Clothing

Gear

Accessories

Get Your Profile Dialed

dwiens87

Skier // Alpine Skier // Camper // Hiker

dwiens87: #3,598 of 167,056 More Information

10 Reviews:

Helpful?
3 Yes

4 Questions:

Helpful?
0 Yes

19 Answers:

Helpful?
4 Yes

0 Photos:

Helpful?
0 Yes

0 Videos:

Helpful?
0 Yes

10 Comments:

Helpful?
7 Yes

0 Wishlists:

Helpful?
0 Yes

0 Field Tests:

Helpful?
0 Yes

  • Stomping Grounds:

    Boulder

Flag

Un-Flag

Close

Something wrong with this profile?

Thanks for pointing it out. We'll take it down immediately and send it to our clean-up crew.

This profile was: (Optional)

Use your real name to add some legitimacy to your content. Real names mean real community, and real community means real knowledge. Gear Gurus who use their real names get bumped up 1.5x for each contribution - you deserve the credit. For more info check out the Help Center.

This is how you compare to all the other Gear Gurus on Backcountry.com. You earn one point for each list / review / question / answer / gear photo / comments / votes you contribute. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up, but you lose a point for every thumbs down. Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x—you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

Change me.

This is how you compare to the other Gear Gurus within a group of products. You earn one point for each of your list / reviews / questions / answers / photos / comments / votes. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up (killer), but you lose a point for every thumbs down (filler). Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x-you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

Smith Variant Brim Helmet

January 4, 2011

I've had my Brim for 3 years now with the same jacket most days and no tears here! I LOVE this helmet!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Super warm/Super breathable

Patagonia R1 Fleece Pant - Men's

Patagonia R1 Fleece Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 28, 2010

These are the warmest long underwear bottoms I have ever worn. They are a tad thicker than most of Patagonia's Cap system but warmer. They are ultra breathable too. I wear them between 40F and -20F and anything in between. These are awesome.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Hestra Ski Cross Glove

March 23, 2010

Can anyone compare these to the Hestra Vertical Cut Freeride glove?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Smith I/O Interchangeable Goggle

January 13, 2010

Andrew- INCORRECT.

All come with HardCase EXCEPT for the "Green" environmentally friendly editions.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Volkl Mantra Alpine Ski

December 7, 2009

Go with the 184cm. I'm 5'9 and I use my 170cm Mantras (2007). My RaceTigers are 180cm.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Awesome Baselayer

Patagonia R1 Pant - Men's

Patagonia R1 Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 6, 2009

I just tried out my R1 pants (more like a thick long underwear) in sub-zero temperatures for the last 4 days while on the job for 12 hours (Outside 80% of the time) and my verdict, BEST base layer ever. I am moving around ALOT and carrying heavy hoses/guns and I never got too hot down there. Definately great for cold weather (-10f with winds gusting to 60mph felt like a breeze). seriously, buy these pants.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Smith Variant Brim Helmet

November 25, 2009

I use Smith's I/O goggles with my Variant Brim and I can rest my goggles on top of the brim. However, if i start a bumpy run or shake my head quickly, they might fly back. My Smith Prodigy goggles do the same. I wear my helmet 12hrs a day while I am working and my goggles rest up there when it gets dark. Angus said it best when he wrote, "keep them balanced".

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Smith I/OS Interchangeable Goggle

November 25, 2009

The I/O goggles and the Variant Brim helmet were made to be together. A marriage made in heaven. The Bee's Knees. No gapper hole between the helmet/goggle. Yes, the Prodigy fits killer too, but the I/O makes you look like a fighter pilot, which IMO is sweet. I'd recommend buying the Platinum Mirror lens and if Smith were smart, they'd make a polarized lens too! (Are you listening Smith??)

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Great Fit

The North Face Momentum Hybrid 1/4 Zip - Men's

The North Face Momentum Hybrid 1/4 Zip - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 25, 2009

Just got this shirt and it's now my new favorite. I don't wear it as a base-layer per say, but as my second layer. It's very warm and moves with your arms/torso. I'm usually not a fan of the thumb hole but with this material it works perfectly. I mainly use this shirt for working on the mountain and skiing in my free time. Awesome shirt, definitely recommend.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Scarpa Inverno Mountaineering Boot - Men's

November 24, 2009

I haven't experienced cold feet at all with my boots. I've worn them in the middle of the night at 10,000 feet, 12 degrees and steady wind, while changing water hoses and getting sprayed. So they must have that liner.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Tough Boots

Scarpa Inverno Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Scarpa Inverno Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 24, 2009

I wear these boots for 12 hours for 4 consecutive days while I'm on duty. I guess I was lucky enough not to have any shin bang but my lower ankle bone on my right foot gets sore after a few hours. The looser the boot, the less it hurts. These boots are tough. I end up kicking valves open and other metal objects shut and they barely show any bruises. 4/5 because they do hurt a bit (even with a specialized foot-bed)

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Smith Prodigy Goggle

November 12, 2009

If Smith still sells their polarized lens for this goggle, that would be your best bet. Sure it costs the most, but once you go polarized, you never go back. Say flat-light conditions exist, you wouldnt be able to see that catwalk cutting across the trail until its too late... Sensor mirror is great in flat-light, no doubt. Polarized is great for sunny days or if you hate glare. Personally, I rock my Prodigy Polarized on sunny days, and switch to my Smith I/O's for everything else (yellow, sensor,ignitor, platinum, clear)

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Not too shabby

injinji Performance Crew Toe Sock

injinji Performance Crew Toe Sock

Rating for this product: 5 November 11, 2009

I was reluctant to try these out, but after wearing them off/on for a week, I'm impressed. At first, they do feel kinda odd, especially since most people aren't used to having fabric between their toes. Once the toes form to your toes, they are much easier to get on/off and lose that funny feeling. Very warm too. Definitely worth giving a try.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Hestra Cloud Nine Glove

November 11, 2009

Bad Answer Angus, Hestra recommends waterproofing their gloves. Sigh.

Best way to do it is to take some time and rub the waterproofing wax into the glove, making sure to especially get areas that tend to get wet. Hope that helps, it shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Made me a Believer

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

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

Rating for this product: 5 November 11, 2009

I used to be all about Smartwool socks, but after trying Darn Tough, I'm now a convert. These socks actually stay up on my leg and are incredibly warm. Definitely higher quality than Smartwool. Awesome Socks.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Smith Variant Brim Helmet

October 24, 2009

Actually there is a way to rig up the skullcandy twintip audio ear pads to a walkie-talkie. Just need the right cables.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Smith I/O Interchangeable Goggle

April 10, 2009

I too have both the Variant Brim Helmet (with skullycandy BT) and the I/O goggles and they are a PERFECT match. Sure you look like a F-35 pilot but that just makes them all the cooler. I highly recommend this setup!!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

It's a Case.

Oakley Metal Vault Case

Oakley Metal Vault Case

Rating for this product: 5 March 16, 2009

It's a metal outer case with some soft fabric inside. It does its job and can take a beating. The pictures don't show it well, but there are little metal stubs on the outside to prevent it from rolling around like a cucumber. My Oakley Nano 2.0's fit inside of it perfectly.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Swix Cera Nova CH Wax

February 22, 2009

If you are hot waxing (the original way) just spread out drops of it evenly along the whole ski. Should end up using not too much, barely 1/3 of one little brick of the block. The "new" way of waxing is to tap the edge of the wax to your iron and rub it on then over with an iron/fiberline*. That way uses much less wax. I prefer to use the old way and one little brick of the block can last me 4/5 waxes on my 175cm race skis.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Quality.

Swix Cera Nova HF Wax

Swix Cera Nova HF Wax

Rating for this product: 5 February 22, 2009

HF wax is $89.95 because it is HIGH QUALITY. This is a wax racers use before a big race to get that extra millisecond off their time. Obviously, there are higher grade/quality waxes out there for racing, but HF is MORE than enough for the average ski bum. For a basic great wax, check out the LF.

Powder Rider- don't review something negative if you don't know what it is. seriously uncool.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Origo Traverse Peak Series Altimeter Watch

February 19, 2009

Anyone know what the band is like on this watch? Would it fit over my ski jacket (with layers underneath of course)? Or would it be too tight and have to put it directly on my wrist? How's the compass? I can't believe it would be "useless" as that reviewer said, otherwise it would be on BC Outlet...

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Smith I/O Interchangeable Goggle

February 19, 2009

i have both, i have to say they are equal. i like that the I/Os come with the two lenses. and they fit great with my Variant Brim. you will be happy with your choice.I agree, they fit extremely well and the ventilation system works great with my Variant Brim helmet. Great combo.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Smith I/O Interchangeable Goggle

February 19, 2009

Doesn't look like backcountry.com carries them at the momment. Try google.EDIT: I went onto Smith's website and ordered the Yellow and Platinum lenses. Both work great. A bit expensive since they were not on sale but still totally worth it. I now have 4 different lenses to choose from, totally cool.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Volkl Mantra Alpine Ski

February 17, 2009

The mantra is a STIFF ski that rips on groomers and ice, you could ski pow with it , but is way too stiff as a true powder ski. don't even get near a park with this. ski, way to stiff, also it only has a slight raised tail not a twin tip. It handles the chop that most powder days become in about an hour great because it is stiff. I use this as a touring and resort ski - so it works great in untracked, but handles a front side powder day just great.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Awesome pants!

Spyder Dare Pant - Men's

Spyder Dare Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 11, 2009

These Dare Pants are awesome! One thing that I noticed is Spyder sizing differs from most other ski apparel companies. I am usually a Medium but a Medium with Spyder is way too big on me, so I went with the Small size. These pants fit great and look sharp. Also warm and very waterproof. I don't really see any huge difference between these and the Bormio/Davos pants other than cost. Highly recommended.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Higher Cost=Better Quality

Swix Cera Nova CH  Wax

Swix Cera Nova CH Wax

Rating for this product: 4 February 11, 2009

Swix wax is the best out there. Toko is a close second. CH wax isn't as good as LF. There is a noticeable difference. However, if you are on a budget, you can't go wrong with the CH, but if you see the LF (or HF) on sale, Grab It!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Swix Ski Brake Retainers

February 10, 2009

Vacuum belts work just as well my manAdded: I went to my local ski store and they gave me about 10 bands for free, with that in mind, I wouldn't pay more than a dollar per band.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Smith Variant Bluetooth Audio Helmet

January 31, 2009

Anyone figure out how to pair the helmet with the included ipod BT adapter? My helmet blinks 3 blue flashes in a row, and the included instructions are just awful.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Smith Variant Brim Bluetooth Audio Helmet

January 13, 2009

I have this helmet with the plantronics bluetooth and mine also cuts in out sometimes. It seems to skip usually when its cold (25f or colder) and if its a bumpy run or on a landing (off a kicker). I think its just something we have to deal with. Smith support was NOT very helpful and just had me chasing my own tail for help. Other than that, its warm, safe, and efficient. Can't complain (too much).

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >