Harrison Gatos

I like this better than the OG Tracker. I have not used the Tracker very much, but one feature I particularly like about the T2 is the pull function to change to search mode. Call me picky, but I like it much better than the button.

Not much more I could ask for in an avi beacon. I believe it to be worth the extra $ over the Tracker as well, but others may say differently.

My Evolv Pontas shoes were so great and I used them so much that I put a hole through the rubber in the left shoe's toe (probably a little too much toe drag on the wall too). In order to solve this, I used this kit, which I had lying around.

The directions are pretty clear and the kit comes with everything you need, but I still decided to add extra cement to make the mixture less clumpy. I evenly spread it on the toe area of each shoe with my fingers (gloved) instead because they are more precise. The rubber still clumped up some. Afterwards, I sanded the soles back down to their previous, smooth nature (because that is the best way for them to perform and last according to BJR in Blackheath, NSW, AU).

Overall, I do not recommend this to anybody as a resole kit. You will not be pleased with the results. Having said that, it will patch little holes in shoes adequately and prolong their life at least a little bit longer. I will probably be replacing my Pontas soon, but at least I can have somewhat precise toes in the meantime.

UVM Outing Club just recently purchased 7 pairs of these to go with the 5 we had already. I use them on every trip I lead and I take them out pretty much every weekend otherwise as well. They are a litte lit heavier than my buddy's adjustable poles (older BD trekking poles he uses for telemark skiing), but they definitely do the job.

The adjustment of my MFD risers can take an extra try sometimes with the powder baskets, but I don't think that is a big deal. You can always trim off a little bit of one of the pieces of the basket.

Overall solid and worth the money.

I bought these from a friend as my first pair of shoes. He used them for a few months until he wanted something more aggressive. I wanted a cheap pair of shoes to sample the sport with.

These were great to start off with and very comfotable (while not being too big). They do stretch a lot though. I used them until I killed the toe (not be fault of the shoe...I used them quite a lot) and have since moved on to the Evolv Pontas and the Tenaya Ra. The Defys are now my deep water solo shoes since I do not care about their condition any longer.

Cliffs Notes: Great beginner shoe, comfy but stretch a lot, move up when you get more into the sport.

Light, durable, simple, and can be used for everything you cook in the backcountry. It's a little expensive (2x the cost of the aluminum spork from Sea-to-Summit) but I like it at least 2x as much so I guess it works out.

We use these exclusively for UVM Outing Club trips, and for good reason too. Simple, easy to use, reliable as can be, and they cook well enough (although it's not like we are running a 5 star kitchen in the woods). I am sure some of the stoves we have are older than me.

I personally would get the international model though for fuel flexibility. It is more expensive though.

This thing is a good, basic, small, and light multi-tool. It has what you need and nothing else. I prefer my Wave though, which is beefier and solves a lot more problems for me than this. Since they are the same price, my vote is for the Wave, but this isn't a bad second choice.

I carry this on my hip every day, and in my pack when I am backcountry skiing. I have used this for more jobs than I can remember, list, or care to even know. Essentially, it's a toolbox in a 6x4 cube. I also have a bit kit that I carry in the sheath, which is handy for more capability.

7 years of ownership and still going strong.

I bought this off Geartrade from Backcountry for almost 50% off because it was returned without tags. Sweet deal to start off. But I needed a tech shell to go with my AT setup and I figured this would do the trick. BOY was I right. This thing is very waterproof, very well fitting, and very green. The sleeves are a little long, but I am kind of a short-armed person and I bought an XL because that's what was offered at the discount and I like baggier stuff. There's also plenty of room underneath for layering.

It couples with my Trew Eagle pants (in purple) really nicely, giving me the ultimate mountain dry suit that fits baggy and comfy.

The good:
Simple, light, easy to pack up and is always ready to go. Doesn't pop obviously

The bad:
Not the most comfortable thing in the world, but I don't mind at all. It doesn't pack as small as some of the inflatable pads. Only fits one comfortably so not ideal for snuggle buddies!

Last word
Good for the minimalist and simple-gear gurus. Lasts a long time and works well for wilderness medicine (and practice) too!

Works well, it's easy to feed rope through but, as has been said, you may as well spend the extra $10 or so to get the guide for outdoors. It allows more options.

Used this helmet throughout Australia for sport climbing and took a few smaller whippers with it. Stands up well and stays on your head. Comfortable and light (hence the title). Doesn't break the bank either.

Last word: Simple brain bucket for safety.

Since it's no longer offered I will not write a real review, but this is the best backpack I have EVER owned. Hands down.

These things can take a lot of abuse and keep on trucking. These are the only skins I will use now. I just picked up another set for my ON3P Caylors.

Trimming them takes some getting used to, but overall it is very simply and straightforward. The directions are very clear.

I'm not totally sold on the new tip design, but it seems solid enough and you don't have to do the fold over anymore.

Last word: The essential tool for backcountry skiing and AT setups.

Yes, it isn't the lightest setup. Nor is it the cheapest if you buy bindings with it. It's also still on the newer side. But now that I have used these things half a dozen times, I am a true believer in the system.

Once I was in the backcountry, I didn't notice the weight on the way down, but especially on the way back up. The reality is that you don't pick up your foot much when you skin, it's more of a pushing motion. This meant that I didn't feel the 18-pound ski setup on my feet any more than the BD Verdict/Fritschi setup I used in previous years.

Other things...

Ski Flex: I haven't skied Caylors without MFDs, but the ski seems to ski as naturally as anything else I have used.

Price: If you buy bindings and MFD's you're looking at some serious cash. I used a my UVMOC Leader discount and it brought the price down to around 450, which is the cost of the Dukes!

I plan to use this setup for 65% backcountry/35% lift serve. I won't do huge tours with it but it is perfect for my activities. If anybody is picking between these and the Dukes, get these. No question.

Last word: Get the stability of in-bounds bindings everywhere.

Good for trips. It's a good, looser alternative to long underwear, and almost a necessity in the summer (obviously not wearing long stuff).

Last word: Cotton boxers don't know what hit them.

Good for protecting stuff and organization. I have a 4L for my med kit, a 1L for electronics/sensitive stuff, and a 13L for clothes.

Compresses my Marmot Sawtooth wayyyy down and keeps it dry and protected on trips. This thing makes people say 'whoa' at how small it makes the bag. I have even dropped it in the water while carrying it from a boat to shore and it did its job flawlessly.

Last word: Staying dry at night starts by keeping your bag dry in the day. Compression means more space in your pack.

It is well known that this binding has durability and pre-releasing issues. I don't need to cover that, and I experienced the very same problems myself. It does not survive my skiing style very well, the cost is a large obstacle for what it is, and I prefer much more in my binding, hence the 2 star review.

That said, though, it is an extremely easy binding to operate. There is a reason why all of the UVM Outing Club AT setups currently use these bindings (or the old version, although that could change soon). Transitions at the top are under a minute, and I beat most Duke/Baron operators because I rip skins without removing my skis. The riser options are also nice, however, I never use the top setting because it is a little unstable. But this version got a much-needed toe piece modification.

That said, I don't own this binding. I own the MFD Alltime with Rossignol FKS140s because it holds up much better for me.

Last word: If you don't mind the weight, go with MFD or Duke/Baron. Or wait for the Guardian/Trekker in fall 2012.

The perfect sleeping bag for me. Used it without trouble in an Aussie spring in Queensland, Ski touring in VT, camping/backpacking, and even when I didn't feel like making my bed. I have slept in this, one way or another, for over 400 nights.

I have had this bag for a long time and put it through a lot of things. It always seems to perform exactly how I want. It also compresses way down, and I paired it with the Sea-to-Summit large compression sack (works like a dream). Good trips need good sleep, and this bag will give it to you.

Bottom line: Warm when you want it, cool when you don't. Fluffy. Durable. Bomber.

This thing is amazing for sleeping and I am certainly the envy of the tent, but I think it is too big to take on serious backpacking and ski touring trips. Even though it rolls up super small, it is a pain to pack up into the bag sometimes and much harder to inflate compared to the thermarest inflatables. I use this when sleeping at a friends, on the floor of a cabin, or in the back of my Toyota and I bring the thermarest into the woods.

If you don't mind the long inflation time and want the extra comfort, though, this thing is perfect.

The good:
-Fit to my foot great after only 5 days of climbing
-Very precise on the wall
-Velcro!! Easy on, easy off
-Not too flat, not too aggressive. Perfect all-around shoe (I use it for bouldering and lead with no problems)

The bad:
-Smell! (note: I just pour baking soda in each shoe from time to time and leave it overnight..takes the majority of the smell out)
-The toe on mine wore off faster than my previous shoes...resoled with a Stealth Paint kit

This is a perfect all-around shoe for the climber that has graduated past the beginner level and is looking to continue in the sport.

Don't expect this little thing to be another sun. It's a basic headlamp that doesn't break the bank and get's the job done.

This thing has been with me camping/climbing in Australia, backcountry skiing/touring, doing car repairs/dash wiring, and everywhere in between. It's never failed, even after a 15m fall from a helmet on the KP wall in Brisbane.

It does not get 5 stars because it is a simple, 3 setting light and I have found that the batteries don't last as long as I would like. I always have a spare pair in my med/repair kit so it hasn't been an issue, but it is something to note.

There's a reason why I see so many people wearing this helmet (including me!)...because it's simply the best. Most comfortable, best looking, and really, really works well with Smith goggles. The only helmet I will be replacing my current one with is the newer, yet identical version.

I have this or some variation (Scratch120, etc) on my all-mountain and park skis, and they have never failed me. I have slowly cranked the DIN up over the years (it's now at 10.5), and they still work perfectly. I have moved back to the pivot since its re-release, but this is still a great binding in my opinion.

Perfect shirt. Size up though. I have an XXL and it still is a little smaller than some of my XL shirts.

Perfect base layer for backcountry skiing. I turn out the heat of a power plant when I am skinning, so I strip down to this and a shell usually for the way up.
I have also used it for rock climbing, cold-weather work, and just as a warm layer. Never fails.

A little expensive (hence the missing star), but you pay for that mammoth and it's worth it.

I have these mounted on MFD Alltimes. I have the old Look world cup ones on my rock skis. They have never let me down. Ever. Always a solid binding.

Does it's job. Holds the snow pants up. The belt seems a little wide for normal pants (barely fits into Carhartts), but I bought it for snow pants so it's great.

Recommended. Definitely.

Cant be said enough though. These are the greatest sunglasses i have ever owned. I have taken them backpacking, rock climbing, white water rafting (with a strap), just walking around, and working. bottom line: these things will go with you anywhere. I even use them at work as safety glasses when I am indoors. the lenses are great (all of them). expensive, but they'll last.