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Mark L
Backpacker // Trail Runner // Boulderer // Hiker
Rankings 
- #8 of 517 - Men's Backpacking Boots
- #25 of 1,637 - Men's Technical Shells
- #28 of 1,358 - Men's Long Underwear
- #36 of 1,501 - 3-Season Tents
- #41 of 743 - Men's Midweight Long Underwear - Tops
- #44 of 2,679 - Men's Pants
- #56 of 3,284 - Men's Softshell Jackets
- #56 of 1,286 - Running Watches
- #64 of 802 - Men's Technical Sandals
- #71 of 3,917 - Men's Footwear
- #72 of 658 - Navigation
- #74 of 473 - Men's Harnesses
- #146 of 639 - Watches
- #164 of 2,961 - Men's Fleece Jackets
- #169 of 583 - Harnesses and Climbing Helmets
- #171 of 1,013 - Climbing Shoes
- #203 of 873 - Men's Accessories
- #226 of 1,926 - Tents
- #252 of 5,245 - Women's Jackets
- #259 of 854 - Trail Running Accessories
- #268 of 783 - Big Wall Climbing
- #283 of 862 - Climbing Accessories and Training
- #309 of 1,188 - Men's Hiking Shoes
- #329 of 1,226 - Men's Shorts
- #338 of 1,142 - Ski Gloves
- #385 of 1,405 - Men's Rain Jackets
- #390 of 1,560 - Socks
- #398 of 521 - Mountaineering
- #516 of 559 - Carabiners, Quickdraws, and Belay Devices
- #630 of 716 - Ice Climbing
- #852 of 3,302 - Men's Shirts
- #873 of 1,017 - Women's Trail Running Footwear
- #1,180 of 6,641 - Men's Jackets
- #1,190 of 1,296 - Rock Climbing Shoes
- #1,218 of 1,516 - Men's Trail Running Footwear
- #1,701 of 1,962 - Men's Trail Running Clothing
- #1,978 of 2,226 - Gloves
- #3,064 of 3,672 - Women's Footwear
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MK Original Mountain Pant
Mountain Khakis Original Mountain Pant - Men's
January 15, 2009
Holds up to wrestling around with big black labs..
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
0 Comments
Mountain Hardwear Dragon Softshell Jacket - Men's
February 27, 2009
This shell will stretch, but it would be odd if adding one fleece underneath made such a huge difference that the shell would be forced to stretch at all. Depends on what you're using it for...If it is skin-tight you should size up. A good indicator is probably how the length and the arms fit on the large. Keep in mind that those dimensions will change as well if you move to an XL. Hope that helps
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Mountain Hardwear Xenon Jacket - Men's
February 23, 2009
Definitely. I was very surprised at how articulated, yet roomy this shell is. Mine will fit two wool baselayers, a fleece jacket, and a hooded softshell underneath - And it fits nicely on its own as well, not too sloppy fitting. It is very accommodating.
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Marmot PreCip Full Zip Pant - Men's
February 11, 2009
Oh yes. For future reference - the description below the pictures provides that sort of information.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Sherpa Adventure Gear Sardar Short - Men's
February 11, 2009
How long is the inseam on this short? (Or where do they fall on the leg?)Also, I have a 30 inch waist - I see that the sizes are a little quirky...any recommendations?
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Mountain Hardwear WindStopper Tech Jacket - Men's
February 9, 2009
I'd recommend a medium - this jacket runs a little short in torso length, but the sleeves are plenty long. A small fits me snug everywhere and I am 5'8" 150-155lbs. The medium is a bit more loose around the mid-section, but the torso length is better for me. Hope that helps a little.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
SmartWool Midweight Crew - Men's
February 8, 2009
Yes, it is a next to skin layer.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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SmartWool Midweight Bottom - Men's
February 4, 2009
I've worn them every day I've gone out this winter, even though I shouldn't admit to it. No sign of wear thus far
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Jacket - Men's
January 31, 2009
Try the Patagonia winter sun jacket, MH dragon, or Millet softshells - I've heard good things about them all. Two chest pockets only on the winter sun, though. Also check out the backcountry.com Shift Welder. Longer than the gamma mx, more breathable, just one chest pocket
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's
January 24, 2009
Just purchased the jacket and I'm a little worried because I ordered a small. I wear a small in arc'teryx and a medium in MH. Can anyone tell me if the shift welder fit is more or less loose than others? And how about the length? Longer than others, shorter? ANYONE own a small? If so, your dimensions? Anyone have any additional info?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Xenon Jacket - Men's
January 23, 2009
Check out the dialogue below. It should prove useful and might supply the answer you're looking for. As you will see, numerous others have been in the same or a similar predicament.
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SmartWool Midweight Bottom - Men's
January 22, 2009
They shrink ever so slightly, but it doesn't matter because they are extra long right out of the package. You won't even notice it.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch
January 21, 2009
You can do either. It's quicker if you do it yourself rather than send it off. If you decide to do it yourself, you need to order the battery replacement kit (available from backcountry as well), which includes the new battery, o-ring, and new battery cover. The manual with the watch will explain how to change it out, pretty simple.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
Icebreaker BodyFit260 Leggings w/ Fly Bottom - Men's
January 20, 2009
It is all a matter of personal preference, and everyone will differ in what they feel is "better". I personally prefer my smartwool midweight bottoms. I've tried on both brands and I like the feel of the smartwool better. I'd also recommend you check out both company websites and use them as an additional resource/reference in your decision. Either way I would point you in the direction of a wool baselayer - they're the best at both warming and cooling (in my humble opinion)!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Mountain Hardwear Offwidth Softshell Jacket - Men's
January 20, 2009
The version of the jacket that I have is black and has the logo above the wrist. This differs from the photos. I don't know about others.
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Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's
January 20, 2009
I'm 5'8" 150lbs. Should I go with a small or medium? I like things to fit slim, but I don't want so tight it won't allow a wool baselayer underneath. Multiple answers welcome. Thanks. ALSO - is this jacket made in Canada?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Dragon Softshell Jacket - Men's
January 20, 2009
Jon Webb! or anyone who owns the Dragon and other MH shells as well - How does the dragon's cut fit compared to other MH jackets? I have a parbat fleece and Xenon shell and both are mediums. However, I have been running a lot lately and slimming down a bit. I am probably going to hover around 148-150lbs, 5'8"-5'9". My Xenon has a bit of room around the midsection and my parbat fleece fits a little better in that area. Small, or stick with the medium?
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Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's
January 18, 2009
The drop back hem really does cover your rear pretty well. The SV is longer than models like the Beta AR, but not quite as long as the Theta AR. The front is near beltbuckle length, if not maybe an inch below. Kind of depends on your torso length.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
SmartWool Sport NTS Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's
January 16, 2009
Yes, I am the same height and weight an I wear a small in Smartwool
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Terra Jacket - Men's
January 14, 2009
Concerning durability, I think the Terra Shell might suit you just fine. BUT, consider this - I own the Xenon and I chose it because I was looking for a jacket that was light (uses Paclite and only 19oz.), durable (70D Outer Shell!) and packed away small. I was looking for something specifically for long backpacking trips with a heavy pack, but that would be durable enough should I decide to use it for a ski trip, etc. as well as be good for all-around wear. The main difference between the Xenon and the Terra is gore paclite vs Conduit, respectively. I believe the Xenon would be much more durable than the Alpha SL because it uses a burlier shell with the paclite laminate. I can't say anything about the terra because I don't know about the durability of conduit vs. gore paclite, but I will say this... The terra is a 3-layer with 20D backing and 20D shell material. The xenon is 2-layer with 70D shell material. As far as size goes, I find that MH jackets all fit the same pretty much across the board (i.e. go for the large). Hope that helps
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Xenon Jacket - Men's
January 14, 2009
Everyone is likely to give their two cents, so knowing that... presently the MH Xenon and Pinnacle are approximately the same price ($100 cheaper than the Arcteryx Beta AR). And I personally believe that the Beta AR is not $100 better than either. There are the throngs of Arc lovers that will pay above and beyond for the logo and I truly believe that it is rarely 3 times better than other product (as the price would imply). One exception being the Alpha SV jacket (legendary). Having said that, the pinnacle is made using MH Conduit technology whereas the xenon is Gore. I've never heard anything negative about the Conduit technology - it is legitimate. Gore-tex is..well, Gore-tex. Trusted. It seems as though the xenon is taped and the pinnacle is welded. Personally, I prefer taping to welding without it. Sacrificing a few ounces for taping is worth it, in my humble opinion. Both jackets are comparable in weight. The xenon is made with Paclite (the lightest of Gore products) and a 70D outer layer. Very stout. As you can read in the other question/answer dialogue - most shells are made three layer with 40/30D. To summarize, I'd choose the Xenon shell because it is everything you require at the best price: 'very durable...waterproof...light'. As a matter of fact, I think I just talked myself into buying one.-------------------------Great answer. Cheers!-------------------------So I did buy the jacket, as stated, and thus far LOVE it. I will review it after it has seen sufficient testing/use
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket - Men's - DO NOT USE
January 14, 2009
The Alpha SV has what is termed a "storm hood". As far as I know, this means that the hood and body are all one continuous piece. I have the gamma mx hoody, which has a similar design. It can be zipped up all the way, but at times the hood will draw the chin area back (slightly irritating to the neck, but minor) if the hood is not over your head but instead hanging behind you. The Theta AR hood is attached to the neck of the body, but will 'drop back' and allow you to zip up the body of the jacket without the hood drawing the chin area back and against your neck/chin (if it is not in use). That's the best way I know to describe it. If you compare the photos you'll see the difference. As far as performance and functionality go, both are helmet compatible, neither is able to be rolled-away/stowed. Other than that, if anyone else has additional info - please add.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's
January 14, 2009
The Alpha SV has what is termed a "storm hood". As far as I know, this means that the hood and body are all one continuous piece. I have the gamma mx hoody, which has a similar design. It can be zipped up all the way, but at times the hood will draw the chin area back (slightly irritating to the neck, but minor) if the hood is not over your head but instead hanging behind you. The Theta AR hood is attached to the neck of the body, but will 'drop back' and allow you to zip up the body of the jacket without the hood drawing the chin area back and against your neck/chin (if it is not in use). That's the best way I know to describe it. If you compare the photos you'll see the difference. As far as performance and functionality go, both are helmet compatible, neither is able to be rolled-away/stowed. Other than that, if anyone else has additional info - please add.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hooded Jacket - Men's
January 12, 2009
you put your weed in there.....Useful? Maybe. But necessary/practical? You decide.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No
Marmot Highland Jacket - Women's
January 9, 2009
This jacket is not zip-in compatible. It is a rain jacket and is very thin. It will allow for a few thin layers worn underneath, but won't give you much room for layering something such as a fleece.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Vasque Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
January 8, 2009
My sundowners were made in Italy, but I don't know if this version is still available. They're 15 years old, been worn on three continents and still function well.They did offer the sundowner classic, then moved production to China. Then, they made the Sundowner MX2, but they are no longer in production.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On
January 7, 2009
I'm wondering what Nikwax product would be best on an Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody? I see that Nikwax makes a 'softshell proof' but I worry about it affecting/comprimising the soft inner lining or breathability in my softshells...is this better to use? Or would the wash-in Softshell Proof work better? What about for my fleece? Again, will a wash-in be best ('polar proof') or a spray-on treatment?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear WindStopper Tech Jacket - Men's
January 3, 2009
Yes, a small would suit you best.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Beryllium Jacket - Men's
January 3, 2009
I don't personally own the Beryllium but both of my other MH jackets are mediums and fit great - I am 5'9", 155lbs. Hope that helps
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Patagonia Capilene 3 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's
January 1, 2009
Looks like they might have only had a few sizes left when you last checked (as now this color is no longer an option). The fog X-dye is merely a different color.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Patagonia Capilene 3 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's
January 1, 2009
Capilene 3 might suit you best. At the upper range of the temps you gave, Capilene 4 could be a bit more than you need. In terms of layering over it, maybe a midweight pullover or lightweight jacket/softshell. Once you're moving you may find that the capilene is sufficient on its own. Its really up to you
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Vasque Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
December 31, 2008
Sundowners are fairly middle of the road in terms of volume. I have a low volume foot and the sundowners I had fit me well. They do run true to size - order your normal street shoe size. You'll still be able to fit a liner sock with thick socks.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Marmot Highland Jacket - Women's
December 31, 2008
Yes, it does.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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Suunto Vector Altimeter Watch
December 16, 2008
As you can see, there are mixed reviews concerning the waterproofness of the vector. I personally have had no problems with mine, and it has been frequently submerged while collecting samples in rock jetties and sandflats/mudflats for biological research, as well as while snorkeling. The sand did get wedged in between the watch body and the rotating bezel on the face, but it easily came out using a toothbrush under running tap water, good as new. Anytime sand is involved, it can mean trouble for a watch and I'd recommend looking into the Suunto Mariner or Yachtsman as they are made more specifically for watersports. It sounds like you'd use the altimeter function less and require more on the waterproof end. Suunto also offers other dive instruments/wristop watches that might give you a few unneeded functions, but could guarantee you waterproofness. Check out their website under 'diving world'. Hope that helps, they make great products.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Black Diamond Momentum Harness
December 12, 2008
Not sure what you're talking about with the sizing chart, but it suggests small. I'd go medium so you can put a sweatshirt or something on under it if you need to.I have a size 30 inch waist and a small fit me just fine. The fitted leg loops were snug on me (good) but I have larger thighs.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
La Sportiva Venom Climbing Shoe
December 12, 2008
i would go with a 41.0 i am an 11 to an 11.5 and i find 41.5 to be good for me. so 41 should be good for 10.5This also really depends on your personal preference for fit in a climbing shoe. Do you like your toe circulation cut-off or a fairly comfortable shoe? Some like the feel of a tighter shoe on the rock
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
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