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Jan Higa
Camper/Hiker // Snowboarder // Trail Runner // Snowshoer // Boulderer
Jan Higa:
#78
of 93,508
58 Reviews:
Helpful?
14 Yes |
0 No
0 Questions:
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0 Yes |
0 No
36 Answers:
Helpful?
0 Yes |
2 No
0 Photos:
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2 Comments:
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0 Gearlists:
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Stomping Grounds:
Colorado -
Bio:
Been snowboarding for almost 30 years (yes 30) and have never missed a season. I've seen this sport evolve from it's beginnings.
I've been active outdoors all my life and have age and experience to contribute to this forum. I've seen many changes in outdoor gear throughout the years as well as changes in our various sports for the good and bad.
Rankings 
- #8 of 568 - Women's 3-in-1 Jackets
- #8 of 228 - Audio Accessories
- #15 of 986 - Cross Country Skiing
- #16 of 293 - Food
- #17 of 521 - Women's Aprés Boots
- #19 of 778 - Women's Ski Jackets
- #25 of 709 - Women's Hiking Pants
- #28 of 568 - Women's Ski Pants
- #32 of 646 - Snowboard Bindings
- #37 of 1,417 - Goggles
- #42 of 5,325 - Women's Jackets
- #47 of 2,140 - Gloves
- #48 of 859 - Snowshoes
- #50 of 656 - Women's Hiking Shoes
- #68 of 830 - Trail Running Accessories
- #70 of 939 - Women's Rain Jackets
- #73 of 542 - All Mountain Snowboards
- #77 of 425 - Snowboard Gloves
- #81 of 854 - Women's Long Underwear
- #82 of 573 - Lighting
- #85 of 961 - Headlamps
- #88 of 493 - Rolling Gear Bags
- #97 of 575 - Freestyle Snowboards
- #106 of 715 - Snowboard Boots
- #126 of 1,963 - Luggage
- #131 of 805 - Kids' Gear
- #132 of 814 - Women's Trail Run Shoes
- #135 of 1,001 - Women's Trail Running Footwear
- #138 of 1,091 - Winter Packs
- #144 of 856 - Snowboard Bindings
- #148 of 1,066 - Women's Softshell Jackets
- #155 of 957 - Women's Winter Boots and Shoes
- #161 of 629 - Overnight Backpacks (2000 - 2999 cu in)
- #162 of 1,953 - Snowboard Accessories
- #179 of 968 - Snowboards
- #182 of 2,607 - Women's Fleece Jackets
- #221 of 1,250 - Running Watches
- #228 of 1,047 - Ski Gloves
- #238 of 2,808 - Men's Fleece Jackets
- #248 of 1,815 - Hats
- #259 of 2,444 - Women's Trail Running Clothing
- #288 of 2,518 - Women's Shirts
- #306 of 1,883 - Tents
- #353 of 2,269 - Women's Pants
- #615 of 3,615 - Alpine Skiing
- #914 of 967 - Climbing Shoes
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Patagonia Sidewall Jacket - Women's
2 days ago
If you are worried about staying warm in wet conditions and this jacket is only water resistant, I would look elsewhere.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No
Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Jacket - Men's
2 days ago
It appears to be a greenish-grey color. I don't see brown in it.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
La Sportiva Crosslite Trail Running Shoe - Women's
2 days ago
Mia, they will work for running through wet grass but eventually through wear and tear they will leak and you will have to treat them. I recommend Nikwax products for that. You may be able to treat your current shoe with this product as well.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Hedgehog Mid GTX XCR Hiking Shoe - Women's
2 days ago
I believe it means Thermoplastic Polyurethane. I would talk with a company that makes custom footbeds. They could probably help you out or at least make some recommendations.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Tubbs Couloir Series Snowshoe - Women's
2 days ago
I don't recommend snowshoeing with snowboard boots. They are too stiff. You should use hiking or mountaineering boots.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
DAKINE Sequence Backpack w/ Camera Block - 2000cu in
2 days ago
Yes, you have to take the pack off your back. The pack has a rear entry that accesses the block. You don't have to remove the block. Dakine also makes the mission that is 1500 cu.inches as opposed to 2000cu.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
K2 Kit Snowboard Binding - Girls'
2 days ago
Not in the size small. I would recommend the mediums for a size 7. It seems they don't have a medium at the moment. If you are really interested in this item I would contact Backcountry.com to see if the medium will be available.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Ride NRC Snowboard Binding
2 days ago
If you are happy with Ride, you should stick with it. I'm like you, I buy gear every 5 or so years and have stuck with the same company since the 80's. Ride makes a great product. I do recommend getting bindings with toe caps. (straps that cup the toe end of the boot as opposed to cinching it directly over the top of the boot.) I can't tell if this model has that function but you could probably convert it. I've used a toe cap for the last 4-5 years and would never go back.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
K2 Cinch Tryst Snowboard Binding - Women's
2 days ago
Womens bindings are designed to fit our smaller feet and the incredibly small boards that the industry cranks out for women. I generally take a medium in womens binding and a small in mens. The most important thing is that they fit your boots well.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Salomon Grip Snowboard
2 days ago
I think you should stick with the 157. If you want it for an all mountain board then I assume you will be hitting some powder. I don't care how much rocker is in this board. I weigh 154 and my all mountain boards are anywhere from a 156 to 159. You want more float when you are not in the park. Where do you ride? People in the east tend to stick with shorter boards because they don't get the powder that we do in the West. In any case, I would still get the 157. Especially if you like to lay down a carve getting to your destination. Hope this helps.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Abby II Winter Boot - Women's
2 days ago
It is waterproof but with any boot if you wear it enough you will eventually have to waterproof it.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Corsica Convertible Pant - Women's
2 days ago
Hi Cathy, These pants are pretty bomber. Mountain Hardware makes their pants in Short, medium and long. I would definitely get the short version and refer to the size chart for these pants. Backcountry.com provides pretty accurate sizing charts for their products. I've only had to send back one item in the years I've been using them and it was very easy. I think they are plenty warm for fall hiking. When it's a little too chilly I just add long underwear to the mix. I do recommend these.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Xena II Ski Pant - Women's
2 days ago
There are gators and they are probably the standard fare with elastic on the bottoms with a snap.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Millet D. Dulac Pro Model Climbing Shoe
2 days ago
They have sizes from 9.0 to 11.5. I'm not sure I know what you mean by "How are they sized?" If you are familiar with this company and have tried on this particular model and know your size than you just order accordingly.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No
DC Chalet Slim Apres Boot - Women's
2 days ago
I'm 5'2", this boot comes pretty close to my knees. They are quite tall. If you are on the taller end of the spectrum they would be closer to calf length but probably still close to the knee.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Redpoint Insulated Jacket - Women's
2 days ago
It all depends on how you want to use it. If you are skiing and get cold easily I would wear it with a shell. It's insulated so it will keep you warm when cruising mountain towns. I get cold very easily and would consider buying this jacket.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Stoic Stoic Welder Glove
2 days ago
Well, they do claim that these gloves will stand up to ski edges, rocks and other glove tearing nasties. I'm guessing that they would work. If you are looking for a pipe glove, I would look elsewhere.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
DAKINE Nova Glove w/ Wrist Guard
4 days ago
They are insulated but don't have removable liners.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Spyder Astrid Glove - Girls'
4 days ago
Since they are geared toward skiing, probably not too well. I would recommend Dakine or Burton
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Powerstretch Balaclava
4 days ago
It only comes in medium and large and it is unisex I would recommend the medium for smaller women.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Compressor PL Jacket - Women's
4 days ago
This is not a waterproof item
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Dragon DX Goggles w/ Ionized Lens
4 days ago
I would get goggle that fit my face and persimmon lenses.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Dragon DX Goggles w/ Ionized Lens
4 days ago
I would get goggle that fit my face and persimmon lenses.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Sold Out
Dragon DX Goggles w/ Ionized Lens
4 days ago
I would get goggle that fit my face and persimmon lenses.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Sold Out
The North Face Alana Boot - Women's
4 days ago
It definitely takes longer to deal with if you are in a hurry. They are cool looking but you just can't slip them on. They are actually more of a fashion statement than functional.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Alana Boot - Women's
4 days ago
According to North Face they are waterproof. It doesn't hurt to also waterproof it yourself. I think the suede boots tend to require a little more upkeep than leather.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Columbia Rogue Parka - Women's
4 days ago
It depends how much time you spend on the slopes. Lighter colors always collect dirt faster. I get out at least 3 times a week. Last season I nikwaxed my jacket two or three times. Don't ever use regular detergent for your outdoor gear. This system is easy to use and not really time consuming.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Resolve Jacket - Women's
November 6, 2009
This jacket really doesn't breathe enough to comfortably run in. There are other jackets out there that are more suited for fall running. I used mine once last year for running 5 miles in light rain and it was around 50 degrees. I sweat quite a bit and this jacket simply does not breathe enough.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Women's
November 2, 2009
The heel lifter work great. I've used them a few times and never had a problem. It does help to drop to one knee to engage or disengage them. I have no experience with the atlas.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Women's
November 2, 2009
I would also recommend the the 25" length. I'm 5'2" and 150. I can actually run in these on groomed trail. If you are going to be in anything deep for extended periods of time I would look elsewhere. You really can't go wrong with this pair. Very durable and you won't regret the purchase.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
DAKINE Camera Block - 800cu in
November 2, 2009
It should but it might be a tight fit. I was told by a dakine rep that these camera blocks would fit in MOST of their packs. The block itself is 880 cubic inches. I cram my block into my poacher pack and it's a tight fit. The dakine backpacks for photo use are designed to specifically carry camera equipment. The pack you are talking about is 1200 cubic inches and it also depends if your pack has a rear entry so the block can be put in easier.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
DAKINE Poacher Backpack - 2300cu in
November 2, 2009
I think both these pack are fine recommendations. It depends on how they fit you so I would try both of them. I like bells and whistles as well. I have the poacher and it has many pockets in various locations.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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DAKINE Poacher Backpack - 2300cu in
November 2, 2009
Yes, it does depend on personal preference. This is a large pack. If you don't pack it full of stuff it shouldn't be too heavy. I use mine with an insert for photography equipment. I've never run into any issues with resorts telling me I can't get on a lift with this size pack so I don't know what the previous commentator means by this. If you are heading out with a heliboarding outfit they always try to discourage you from bringing a large pack but they all do that since they are trying to cram as many people into a small space as they can. If you just plan on carrying a few clothing items and a shovel I would get something smaller.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Orage Flora Insulated Jacket - Women's
November 30, 2008
This is quite a popular jacket. I just bought one two weeks ago from this site and now it isn't available in my size. Bummer. Try googling the model number/order number of the jacket and you might get lucky. Try calling stores in your area they might find it in another store location. Hope this helps.Update: Dean, go to porterstahoe.com they have it in size large for $239.00!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Burton Lexa EST Snowboard Binding - Women's
November 30, 2008
I've ridden in both these bindings. The models that I have are a couple of years older than what's listed. I think the escapade is a bit more cush than the lexa, meaning that the extra padding does cut down on chatter while riding in dust on crust conditions. It also helps if your landing is a bit sketchy.I don't have a problem with the lexa at all. It's a little cheaper and have this binding on a malolo. Both these bindings are among the best I've owned and I've been snowboarding for 27 years. If you own burton boots it's definitely a plus. Both are good choice for aggressive women riders. Hope this helps.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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