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Andrew Swindle

Mountain Biker // Skier // Backpacker // Hiker // Camper // Climber

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Great Pedal, but...

Crank Brothers 5050 X Pedal

Rating for this product: 4 November 26, 2008

Great DH/Freeride pedal, but if your looking for flats that you can ride a lot i would get the XX version of the 5050- it comes with sealed bearings which will increase the life of the pedal and will perform much better in muddy/wet conditions.

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Been My Down Vest For Years

The North Face Nuptse Down Vest - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 24, 2008

I've used the Nuptse down vest for years. This vest has kept me warm when doing over night Cross Country ski trips in the High Uintas as well as kept my temperature right where I want it when hanging around the cabin. If you want a down vest- get this one, it stows well and retains it's loft over the years.

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Good All Round Glove

Fox Racing Digit Bike Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 24, 2008

Nothing to special, but the fit is great. The padding is good and the stretch fit is a plus. I have loved them, but they've been beat up as all gloves tend to get over time.

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Great Shorts

Oakley Ballistic 3.7 MTB Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 24, 2008

I love these shorts. The removable liner w/ chamois allows me to choose what shorts I want to wear for the specific type of riding I'll be doing each day. The fit is large(which I love).

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Loved 'Em

Mavic Crossmax SL Mountain Bike Wheel

Rating for this product: 5 November 24, 2008

I've been running these on my All Mountain rig and have been very impressed wiht their durability and feel. They've handled everyhting from 5 foot drops to crankin' climbs. Can't go wrong here.

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Burly Ass Tube!

Maxxis Downhill Mountain Bike Tube

Rating for this product: 5 November 24, 2008

The extra weight won't bother you when your stomping everything, without a pinch flat in sight. If your serious about your DH rig then run a set of these tubes, you won't regret it.

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Love The Minions

Maxxis Minion DHR Downhill Mountain Bike Tire

Rating for this product: 5 November 24, 2008

These bad boys will suck up any soft dirt and keep you gripped to the trail. They do great in wet conditions and perform well in everyday conditions.

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Answer to: "how about in sloppy rain and mud how will it handle?"

Crank Brothers 5050 X Pedal

November 16, 2008

Should be ok, but you might want something a little spikier. I would spend the extra cash and get the XX 5050 version of this pedal because the sealed barrings will increase the durrability and life of the pedal-for sure if your riding in muddy/wet conditions.

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Super Warm

Mountain Hardwear Phantom Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 5 November 11, 2008

This bag is sweet. Obviously the 800-fill down is super warm. I would recomend getting the Long size. I am 5'9" and weight 185 lbs with broad shoulders and the Reg. size bag was just way too snug. Luckily a gear expert, who was familiar with this bag, helped me and recomended that I try the Long. The switch to the Long bag was perfect, offering more girth and length to provide better coverage and comfort. The draft collar is great. Super Toasty!

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Didn't Fit My Feet, so I took them back.

Montrail Streak Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 11, 2008

These shoes seemed light and comfortable, but they didn't fit my feet quite how I like, so I took them back. Wish I could offer more info...sorry.

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Good All Weather Boots

La Sportiva Typhoon GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 11, 2008

I've only taken these boots on one good length hike (7 miles) thus far. The Gore-Tex protected well against the High Uinta snow in October. I loved how well these boots gripped wet rocks and wet soil. The break-in process hasn't been too bad, they are a comfortable boot that will keep your feet dry. They are a bit heavy, but that's what you get when you want a bombproof housing for your feet.

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Good Mountain Watch

Nixon Delta II SS PU Watch - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 7, 2008

This watch comes chalk full of useful functions that work well in the hills. I didn't give 5 stars simply becasue there is no thermometer, which would for sure make this watch one of the best MTN. watches out there. I love the chrono and timer features on this watch, super easy to use. The altimiter is great as long as you calibrate on a regular basis. Compass is great too. If you want a lightwieght watch, this isn't it. This thing is burly and can take a beating.

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Good Mountain Watch

Nixon Delta SS PU Watch

Rating for this product: 4 November 7, 2008

This watch comes chalk full of useful functions that work well in the hills. I didn't give 5 stars simply becasue there is no thermometer, which would for sure make this watch one of the best MTN. watches out there. I love the chrono and timer features on this watch, super easy to use. The altimiter is great as long as you calibrate on a regular basis. Compass is great too. If you want a lightwieght watch, this isn't it. This thing is burly and can take a beating.

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Paul Bunyan's Favorite

Patagonia Lined Flannel Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 7, 2008

This is a go to dry weather cozy jacket. I've worn it doing some urban biking as well as just hangin' around in the fall weather. The super soft flannel outer layer is good for cuddling while the thin insulation layer keeps ya pretty warm. Not for wet weather. Good for taking names and holding an ax.

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Gamer!

The North Face Nuptse Down Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 6, 2008

This jacket has been with me for almost 8 years now(2000). Still has good loft and I've never had a hole. Yeah I've lost some feathers over the years, but all down products shed a bit. Warm and light weight. The stow feature is great for hikes/backpacking. I would recomend for anyone who wants a wram and functional down insulator to last for a long while.

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Good Pants

Patagonia Gi II Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 6, 2008

These pants are great. I use them for fishing. I throw them under my waders, they don't bunch up because they are so light weight. If they do get wet, they dry super quick. Great for wet wading in the hot summer months too. The built in belt is perfect. It's tough, but at the same time its very minimal which adds comfort. I would recomend these pants for any outdoor activity. Great for hiking/backpacking.

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Lovin' it!

Patagonia Classic Retro-X Vest - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 6, 2008

For a fleece vest, this thing kicks it. Main use has been fishing in the fall. Putting this bad boy under my fishing vest adds comfort and warmth. I love the retro look and the feel of the bushy fleese is great. Good insulator to keep your inards warm.

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Agreed. Best Out there.

Smith Passage Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 5 November 6, 2008

I bought the polarchromic copper lensed version for fly fishing, can't beat 'em. I've loved the way they fit my face with the adjustable ear pads. The polorchromic lense is great, if you are looking for a lense to fish the Caddis hatch later in the evening- this is it! Durable as well.

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Good For Cansual Wear, Not Trail Worthy.

Lafuma OS 26 Mesh Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 October 9, 2008

As a casual work/school shoe I have loved these. They have a relaxed style and not eveyone has a pair. As a trail runner or even a road runner these shoes don't offer great support. The footbed is thin and the arch support is minimal. Get 'em for just kicking around and you'll love them.

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What's the differnce between this bag and the TNF Nova 0-degree...

The North Face Superlight Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down

October 1, 2008

What's the differnce between this bag and the TNF Nova 0-degree down bag? Both teh same weight adn bot 0 degree, but the Nova is way more money...?

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Best Uses.I know this jacket is a moutaineering/alpine climbing...

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

September 19, 2008

Best Uses.

I know this jacket is a moutaineering/alpine climbing jacket, but I was wondering if anyone has spent a lot of time skiing with it? Backcountry and in-bounds. Let me know you thoughts... Also, where is this model currently manufactured? China or Canada?

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MADE IN CANADA!!!

Arc'teryx Seeker Comp Softshell Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 19, 2008

Arc'teryx is now making many of their products in China similar to other mainstream outdoor companies...but this peice is still made where Arc'teryx calls home-Canada. I love the feel of this coat. Just got one adn couldn't be happier. I've wanted a ligthweight softshell hoody for a while and thought I was going to dial in teh Gamma MX Hoody, but found out it was being made in China and then look elsewhere. Thst's when i found out that the Seeker Comp was still made in Canada where Arc'teryx has been producing the best gear for years. I bought one and you should too!

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One Go To Hoody-This One

Arc'teryx Fugitive Hooded Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 19, 2008

I have had the Fugative for two years now and it has done anything I could ever expect a mid-layer hoody to do. Try one on to get the right size, some people think they run a little short, but most Arc'teryx stuff does. It handles wind great compared to other hoodies I've owned (Covert Hoody) and the fleece is thin, but only because it's compressed, so it's still thick and will keep you plenty warm. On super cold days throw this bad boy inside a Acr'teryx Gore-Tex Pro shell and you'll be in business, not to mention warm. When it really gets cold on the hill I layer this under my Stingray Jacket and more often than not I'm opening my pit zips to cool down a bit. Buy one, Now!

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Polorchromic!

Smith Passage Sunglasses - Polarchromic

Rating for this product: 5 August 15, 2008

These glasses are the best glasses I've ever owned. I've had Smith Threshhold Interchangables, a couple of pair of Smith's regular polorized lensed glasses and the Passage Polorchromics are the best yet. If you are looking for a fishing lense, get Polorchromic. Polorchromic lenses are polorized, meaning they cut down the glare which allows you to see into teh water, but they are also photochromic which means they adapt to the given light in any situation. In the shade they allow more light to come into the lense, and in the bright sun they darken to keep bright light out. You'll need a pair of polorchomic lenses if you are serious about fishing til dark to hit the Caddis hatch. You'll thank me later, I promise.

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Good Interchangable Glasses

Smith Threshold Sunglasses - Interchangeable

Rating for this product: 4 August 15, 2008

I've liked my pair of Thresholds for biking best. The light weight frame allows me to ride longer rides and never even feel them on my face. The option of a clear lense is also huge for me and I like to ride DH with a clear lense for use in and out of the trees. The new Interlocks look sweet, but if you want light weight, go with the Thresholds. Get a polorized lense and a clear lense and you'll be set.

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