Clothing

Outdoor Gear

Best Sellers

Get Your Profile Dialed

Simon Hatfield

Camper/Hiker // Climber // Backpacker

Simon Hatfield: #35 of 174,454 Top 100 Gear Guru More Information

52 Reviews:

Helpful?
58 Yes

8 Questions:

Helpful?
8 Yes

283 Answers:

Helpful?
138 Yes

73 Photos:

Helpful?
51 Yes

0 Videos:

Helpful?
0 Yes

18 Comments:

Helpful?
11 Yes

0 Wishlists:

Helpful?
0 Yes

0 Field Tests:

Helpful?
0 Yes

  • Stomping Grounds:

    Southern California -Joshua Tree, Holcomb Valley, Idyllwild, Sierras

  • Bio:

    I'm originally from the US Virgin Islands, but am currently living in LA. I've been climbing since Oct '09 and am most interested in multipitch traditional leads. I enjoy backpacking in the mountains, and love lightweight, functional gear.

Flag

Un-Flag

Close

Something wrong with this profile?

Thanks for pointing it out. We'll take it down immediately and send it to our clean-up crew.

This profile was: (Optional)

Rankings More Information

Use your real name to add some legitimacy to your content. Real names mean real community, and real community means real knowledge. Gear Gurus who use their real names get bumped up 1.5x for each contribution - you deserve the credit. For more info check out the Help Center.

This is how you compare to all the other Gear Gurus on Backcountry.com. You earn one point for each list / review / question / answer / gear photo / comments / votes you contribute. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up, but you lose a point for every thumbs down. Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x—you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

Change me.

This is how you compare to the other Gear Gurus within a group of products. You earn one point for each of your list / reviews / questions / answers / photos / comments / votes. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up (killer), but you lose a point for every thumbs down (filler). Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x-you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

Charcoal this is the only pocket

Charcoal this is the only pocket

Stoic Microlith Softshell Pant - Men's

May 6, 2011

You can see that the pants have a "regular" semi-slim fit.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Microlith (L) vs Overhang (R) fabric - interior

Microlith (L) vs Overhang (R) fabric - interior

Stoic Microlith Softshell Pant - Men's

May 6, 2011

The Microlith is much fuzzier, and feels warmer and softer.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Microlith (L) vs Overhang (R) fabric

Microlith (L) vs Overhang (R) fabric

Stoic Microlith Softshell Pant - Men's

May 6, 2011

You can see that the outer face fabric on the microlith is slightly smoother.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Smith Touchstone

Smith Touchstone

Smith Touchstone Sunglasses - Polarchromic

May 5, 2011

These are the Polarchromic Evolve - notice how the lenses appear much more mirrored than in the product photo.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Belaying off the anchor with the ATC Guide. Bird on a Wire, Joshua Tree NP

Belaying off the anchor with the ATC Guide. Bird on a Wire, Joshua Tree NP

Black Diamond ATC Guide

April 14, 2011

Although somewhat difficult to see the actual device, this is a nice illustration of how to use this to conveniently belay a second off of the anchor. Garrett is clipped to the shelf with a clove hitch on a locker. His 2nd is tied in to the end of the rope that extends off the right of the photo. The rope runs through the ATC guide in a manner such that if the 2nd were to weight the rope, it would pinch the brake strand against the device, holding the fall. The ATC guide is attached to the master point by its large carabiner hole, with one locking carabiner, and utilizes another to create friction.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

1 Comment

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Storm battery closure

Storm battery closure

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

April 13, 2011

Here is the screw that keeps the battery compartment watertight.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Storm battery compartment

Storm battery compartment

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

April 13, 2011

The batteries lie on two planes, (one behind the other three) and are sealed in with a silicone gasket.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Storm and Spot

Storm and Spot

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

April 13, 2011

Storm (left) and Spot (right), quite similar headlamps.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Stephen Belaying in the Rockstar

Stephen Belaying in the Rockstar

CAMP USA Rock Star Helmet

March 23, 2011

A great helmet for group use, durable, simple, wide range of adjustability, and inexpensive.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Leading in the Stoic Overhang - Joshua Tree NP

Leading in the Stoic Overhang - Joshua Tree NP

Stoic Overhang Short - Men's

November 16, 2010

You can see the flexibility and the length of the short in this photo.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Bring your pad to Paradise! Kyle tests the foam in Virgin Gorda, BVI

Bring your pad to Paradise! Kyle tests the foam in Virgin Gorda, BVI

Metolius Stomp Crash Pad

November 16, 2010

My favorite thing about this pad is that (with some finagling) it will fit nicely in a 18x18x24 box, allowing it to be checked on a plane for $25 - instead of the $150 oversize fee. This means you can take it with you all over the place!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Great for cracks and smears

Great for cracks and smears

Scarpa Techno Climbing Shoe - Vibram XS Edge

November 15, 2010

Wicker Cranium, Squamish BC

These shoes are comfortable and high performance.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Munter Rappell with Mini Pearabiner

Munter Rappell with Mini Pearabiner

Black Diamond Mini Pearabiner Screwgate

November 15, 2010

For scale, that rope is a 9.8mm

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

A perfect fit!

A perfect fit!

MSR Trillium Stove Base

November 15, 2010

This is how the Whisperlite Intl fits on the Trillium. Stabilizes the stove on snow, rocks and dirt.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

1 Comment

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Leading on the Tusk 9.8mm - Tahquitz Rock, CA

Leading on the Tusk 9.8mm - Tahquitz Rock, CA

Mammut Tusk Climbing Rope - 9.8mm

November 15, 2010

Light enough for long pitches, Thick enough to inspire confidence. A happy medium for an all purpose rope.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Perfect for Cragging - Trad or Sport

Perfect for Cragging - Trad or Sport

Black Diamond Demon Duffel - 2565cu in

November 15, 2010

Dairy Queen Wall, Joshua Tree NP

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Marmot Ama Dablam, MHW Nitrous, OR Transcendent

Marmot Ama Dablam, MHW Nitrous, OR Transcendent

Marmot Ama Dablam Down Jacket - Men's

November 15, 2010

In this photo, you can compare the loft of the three jackets. The Ama Dablam is by far the warmest and thickest. Then the Transcendent (650fill), last the Nitrous.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Size Comparison

Size Comparison

Marmot Whisperlite Jacket - Women's

November 11, 2010

Marmot Whisperlite size M in black, all rolled up next to a 1L Nalgene

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Size Comparison

Size Comparison

Mammut Vader Alpine Belay Device

November 11, 2010

From left Mammut Moses, Mammut Bionic HMS, Mammut Vader Alpine, Black Diamond ATC

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

1 Comment

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Alignment

Alignment

Snow Peak GigaPower Stove Auto Ignition

November 9, 2010

Photo shows proper alignment of sparking rod for best ignition - see my review for context

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Distance

Distance

Snow Peak GigaPower Stove Auto Ignition

November 9, 2010

Photo shows the proper distance between prong and burner for best ignition. - see my review for context

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Essentially a Miura slipper

La Sportiva Cobra Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Cobra Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoe

Rating for this product: 4 5 days ago

Great shoe, a lot like the Miura lace, they're versatile, high performance and sleek.

The main difference with this shoe is that its unlined leather upper and thin (3.5mm) sole make it more flexible and sensitive, but less precise than the Miura. This is great for overhangs and gym climbing, but makes them suffer on edges, especially as they break in. The vast amount of elastic needed in this shoe to keep them snug on the feet is also less comfortable than a lacing system, because you can't eliminate pressure points.

On the upside, they are not too expensive, and go on and off really easily. I sized them they same as my Miura's and the fit just a hair tighter.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Answer to: "Looking for a bomber four season tent. Can't decide between"

Marmot Thor Tent: 3-Person 4-Season

Marmot Thor Tent: 3-Person 4-Season

September 1, 2011

This thing is heavy, expensive, and looks slow to set up. I'd go with a Hilleberg, check out the Nallo or Kaitum - a little bit more expensive, but IMO the best tents on the market. If, for some reason, you need freestanding, the BD (bibler) tents also have a great reputation.The Bombshelter is beast.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "I'm looking for a thin balaclava to keep the sun off my face"

Patagonia R1 Balaclava

Patagonia R1 Balaclava

August 7, 2011

This is going to be very breathable, but R1 is pretty warm. Check out the OR helmetclava, it's thinner.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "So I just bought a ton of these to rack my c4s and use as trad"

Black Diamond Neutrino Carabiner

Black Diamond Neutrino Carabiner

August 3, 2011

The reason Hotwires are more expensive is that they are hot forged and therefore more labor intensive to make. The end result is a carabiner with an I-Beam shape, and a larger size and gate opening, yet the same weight. If you have the money, the following draws would all be upgrades: (Gear/Rope) Hoodwire/Hotwire, Nitron/Hotwire, Oz/Hotwire.

That said, Neutrinos are great carabiners in general, and for racking, I think you made the right call. The color coding is convenient, and I actually prefer a smaller carabiner for racking, if only for the way they sit compactly on my gear loops. They're still pretty light, and very functional.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "But aren't plastics toxic??? I was gonna buy one of these"

Under Armour Catalyst Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Under Armour Catalyst Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

June 6, 2011

This shirt is made of 100% recycled polyester, the above comment (and the info sidebar) are wrong.

I'm not a doctor, or a research scientist, but I personally don't worry about the safety of synthetic fibers - and I've never heard a reason why I should. If you're really worried about it, but want something higher performance than cotton, check out baselayers made of Merino wool. Stoic, Smartwool, and Icebreaker are good brands.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "are this compatible with other brand of fuel canisters? than"

MSR WindPro Stove

MSR WindPro Stove

June 5, 2011

Yeah, these will work with any canister that has a Lindal valve. Primus, Snow Peak, Jetboil, and a few others make them too.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "Other than size and weight, what the difference between this"

Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock

Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock

June 4, 2011

They are the same materials and construction, but the Doublenest is a much larger version. Also, the pronest comes with Aluminum carabiners instead of Steel. That is all.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Amazing Handling - Surprising durability

Edelweiss Energy ARC 9.5mm EverDry Climbing Rope

Edelweiss Energy ARC 9.5mm EverDry Climbing Rope

Rating for this product: 5 June 2, 2011

Intended use: 9.5mm is thin enough to be compact and a real weight saver, but thick enough to take abrasion and still last. I bought this as a 2nd rope with the intention of using at for belaying from above on harder single pitch trad, and at multipitch areas with long approaches and a walkoff.

Things I like:
+ This rope is silky and stiff - it feeds well, especially noticeable when belaying off the anchor at the top of a pitch. This also means it has lower friction through your protection system, allowing you to stretch pitches with less drag.
+ The bipattern weave (ARC) allows for quickly finding the midpoint, and knowing when you've passed it. Great for low-light rappels or measuring pitches.
+ The sheath is a one over one twill pattern (instead of the 2/2 found in almost all other ropes). Edelweiss calls this the HD cover, Maxim calls it the "glider". I've found that it reduces friction and noticeably improves wear.
+ Light weight and compact size is highly packable. This rope weighs 2lbs less than my 10.2. Thats like being able to carry an extra Liter of water.

Things I don't like
- Rope is difficult to rappel on with a regular ATC - A freehanging single rope rap would be dangerous without an extra friction device.
- Edelweiss packages their ropes awkwardly. Make sure to read the uncoiling instructions, or be prepared for a 30-45min knot.
- Center mark braiding is bumpy and uneven. This is not the case with other manufacturers Bipattern weaves. It seems that it will catch on the rock and abrade prematurely.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this as an all around rope for hard sport, multipitch, or belaying from above. You should get something much cheaper and more durable for toproping, and look into doubles/halves for climbs with long rappel descents.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

1 Comment

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Answer to: "is this water resistant?"

Sierra Designs Nitro Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down

Sierra Designs Nitro Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down

June 1, 2011

No, this is 800 fill down wrapped in 20D Nylon, it will lose some loft (and warmth) in humid environments, and if the bag gets wet, it will collapse and cease to insulate. The Fabric may bead the occasional water droplet, but not reliably.

Check out the Marmot EQ series for bags wrapped in the waterproof/breathable Membrain fabric, or the Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina series for Synthetic insulated bags that will retain warmth when wet.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "The plastic clip looks like a pain to use. Has anyone actually"

DMM V-Twin/Belay Master Set

DMM V-Twin/Belay Master Set

June 1, 2011

Yeah, I've played with one in a store, it was kind of a pain, as you can't close the gate without locking the sleeve. The result of this is that you must lock and unlock the carabiner EVERY TIME you put it on your gear loops.

Also, who wants a Steel belay device?

Get a BD Gridlock and ATC/ATCXP instead.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "Is this bag 25 degree or 15 as states on Marmot's websit"

Marmot Angel Fire Sleeping Bag: 25 Degree Down - Women's

Marmot Angel Fire Sleeping Bag: 25 Degree Down - Women's

June 1, 2011

Anita, this bag has been rated to the European Norm, and is T-comfort rated to 26.1ºF.

This means that in this bag, the coldest temperature that the average woman could sleep through the night in is about 25º. The tests are conducted on a brass mannekin, on a pad, wearing socks, a baselayer, and hat.

The T-Limit rating for this bag 15º, which is essentially the same test, but for the average man, hence the discrepancy. I find that I sleep almost dead on to the T-limit ratings.

If you are looking for a bag that will keep you warm to 15ºF, check out the W's Teton, essentially the same bag as this, but with more down fill.

Only a few manufacturers list the full results of their EN tests, and Marmot is one of these - one of the primary reasons I prefer their bags.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "How is this bag different from the Cat's Meow?"

The North Face Casaval Bx Sleeping Bag - 20-Degree

The North Face Casaval Bx Sleeping Bag - 20-Degree

May 30, 2011

The cat's meow has a higher quality synthetic fill than the casaval, and therefore is able to be slightly roomier while still weighing 4oz less.

That and the price.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "I'm 6'2" and 191 lbs. What size would be better?"

Marmot Exum Jacket - Men's

Marmot Exum Jacket - Men's

May 29, 2011

I'm 6'1, 180, and I have the medium. Definitely get the Large instead of the XL

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "carry-on-able? just wondering if it is small enough to get through"

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 120 - 7323cu in

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 120 - 7323cu in

May 22, 2011

For reference, you can typically get up to a ~40L duffel through, and this one is 120. WAY too big.

Check out the Black Diamond Demon - its taper fits perfectly in overhead bins.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "I can't decide between the Northface VE-25 and the Fitzroy"

Black Diamond Fitzroy Tent: 3-Person 4-Season

Black Diamond Fitzroy Tent: 3-Person 4-Season

May 22, 2011

Avoid that North Face tent, an 11lb 3 man? Are you kidding?

This tent will work well, but I wouldn't try and fit 3 people in it on anything more than a 1-2 night trip, it will be cramped and wet - single walls will condense on the two outer sleepers regardless of material and venting.

Have you looked into the Hilleberg Nallo or Nammatj? They are incredibly convenient to pitch (with internal poles, Fitzroy will NOT be), light and burly as hell.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "Would these shoes work for a mountaineering trip the last week"

Mammut Monolith GTX Boot - Men's

Mammut Monolith GTX Boot - Men's

May 18, 2011

I assume you mean Forbidden Peak in the Cascades? Likely the West Ridge?

That route features a steep snow couloir, to a long 4th-low 5th knife edge ridge with a single 5.7 move. These should do quite well, as they are lightweight boots with grippy soles. You probably wouldn't regret getting something warmer though, these are not very highly insulated.

You'll also need crampons for the couloir section (at least). Make sure to get ones with a rear heel bail but a front toe strap, like the Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip, Item: BLD0491

enjoy!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "How does the quality of this compare to coghlans mosquito ne"

Sea To Summit Mosquito Head Net

Sea To Summit Mosquito Head Net

May 18, 2011

Far Nicer, the darker color will give you better visibility, the drawcord will allow you to customize fit, and the whole thing packs conveniently into a stuff sack.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "How does everyone feel about this tent? It's between this"

Black Diamond Skylight Tent: 3-Person 3-Season

Black Diamond Skylight Tent: 3-Person 3-Season

May 18, 2011

Agreed with Eli - this tent will condense much worse than the copper spur. Go for the Copper spur 3 (barely any weight penalty over the 2) before the Hubba Hubba with Gear shed (read: pain to pitch) though.

Also, None of the above mentioned tents are exceptionally durable - the Skylight features THIN nanoshield that isn't waterproof. The Hubba Hubba and Copper Spur both feature the same pole system that doesn't do too well in wind, and ultralight fabric for the rainflies.

And now for my suggestion - I noticed you didn't mention "price", "availability on backcountry.com" or "freestanding" in your criteria. Have you considered a Hilleberg Nallo 3?

Likeability - These remain totally dry while being pitched in the rain, Pitch super fast, come in 2 colors, have multiple pockets plus attachment points for a clothesline or gear loft, and will garner you total respect from all who frequent the mountains. What's not to like?
No Condensation - Double walls and tunnel venting prevent condensation.
Durability - Proprietary fabric and tunnel design yield a tent that can withstand legitimate 4 season storms. Gusts to 60mph+, no kidding.
Space - 64"x88" + Vestibule
Weight - 4lb 10oz min/5lb 5oz trail. Compare to 4lb 2oz min 5lb trail for this tent.

The downsides? It isn't free standing (but pitches quickly), and its $625.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "Does this watch have a temperature reading"

Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch

Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch

May 18, 2011

it should be noted that the thermometer will only tell you the temperature of the back of your wrist unless you take it off and set it in the environment you want the reading from for 10-15min.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "I' debating between Prolite and Prolite plus. I only want"

Therm-a-Rest Prolite Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Prolite Sleeping Pad

May 18, 2011

The Plus is monumentally warmer, and marginally more comfortable. If you're deciding ONLY between the two, I say get the Plus.

For three season use, however, if comfort and weight are your primary concern, have you looked into a Neo Air? They are just as warm as a Prolite (that is to say, warm enough when not on snow) and nearly three times as thick. In pads, thickness=comfort there is nothing else at the weight that even remotely compares comfort-wise.

My current system is a Neo Air with a Z-Rest underneath, and I'll never go back. This protects the Neo Air from puncture, allows me to sit on the indestructable Z-lite around camp, is plenty warm for sleeping on snow, provides a backup in case of puncture, and still weighs less than a trail light. If you wanted, you could even go with a thinner base pad than the Z Lite to save even more weight.

I'm a side sleeper, and if I don't get enough rest, I don't want to hike the next day, even with the lightest pack. Extra ounces and money in order to sleep well is always worth it in my opinion.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "what is this like compared to the Sea to summit's eVent dry"

Outdoor Research AirPurge Dry Compression Sack

Outdoor Research AirPurge Dry Compression Sack

May 17, 2011

Not quite as nice as the Sea to Summit in my opinion, although a little burlier. The strap wrapping of the OR does not pose a problem for compression at all, both this and the STS work well for the intended purpose, but I'd get the STS because of the lighter weight.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Answer to: "How many stakes does this come with?"

Petzl Snowtube Snow Anchor

Petzl Snowtube Snow Anchor

May 15, 2011

The price is for a single picket. MSR Coyotes are a cheaper, stronger, heavier, bulkier alternative.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Click to read all of Simon Hatfield's contributions... Be patient. It might take a while.