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Matt Collins

Snowboarder // Trad Climber // Climber // Sport Climber

Matt Collins: #537 of 174,454 More Information

20 Reviews:

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7 Questions:

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5 Answers:

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0 Photos:

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1 Comments:

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1 Wishlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    PNW, Chico, CA, Lake Tahoe Area
  • Bio:

    I like to climb things and play in the pow.

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Arc'teryx Pack Shelter

February 5, 2012

Would the older Bora 65 fit this still, or is the shape off?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Good All Mountain

Ride EX Snowboard Binding

Ride EX Snowboard Binding

Rating for this product: 5 December 4, 2011

I upgraded to the new 2011 EXs from an old pair of cheap Drakes (forget the model name). I have noticed a huge difference. The wedgie technology relieves stress on my legs and the bindings are just all around more sturdy than my previous pair. There is just enough stiffness to do a little bit of everything. Great choice for the price and with the aluminum chassis they will last a long time.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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So bomber and so good!

Black Diamond Camalot C3

Black Diamond Camalot C3

Rating for this product: 5 August 2, 2011

Got to use these for the first time switching leads and I am amazed. I took a lead fall on a #1 and my confidence in these pieces grew even more! Definitely try these.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 M+(Wide) Trail Running Shoe - Men's

July 8, 2011

Are these shoes specifically for wide feet? "Salomon Men's XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 M+ Trail Running Shoes and give your wide feet some protection for miles "

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Anchor 'Biner

Petzl Am'D Locking Carabiner

Petzl Am'D Locking Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 July 7, 2011

I decided to pick a couple up to replace my BD Rocklocks in my anchor set up and I am loving them so far. I prefer the D 'biner for the rope side of the anchor and then I will use some pear shaped 'biners for the rock side of my anchor system and it works great for me. These are extremely strong, you can't go wrong. Also on the screw lock the "red you're dead" marking is very nice for a visual check to make sure it is locked down.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Protects the noggin

Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet - 2011

Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet - 2011

Rating for this product: 5 July 7, 2011

I just love this helmet. I made the switch from the BD Half Dome and I noticed a huge improvement. The fit felt much better for my head shape, MUCH better ventilation for those hot days. However they will protect your head the same when it comes to it. It is up to you if you want to be comfortable while wearing your helmet for potentially hours. Pick one up and try it for yourself!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Five Ten Anasazi Verde Lace-up Climbing Shoe

June 28, 2011

I got both in the same size and they were very similar fit, but the Verdes did stretch a small amount where as the Galileos have yet to stretch at all.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Update

Metolius Element Key Lock Belay Carabiner

Metolius Element Key Lock Belay Carabiner

Rating for this product: 1 June 19, 2011

My previous review stated my overall dissatisfaction with this biner, but a recent experience has made things worse.

I let a friend borrow my PAS, which had the element attached to it, for cleaning a route. While at the top and in the process of cleaning the top rope anchor the screwlock on the element biner over tightened itself on the rock somehow, and tightened over the threads making it impossible to unscrew. When he tried explaining this to me from the top of the route I thought he was just pumped and couldn't unscrew it, but this wasn't the case. I ended up having to climb up there, cut him out of a loop of my PAS, and he rappeled down.

This wasn't the best way to end a day of climbing. Although this may be a rare case I won't be buying an element again no matter how cheap.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Top Notch Belay Biner!!

Petzl Attache Locking Carabiner

Petzl Attache Locking Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 May 17, 2011

I picked this up after I had issues with a Metolious Element locking biner. The change was night and day. The action on the Attache is so smooth, the sleeve doesn't stick at all, and there is the handy red stripe for visual check of "red you're dead". For a belay biner it is on the smaller side which is good as it will stay out of the way when not in use. This should work on virtually all belay devices due to its pear shape and round construction. While there are cheaper options, you can't go wrong with Petzl quality.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Anchor/belay biner!

Black Diamond Rocklock Carabiner

Black Diamond Rocklock Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 May 17, 2011

These are top notch for setting up top ropes, anchoring in, or belaying in. They are on the large side of lockers and that is a good thing. They accommodate lots of ropes/slings in the basket. With their large size they are easy to manipulate one handed and gloved. They are cheap enough there is no reason to not have them as part of your rack. Try them out, you won't be disappointed!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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La Sportiva Solution Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoe

May 16, 2011

Try opening a chat. BC is usually helpful when it comes to this kind of stuff. I would imagine they could do a special order.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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UPDATE

Backcountry.com Merino Hiking Sock - 3-Pack

Backcountry.com Merino Hiking Sock - 3-Pack

Rating for this product: 2 May 14, 2011

At first I loved these socks and now after three months I am starting to have second thoughts. I am not sure if I just got a lemon or what but on my socks the white line fabric that runs along the foot has started to fail. There are holes popping up everywhere. While I did get a good deal on the socks I am starting to think I should have put the money towards Bridgedale, Smartwool, or Darn Tough.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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MontBell Ultralight Thermawrap Insulation Parka - Men's

May 2, 2011

Thanks Angus, I was looking at the detail shot and wasn't sure of it was just tapered or there was actually elastic. Thanks for the heads up.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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MontBell Ultralight Thermawrap Insulation Parka - Men's

May 2, 2011

What are the cuffs like? Are they elastic like on the Arcteryc SV/LT? Or is it completely loose?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Awesome Jacket!

The North Face Momentum Fleece Jacket - Men's

The North Face Momentum Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 2, 2011

I mainly use this waist length jacket for cold weather rock climbing and it does the job perfectly. There is just the right amount of stretch to the material that it moves with you and doesn't get caught up or anything. For how thin the jacket it is keeps you very warm when active and when paired with a shell I was even warm when not active. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a multipurpose fleece.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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A+ Arcteryx does it again

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 31, 2011

Best jacket I own! I have jackets from Norrona, Outdoor Research and Helly Hansen. Yet whenever I go to grab a jacket I find myself grabbing the Beta. This jacket is just top notch. You can see and feel its quality. The stitching is amazing, it will definitely not fail you anytime soon unless you plan on rolling down a mountain. Would definitely reccomend this jacket, especially if you can find it on sale as the $450 price tag is a big bullet to bite but it is well worth it once you do.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Warm and soft

Backcountry.com Merino Hiking Sock - 3-Pack

Backcountry.com Merino Hiking Sock - 3-Pack

Rating for this product: 5 February 22, 2011

Awesome sock! Very comfortable and warm, they have so far held up quite well. They have pilled a little but that is to be expected. Definitely worth the money, and they come in threes!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Small and Lightweight

Metolius F.S. Mini Jet Carabiner Set - 6-Pack

Metolius F.S. Mini Jet Carabiner Set - 6-Pack

Rating for this product: 4 February 21, 2011

These things are awesome! Smaller than most yet still strong. Definitely a must if you are wanting to shed some weight on your rack.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Simplistic

Black Diamond ATC Belay Device

Black Diamond ATC Belay Device

Rating for this product: 4 February 21, 2011

You can't beat this as far as simplicity. It's an ATC and it gets the job done enough said. It doesn't have the stopping power of the ATC-XP, Guide, or Reverso3 or any ATC style device with ridges. That being said it is nice for rappelling. Not as smooth as an 8 but definitely smoother than any ridged ATC type device. It never hurts to have one of these around.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Arc'teryx Atom LT Hooded Insulated Jacket - Men's

February 21, 2011

Thanks for the insight. I am liking how the arc sounds, hopefully it will be a good belay jacket and just a good all around insulated piece.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Amazing Harness!

Petzl Adjama Harness - Men's

Petzl Adjama Harness - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 17, 2011

I love this thing. This harness is so versatile with the Caritool slots and then the ventilation for the warmer climbing. I am a fan of how comfortable yet lightweight this harness. You won't be disappointed with this other than the higher price. Get it on sale and you are set!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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MontBell Ultralight Thermawrap Insulation Parka - Men's

February 16, 2011

I knew it wasn't the greatest comparison, but I own the Nano Pullover for reference so I was hoping to get a better idea. While I do like the Nano Pullover I am looking for something possibly a little warmer as well as something with a hood/pockets. I think that this just might be what I am looking for then.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Arc'teryx Atom LT Hooded Insulated Jacket - Men's

February 16, 2011

How does this compare to the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover? The addition of a hood aside.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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My Favorite!

Petzl Attache Locking Carabiner - DO NOT USE

Petzl Attache Locking Carabiner - DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 5 February 16, 2011

I love this this thing! The action on the gate and sleeve is so smooth. This was a definite relief from my experience with the Metolious Element (horrible). The red is a nice touch for visual check, "red you're dead". Go out and get one and see for yourself what you have been missing. Well done Petzl.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Sold Out

Drier than the Sahara

Metolius Super Chalk

Metolius Super Chalk

Rating for this product: 5 February 16, 2011

This stuff gets the job done. If you get sweaty hands climbing this is the stuff to have in your bag. I have noticed while in the winter months that it almost dries my hands too much so I have to use a little lotion here and there other wise my hands will be cracking left and right. No biggie, just something to keep an eye on. This stuff is a deal!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Shell!

Norrøna Svalbard Dri3 Jacket - Men's

Norrøna Svalbard Dri3 Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 February 16, 2011

This is an awesome jacket. I have only had good experience with Norrøna and their products. It does have a longer fit overall and does cover your butt about halfway so this may or may not be a draw/turn off for some. I did find that the sleeves were a bit bulky but that is just my experience. I have yet to have the durability issue of the cinches stated by vic. I would definitely recommend this jacket, especially if you can snap it on sale.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Belay and Anchor Biner!

Omega Pacific Jake Carabiner

Omega Pacific Jake Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 February 15, 2011

I love this thing for both belay and anchors. The offset action of the gate is a little strange at first but I came to love it after not long. The sleeve on the screw lock is great. There are nice and deep grooves providing good traction to loosen and tighten the sleeve when wearing gloves. Great product! It is on the larger side, but that is not an issue.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Oval!

Black Diamond OvalWire Carabiner

Black Diamond OvalWire Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 February 13, 2011

Simple, strong, light, quality, cheap. I have nothing bad to say about this carabiner. It has many uses from anchors to just racking up gear.

Go out and get one, or ten!

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Gets the jobs done, just not well.

Metolius Element Key Lock Belay Carabiner

Metolius Element Key Lock Belay Carabiner

Rating for this product: 2 February 13, 2011

I must agree with most of the other reviews. This carabiner is just not worth it. While it may be a "deal" compared to some others from say BD or Petzl it is not worth the hassle. When loaded the sleeve is a pain to undo, and in addition the sleeve takes many more turns than other carabiners to lock. While that is a horrible thing it is just an unnecessary inconvenience in my mind.

I would reccomend that you look at the BD Positron/Rocklock or the Petzl Attache.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Norrøna Svalbard Dri3 Jacket - Men's

October 16, 2010

Just picked this jacket up in the 48hr sale and was wondering if anyone else has had durability issues like the ones mentioned below by vic?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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