Don't let the picture above fool you. These are fatty nylon slings and not the skinny dyneema or dynex slings. They are great workhorse slings and cheap so you're not heartbroken if you have to leave them behind, but in my opinion I like the dyneema better. These are more bulky and a bit harder to tie off when setting anchors, plus they soak up water when they get wet so I'd avoid using them for alpine climbing. Overall, you can't go wrong for the money, but at only a dollar or two more, get the dyneema.

I like these a lot better than my nylon slings. I started off with nylon because they were a tiny bit cheaper and building a whole rack from scratch was getting pricey. However, after using these I always grab a few on payday, trying to slowly replacing my nylon. In my opinion, these tie off better and are easier to set anchors with. Fatty nylon slings are a bit harder to work with and suck up water when they get wet. Both get the job done, but I like these a lot better.

No, that's not my nickname, but it is how you'll feel about these BD stoppers after finding the right crack. I've got two sets of the 1-13 on my rack and with that range, you can usually fit them in on any route. I never leave the deck without em.

I picked these up for a steal on SAC last year because of the great price and the need for a good low light goggle. The High Intensity Persimmon lens works amazing in low light and white/grey-out conditions. These have been battle tested at Whistler Blackcomb and definitely saved my ass on Stefan's Chute in near whiteout conditions.

I bought these after trying them out at the Oakley store in Sac. These goggles never fog on me and are super comfortable. I've got the 08/09 version and the skull pattern gets compliments all over the hill. The Black Iridium lens is really dark, so they get used mostly on bluebird days. Nicest goggles I've owned.

I bought these when putting together a starter rack on the advice of a guide for climbing a particular area of Northern California. When the set came in, I was surprised at how big these suckers were. I knew they had the potential to replace a larger (up to 3" w/#10) cams, but the size and strength of these peices really made me believe it. The wires make them a little stiff to place in every situation, but when you can make them work you know you've got a solid peice of pro. The #10 is my go to peice for a bomber anchor when I can fit it in the system. For beginning climbers, check the tech specs (sizes) on http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/climb/protection/wired-hexentricr-nut-set-no-4-10 so you know what sizes to get for your particular rack configuration. I didn't see the sizes listed on BC.com so here they are for reference:
Dimensions :
20.6/27.9 mm, 0.81/1.10 in (size 4)
23.9/33 mm, 0.94/1.30 in (size 5)
27.2/39.1 mm, 1.07/1.54 in (size 6)
33/45.7 mm, 1.30/1.80 in (size 7)
39.1/54.1 mm, 1.54/2.13 in (size 8)
47/63.7 mm, 1.85/2.51 in (size 9)
55.6/75.2 mm, 2.19/2.96 in (size 10)

I bought these when putting together a starter rack on the advice of a guide for climbing a particular area of Northern California. When the set came in, I was surprised at how big these suckers were. I knew they had the potential to replace a larger (up to 3" w/#10) cams, but the size and strength of these peices really made me believe it. The wires make them a little stiff to place in every situation, but when you can make them work you know you've got a solid peice of pro. The #10 is my go to peice for a bomber anchor when I can fit it in the system. For beginning climbers, check the tech specs (sizes) on http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/climb/protection/wired-hexentricr-nut-set-no-4-10 so you know what sizes to get for your particular rack configuration. I didn't see the sizes listed on BC.com so here they are for reference:
Dimensions :
20.6/27.9 mm, 0.81/1.10 in (size 4)
23.9/33 mm, 0.94/1.30 in (size 5)
27.2/39.1 mm, 1.07/1.54 in (size 6)
33/45.7 mm, 1.30/1.80 in (size 7)
39.1/54.1 mm, 1.54/2.13 in (size 8)
47/63.7 mm, 1.85/2.51 in (size 9)
55.6/75.2 mm, 2.19/2.96 in (size 10)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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).