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Chris Alef
Skier // Trail Runner // Snowshoer // AT Skier // Whitewater Kayaker // Mountaineer // Mountain Biker
Chris Alef
- 7 Reviews
- Helpful Votes:
8
5
- 2 Questions
- 8 Answers
- 2 Photos
Rankings 
- #1 of 19 - Inflatables
- #4 of 249 - Kayaks
- #26 of 192 - Kayak Accessories
- #51 of 294 - Snowshoes
- #62 of 529 - Men's Hiking and Climbing Pants
- #79 of 406 - Bike Parts
- #82 of 529 - Winter Accessories
- #88 of 536 - Bike Accessories
- #104 of 636 - Alpine Touring
- #114 of 514 - Avalanche Safety
- #226 of 1435 - Luggage
- #345 of 3010 - Men's Footwear
- #465 of 2664 - Men's Jackets
- Snoqualmie, WA
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great day use boots
Merrell Perimeter GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
December 31, 2008
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.
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Do these fit similarly to other Garmont boots of the same size?...
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.
Answer to: "what style coats do you have that comes in a 3x"
The North Face Expansion Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket - Men's
November 30, 2008
You can search by size at the group level. There aren't many. Here is what I found:
1. http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/192/Mens-Pullover-Swe
2. http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/202/Mens-Fleece-Jacke
3. http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/277/Mens-Ski-Jackets.
4. http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/204/Mens-Down-Jackets
That means you can find pullover sweatshirts, fleece jackets, ski jacketsm and down jackets.
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.
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.
give me air
Six Six One Pro Bravo Helmet
September 17, 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.
Sold Out
Best convertible pants yet
Patagonia Gi II Zip-Off Pant - Men's
September 14, 2008
I've lived in these for a couple of weeks 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.
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Answer to: "will this work with an xt 8 speed cassette and 8 speed grip ..."
Shimano America XT Shadow Rear Derailleur
September 12, 2008
I wouldn't recommend it. Go for the 8 speed instead, which you can still find with some vendors.
Stay away
CAMP USA XLS Plus Shovel
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.
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Better off with some wax
Ruffwear Bark'n Boots Grip Trex - Set of 4
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.
Sold Out
Protects your noggin' while you rock out
Giro Fuse Audio Helmet
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.
Sold Out
stands up to abuse
Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag
August 28, 2008
I've used mine daily now for 3 years and it still looks like new. You can put this bag in your will. My medium snugly fits my 1st generation MacBook Pro and does a great job of protecting it. I've dropped this loaded bag on more than one occasion.
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Answer to: "Is the width really 12.5 feet?!?"
Perception Carolina II 17.5 Tandem Kayak w/ Rudder
August 18, 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=G
Answer to: "how do you find out what size you are?"
Giro G9 Helmet
August 14, 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=
Answer to: "Will this also pump up baskets balls or soccer balls with an..."
Crank Brothers Alloy Power Pump with Gauge
August 13, 2008
It will, but I'd recommend a higher volume floor pump for such activities.
Answer to: "My question is if I buy this for me and my wife can I still use..."
Perception Carolina II 17.5 Tandem Kayak w/ Rudder
August 11, 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.
Is this really worth 5x the price of the NRS pump (http://www.backcountry.com/store/NRS0042/NRS-Super-6-Wonder
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
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Answer to: "Does this Aire XL have inflatable floor? How long will the sale..."
Aire Force XL Inflatable Kayak
August 3, 2008
Yes, the kayak has an inflatable floor. The sale appears to be over.
Answer to: "Can the Aire Lynx II Tandem Inflatable kayak be used for ocean..."
Aire Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak
May 15, 2008
It could be, but I wouldn't recommend it. The inflatables aren't renowned for tracking well. When you're providing most of the locomotion (versus the river) that really makes a big difference with your satisfaction.

