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Chris Alef

Skier // Trail Runner // Snowshoer // AT Skier // Whitewater Kayaker // Mountaineer // Mountain Biker

Chris Alef: #352 of 99,188 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

9 Reviews:

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14 Yes | 7 No

2 Questions:

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0 Yes | 0 No

10 Answers:

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0 Yes | 0 No

2 Photos:

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1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments:

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0 Gearlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Snoqualmie, WA

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Teeth help in the crunchy snow

Teeth help in the crunchy snow

MSR Denali Ascent Snowshoe

November 20, 2008

When the late season snow turns to crust, the teeth on the Ascents really help maintain traction.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

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Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

Aire Force XL Inflatable Kayak

November 20, 2008

The nose of the kayak tends to bob a lot in rough water.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

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NRS PTK Whitewater Paddle - Aluminum Straight Shaft

December 13, 2009

I bought one as a backup. It is a piece of crap, just like the reviews say.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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nice wallet

Oakley Small Leather Wallet - Men's

Oakley Small Leather Wallet - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 27, 2009

I've had this for a few weeks now. I immediately discarded the insert because I don't like such a thick wallet. Once I did, I find that I can store all of my essentials, organized well, without busting my hip when sitting down. Solid design and good quality. I expect this one to stand up for quite a few years.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

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The North Face Base Camp T-Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

September 24, 2009

The drop down to the right of the product image lists all of the available sizes and colors. There are no large grey left in stock.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Merrell Overdrive II Trail Running Shoe - Men's

May 31, 2009

I have a 9.5 size foot with normal width. I find that I have a lot of room up front and ample width. Any more room and I think I'd be swimming in them.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Merrell Cruise Control Trail Running Shoe - Men's

May 31, 2009

I've found the Merrells to be especially wide, although I have normal width feet.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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great visibility, but check the frame screws

Zeal Maestro Sunglasses - Polarized

Zeal Maestro Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 4 May 23, 2009

I just got a pair and love the fit an visibility on my medium-sized noggin'. However my pair shipped with a stripped frame screw and a little wiggle in one of the arms. Fortunately I can exchange them, no questions asked which I'm doing now.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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MSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoe

March 18, 2009

I just tried out my wife's pair with two different pairs of AT boots and a pair of alpine ski boots. No good. I think a low-profile snowboard boot would work, but the front with buckles on the hard shell boots significantly impaired the movement of the boots.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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great day use boots

Merrell Perimeter GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's

Merrell Perimeter GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 2, 2009

I've been using these boots for the past few weeks in serious snow conditions for 3-4 hour durations. My feet are dry nd warm and I love the boots. There was little to no break in period for these puppies; they've just worked great out of the box. I've been super happy with the purchase decision. I've yet to take these backpacking because I'm not much of a winter backpacker, but I totally recommend them as day hikers and haven't had any issues with ankle stability yet.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

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Garmont Radium Alpine Touring Boot - Men's

November 30, 2008

Do these fit similarly to other Garmont boots of the same size? I can't find these at a local retailer in my size.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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give me air

Six Six One Pro Bravo Helmet

Six Six One Pro Bravo Helmet

Rating for this product: 3 September 18, 2008

I feel protected and haven't had any issues with protection, coverage or fit. However it doesn't breathe worth a damn which makes for a sweaty ride.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

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Best convertible pants yet, but some pilling near pockets

Patagonia Gi II Zip-Off Pant - Men's

Patagonia Gi II Zip-Off Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 16, 2008

I've lived in these for a couple of months now and I think they're the best convertible pants I've had yet. They have a great cut, fitting well as both shorts and long pants. They breathe excellently and dry impossibly fast. They've done really well between 55 and 100 degrees F, which is about as good as you can expect for a single piece of clothing. However I have experienced some pilling of the material near the front pockets so I cannot give this 5 stars. I will say that I did just order a second pair.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Perception Carolina II 17.5 Tandem Kayak w/ Rudder

August 28, 2008

Nope, that's clearly a mistake. According to google 31.3 centimeters is 12.3 inches: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=31.3cm+in+inches&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Perception Carolina II 17.5 Tandem Kayak w/ Rudder

August 28, 2008

On the water you shouldn't have much difficulty. A friend of mine takes his out without much struggle, although a single kayak would certainly be more fun. Loading and unloading from the car is the biggest issue. For getting it into and out of the water, I strongly recommend a cart.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Stay away

CAMP USA XLS Plus Shovel

CAMP USA XLS Plus Shovel

Rating for this product: 1 August 28, 2008

If you're headed into the backcountry with somebody you hate and wouldn't really want to save, this is the shovel for you. It doesn't do a thing except in totally uncompacted powder snow. It is a travesty that this product is on the market.

Helpful Votes: 11 Yes | 7 No

0 Comments

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Protects your noggin' while you rock out

Giro Fuse Audio Helmet

Giro Fuse Audio Helmet

Rating for this product: 4 August 28, 2008

Love this helmet. The audio is decent and the helmet protects you from the dents and dings while tree skiing. The adjustable ventilation is the best I've had.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Sold Out

Better off with some wax

Ruffwear Bark'n Boots Grip Trex - Set of 4

Ruffwear Bark'n Boots Grip Trex - Set of 4

Rating for this product: 2 August 28, 2008

My 80 pound golden retriever doesn't like these, but he can't type. Tucker gets way too much snow packed into these or they fall off. When they fall off, we frequently lose them in the soft pow.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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stands up to abuse

Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag

Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag

Rating for this product: 5 August 28, 2008

I've used mine daily now for 4 years and it still looks like new. You can put this bag in your will. My medium snugly fit both my 1st and 3rd generation MacBook Pros (individually, I don't carry both at the same time). I've dropped this loaded bag on more than one occasion without consequence to the laptop inside.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Giro 2008 G9 Helmet

August 15, 2008

Click on the link that says "View Sizing Chart" right under the price. It takes you here: http://www.backcountry.com/store/sizingchart.html?sizing_id=8&sku=GIR0084&pg_id=39&subcat_id=52&cat_id=7

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Aire Barrel Pump - 4 in

August 8, 2008

Is this really worth 5x the price of the NRS pump (http://www.backcountry.com/store/NRS0042/NRS-Super-6-Wonder-Pump.html)? I mean even if I bust the NRS, I can buy 4 more and still be more cost effective.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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