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Melissa Hamous

Climber // Camper/Hiker

Melissa Hamous: #651 of 93,957 More Information

14 Reviews:

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1 Questions:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    My work keeps me in Houston, but someday...
  • Bio:

    I'm a flatlander trying to get to a point where I can say "I'm a climber" with a straight face. I also hike and camp, but usually just to facilitate the climbing :-).

    The latest: It's October, and we may finally get temps below the 90's in Texas soon. Hopefully, we'll get in some day trips to Austin soon. And maybe El Potrero Chico before the holidays. Breaking into the low 10s... yea! Still not impressive, but better.

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Good shoes

Scarpa Techno Lady Climbing Shoe - Women's

Scarpa Techno Lady Climbing Shoe - Women's

Rating for this product: 4 August 26, 2009

These are my first pair of Scarpa shoes, and they are really growing on me. I wear a size 6 in street shoes and got a 5 3/4 in these. They do need break-in time, but being unlined leather, that seems to be going okay. The bones at the base of my pinkie toes are very large, so although I don't have wide feet, I have trouble if I get shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot. These are a bit ouchie in the front, but they are breaking in more every time I climb. I've only used them in the gym so far (way too hot to climb outside in Texas in August), but I'm pleased with the performance of the rubber, and haven't had any trouble edging on the "naturals" on the gym's concrete walls. I climb in the gym 3 days a week and am working low 10s, if that helps. I have a feeling they will be a fantastic pair of shoes once broken in. Pretty happy so far.

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Great for casual wear

The North Face Noble Stretch Capri Pant - Women's

The North Face Noble Stretch Capri Pant - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 July 2, 2009

These capris are very comfortable, and the rise is just right - not too high and not too low. I agree that they may be sized a tad large, but I stayed with my normal street size and take advantage of being able to dry them in the dryer! The cut is great, and they don't look silly with the drawstring cinched up a bit. They're great if you have a bit of a bottom on you, too. I'm not huge, but I definitely have a rear on me that keeps a lot of clothes from fitting well, but there is no problem with these. Give them a try!

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My new go-to flips

Chaco Flip Sandal - Women's

Chaco Flip Sandal - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 May 28, 2009

These are great sandals. I've been wearing the same tired old flip-flops for about six years because I couldn't find a pair that was comfy enough to replace them, but replace them these did! I had to break in the straps a bit, but no blisters, just some minor rubbing the first two times I wore them. I normally wear a size 6 in dress shoes and sandals and a 6 1/2 in athletic/hiking. I got a size 6 in these and they fit just fine. They are not heavy and my feet do not slide around in them when I walk. The footbed is very comfortable and provides amazing support for a flip-flop. I will definitely buy another pair.

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Update: Yeah, it's awesome

Marmot Original Driclime Windshirt - Women's

Marmot Original Driclime Windshirt - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 April 17, 2009

I got the medium and it fits MUCH better. I've worn it belaying, climbing, hiking, and just about everywhere else. It doesn't restrict movement at all, fits under a harness nicely, and even stood up to multiple elbow jams (don't ask) in granite. It also worked great as a mid layer under a fleece, keeping me nice and toasty warm. If you're looking for a hard working, tough, all-around windshirt/light jacket, you can't go wrong with this one. Note: the tech specs indicate one internal and one sleeve pocket. Mine only has one chest pocket, no others.

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Very nice!

Petzl Tikka Plus Headlamp

Petzl Tikka Plus Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 April 16, 2009

Very bright with a good swath of light. The tilt adjustment provides a good range of angles. The three different brightness settings are perfect for providing just the right amount of light for whatever you are doing, without having to sacrifice battery life needlessly. Stayed put on my head and didn't slide up or down, even while I was adjusting it. Small enough to pocket. This is a really great little headlamp!

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Just what I wanted

Patagonia Active Hipster Brief - Women's

Patagonia Active Hipster Brief - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 April 8, 2009

I was looking for a pair of undies that didn't pull all the way up to my armpits and evoke a "Hello Mommy" moment, but wouldn't get too personal (IYKWIM). These fit the bill perfectly! I recently wore them all day hiking with a pack and rock climbing in pretty warm weather. They stayed exactly where they were supposed to, did a good job wicking and breathing, and most importantly they were very comfortable under the pack hip belt AND under the climbing harness. True to size for me, and cut low enough that I wasn't at all worried about them peeking over my pants (I wear my pants a little below my belly button, if that helps). I will buy more.

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Probably great, but seems to run small

Marmot Original Driclime Windshirt - Women's

Marmot Original Driclime Windshirt - Women's

Rating for this product: 4 March 26, 2009

My boyfriend got the men's version of this jacket and loves it. I've borrowed his and it really was great. So when this one came up on sale we pounced on it. Unfortunately the small is uncomfortably tight on me through the shoulders, chest and underarms, even though my height and weight are well within the small size range according to the chart, and I'm only a 34B. Actually, per the size chart, I am an Extra small, but the way the small fits, I wouldn't have even been able to put an extra small on! I will get a medium, and I'm sure I'll love it, but I wanted to caution about the sizing. The blue is a beautiful color in person, BTW.

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Icebreaker Nature Bikini Underwear - Women's

March 23, 2009

Has anyone who is sensitive to wool tried these? I've read all the reviews which say that they're not itchy, but some people just aren't bothered by wool to begin with. I would like to know if anyone who normally has a problem with wool has tried these, and what they think.

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Yes, this *is* a really comfortable harness

Arc'teryx R280 Rock Climbing Harness - Women's

Arc'teryx R280 Rock Climbing Harness - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 March 10, 2009

This harness is incredibly light and thin, but somehow manages to provide great support and cushioning. I can hardly even feel it when I'm not geared up, and even when I am, it's still comfortable. I like the gear loop design, as they keep things within easy reach without making them pile up on each other. Great harness! Oh, and the icing on the cake is the cool Arc'teryx logo tin the harness comes in.

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Patagonia Active Mesh Bra - Women's

March 9, 2009

I just wore mine under a 2000+/- cu. in. pack with about 20lbs in it on an approach hike (maybe 30 minutes?). I couldn't even tell I was wearing it. No strap issues at all. It was much more comfortable than any other bra I've ever worn under a pack. I can't speak to how it would feel with a 3500 cu. in. pack with 45 lbs in it on the AT or PCT for months, but I can tell you it was very comfortable as I wore it. Good luck and have fun!

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No longer stuck!

Black Diamond Positron Screwgate Carabiner

Black Diamond Positron Screwgate Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 March 2, 2009

I got these to replace my BD Quicksilvers for tethering at anchors. I am no longer engaged in all out hand-to-hand combat with the setup when I am ready to unclip and rappel down or be lowered now that I don't have an evil little notch catching on everything. If you like your Quicksilvers, but don't like the way they catch, this is your biner!

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I liked the first one so much...

Patagonia Active Mesh Bra - Women's

Patagonia Active Mesh Bra - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 March 2, 2009

... I'm buying two more today. Although this seems to confuse the sizing issues other reviewers have mentioned even more, I got the medium and it fits me great, even though I'm 5'1", 34B, 122lbs (yeah, I'm a bit "stockier" than most of the ladies who are brave enough to put their sizes out here, but hopefully the info will help someone else determine their size). I wear mine to climb in and LOVE it. It moves with me but stays put around my rib cage and doesn't ride up under the girls like all the other bras do. I don't know if it would be supportive enough to run in, but for climbing, it rocks... no pun intended. The only down side is that I still get the unaboob with this bra. That said, I haven't found a solution to that in a non-separated cups sports bra yet, so I'm not going to worry about it. Definitely recommended, especially at such a great sale price.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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I love this pack!

Gregory Jade 35 Backpack - Women's - 2074-2196cu in

Gregory Jade 35 Backpack - Women's - 2074-2196cu in

Rating for this product: 5 February 23, 2009

I am 5'1" and had a really hard time finding a pack that fit me and didn't cause a problem when weighted. I have used this pack twice now, the last time full of climbing gear AND with a 60m rope in a rope bag tucked under the lid. The balance stayed true and no part of the pack rubbed, pressured, or pulled on me. Holds more than enough for a day at the crag, and I'm sure it would be great for an overnight/light weekend. Awesome pack!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Not for my narrow heels, won't break in

La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe - Women's

La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe - Women's

Rating for this product: 3 February 18, 2009

These are the fourth pair of climbing shoes I've owned, and unfortunately they are not good shoes for me. Other reviewers have said that they're great for narrow feet/heels. I have narrow heels and I find that the heel cup is simply too big. No matter how I lace these shoes, my heels have a lot of up and down movement in them, even though they're sized down a full size from my street shoes. I also can't get them to break in, despite wearing them for 2-3 hours at a time at least 3 times a week for the last five months. My other shoes broke in just fine with similar wear. I will go back to my Five Tens as soon as they are resoled. Bottom line: Not a bad shoe, just not right for me. Don't assume that they will be a good fit for your narrow feet/heels.

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Cute and comfy

Patagonia Active Boy Short - Women's

Patagonia Active Boy Short - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 February 17, 2009

I have these and the Under Armour boy shorts, and these are quickly becoming my favorites. They seem to breathe better and don't get quite as hot. I don't have a problem with them migrating north on me like some of the other reviewers. The fabric is very soft and stretches just enough, but not too much. They machine wash and dry well, too. And it doesn't hurt that they're pretty cute on. I'm very happy with them and would buy them again.

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