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Mike Merrill

Snowboarder // Climber // Mountain Biker

Mike Merrill: #230 of 91,775 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Northern California

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Shift Welder in Big Sur, CA

Shift Welder in Big Sur, CA

Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

October 8, 2009

My girlfriend stealing my Shift Welder in Big Sur

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Confindence Defined

Black Diamond Camalot C4 Package #0.5 - 3

Black Diamond Camalot C4 Package #0.5 - 3

Rating for this product: 5 4 days ago

When I need a bomber peice of pro, I'm always reaching for these cams. The action is smooth and the thumbhole makes me feel confident I'm not going to drop a peice. I love the trigger mechanism on this cam and the hold always inspires confidence. I place these cams whenever possible.

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Solid Cam

Metolius Ultralight TCU Packaged Set

Metolius Ultralight TCU Packaged Set

Rating for this product: 4 4 days ago

I recently used these on 3 multi-pitch climbs and for an anchor class. These are great small cams, very light and they work incredibly well; however, I like the thumbhole and trigger mechanism on the C3 better. My biggest complaint is the color coding on these cams. If you use this, you can overcam these quite easily in the green range. Overall a great cam and I ended up buying them when I saw the set of 6 on sale. Just be sure to use good judgement when placing them and don't strictly go by the color coding.

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Package Black Diamond Trad Climbing Package

5 days ago

Why is it that this package is $402 and you can buy both items seperately just by clicking on the links within Backcountry.com for $386?

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Great base layer....

The North Face XTC Lightweight 1/4 Zip Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

The North Face XTC Lightweight 1/4 Zip Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 6 days ago

This base layer performs as expected from The North Face. It kept me dry, even after sweating my ass off climbing 3 multi-pitch routes over 8 hours. It breathes incredibly well and is very comfortable. However, it's claim about fighting off odors with the "microbial fighting carbon bamboo thingymagig" didn't exactly hold up to it's end of the bargain. It was definitely funky at the end of the day. I wasn't exactly expecting to smell like I just hopped out of the shower after climbing all day, but after a good test, this functionality failed. Overall a good baselayer that has taken a lot of abuse.

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Burton Custom ICS Snowboard

6 days ago

Very good for intermediate, if you are good on your edges. This board is FAST and cuts on a dime. If you're used to a metal core with crap edges, this will take a day or two of getting used to, but you'll never go back.

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Sick board...

Burton Custom ICS Snowboard

Burton Custom ICS Snowboard

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

I've been riding a custom since 04 and I doubt I'll get anything else. I ride all-mountain, backcountry and park and this board does it all. Incredibly responsive with lots of pop - even after 5 years of solid abuse, this thing still shreds. My only complaint is a bit of rust on the edges, but it cleans up when tuned. To avoid this, get the custom X with the stainless edges.

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These bindings are sick...

Burton P1.1 Snowboard Binding

Burton P1.1 Snowboard Binding

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

I've got the P1 wingtips and they are dope. Highbacks give you lots of control and the dual component baseplates allow for super responsiveness when shredding the mountain. These are incredibly comfortable too. The straps are almost like jelly and the gatorskin look is clean.

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Easy & Strong

Black Diamond ATC Belay Device

Black Diamond ATC Belay Device

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

This is the belay device. Rope threads easily through it when looped and makes a great belay/rappel device. I've tried others, including a gri-gri, but I always come back to old faithful.

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Not bad...

Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate Carabiner

Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate Carabiner

Rating for this product: 3 6 days ago

It's a locking biner. It does the job, but I haven't been all that impressed with the locking mechanism. Don't get me wrong, it stays locked, but I sometimes have a problem getting the thread started. Seems a bit loose at times and shifts off the threads. It's never failed, or came unlocked so I can't complain too much.

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The lady loves it...

Black Diamond Primrose AL Harness - Women's

Black Diamond Primrose AL Harness - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

I just picked this up for my girlfriend after using the rentals in the gym for the past couple months. For the money, you can't go wrong with this one. Fits good and is comfortable. It doesn't have the fancy adjustments of higher end models but for her it's been "set it and forget it" - She hasn't had to make any adjustments after getting the fit right the first climb. Good value harness and does what it's supposed to do.

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Keeps you from decking out...

Black Diamond Momentum Harness

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

For the money, you can't go wrong with this one. Fits good and is comfortable. It doesn't have the fancy adjustments of higher end models but for me it's been "set it and forget it" - I haven't had to make any adjustments after getting the fit right the first climb. Good value harness and does what it's supposed to do.

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Great pack...little on the small side

DAKINE Heli Pro DLX 20L Backpack -1200cu in

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

I use this pack for just about every backcountry adventure...climbing, snowboarding, camping (as a day pack) and hiking. It's not noticable on and has just enough space for a few extra layers and a light lunch. If I had one gripe, it would be the lack of pockets to stash your wallet, keys, etc. There is one on the top, but it's just netting and pretty small. The board holder works great for carrying a board horizontally, either for backcountry rides or just hiking to your car from the ski lodge. Overall great pack. I've had mine for almost 5 years and only the "Heli-Pro" rubber tag is starting to fall off. It's held up well to LOTS of abuse.

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Amazing Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Dragon Softshell Jacket - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Dragon Softshell Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

This jacket is awesome. Regulates your temperature very well and blocks the wind like no other. I use this primarily for climbing and stay warm in 30 degree weather with strong winds wearing only a mid layer underneith. Pitzips are great for dumping heat when you start to work up a sweat. I've tested the wind up to 120 mph on my motorcycle and it does not cut through. Truly amazing jacket.

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Protects your knoggin

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet

Rating for this product: 5 6 days ago

It's light, comfy and protects the head. The adjustment knob is easy and great for those times when you want to throw a beanie on under the helmet.

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Mountain Hardwear Dragon Softshell Jacket - Men's

October 26, 2009

Jon's right - overall fabric and design are very similar. Seems to be only asthetic changes. The picture on BC.com is of the 2008/2009 version. The new version has the Mountain Hardware logo on the left front pocket and nothing on the right side. The cuffs, upper left arm and rear collar also have a reflective MH logo.

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The North Face XTC Lightweight Tight - Men's

October 14, 2009

I agree, they run a bit big. Unfortunately, the waist doesn't appear to. Might just be my short stature, but the waist seems like it fits true, and the length/legs run larger. I bought these at REI so I tried both and went with the larger so my waist wasn't cramped. But they don't fit like tights. The good news is they still keep me warm and wick moisture.

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Lightweight & Comfy

Mountain Hardwear Mesa Pant - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Mesa Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 14, 2009

These are a great warm weather pant. I use them for camping, climbing and hiking. They dry quickly and wick moisture. If I use them in colder conditions I usually throw on a base layer, such as The North Face XTC Lightweight Tight. I do like the drawstring for hiking up the cuffs when I'm climbing. I wear a 30-32 waist/30 inseam and the Medium Short fits perfect.

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Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket - Men's

October 9, 2009

I'm 5'7" and 165lbs - broad shoulders and athletic build. I usually wear a M in Patagonia jackets which allows for another layer. I think a small might work for you, as it sounds like you may be more trim. (I can usually get away with a small, but fits very tight in the shoulders and chest). If you are going to layer a fleece, I might size up. You can always send it back ;-)

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Was expecting more breathability...

Mountain Hardwear Terra Jacket - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Terra Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 8, 2009

Initially I was a bit disappointed in the breathability of this jacket; however, after testing in very wet conditions, I'm pleased. In dry conditions, any aerobic activity has me reaching for the pitzips but in our first major rainstorm of the season here in CA and I took the Terra out for a jog. 30 minutes in a torrential downpour and I'm dry as a bone. Breathability was still an issue, but it is a hardshell so I guess that is to be expected. This thing does sheds water like a ducks back though. The only drawback I could see (besides breathability) was the hood. It was pretty loose and would flop off while jogging. It's designed for a helmet and has a drawcord, but I rarely use a helmet. Very light and great to throw in the pack, but really probably only good for the most extreme conditions and appropriate layering. If you're getting it for what it's designed for you'll love it. If you're looking for something for daily wear, get a softshell.

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Backcountry.com Stoic 2.0 Shell - Men's

August 20, 2009

I've got the shift welder hoody and wanted to know how the Stoic compares? It looks like the Stoic may be more waterproof (20k rating vs. "highly water resistant"), but what about breatability? Can anybody offer a solid comparison of the two?

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Backcountry.com Stoic 2.0 Shell - Men's

August 20, 2009

I'm 5'7", 31 waist, athletic build and the M fits me perfectly. I find that BC.com fits a little smaller. I'd roll with a M

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Super Comfy - Great Mid Layer

The North Face Impulse Fleece Jacket - Men's

The North Face Impulse Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 13, 2009

This fleece is awesome. Not incredibly warm and doesn't block a ton of wind, but it does make a great mid layer. I wear it under the BC.com Shift Welder and the combo is bulletproof. That said, it's very comfortable and stylish. Runs a bit big, I typically wear a M, but dropped to a S in this fleece and it fits great (5'7", 165lbs, Athletic Build). The basin blue color looks so much better than the monitor display.

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Great Mid-Layer

Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 20, 2009

This mid-layer is incredibly comfortable. It has a stretchy, soft fabric and has kept me warm with just a T underneith on a breezy day in the mid-upper 40's (F). I layer over this when it's wet or colder. Couple this with the BC.com Shift Welder and you're good for anything mother nature can throw at you. - Update: Still love this thing, but the logo's are coming off after about a 9 months of use. Not too bad considering the great price on SAC.

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Great Peice

Petzl Grigri Belay Device

Petzl Grigri Belay Device

Rating for this product: 5 January 19, 2009

Not sure the need for everyone to argue the usefullness of this device. The fact is, it's for some people and not for others. I don't use it as a substitute for good belay skills, but it does work great for having a rookie belay me or for self-belay when I don't have a partner. Personal preference aside, this is a solid peice of equipment and when used properly will last for years. Except no substitutes...buy the real deal.

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Awesome Jacket

Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 16, 2009

This jacket is my new go-to. It's hard to replace the shift composite, but I love the hood on this jacket (been rainy here lately) and the softer feel is nice. I'm 5'7" - 165lbs, athletic build and the M fits great. The jacket is super comfortable and regulates my tempature perfectly. You can go for jog in the morning, and wear it in to the office in the afternoon and not get cold, or hot. The shift composite seems a bit warmer, but I think that may be the higher neckline keeping more wind out. I've yet to test under extreme conditions but if it's anything like the composite, I'm confident it will be great

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Meh

Five Ten Gambit Climbing Shoe - Men's

Five Ten Gambit Climbing Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 January 16, 2009

These shoes are comfortable but I haven't been all that impressed with the grip. I can climb all day in them at the gym, but I think I'd be hesitant to use them outdoors. They've also seemed to have stretch a bit and do not breath at all. As soon as I start to sweat my footing slips inside the shoe and throws off the confidence in my footing. Bottom line - fine for the gym, but I'd probably get something else for outdoors.

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Value Harness

Black Diamond Momentum AL Harness

Black Diamond Momentum AL Harness

Rating for this product: 4 January 16, 2009

For the money, you can't go wrong with this one. Fits good and is comfortable. It doesn't have the fancy adjustments of higher end models but for me it's been "set it and forget it" - I haven't had to make any adjustments after getting the fit right the first climb. Good value harness

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Great starter setup

Black Diamond Momentum AL Harness Package

Black Diamond Momentum AL Harness Package

Rating for this product: 4 January 16, 2009

Everything you need to get started. I immediately swapped out the chalk bag for one with a bigger opening, but that's just a personal preference. If you are looking to get started climbing and getting tired of renting/borrowing gear, this is a great package at a great price.

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Awesome Pants...Run Big

686 Smarty Original Cargo Pant - Men's

686 Smarty Original Cargo Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 9, 2009

These pants are some of the best I've owned. The liner is great because you can just unzip the pants, slide them off and you're good to go for the ride home. They'll keep you warm in any conditions and you can take the liner out in the spring for warmer weather. The only downside, which Backcountry makes pretty clear is that they run big. My only gripe is that they are way too long so when you are wearing shoes on the way up the hill, they drag all over the ground. They are definitely on the baggy side so if that's your style, no need to move up a size.

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Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

January 8, 2009

I just got the jacket today. This version does feel softer, but it still seems very durable. So far, I'm liking what I see.

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Great Jacket, Great Price

Backcountry.com Shift Composite Jacket - Men's

Backcountry.com Shift Composite Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 7, 2009

This is definitely my go-to jacket. It's lightweight and incredibly durable. I recently took this jacket on a trip to Northern Washington. The temp was around 8 degrees and even with incredibly high winds I was able to stay warm with only one cotton base layer (long sleeve tee). It got a bit chilly when we walked about a mile to the store with little activity, but doing anything strenuous would keep you warm in sub 10 degree weather. I am amazed at the versatility of this jacket. I rock it everywhere! Great job BC.com

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Best Hoodie on the Market

Burton Bonded Hooded Jacket - Men's

Burton Bonded Hooded Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 7, 2009

Super comfortable and stylish. These are pretty much all I wear on the mountain during March & April in Northern California. The polyester is so much better for wicking away slush or melting snow on the lift than a cotton hoodie and they look amazing. I find these to be slightly warmer than a cotton hoodie and they regulate my temperature better. I've got about 4 of these and will definitely buy more.

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Bulletproof

686 Smarty Rise Above Jacket - Men's

686 Smarty Rise Above Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 7, 2009

This jacket is awesome. Does the layering for you and you get a nice fleece plus waterproof shell all in one. Layer them up for nasty cold wet days, rock just the shell when the sun comes out and stay comfy in lodge with a dope fleece. The Smarty system is great if you have a pair of 686 pants. My only caution - 686 runs big! Don't size up if you are trying to go baggy. I'm 5'7", very athletic build (broad shoulders) and wear a small in 686. I'm a medium to large in everything else. I took this jacket on a trip to Whistler and was very warm and dry at -18 C (about -1 F).

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686 Smarty Rise Above Jacket - Men's

January 6, 2009

No, it doesn't but the liner does have the thumb holes and work in a similar fashion.

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Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

January 6, 2009

I've got the shift composite jacket and I love it. My question is: Is the material the same as the Shift Composite, or is it softer?

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