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Chuck Mabry

Snowboarder // Backcountry Snowboarder // Mountain Biker // Road Biker // Sport Climber

Chuck Mabry: #200 of 91,688 Top 200 Gear Guru More Information

29 Reviews:

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15 Yes | 14 No

2 Questions:

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15 Answers:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    At the moment Mississippi (US Navy), but usually Wrightsville Beach, NC or Bend, Oregon
  • Bio:

    New experiences and new places are what motivate me. 6' Laniakea with nobody out or 2 ft of fresh on Mt Bachelor are two of the best things in life.

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good performer

MSR Dromlite Bags

MSR Dromlite Bags

Rating for this product: 4 September 13, 2009

This thing is small, packs down nicely, and does the job. I only wish they made them bigger!

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great towel

Sea To Summit Tek Towel

Sea To Summit Tek Towel

Rating for this product: 4 April 13, 2009

I agree with one of the reviewers below. An excellent towel, but it kind of feels weird (grabby might be the right word). Besides that, it is super absorbent and doesn't stink after continual use. Would recommend it to anybody!

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necessary luxury

Sea To Summit Polycarbonate Utensil Set

Sea To Summit Polycarbonate Utensil Set

Rating for this product: 5 April 2, 2009

This is one of those items that people usually forget to bring, but regret not having. Polycarb utensils are worth their weight in gold. I like these better than the ti versions because they don't transfer heat and don't bend like ti can. Since they're only a couple of ounces, there's no reason not to bring them.

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must have

Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 April 2, 2009

This is another go to piece of kit for anybody spending any amount of time in the outdoors. We get issued these in the military and I have been using the same light for a couple of years. When it's really dark out, you don't need that much light to see, and the red lens helps keep your night vision. Worth every penny!!!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No

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Perfect backup

Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp

Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 April 2, 2009

This is the perfectbackup light for almost anything. I have several....one as a backup to my TACTIKKA for military use, one in my truck for the random emergency (works well for changing tires in the middle of the night), and one for my backpack. It's so light, there's no reason not to carry it.

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luxurious

Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair

Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair

Rating for this product: 4 April 2, 2009

It's big and heavy...but SOOOOOOO nice after a day in the outdoors. Great fro sitting around a bonfire or campfire, but I do hate carrying the thing!

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still working well

Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 April 1, 2009

So these shoes are still working out well. I am in afghanistan and run in them at least 3 times a week. They are holding up well to the rocks and sand that are here on base (no paved roads at all) I think they are actually getting more comfortable as I wear them more. The only issue I am having is that the GTX doesn't breath too well in the heat, so my feet are sweating.

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great for its intended use

Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness

Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness

Rating for this product: 4 February 11, 2009

This thing rocks for throwing in your backpack for a day of backcountry riding, or as an extra harness. With no padding it's not so good for a day at the gym. For anything like that you need a padded harness.

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good shoe...stiff at first

Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 February 2, 2009

Really like this shoe. I thought it wasn't going to work at first because the heel cup was a bit narrow, and overall the shoe was pretty stiff. After about 40 miles or so, they have started to loosen up a bit. The heel is still firm and supportive but has widened a bit and the shoe seems to have needed a breaking in time. Overall I'm satisfied and would recommend it to anybody

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX Trail Running Shoe - Men's

January 30, 2009

yeah, get the bunion cuttoff. Anything you buy is going to wear through there. Take care of your feet and they'll take care of you!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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The North Face Thunder Jacket - Men's

January 25, 2009

depends on the humidity. Dowm is always better for dry conditions, but if you expect to get wet, synthetic insulation might be the better choice.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Sold Out

Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket - Men's

January 20, 2009

I have always found Arcteryx fairly true to size, but maybe with a slimmer fit. I generally see people comment that they run a little small, so go with the larger size I would think.If it helps I'm 6' and 225 and got the XL. It fits really well. I think XXL would just swallow me

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket - Men's

January 20, 2009

I've got both jackets, well I actually swapped my arc' for this marmot and used the arm pocket for the same things. I use them for smaller maps, maybe a compass as well or a ski pass, or anything else small that I might need to get out a little more often. They're useful for that in my opinion. As for the pockets in beanies, scarves etc. I think that's more of a marketing thing personally. Can't seem to think of anything that those would be useful for.Credit cards, Cash and Condoms...I use the arm pocket for lift tickest on electronic systems. Works great for that. Those other pockets are really of no use and I agree with Steve, probably marketing

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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straps suck...but great watch

Suunto X-Lander Watch

Suunto X-Lander Watch

Rating for this product: 3 January 12, 2009

I absolutely love this watch. It does everything you expect from Suunto....BUT, the watchbands by this company are horrible. I've had the X-lander Mil edition for about 18 months now, and the rubber band has already broken. The only replacement band now available is the just as crappy leather version (smells when it gets wet) For a company that makes such great watches, I don't see how they put such crappy bands on them. The other problem is that you can't just put any strap on it. The pins are curved so you pretty much have to go with a Suunto strap.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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super comfortable

Mammut Mirage Harness

Mammut Mirage Harness

Rating for this product: 4 January 12, 2009

This harness has worked really well. Very comfortable and easy to adjust. Would recommend it to anyone.

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Suunto X-Lander Watch

January 10, 2009

I have the same watch, but the military edition. Currently, the only strap made is the leather one. My original black rubber strap is not available as an accessory. If you got two years out of that band you're doing better than I did. Only about 18 months out of mine.

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Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell Pant - Women's

January 4, 2009

Honestly...probably not. Softshell is great for dry snow conditions and when you're not really wallowing in the snow. For your first day snowboarding, you will definately be falling a lot. A better bet would be a combo like smartwool long underwear bottoms and a gore-tex shell pant like the Alpha LT pant or for something a little softer, the stingray pant...still gore-tex but softer so not quite as waterproof. Hope this helps.

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are you kidding???

Norrøna /29 Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Norrøna /29 Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 1 January 4, 2009

I don't care how nice Norrona stuff is....100 bucks for a cotton hooded sweatshirt is ridiculous!!!

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes | 10 No

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great lighweight shell

Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 2, 2009

This jacket rocks for a superlight packable jacket for rain or backpacking. I keep it in my truck for those unexpected downpours in the summer. You really can't go wrong with this jacket. Perfect for throwing in the backpack.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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solid performer

La Sportiva Halite GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

La Sportiva Halite GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 2, 2009

So far, I'm pretty happy with these boots. Excellent for light day hikes. With a heavy pack I'd go with something a little more substantial. The only reason I can't give them 5 stars is that durability has always been a question with La Sportiva. I love their boots and climbing shoes, but find that they tend to fall apart quicker thay they should. I haven't tested these enough to find out yet.... so 4 out of 5

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No

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good so far

La Sportiva Katana Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Katana Climbing Shoe

Rating for this product: 4 January 2, 2009

I like the way these fit the front of my feet, but seems like there is too much room in the heels. My toes always get cramps after bouldering in them for awhile, but I'm still breaking them in.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 2 No

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I love this bag!

Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 5 January 2, 2009

Since the first night in this bag, I have loved every second of being in it. Not so much room that you get cold, but enough to move around a little. I'm 6' and 220 so I got the long version and it gives me enough room to move a little and even wear an extra layer if it's really cold. Totally glad I bought it!

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La Sportiva Halite GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

January 1, 2009

I'd say it really depends on how much you're planning on carrying. With 40 or more pounds on your back, I'd want something a little more substantial on my feet. These are really good for day hikes with just a rucksack on your back. A pair of the Glaciers (La Sportiva) would be better suited to heavy backpacking on the AT.

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The North Face Venture Jacket - Men's

January 1, 2009

The cord is for adjusting the volume of the hood, so that it fits more closely to your head (thus enabling you to see better peripherally and to experience less wind-induced flapping of loose material).

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket - Men's

December 31, 2008

Anybody know anything about this company? I haven't heard of it but it seems to be really expensive...even compared to Arc'teryx.

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Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket - Men's

December 31, 2008

It's just a shell, so not too low. If you layer it with a med-weight fleece you're probably good down to mid 30's.

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Arc'teryx Venta SV Softshell Jacket - Men's

December 30, 2008

Is this jacket made in Canada or China now?

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Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket - Men's

December 30, 2008

The big difference is the hood. The lenght is pretty close. I have the SV and use it for backcountry snowboarding as well as resort. This jacket is probably a little long if you're planning on wearing a harness. Just food for thought.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket - Men's

December 30, 2008

Yes...most definately. I wear a RED helmet that fits perfectly underneath it. You can actually pull the hood up with one hand. The hood adjustments are a little tough to deal with on the brim, but the back adjustments work well.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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not quite perfect

Marmot Ama Dablam Down Jacket - Men's

Marmot Ama Dablam Down Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 December 29, 2008

I've had the Ama Dablm now for a couple of years and I definately like it. The problem I have is that the hood is too big. To me this is a after ski or sitting around the campfire jacket and there really is no need to have a helmet compatible hood. Other than that, it works really well. The fleece lined pockets are a definate bonus. Like all down jackets, some of the feathers poke through the outer shell, but this is normal. Overall, it is definately worth having....especially at 20% off like it is now.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Very impressed

Osprey Packs Porter 90 Backpack - 5500cu in

Osprey Packs Porter 90 Backpack - 5500cu in

Rating for this product: 5 December 29, 2008

Now that I've used the bag for a trip I'm definitely sold on it. This thing is solid all the way around. I was able to pack enough stuff for 10 days in it, yet there isn't so much room that you bring too much stuff. We all know, if you have extra room, you'll bring extra stuff. This is a great bag for a week or so. Any less than that, and I'd go with the smaller versions. Backpack straps work great, and the lack of a padded hip belt is just a non-issue. Worked out great!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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solid performer

The North Face Free Thinker Pant - Men's

The North Face Free Thinker Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 December 23, 2008

For deep powder days this has turned out to be a really good pair of pants. The suspenders fit really well and these things are bombproof. The suspenders are detachable which is also a nice feature. Sizing seems to be dead on. Wish they came in more colors.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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perfect

Arc'teryx Delta AR Zip Pullover - Men's

Arc'teryx Delta AR Zip Pullover - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 23, 2008

I thought this thing was way too expensive but I bought it anyway....and I'm glad I did. After a few days I actually went and bought it in another color. I can't begin to say enough good things about this piece. Perfect weight for the fall and works well under my Sidewinder shell on the mountain.!

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Nice for all ocasions

Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip Pullover - Men's

Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip Pullover - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 23, 2008

Although I prefer the Delta AR for mountain activities, the LT is a much cleaner piece that looks good enought to go out on the town in. As someone below said "uber soft" That pretty much says it. Clean design and excellent detail.

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Pretty good, but could be improved

Arc'teryx Silo 30 Backpack - 1648-1831cu in

Arc'teryx Silo 30 Backpack - 1648-1831cu in

Rating for this product: 3 December 23, 2008

I agree with john below. While this is a nice pack, it needs some work. Like he said, the shovel pocket is gigantic and I use it as a separator inside the pack. Good for stashing away an extra layer and keeping it dry. I have the black pack and the bright green interior really makes it easier to see inside on snowy or dark conditions. The biggest issue I have is the snowboard carry system. It is very stable on this pack once adjusted, but again, as John said, it's a pain in the butt to adjust. K2, cirque works, burton, etc have all tried this carry system, and none seem to be able to make it work. It's just a hard system to deal with while adjusting. When the adjustments are completed, it's a great system. Just be aware that it takes a few minutes....EVERY TIME....you put something in, or take something out of the pack to readjust.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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The North Face Free Thinker Pant - Men's

December 21, 2008

You'll have to look for them in one of the stores. If anybody would have them in stock online it would be Backcountry.com, but no luck. Not sure if these guys can do special order or not. Outerwear is usually ordered by retailers about 7 months in advance at the SIA show in Las Vegas. I suggest calling the North Face store in Boulder, Co.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Sold Out

The North Face Free Thinker Pant - Men's

December 21, 2008

no short inseam available according to the TNF website. They make them, but nobody online has them. You'll have to deal with the length or get them professionally altered.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Sold Out

Lib Technologies T. Rice MTX Snowboard

December 21, 2008

Corp... You're looking in the right direction. I'm 36 and this will be my 20th season snowboarding. whithout a doubt, the MTX is the real deal. I can't speak to BTX because I haven't ridden one, but I have a TRS 167 from last year and it is an unbelievable ride. Like you, I'm not a park guy, but like to ride the natural terrain. I rode 27 days on Mt Bachelor (Oregon) after getting the Lib Tech and was really happy with it. It worked well on everythig from powder to crud up on the summit to groomers and chewed up tree runs down low. My only negative observation is that when you're haulin a*#, it seems to be a little grabby. The only thing I can say is maybe I didn't detune my edges enough.....who knows. Anyway, the thing rides great fakie as well. I have ridden 30 or 40 different freestyle and park boards over the years (worked in the snowboard industry for a few years) and this one seems to beat them all. Bottom Line MTX is the way to go!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Looks Promising

Osprey Packs Porter 90 Backpack - 5500cu in

Osprey Packs Porter 90 Backpack - 5500cu in

Rating for this product: 4 December 20, 2008

I just got my new Porter 90 in the mail today. Looks like a well made bag so far. You can definately tell that quite a bit of thought was put into this piece of kit. Nice big opening, and all of the fastex clips associated with the backpack straps are actually built-in to small pockets in order to keep them for getting caught on anything. Like one of the other reviewers wrote....unpadded waist belt, but not sure you really need that. It's made to take you from the airport to the lodge without having to drag a huge duffle bag on the ground. I'm packing for a 20 day trip now, and it all seems to fit. We'll have to see how this first trip goes!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Great go-to pant

The North Face Paramount Convertible Pant - Men's

The North Face Paramount Convertible Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 15, 2008

As most have stated below, this is a solid pair of pants. I have worn them all over the world and have never been dissapointed. They dry really quickly and never seem to wear out. Mine have been to the top of mountains all over the cascades and rockies, and to the desert of Iraq and Somalia. I will buy these pants as long as TNF makes them. Although I will say that I've never zipped the legs off. never really found the need...

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Magnatraction ROCKS!

Lib Technologies TRS MTX Snowboard

Lib Technologies TRS MTX Snowboard

Rating for this product: 4 November 18, 2008

I was a little skeptical at first, but after riding this board I was a believer. Magnatraction really works. The only issue I've ever had is that it seems a little grabby on hard groomers...almost like it wants to turn more than you do. The faster you go, the more noticeable. Not a big deal, but didn't expect it. At 6' and 225 lbs, the 167 seems to be a perfect fit. It floats well in powder and is pretty good on groomers (see above)

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Great Jacket

Arc'teryx Sidewinder SV Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Sidewinder SV Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 17, 2008

This is my first Arcteryx Gore-Tex jacket and I've been fully impressed. The offset zipper is great, but does take some getting used to. I used it on a 35 day trip to Oregon and brought my North Face Mountain Guide jacket as well... but never even broke it out of my bag. The sidewinder worked well in every condition. Fits well over my RED helmet. This jacket is a no frills, no extra crap jacket, for people who want ride/ski not sit in the lodge!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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one of the best

The North Face Free Thinker Pant - Men's

The North Face Free Thinker Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 29, 2008

Overall, this is one of the best bibs I've ever worn. It fits well and is true to size. The only two gripes I have are that the zipper around the drop seat is a little drafty so it's hard to ride in these without long underwear on (layering with these is a must), and that the leg gaiter needs to be wider. My Burton Driver X boots barely fit inside them. Other than that, I love them and would definitely tell others to buy them.

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THE BEST!!!

The North Face Mountain Guide Jacket - Mens

The North Face Mountain Guide Jacket - Mens

Rating for this product: 5 December 30, 2005

Of the 15 years I've been snowboarding, this is by far the best technical jacket I've ever seen. Well thought out and designed, it has far surpassed my already high expectations.

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unreal boot

La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Men's

La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 2, 2003

I have had my pair of Makalu's for about two years now. They are by far the best heavy duty boot that I have ever had. In fact I used them in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom instead of the Asolo's that I was issued. They performed flawlessly in Iraq and have gone to the top of many mountains in Colorado during the winter. I'll buy them as long as they make them!

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