps the helmet in place (no flopping around) outside of the main compartment was awesome. Not in love with the a-frame carry though. I had a hard time keeping my skis tight and the edges rubbed one of the shoulder straps a bit. Mostly user error, but not entirely. It isn't quite as large as I'd like. Would have loved another 500 cu in.