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Dave Watson

Skier // Climber

Dave Watson: #305 of 167,234 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Himalaya, Karakoram, Mt Hood
  • Bio:

    K2tracks.com

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Broad Peak, Pakistan

Broad Peak, Pakistan

Life-Link Guide Claw Pole Grip

December 20, 2009

D Watson climbing Broad Peak (8047m). K2 is in the background

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Broad Peak, Pakistan

Broad Peak, Pakistan

Life-Link Guide Ski/Probe Pole

December 20, 2009

D Watson climbing Broad Peak (8047m). K2 in background

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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K2, Pakistan

K2, Pakistan

Black Diamond Guide Glove - Men's

November 19, 2009

House chimney, 6,500 meters, Abruzzi ridge

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes

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Broad Peak, Pakistan

Broad Peak, Pakistan

Oakley Crowbar Goggle

November 19, 2009

22,000 feet.

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes

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K2, Pakistan

K2, Pakistan

Black Diamond Guiding Light Tent 4-Person 4-Season

November 19, 2009

Camp 3, 7,300 meters on the Abruzzi ridge

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

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K2, Pakistan

K2, Pakistan

Black Diamond Firstlight Tent 2-Person 3-Season

November 19, 2009

Camp 2, 6,600 meters on the Abruzzi ridge

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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K2, Pakistan

K2, Pakistan

Scarpa Phantom Lite Mountaineering Boot - Men's

November 19, 2009

House chimney, 6,500 meters. Abruzzi ridge, K2

The big brother of the Phantom lite. The 8000

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

3 Comments

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Awesome

Mammut Zephir Harness - Men's

Mammut Zephir Harness - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 22, 2011

Great harness, the best Mammut has put out. Super light and breathable. I've been using it for everything from sport climbing, alpine climbing, ski touring and mountaineering. Even with fixed leg loops, it has great adjustability and fits well over boardshorts and a down suit. The slide-bloc buckle is fast and easy, no need to double back. Packs down small in the pack for the approach. The gear loops lay flat so you dont feel them under your pack waistbelt and are big enough to allow for climbing without a shoulder sling.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Super long beam

Mammut Lucido TX1 Headlamp

Mammut Lucido TX1 Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 June 6, 2011

This headlamp has a few modes, it can be used with the 2 side LED's that create a nice pool of light, good for reading maps or cooking. In that mode there is soft and bright settings. The other mode is a super sick beam that can be used for night biking, skiing etc. The beam shines really far and is great for route finding on walls and mountains. The batteries seem to last longer than some other brands.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great mid layer

Mammut Yukon Tech Jacket - Men's

Mammut Yukon Tech Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 6, 2011

Classic Ninja hoody. Great mid weight piece that I use a lot ski touring in cold temps and climbing in windy places. Waffle fleece on the inside traps heat and the stretchy panels breath and move with the body. Sweet jacket, Highly recommend.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Ski Jacket

Mammut Stratus Hybrid Jacket - Men's

Mammut Stratus Hybrid Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 6, 2011

Excellent ski jacket for cold places. Basically a soft shell with a little puff insulation around the core. Pit zips help to vent, large interior pockets hold gloves or skins. My favorite ski coat.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Patrol Pack

Mammut Nirvana Pro 35L Avalanche Package

Mammut Nirvana Pro 35L Avalanche Package

Rating for this product: 5 February 3, 2011

There are reviews about the Pulse, shovel and probe so I'll comment on the pack. I use the Pro 35 as my ski patrol pack. It is quite large and could even be used for an overnight tour. There is a pocket for the avy gear, which is large enough to fit a large shovel blade and a pro style probe (300+). Fleece lined goggle pocket, small pocket on top which holds a helmet sling and straps w fastex buckles to secure a rope or crampons to the top of the pack. The main compartment is huge and can be accessed by a top zip or through the back panel. The back panel has a couple of low profile pockets on it, one is for a first aid kit, the other for small things. Can carry skis A-frame or vertical, snowboard, Ice tool loops. Killer patrol pack. Only thing is the shoulder straps are spaced out at the top so it may not fit a smaller shouldered person very well. This pack will be used for the R.A.S (removable airbag system) line next year.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Mammut Mamook Thermo Boot - Men's

December 26, 2010

I'd say go for the same size, if that is the fit you like. I tend to size my boots up a half size to allow for some toe wiggle room. My feet stay warmer and there is no toe bang on long descents. With this lacing system you can still get a good high performance fit even though the boot is a little large.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Great everyday ski

K2 SideStash Alpine Ski

K2 SideStash Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 5 December 26, 2010

This is my everyday ski for patrolling. Rides well in untracked, wind effect, chop, and groomed. Light enough for touring but stable in the chop and doesn't get deflected. The metal makes it super stable and damp. Feels stable at high speeds.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Very cool Jacket

Mammut Alyeska Jacket - Men's

Mammut Alyeska Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 31, 2010

This jacket has a fuzzy fleece lining on the back which helps to keep you warm but also help wick moisture so you don't soak through your layers while wearing a pack. The gore softshell fabric is super breathable, stretchy and very durable. Nice pocket layout, hood fits nicely with or without a helmet. Zippered gusset on the collar lets you "tighten up" when the wind picks up. Collar zip are off-center so they don't scratch your chin or snag your beard. Powder skirt is removable to reduce bulk while wearing a harness. Powder skirt also zips to the Alyeska pants to create a one-piece. If price is not an issue, this jacket is sure to satisfy.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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really awesome pants

Mammut Alyeska Pant - Men's

Mammut Alyeska Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 30, 2010

This is now my go-to pant for climbing and skiing. The new gore soft shell fabric is so sweet. Plenty of zippered pockets. Large vents on the side of the legs.. The high waist (removable) is great for wearing under a harness. Mammut has really changed the way their clothing fits, no more tight euro fit, these pants have a nice relaxed fit that is roomy but doesn't fit like a garbage bag. Lightweight, super breathable storm protection. Highly Recommend.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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The chill killer

Mammut Broad Peak II Down Jacket - Men's

Mammut Broad Peak II Down Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 30, 2010

Sweet jacket that is super lightweight and pack down really small. I've been using this as a part of my layering system in place of a larger hooded belay jacket and find it to be a great alternative. The huge hooded puffys definitely have their place but 90% of the time they are overkill. This jacket will keep you warm when you need it to and you won't even notice it in your pack. An essential piece.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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So very awesome

Mammut Mamook Thermo Boot - Men's

Mammut Mamook Thermo Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 30, 2010

Very lightweight boot. Thinsulate lining adds warmth and built in gaiter keeps the snow out. The teton sole is pretty much the same as all the other high end boots out there, slightly rockered for easy walking and very stiff for use with step-in crampons. Great lacing system for dialing in the fit for the approach, climb and descent. When laced properly for steep ice, this is a very supportive boot yet maintains enough sensitivity for harder mixed climbs. Highly recommended. Used these for an ascent of the Eiger, straight out of the box, they felt good and no blisters.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Mammut Mamook Thermo Boot - Men's

October 30, 2010

I believe they are sized (sold here) in US. Awesome boot.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Good spring glove

Mammut Guide Radial Glove

Mammut Guide Radial Glove

Rating for this product: 4 October 30, 2010

This is a great lightweight glove for spring skiing, mixed climbing. Full leather except for the back of the hand. Great dexterity.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Been waiting for this one

Garmont Voodoo Thermo Ski Boot - Men's

Garmont Voodoo Thermo Ski Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 25, 2010

Good fit. I'd go up a half size from past Garmont boots. I wore a 27.5 in the Ener-G and wear a 28 in this one. Stiffer than the Ener-G. Ultra smooth forward flex and the ski mode locks the cuff (forward and back) for added power. Because the cuff can be locked both ways it allows a skier to put pressure into the tongue of the boot just like and alpine boot making for really powerful para-mark turns. It is compatible with 3-pin bindings. Super light, feels good touring. The new overlap shell design is a definite step forward in tele boot design.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Oakley Splice Goggle Replacement Lens

May 10, 2010

Really easy and quick. You may spend more time wiping the fingerprints off the lens than it takes to switch it out.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Nice glasses

Oakley Inmate Sunglasses - Polarized

Oakley Inmate Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 5 May 10, 2010

These are the glasses Denzel wears in "Book of Eli". Big lenses for full coverage. Polarized is great for altitude, boating, fishing, glaciers. Sweet

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Rad Ski

K2 DarkSide Alpine Ski

K2 DarkSide Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 5 May 10, 2010

This ski wants to go FAST! Super fun, great pow ski. Rides and edges well on harder surfaces too, windbuff, hardpack. Made for getting up to speed in the deep. The slight sidecut is great, enough to help get the ski around when you want to turn and doesn't hook up and get squirrely when straight lining in wind buff. Rocker helps to initiate turns and keep the tips up when it's really deep. Not too heavy for touring. For free heelers, the Hammerhead Axl is a great match for these boards.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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yes

Metolius Multi Loop Gear Sling

Metolius Multi Loop Gear Sling

Rating for this product: 5 May 6, 2010

great sling. Been using this gear sling for many years. Great for organizing pieces. Wires are separated from cams. No more RP's stuck in trigger wires. While at a stance I'll look up the route to anticipate what my next couple pieces will be, then I put those pieces on draws and rack them right up front. Then when I'm gunning through a crux the pro is all ready to be plugged in.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Mammut Rope Bag Pro

May 6, 2010

It can hold a rope (60 or 70) as well as draws.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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favorite approach shoe

Mammut Mt Nebo GTX Approach Shoe - Men's

Mammut Mt Nebo GTX Approach Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 6, 2010

Awesome shoes! Comfy and supportive. Great for long approaches, especially on scree and moraines. Vibram sole is durable and grippy. Climbs well.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Solid probe

Mammut Avalanche Probe Expert

Mammut Avalanche Probe Expert

Rating for this product: 5 March 24, 2010

Super burly probe for use in areas with a deep snowpack. Great for SAR applications, avy rescue. The extra length is great for probing for crevasses while looking for a safe base camp location on glaciers during winter and spring when snow bridges can be very thick. Easy to deploy, feels solid while blasting through ice layers. Great price. If your probe feels flimsy, replace it with this one.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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great piece

Mammut Laser Softshell Jacket - Men's

Mammut Laser Softshell Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 4, 2010

Killer jacket from a company that knows whats up. Basic design that works really well. Great hood, high and protective collar. Pockets are up high so you can still use them while wearing a harness. Nice trim fit but roomy enough for layering and unrestrictive for climbing. The fabric is very breathable, soft on the inside and nearly waterproof. Awesome jacket

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Light and warm

Mammut Ambler Hooded Down Jacket - Men's

Mammut Ambler Hooded Down Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 4, 2010

Thoughtfully designed down parka. for the amount of protection this provides, it is really light weight. nice hood fits over a helmet. The collar is soft and covers your face when it is zipped up. Plenty of exterior zipped pockets. Huge internal pockets can fit loads of gear. Super warm. Great base camp jacket or belay jacket while ice cragging. Certainly warm enough for 8000 meter peaks.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Mammut Ambler Hooded Down Jacket - Men's

February 4, 2010

it won't be a problem, light yet tough fabric on the shoulders and elbow to wrist. Thoughtfully designed.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Cult classic

Garmont Mega-Ride Alpine Touring Ski Boot - Men's

Garmont Mega-Ride Alpine Touring Ski Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 20, 2010

Seems half of the ski guides in the US are wearing these boots. Commonly seen on the feet of European guides as well. Drives skis very well considering how light it is. There is a switch on the back of the cuff to lock/unlock the forward lean to allow for greater range of motion. Climbs rock really well, vibram sole and rubber in the instep make it good for walking on broken rock and for climbing ladders (patrol/rescue). Depending on where you ski, the flex will be different. If you are in a cold place the boot will feel stiffer. In a warmer place it may feel mushy. If you are trying these on in a warm house or fitting heated liners the boot may feel really soft. It will be stiffer out in the cold. That said, some skiers may find this boot too soft for use with huge (130mm uf) skis. I ski in colder places and with light ski mountaineering skis so these are a perfect match. The low volume toe-box may be a problem for some folks, going up a half size may remedy this. I size these up 1 full size to allow for swollen feet at high altitude. I dont think it compromises performance because the instep, ankle and cuff fit so well, it also makes them warmer (more toe wiggle room). Use toe caps when heat molding the liners. As with all boots, get a good footbed. I've used these boots to climb Broad Peak (worlds 12th tallest mt) and K2 (2nd tallest). If you are looking for a super light ski touring/mountaineering boot, here it is. If you are looking for a ripper to use with your Dukes and fats, look to the Radium.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Nice

Petzl Kodapoche Chalk Bag

Petzl Kodapoche Chalk Bag

Rating for this product: 5 January 4, 2010

Great chalk bag. Deep and wide so it holds lots of chalk. I can get my big hands fully into it. Good closure, so there is little mess inside the pack. Pocket is sweet for gu, knife, tiny headlamp, etc. Holds a brush

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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The best

Oakley Splice Goggle

Oakley Splice Goggle

Rating for this product: 5 December 20, 2009

Sweet gogs. Best lenses on the market. More downward vision than the crowbar, less nasal pressure. New colors and same old awesome lenses. H.I. yellow for pow, flat light and night, Fire Iridium for sun shine and high altitude. I've used these lenses twice on Everest and twice on K2.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Security

Life-Link Guide Claw Pole Grip

Life-Link Guide Claw Pole Grip

Rating for this product: 5 December 20, 2009

The claw is a critical part of my ski mountaineering kit. I climb with skis on my back, ice axe in one hand and the claw in the other. The pole (claw) is shortened so I can have my hand in the handle while using it on steep terrain. And so I can use it as a walking stick (piolet) on the glaciers, then I can carry a technical axe (50cm) for added security in the gnar. This may be considered a "self-arrest" pole grip but like stated above-is not a substitute for an ice axe. This will give you security while climbing or trekking through ice-falls and scrambling. Hopefully it gives you enough stability/security that you won't fall. If you do, good luck, hope you have an axe or have your arrest technique(s) dialed. Knuckle guard is key, unless you like punching ice. Used this for ski descents on Everest, K2, Broad Peak and loads of stuff in Kashmir.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Been waiting for this one

Garmont Voodoo Thermo Boot - Men's 2009

Garmont Voodoo Thermo Boot - Men's 2009

Rating for this product: 5 December 20, 2009

Good fit. I'd go up a half size from past Garmont boots. I wore a 27.5 in the Ener-G and wear a 28 in this one. Stiffer than the Ener-G. Ultra smooth forward flex and the ski mode locks the cuff (forward and back) for added power. Because the cuff can be locked both ways it allows a skier to put pressure into the tongue of the boot just like and alpine boot making for really powerful para-mark turns. It is compatible with 3-pin bindings. Super light, feels good touring. The new overlap shell design is a definite step forward in tele boot design.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Great!

Garmont 7tm Ski Leash

Garmont 7tm Ski Leash

Rating for this product: 5 December 20, 2009

If you use leashes, use these. The best out there. The coil keeps the wire nice and tight to the boot to reduce snagging on undergrowth and other nasties. They are easy to use with gloves on and rarely ice up.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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The North Face VE 25 Tent 3-Person 4-Season

November 27, 2009

3 is comfy, 4 is doable. We've had 6 guys in this thing at camp 3 (8300m) on Everest's north face.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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The North Face VE 25 Tent 3-Person 4-Season

November 27, 2009

Wind. yes, no problem. The VE-25 is the standard for himalayan climbing. Probably the most used tent on Everest. Super strong, a bit heavy though.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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essential expedition gear.

Brunton SolarRoll Flexible Solar Panel

Brunton SolarRoll Flexible Solar Panel

Rating for this product: 5 November 18, 2009

I've become pretty dependent on these rolls. While on extended backcountry trips or car camping, these solar panels will help to keep all of your electronics powered up. laptops, cameras, phones etc. I hook it up to a motorcycle battery and trickle charge it all day. Then when I get back to camp in the dark I can hook up my tronics to the batt and charge all night. Highly recommended.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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The warmest

Millet Everest GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Millet Everest GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 18, 2009

It could be the warmest boot out there. Each version gets better and better. Comfy but still climbs steep terrain well. The most popular boot on the 8000ers. Had these on my feet both times I climbed Everest. Love them for climbing ice in VT and MN. If you like your toes, get these boots. Not sure if they fixed this yet but the heel (sole) is really wide and it can be difficult to get the heel bail from the crampons over and secured. I shaved mine down with a knife to get good clearance and a nice secure fit.

Helpful Votes: 6 Yes

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Millet Everest GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's

November 18, 2009

You will not be disappointed with this boot. It climbs well, good support but still allows for ankle flex. Super warm, you'll be all ready for 8000ers. I've used them to get to Everest's summit twice. I also use them for ice climbing. It is so nice to have warm feet.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

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still going

Garmont Sticky Cat Approach Shoe - Men's

Garmont Sticky Cat Approach Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 17, 2009

Used these for the 60+ mile trek up the Baltoro glacier to K2. Great support and they climb surprisingly well.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Nice tent

The North Face Dome 8 Tent 8-Person 4-Season

The North Face Dome 8 Tent 8-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 4 November 17, 2009

Very nice place to hang out. Most of these large 8 person tents seem pretty much the same. They give you a place to hang out and cook, stay dry, store gear, take showers etc. I've enjoyed all the time I've spent in here. The downside of this tent is the weight. 57lbs- wow. Imagine when it is wet with morning frost when you pack it. It is more than 1 porter load. The Marmot Lair 8 is basically the same size and weighs 25 lbs., a much more reasonable load.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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So AWESOME!

Mountain Hardwear EV 2 Tent 2-Person 4-Season

Mountain Hardwear EV 2 Tent 2-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 5 November 17, 2009

The tent has become the standard by which I judge all other tents. Small foot-print means more options for placement. Set-up is super quick and easy with these exterior clips, no more crawling around inside a bag looking for the poles clips (bibler). Strong fabric, small windows, bright color (happy and illuminating), long enough for tall people or packs/boots. Zipper in the floor allows you to get snow for melting without going outside, then emptying the pee bottle- in that order. Super ventilation means less condensation and safer for interior cooking. Could use a couple more guy points. Probably not so good for hot places, but sweet for cold ones. Warms really quick in the sun. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALPINE ACTION.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

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A classic

Black Diamond I-Tent Standard 2-Person 4-Season

Black Diamond I-Tent Standard 2-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 5 November 17, 2009

Pretty much the standard for single-wall assault tents. Provides much more peace of mind than the lighter BD first-light. Small foot-print allows it to be placed on the tiniest ledges and the 2 pole design is quick and easy to set up (not as quick and easy as the MH EV2). Strong, breathable and light, a winning combo.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Choose wisely

Black Diamond Firstlight Tent 2-Person 3-Season

Black Diamond Firstlight Tent 2-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 4 November 17, 2009

Very light, which means a lot. Super small and tight, which can be difficult for getting dressed, booting up, cooking etc. Because the walls are so narrow, you will get frozen condensation on your arms and back if you are sitting up. Pretty strong but with only 2 poles it doesn't handle strong wind and snow load well. With more guy points it could improve this. The small footprint allow it to be pitched on very small ledges-awesome. Mediocre venting. This tent has been great most of the time but it is the only tent I've ever had shredded by the wind.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Super light super tent

Black Diamond Guiding Light Tent 4-Person 4-Season

Black Diamond Guiding Light Tent 4-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 5 November 17, 2009

Awesome tent that I highly recommend. Can't beat the size to weight ratio. This has been my go-to tent for the last 4 expeditions. Perfect for high camps where extra room is nice for suiting up and visitors can come in and talk strategy. We have even had multiple teams in this tent. On K2's shoulder at 7900ish meters we had 6 big dudes hanging in here waiting for our summit push. I've had crazy windy nights at high camps on Broad Peak and Everest and this tent has held strong. The 5 poles make it really solid and tight so there is no noisy flapping in the wind. Easy to set up, even in strong wind, 2-5 minutes. Great ventilation and access with 2 huge doors. Solid zippers and guy points. Only downside is it's large footprint, sometimes making it tricky or very tiring to hack out a ledge. But that is the case with all large tents. For winter action, this tent will not disappoint.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Thanks MSR

MSR WindPro Stove

MSR WindPro Stove

Rating for this product: 5 November 15, 2009

This stove is really great. Super light, good power. It is not just a blowtorch, you can actually cook with this thing. The simmer works really well. With the remote canister, it is possible to get the very most out of each cartridge by turning them upside-down and moving it close to the flame to warm the cartridge up.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Fast and reliable

MSR Reactor Stove

Rating for this product: 5 November 15, 2009

Awesome stove. highly recommended. Melts snow and ice really fast, even at extreme altitude. Used this on K2, at camp 4. Melting snow at nearly 26,000 feet usually takes a very long time. With this stove you'll be hydrating and eating sooner, leaving more time for relaxing and mentally preparing for your send.

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes

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solid pro

MSR Coyote Snow Picket DO NOT USE

MSR Coyote Snow Picket DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 5 November 15, 2009

This picket is good peace of mind. Solid snow protection and super strong. Light enough that you won't mind carrying it.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Tricams, thank you

CAMP USA Dyneema Tri Cam - 0.5-2.0

CAMP USA Dyneema Tri Cam - 0.5-2.0

Rating for this product: 5 November 15, 2009

When I think back to the pink and red tricams, I can start to get choked up. Thank you for all of your support over the years. Watching my back, giving me the confidence to toss for the next hold despite the insane pump. You are like a cheap insurance policy, and have earned a place in my hall of fame.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Everest and K2

Marmot CWM EQ Sleeping Bag: -40 Degree Down

Marmot CWM EQ Sleeping Bag: -40 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 5 November 14, 2009

This bag has treated me very well. I've used it on Everest (twice) K2 (twice) Broad Peak and loads of other random super cold nights. Despite 300+ nights spent in this thing, the loft is still enormous. Super warm. A bit big and bulky to be carrying to high camps but is a perfect base camp bag.

Helpful Votes: 6 Yes

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Every review is 5 stars

Darn Tough Merino Wool Over-The-Calf Cushion Ski Sock - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 14, 2009

Every one who reviewed these socks gave them a 5 star rating. That says something. High quality. Good elastic cuff, won't slide down. Great moisture transport. Just the right amount of padding. Must wear them multiple days to get them to smell. Darn tough is right, they will last for years and won't be all stretched out, pilled and played like the others.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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For when things get serious

Marmot Expedition Mitt

Marmot Expedition Mitt

Rating for this product: 5 November 12, 2009

Super warm. I have stopped carrying a sleeping bag to high camps on 8000 meter peaks. I sleep in my down suit, put on these mittens, take off my boots, wrap my feet in a down sweater and put them in my pack. It is pretty brutal and I usually don't sleep well but for the few hours that I'm up there, it works. These mittens are a critical part of my survival system. Used on Everest and K2

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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the old stand-by

Black Diamond Patrol Glove - Men's

Black Diamond Patrol Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 12, 2009

This has been a reliable glove. I've gone through 4 pairs of these. Usually get a season of patrolling and 1 Himalayan expedition out of them before they are played. Very good for mild to cool temps. I recommend it.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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My favorite glove

Black Diamond Guide Glove - Men's

Black Diamond Guide Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 12, 2009

After a short "break in" period, these gloves are ready for anything rad. I've gone to Everest's summit with them twice and I still have all of my fingers! Used them skiing K2 as well. But perhaps the coldest place I've worn them was while ski patrolling in Vermont. Super durable with the leather palm and kevlar stitch, you could probably rappel 20,000 vertical feet before wearing out the palm.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Eye protection

Oakley Crowbar Goggle

Rating for this product: 5 November 12, 2009

These goggs have been great to my eyes for the last few years. The fit is great but what really sets these apart from the other companies is the lenses. I use the fire iridium lens on sunny days and it is the one I use at high altitude. It's been to the top of Everest and helped me ski down K2. The high intensity yellow is great for flat/ low light conditions and also good for night climbing.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Great Probe

Life-Link Carbon Speed Probe - 280cm

Life-Link Carbon Speed Probe - 280cm

Rating for this product: 5 November 11, 2009

Easy to deploy, doesnt ice up. Strong and light. Shaft markings make it easy to measure depth. On the longer side, so it is good for deep snowpacks.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Super pack

Black Diamond Anarchist Avalung Winter Pack - 1953-2563 cu in

Black Diamond Anarchist Avalung Winter Pack - 1953-2563 cu in

Rating for this product: 5 November 10, 2009

Pack of choice for overnight ski tours looking for rad terrain. Big enough to carry bivy kit, stove, food, gear. Carries well. Built in lung is great to have, especially in remote areas.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Black Diamond Anarchist Avalung Winter Pack - 1953-2563 cu in

November 10, 2009

I don't believe it does. It could easily be fitted with a couple of small nylon straps with fastex buckles to create one.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Great for snow study

Life-Link Digital Pro Snow Study Kit

Life-Link Digital Pro Snow Study Kit

Rating for this product: 4 November 10, 2009

Great kit for figuring out what is happening with the pack. Digital thermometers are great, add another one, as well as a rite-in-rain note pad and a pencil to round out the kit.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Muy Bueno

Petzl Hirundos Harness - Men's

Petzl Hirundos Harness - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 10, 2009

Awesome. feather weight. I don't even notice it. Because of an elasticized triangle on the front of the leg loop, I can wear this in the summer sport climbing and over a down suit on 8000ers and still have the same great fit. Working routes can get a bit uncomfortable but that is the price to pay for excellence in nearly all other applications. Definitely in the category of "super gear". Be prepared to receive comments on the "flashy ness" of this harness.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Classic tele boot

Garmont Ener-G Telemark Boot - Men's

Garmont Ener-G Telemark Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 10, 2009

Highly recommended. Great boot for skiers with wider feet. I have a med. width foot but like the wiggle room for my toes (very warm). Nice smooth flex. Comfortable enough for long tours and multi-day trips. Drives big skis (130's) really well. Takes crampons nicely. Good balance between sensitivity and power.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Sweet boot

Garmont Radium Thermo AT Boot - Men's 2009

Garmont Radium Thermo AT Boot - Men's 2009

Rating for this product: 4 November 10, 2009

Great boot, if it fits your foot/leg. Feels stable while charging and has plenty of power (for me anyway) to drive 130's. Good sole for hiking. New overlap shell is higher volume around the ankle and cuff. A very different fit from other Garmont boots. Sizing is a bit different as well. I had to go up a half size. Awesome combo with dynafit FT 12.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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WOW

Karhu XCD Guide Ski

Rating for this product: 5 November 10, 2009

This ski is awesome! If you are touring for turns or carrying your skis long distances. Give these some serious consideration. Feather weight, floaty, great on hard pack/ frozen corn and super durable! Works well with a 3-pin and is a killer combo for dynafits. I use these cruising the forests looking for tiny shots hitting rocks and stumps, no problem. Also used them for ski descents of Everest (voile 3-pin hard wire) and K2 (dynafit). This is the only ski to have made turns down the fabled "bottleneck" on K2 (27,000ft 60degrees)

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

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Awesome tool

Petzl Aztar Ice Axe

Petzl Aztar Ice Axe

Rating for this product: 5 November 10, 2009

The "go to" for alpine and ski mountaineering. Light but still heavy enough to get good solid placements in hard ice. I use an old Petzl/Charlet slider leash on them and it's super easy to switch hands while climbing with one tool or placing pro. great price. Many of the climbers on K2 were using this tool.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Still going

Petzl Sarken Crampon

Rating for this product: 5 November 10, 2009

This is "the" crampon for techy alpine routes. Very light, great anti balling plates. Easy to adjust between ski and ice boots. Used these on 3 Himalayan expeditions (lots of walking and climbing on rocks) and the points still have loads of life left in them. The points do not dull nearly as fast as some of the other crampons out there.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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standard avy gear

Black Diamond AvaLung II

Black Diamond AvaLung II

Rating for this product: 5 November 10, 2009

You carry a beacon, probe and shovel right? carry this too. very light. It could save your life. duct tape or zip tie it to your pack's shoulder strap

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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The standard?

Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Beacon

Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Beacon

Rating for this product: 5 November 10, 2009

Could be considered the standard for ease of use. Official beacon for many patrols and guide services including Ski Himalaya's "Kashmir Powdercats" ski guide service. Very easy to use for folks with little to no experience. Please practice before you go out. Once out, practice in safe conditions on a large slope to dial in the different phases of the beacon search.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Great Pack

Backcountry Access Stash Pack - 976cu in

Backcountry Access Stash Pack - 976cu in

Rating for this product: 4 November 10, 2009

This is the pack of choice for Ski Himalaya's "Kashmir Powdercats" The premier local ski guides based out of Gulmarg, Kashmir, India. Great pack for lift served back/side country. Not large enough for overnights. Carries uber-fats easily

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Awesome ride

Karhu Team 100 Telemark Skis

Karhu Team 100 Telemark Skis

Rating for this product: 5 March 11, 2008

Incredible skis, good in all conditions, except zipper moguls, until you go fast enough!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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