Matt Hart

I like these tights as I feel like they give me some special support and compression when exercising.

Trail Running: They are great unless there is a chance of ever having a tiny bit of bushwhacking or overgrown trail. Then, as you can see in my photo - they will be torn to shreds.

Backcountry Skiing: Again I love the support. However for backcountry skiing I need to be able to pee without having to untie them every time. If I don't tie them tight, they fall down and you end up fighting the crotch every step. Although they give great support, they are not good for backcountry skiing because they MUST be tied.

This jacket is sweet for very cold running, but I wear it every day I backcountry ski. It's the perfect jacket for skinnning uphill where you are working hard but still need some winter protection. It's light and it breaths just enough while keeping you warm. I just throw a puffy or a shell over it at the top for the ski down. It's THE integral piece in my setup. Get one!

I climbed/skied 100,000 feet in one week in this boot ~ http://ow.ly/7LptO

Good:
Lighter than most at 3lb 6oz per boot for size 26 (US8).
Just stiff enough to drive a fat light ski (Voile Drifters).
Good for a narrow foot.

Bad:
Not as durable as I'd hoped. In about 30-40 days the touring buckles collars were bending and there was some malformed plastic.
Because the liner was so minimal my foot got really banged up from every day use. Ankle bone in particular took months post winter to heal.
The mold didn't seem to scale for the smaller sizes. There seemed to be too much going on for my small boot size. Buckles would rub, upper plastic on lower - just showed it was tested and molded at a bigger size and not redesigned at all for the smaller sizes.

The company description says "premium audio". I disagree, but for the form factor, it's pretty damn awesome. It's small and mobile, that's why you buy this pipe - not for premium audio.

It's perfect for the bathroom where you can plug in the iPhone, jump in the shower and rock out with your cock out. For traveling or camping it's easy to fit this in your bag.

I bought this for two purposes. First was crewing a friend at the Bear 100. I let her create a playlist and then I attached this to my ultraspire running backpack. We were rockin tunes for a good 8hours (lithium ion batteries). It was awesome!! I was honestly impressed with how it sounded and long it lasted.

The second reason is for short intense dance parties at the top of summits on backcountry ski days this winter. We'll see how that works in the next few months.

i had the split skins on my 125 under foot voile drifter skis and they just didn't stick well enough. these are full length and perfect. i roll them up like a burrito because the glue is hard to get apart. but great skins so far.

finally dynafit came out with a crampon... and it's awesome. obviously it slides into the dynafit binding perfectly. it's light. it's solid. good stuff.

this binding is awesome. it's the easiest to use in my opinion. the heal lift is pole accessible and this is a great binding for everyone.. beginners included. it's a bit heavier than the tlt speed, but again.. it's easier to use. great solid binding.

this binding is a step up from the super ultra uber light dynafit race binding. i think it's the lightest version our beloved dynafit binding that i every day usable in the backcountry. the comfort heal piece turns a bit easier, but it's a bit heavier. so it's a trade off.

so far it hasn't really worked that well on the pants i bought it for. they are old arc'teryx softshells. in fact they are the best softshell backcountry ski pants ever created. but they are old, so they need a bit of freshening up. today my badder leaked on them and this grangers xt waterproofer didn't do very well.

they screw in so they no longer have to be folded over... which can come unglued. great new design.

i'm primarily a back country skier. so far what i love about the gloves is the fit. i have more dexterity in these gloves than my previous pair. meaning i don't have to take them off as much .. and i stay warmer. it was cold and nuking graupel out there today, the gloves are warm. the non leather leather of the glove provides fantastic grip. plus they have a two spots i can wipe my knows with them.

dislikes: it doesn't have a wrist strap for when you take the glove off and don't wanna loose it.

i spend most of my time each day skinning uphill. when the temps are cold i love this mountain hardwear dragon jacket. it's a warm winter softshell. it has thumb holes for that extra warmth. the hood fits around a helmet and has a great design and brim for when it's windy or nuking. today i wore a tshirt under it. i noticed the itchy material issue others have mentioned.. it's just material that doesn't feel good against bare skin, but honestly i've worn this jacket for a year and only felt it today because someone mentioned it.with this jacket on the uphills and a puffy in the pack for the downhills i'm set. not a deal breaker for me. the softshell material is some of the best i've ever seen. water droplets pill up and roll away still today and i've had it for a year.

as i was skinning into the backcountry today i looked down at my black diamond boundary ski pole and thought.. "this is the only adjustable pole i've ever had that has never accidentally collapsed on me." so i figured i'd have to write a review on them. i love that the little lip on the grips can be used to pull up dynafit toe pieces... bending down sucks. some say you can use it for ski buckles too, but haven't tried it. the grip is comfy. the flick lock is bomber and as i said has never slipped or malfunctioned on me once. really they feel like a good sturdy pole with great swing weight.my bottom line: they aren't the lightest ski pole. they are simple, reliable and functional.

this is the beginning of my second season with the bd verdict. i love this ski. it's become my go to ski because the width can deal with most conditions. i'm pretty much exclusively in the backcountry. they are wide enough to float in the lightest of utah powdah and can still carve a turn down a groomer.

i think to be happy with this ski you have to be a strong skier. mine is 2seasons old and i think that version is a bit stiffer. on hard packed i have to be over the ski and on it!.. if i'm not it will kick me out the back. for the same reasons the ski responds very well when asked to turn.

i think it could be a bit lighter for the weight weanies, but for me it's well worth lugging it uphill because it's a great ski.

teko socks in general last about 10x longer than smartwool. these are my race socks. i set them aside for racing or a long adventure run. the wick well and are just super comfy and fit nice around the mid foot. hands down the best trail running socks i've ever worn.

i probably wear these more than any other other shoe i have. i love them. i never bothered to heat mold mine, although that is cool. i found that they eventually mold to your foot quite well without it. they are super comfy.

i probably wear these more than any other other shoe i have. i love them. i never bothered to heat mold mine, although that is cool. i found that they eventually mold to your foot quite well without it. they are super comfy.

i dig these shorts. they are light and fast. the material is whispy light. the liner fits so nicely i don't even notice it's there. the pocket is perfectly minimalist and can fit 1-2 gels. however i don't dig on the zipper. a friend got his jammed and couldn't get his electrolytes in a race.

bottom line: love these shorts because they are light and fast. i would only change the slit in the side of the legs.. it's too long and flies up a bit when running. and maybe the zipper.

full disclosure: i'm sponsored by montrail. although this might sound like bs, it's not. this is (for me) the best montrail shoe i've ever put on my foot. i've got a long history of neuromas. this shoe has a forefoot protection plate that perfectly protects my mid-foot strike from any neuroma angering rocks. it's a nuetral shoe, which works perfect for me. the thin overlay (or upper) makes the shoe feel less bulky, and keeps it relatively light. i feel like there is just enough cushion, but not so much it's sloppy. it's also much lower to the ground than the hardrock, which is what i used to run in a lot. so i don't roll my ankles as much. this shoe also has a good wide forefoot, which again helps my neuroma and keeps me stable on the trail. the wide forefoot is also a blessing in the later stages of an ultramarathon when my feet swell. the tread is perfect for normal single track but it doesn't excel in mud. if i could magically change anything about this shoe i guess i'd take a few ounces off the weight, but coming from the hardrock it feels like a track flat.bottom line: best shoe i've seen from montrail in years. but don't just believe me. it also won Runner's World Mag "Top Trail Shoe" award and Trail Runner Mag's "Editor's Choice" award.

full disclosure; i'm sponsored by mountain hardwear - but i don't bs in my reviews.

i'm a weight weenie. so when i got the geist as part of my team kit for the montrail ultrarunning team i thought i was going to hate it. well i don't hate it, but it's not the super light weight minimal jacket i was hoping for. the mountain hardwear anorak or the patagonia whodini are some favs that come to mind. those are around 4oz., this jacket is 6oz because it's got two hand pockets in addition to the chest pocket. none of which i'll ever use while running or hiking in this jacket. but the jacket fits great. it's a composite of different materials, some to block wind, some to allow it to breath when you sweat. for that reason i think it actually out performs my anorak. if weight really matters, ie a long adventure run, then i'd take the anorak. if i'm out running in windy, rainy or slightly cold conditions i'll take the geist.

bottom line: this jacket won me over with it's superior breath-ability and comfort, but i won't take it on my long adventure runs.

i use this watch when trail running and backcountry skiing.

i track hr (it comes with hr strap), distance (with the addition of the foot pod) and elevation (inc altimeter). for runners, or for backcountry runners at least GPS units are unreliable. if you are deep in the backcountry they just can't maintain consistent GPS connection to be worth carrying around. and it's a none fact that GPS elevation data (total vert climbed, etc) is useless. so this watch gets me my vert climbed and hr. it's solid. i calibrate it every now and then, but the vert data is relative so it's not necessary unless you are navigating and comparing to a map location and need exact elevation reading.

the watch is comfy and i can wear it around all the time, which i like or else i'd forget it more often than not. i can't say that about any of the Garmin watches.

bottom line: for a backcountry runner or skier it's the best option out there.

initial thoughts: wow this is light. i think that is mainly because the skeleton makes the pack look bigger than the 1587cu inches. weighed in at 28.5oz, or 1lb 12.5oz.

i like the idea of the bottle holder on the waist belt but was skeptical it would work for hiking or running because of it's location relative to arm carriage. it really doesn't work. obviously for running it's in the way. for hiking it might be tolerable for some, not for me. i won't use.

the other waist belt feature is the adventure race style pocket on the right side of the hip belt. i love it. i'm a fan of having food and maybe a camera handy and available without having to remove the pack to get at things while you are moving. so that pocket is money for me.

i thought the backpack was pretty comfy. i think the waist belt buckle attached to just one side is interesting, but not sure if that longer strap will come lose and flap around more often than not. we'll see.

bottom line: solid light hiking backpack with tons of great room inside, comfy fit, worthless bottle holder & great pocket.

skiing the backcountry daily means i have a rotation of tights that i go through. i'm always looking forward to the mighty power tight days. they are great.

i'll run in them on those days that don't quite require full tights but i want some knee coverage. however i mostly backcountry ski in them. as you can see in the video i posted they are 3/4 or capri pants. so you don't have to tuck them into your ski boot which can cause massive discomfort when you are buckled in tight for downhill... or deal with the tight ankle cuff pulled up around your calf. they are a run tight, so i think they are slightly less thick/insulated/warm than most, which i like since most of my day is spent skinning uphill.

the reason these don't get 5 stars from me is the fit. it's just not perfect for me around the haunches. i have cyclist haunches, not runner haunches so i can't remember this ever happening with a medium. normally a medium is tight around my thighs. also the butt of these tights feels more like boxers than tights for me. which felt weird compared to other tights but really isn't a big deal overall.

i don't love the draw string. once tied overhand kinda gets caught in the material. making it hard for me to untie without some effort.bottom

line: love the breath-ability. love the capri for backcountry skiing. for me the fit isn't perfect, but we're all different.

i love the idea of these tights. proper wicking of moisture. reinforcement of patella and muscular structure. i think they deliver on that, i feel supported when i run and ski in them.

running: the fit isn't great for me. i have to pull them up to my belly button and tie them tight to start. i am constantly pulling them up. they just don't stay in place very well. i won't race in them for that reason alone, wasted time pulling.

skiing: love them for skiing and with less pounding than running they don't require the same attention to pulling them up. however they still require you tie the waist drawstring. this means quick peeing in the backcountry is a pain in the ass. so much so i don't bother to wear them, because the other tights i have, nike and under armor don't require i tie them. so i can easily manage to pee with much less hassle.

black diamond does it again. great little accessory for keeping the skis attached to you. i was very skeptical these would work. the leashes that come with dynafit bindings are terrible. they get in the way, are tough to dial in the length, etc. these are super simple but i needed the dynafit attahment to get them on the toe piece just right. so i've attached them to the girth hitched ring that come with dynafit.

the best part ~ they are super easy to get on and off with gloves. that is HUGE!

i got this jacked two years in a row as part of the montrail ultrarunning team kit. two years ago it didn't have a hood. i found the coat great, but this version is even better with the hoodie. it's perfect for cold morning snowy runs. it's got just enough breathability and the bomber wind stopper. i have started wearing it as my main jacket for backcountry skiing. skinning uphill in this jacket is just perfect. if it gets windy i put the hood on and go. it's got the thumb holds that give you that extra bit of hand warmth. i just throw a puffy on when i get to the top.. it's a thing of gear layering beauty.

full disclosure i got one to use as a pacer from petzl. the light is absolutely amazing. i've used a lot of lights and this is by far and away the brightest, even when compared to $500 bike lights. my bottom line: it's an amazing light. i would not use it during a race because it's heavy. i will use it to pace friends in races however. it might be the best pacing light on earth... but it's drastically over priced.

Backpacker's Take on it:
"If you were the first kid on the block to buy a JetBoil, a SPOT, and a folding titanium spork–and your money wasn't invested in AIG–check out the Ultra. This insanely bright and comically expensive searchlight employs the most advanced outdoor LED circuitry currently available, quadrupling the effective distance of standard headlamps. It's easily the brightest lamp we've tested, rivaling the power of some HID mountain-biking lights; even on the lowest of its three settings, you'll flood your tent or kitchen area with brilliant, shadow-free light. Which begs the question: If you're going to drop $430 on a headlamp–a headlamp!–shouldn't it come with mounts for your helmet and handlebars? It's more illumination than most people need for hiking and mountaineering, and it's too expensive not to offer more versatility. It's not light, either, and burn time on the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack ranges from just two to 15 hours. But if money is no object, go ahead–be brilliant. $430; 12.2 oz"

great socks. i've gotten frostbite before so my toes are super sensitive. these socks feel great and they keep my feet warm. like rockiesgear said you can't feel the seem because it's flat.

like any teko sock they just last longer than smartwool or other brands in this space. and teko is also a stewart of the environment so you can feel good about buying them.

"best socks on the planet, best socks for the planet".

if you are someone who skins up and skis down these are the best softshell pants i've ever had. they breath on the way up. are thick and warm enough for just hanging out and having lunch with a puffy on. with the exception of the gnarliest conditions they provide enough wind and cold protection. the thigh pockets are my favorite. fold over pockets with just an inch of velcro. i can get food out of them without taking my gloves off. they fit well. they have just enough inner cuff protection from your ski edge and they are super durable.

in 2 seasons of skiing in these pants there has only be maybe 2 days i wished i had worn gortex. if it's super windy then more pant might be applicable. but for most days of skinning up and skiing down these are the perfect ski pants.

love this jacket. it's the warmest jacket i own. it comes with me on in the backcountry. it packs down small in the backpack and is great when the temps are super cold. the pockets are lined which is nice. i wanted it as light as possible so although i'm a medium i bought a small and it's fine. just feels a bit short by the waist. to keep it light, the outter shell material can puncture easy. so far in 2 years i've had to patch one hole that was letting feathers out. quick and easy to fix though.

tight, tough and they can be used as an extra avalanche probe. they actually stay the length i set them to as well. the swing weight feels nice too. solid piece of gear

all the things you need to analyze the snow pack packed into a nice little pouch. i love this thing.

this one is a hard review for me. it really depends on your needs and intended use. for a road runner and road cyclist this could be a great tool to keep accurate track of your distance. i've found that in the wide open this thing works like a charm and keeps very accurate mileage, with few connectivity issues. i used this to track my mileage on a two day mtn bike ride of the Kokopelli trail (http://bit.ly/1947we) and it was spot on... until the battery died. which reminds me i found the battery life disappointing.for the adventure athlete who spends most of their time in the backcountry this unit is.. well.. useless. it just doesn't stay connected enough to give you any meaningful data. i wish it did.

got these as a gift and i love them. they are great a snowy camp. however the out sole isn't designed for heavy outdoor usage. i just rode the kokopelli trail in two days. we camped at dewey bridge and left some camp gear there, these included. i slept in them and they kept my feet comfy all night. i neve slept in them... warm.

this has been a great multi-purpose long sleeve for me. it's great for winter running. but i think i've worn it most for ski mountaineering. solid piece. had i not just tested the "natural antimicrobial properties" of wool i would have thought that was BS. however, this weekend i ski toured saturday and soaked the shirt to the bone. then woke up on sunday and put it back on for running.. and really, it didn't stink AT ALL. kind of amazing.the only knock on this shirt is that it could be more durable... but that is what you get with a lightweight shirt i suppose.

quick and dirty: the watch is awesome. you can customize 2 views to see all the data you want. it's altimeter is the best in the business. the heart rate monitor works great, but the chest strap is poorly designed and will break. the little clasp will break without a doubt. mine just broke. i would not buy this multisport pack because of the gps unit. it doesn't work in tree cover. it gobbles batteries like crazy. i used it mtn biking the kokopelli trail and the battery died. a few days later with new batteries it worked great for riding the white rim in a day... next ride the battery died. i think that is the nature of gps units = battery hogs. note that both of those trails have zero tree cover. so the unit worked great. but it's not worth the price. buy the suunto t6c, it comes with the heart rate monitor and it's a great watch. then buy the foot pod, it always works for telling you pace and mileage and doesn't gobble batteries.

just finished testing these during a 16 miler in the Wasatch mtns. Nov 1st run up Neff's Canyon to Mill Creek and then up and out Mount Granduer. they took a beating on some snowy bushwhacking sections and did great. kept my hands really warm. not being the most burly gloves on the market i thought they would disintegrate during an extended bushwhack section of grabbing trees and shrubs, etc. i was wrong. they are no worse for wear. i found them super comfy and would be a great ski glove liner too.

the foot pod is awesome. it's small and light and i don't even notice it on my shoe. it's super accurate and you can calibrate it via the suunto watch you have paired it with. i find that there are slight calibration differences for road vs. trail running.

the only comment i have as a con for the suunto foot pod is that the attachment is very hard to remove. the last version came off very easy. in fact i lost 2 of them because they were pulled or kicked off while running. well suunto certainly fixed that issue because this one is almost impossible to remove even when trying. since we can't have it both ways i guess, i'm happy for the small amount of pain for the thing staying put.

fast boiling stove with high efficiency pot = 3 min boil. tested this out in the north cascades and i was sooo impressed. it's going to be the perfect backcountry ski stove simply because the stove and pot are connected and are one unit so they aren't as effected by the wind and temperature. it's a stable little unit. i love that everything fits inside it too. great great stove.

the first think you will notice with this tank top is how good it feels to put on. it's soft. the added benefit there is that it won't chafe your nipples on long runs. i also like the way this tank is cut, it just feels right. it's not too short.