Jake Brow

It holds my pants up. Kinda like the Chaco belt, but with some 'gonia swag.

So when Pata had their 50% off sale a month or so back, I went to order the duck shorts. The girl on the phone told me they were out of stock, and my heart sank. She recommended these, and I asked if I'd love them as much as the duck shorts. She said yes, and I took her word for it. Long story short I'm quite glad that I made the purchase because these things rock. My jealous friends make fun of my legs, as the shorts are a little short. They're super durable, but not heavy like carhartt. They're reasonably quick drying, but not like swimtrunks. All around they are my go to shorts. I love being able to climb in em all day, and then head to the pub for a couple beers and not have to change shorts.

So when Pata had their 50% off sale a month or so back, I went to order the duck shorts. The girl on the phone told me they were out of stock, and my heart sank. She recommended these, and I asked if I'd love them as much as the duck shorts. She said yes, and I took her word for it. Long story short I'm quite glad that I made the purchase because these things rock. My jealous friends make fun of my legs, as the shorts are a little short. They're super durable, but not heavy like carhartt. They're reasonably quick drying, but not like swimtrunks. All around they are my go to shorts. I love being able to climb in em all day, and then head to the pub for a couple beers and not have to change shorts.

Solid rope, quite dynamic.... Pretty heavy, but worth it for the durability. Been leading, and setting up TR on it quite a bit for a few months on some pretty abrasive granite and I've seen VERY little wear. An excellent rope.

Solid rope, quite dynamic.... Pretty heavy, but worth it for the durability. Been leading, and setting up TR on it quite a bit for a few months on some pretty abrasive granite and I've seen VERY little wear. An excellent rope.

I bought these on a deep, deep discount and couldn't pass up the deal, not because I needed another pair of shorts. Well, I'm quite glad I made that purchase. These shorts have found their way to the top of my favorite list, and are worn on a ridiculous basis. They're lightweight, but not filmsy. They're short, but not tooo short and hang above your knee which I like for mobility. They're quickdrying, but not swimsuit material. They have two zippered pockets, perfect for essentials. They even have this nifty chalkbag attachment loop at the back beltloop which is kinda handy if I used a beener to secure my bag. I can't say enough good bout these shorts. They do their job, and more.

I wear 32 in pretty much all pants/shorts except MH, and these 32s fit me great.

I bought this cause it was reasonably cheap for all the features, and I wanted an altimeter to wear on my wrist. The altimeter works great, as does the compass. The time and stopwatch also work great, and the thermometer does too, as long as you take it off your wrist for ten minutes or so. The barometer does what its supposed to, by graphing barometric pressure changes, but the little icon that shows you what the expected weather is supposed to be is worthless. Shows sun when its pouring rain, and continued to pour rain. It showed clouds while the skies were blue, and things like that. So, the watch does what its supposed to do, with one minor flaw. I do like the thing though, as some altimeters are bulky and huge and just look dumb on your wrist. Not this one! And, the face is pretty scratch resistant. All around a pretty decent little contraption.

After going through several pairs of gaiters that didn't cost as much, I decided to drop the dollars on these. I expected standard MTH quality, and that is what I got. These gaiters are quite durable, resisting shredding from crampons & rocks. They're really quite waterproof, no snow or dew or rain has penetrated the actual gaiter. They're quite breathable, yet also pretty windproof. They snug down great on the top of the boot, and also up on your calf.
I've only worn them a couple times, but I expect to get much life out of them. Now my brother just needs a pair so he can stop stealing mine.....

I think Tony the Tiger was wearing these shorts when he would talk about how grrrrrreat "they" were. Lets be real, these shorts are way better than frosted flakes.

The shorts are really light, but quite durable. Great to climb in, and hike in, and paddle in, and toss the frisbee in, and dance at concerts in.

I'm not the most buff guy in the world, but my legs definitely are not twigs and I'm definitely okay with the fit of these pants. If you are like most Americans, you may have an issue.

These shorts dry really really quickly, have zip pockets which rock, and are 'teryx quality. I expect to get many many years of use out of these guys. You can't go wrong.

Well, they aren't expensive, they last and they do their job really well. I don't really know what else can be said about em. Serves many a purpose, and should be carried on anyones rack.

Too bad you've gotta pay if you want quality. This is a pretty light biner, haven't had it snag yet, realllllly smooth locking system and overall just easy to use. I wish I would have more dollars to spend on them though.

This is a pretty straightforward device, and I can't believe more people haven't reviewed it. High friction mode has just enough extra bite, and the standard mode is like any other tube device out there. Lead falls are caught nicely with the toothed side, and lowering is pretty straighforward. IMO should be on everyones rack as another option.

Overall a better version of the already great grigri. It is definitely designed for use with smaller ropes, a 9.6, 9.8 & 10.1 worked really quite well, fed very easily and also caught very well. Just like another poster noticed, beefy gym rope, 10.5, worked well enough, but it was a bit of an effort to pull slack through. TR with the burly I'll stick to the original, but on a lead belay you can't beat this. The lowering is also quite nice, its very easy to find the sweet spot, and lower your climber nice and controlled. Although that is the job of any belayer....

Well, when I go out for longer, agressive trips I really like the benefits that liners give. Helps protect your feet against blistering, and helps to keep tape snugged up on your ankles. I don't really need to wear em in cold weather, but I'm sure for some there is a benefit. All around, a nice sock to keep in your drawer. It'll get used.

My grandpa always used to say "you get what you pay for" and for seventy-five bones I'd want my baselayer to carry my pack for me on top of keep me dry, good smeling & comfortable. Well, this one does everything but wax your skis and set up your tent. Dry? Check. Decent smelling? Check. Comfortable? Check (I've been known to wear it for a couple days in a row, even though I'm not outdoors =D) I've never noticed a scratch *ahem IceBreaker take notes* and haven't noticed any tears or anything in the fabric after two years of HEAVY use (minimum three days a week, up to 10 days). I wear it as a solo layer in cooler paddling weather, as a sleeper layer out packabacking and a baselayer for ANY winter pursuit. Except indoor rock climbing cause it gets much too warm. I love Smartwool layers!

You know, I can't tell if Darn Tough has good or bad business practice. I buy a pair and they last for six years, and I wear them tons! I buy a dozen more over the course of six years, and not a single pair has given me issues! (except one pair I was drying too close to the fire in the Boundary Waters and they caught on fire... my bad!) so how are they supposed to stay in business if I only need to buy new ones to replace ones that my dumb self ruins? They should rebrand their company "pretty tough" and make some average socks, I betcha they'd sell more! Man, I love these. I have a pair on right now!

Well sure shootin, these here wollen beauties live upter their name! Bought mah first pair in 2006, wore 'em skiin and trompin around Wiscow. Bought mahself a couple more pairs ta head up to Canada for mah first 10day packabackin trip, and I've still got all for pairs! I've taken this one red pair on every overnight excursion since then, I kint even imagine how menny miles they've been worn. I just love em. Sure nuff, these socks are dern tuff! They've not let any threads loose, they don't stink up yer pack like other brands and they're just so comfy.

This is a fantastic jacket! Many well thought out features include the chimney vent thing to help keep you cool, the mesh upper back and the thin lower back. It doesn't sit very high like a lot of yak specific jackets do, yet it fits in teeny cockpits. The mesh pockets hold a beer perfectly too! I would recommend this pfd for sure!

So merino is probably my favorite base layer material out there, and this is more proof of why. You get what you pay for here, a super functional top. It doesn't hold smell, or moisture. It wicks dry SO quickly, and if you get a little warm, zip open the chest and heat blows right out. I've said it before, sheep are lucky.

Man, you get what you pay for. I balked at the price, but after I climbed just a couple of routes I was more than sold on these shoes. I feel like Spiderman with these on! I sized down quite a bit, my other climbing shoes are 41.5 but I went with a 40 on these. I don't need another pair of comfy all day shoes, I wanted something agressive to wear on overhangs and bouldering, and these are the shoes. They stick to the wall very well, keep my heel locked into the shoes and can find traction on the smallest crack or toe chip. I wouldn't buy these for your first pair of rock shoes, but if you are looking to upgrade, these have gotta be it. I am a little confused with the lacing system though, there isn't quite enough to do a full bunny loop knot, so I just wrap a quick square knot. Dunno if thats how they were intended, but thats what I'm doing...

I am the proud owner of several Thule load bars. The 48 inch lil guys are perfect for a couple of mountain bikes, and the big ol 80 inchers tranform my little civic into a double canoe carrying monster. I've slammed many a wet nasty boat & muddy mountain bike into these, I've loaded ladders & logs on it, and even put a piece of plywood on top to dance on at a bonfire... Just a great thing to have on your car.

Ya know, these little things rock. You feed the rope through, you throw the hooks in their spots and ya pull the other rope. Badabing badaboom, your boat is secured to your roof. Can it get any more simple?

This is one heck of a simple rack. It works great on my freight hauler of a Grumman, and also works on my sleek little Wenonah. They're adjustable in seconds, to fit the gunwales of the boat you want to load. I've also used them for carryin logs from my woodlot home. If you want to get some strange looks while driving down the road just use the included straps to load up a couple of trees to your rack! I digress.. If you want a simple way to secure your boats to your rack, this is the ticket. The ratcheting straps aren't actually ratcheting though, they just cinch down tight, and require you to press the release trigger to let slack back through the "ratchet" I would also recommend getting the bow/stern tie downs, as a little extra security is never a bad thing.

This is an alright little bag. Its pretty durable, as I would expect from BD, but it doesn't do anything special. If I had actually paid for mine I would be a little disappointed. There aren't any external gear loops (I love the option of strapping stuff on) and the shoulder straps aren't the most comfortable for longer hikes. I mainly use it to take my harness & shoes & stuff to the gym, there isn't enough room for much more so I don't see it having enough space in it to fill it with gear for cragging. If I were buying a school backpack for a kid, I would consider this pack, because like I said its super durable. But then again, its a $65 pack...

This is a pretty decent little belay device. Doesn't cost very many dollars, works fairly well and doesn't weigh too much. The beaner is of standard quality, wide enough to help provide appropriate friction. Find a better combo for $27 and I'll be impressed.

Well, I love Metolius chalk. This stuff really does the trick. Turns your hands into a desert landscape. A very grippy desert landscape.

Well, this lil guy does pretty much what you'd expect a chalk sock to do. Comes filled, you put it in your bag, and you've got chalk! You do have to be a little agressive with it to get your whole hands chalked though.. And once its empty, pour some of your favorite chalk right in there and bingo! Your full again.

10.5 oz, you aren't going to notice this thing in your pack, and if you do, your probably packing too light to be comfortable anway... I love the idea of not having to kneel all night or sit on logs, bear poop, rocks, anthills, wet spots, or anything generally not comfortable. So why not bring along a lazyboy! It works exactly as intended, I roll mine up with my thermarest during the day, and that way its right there when I stop for camp. Just a great, easy light & cheap way to make your next packaback trip that much better.

I've got both the spatula and the spoon.
Spatula:
Seems a little flimsy at first, but reserve your judgment until you actually use it to flip something. I've used it so many times, for everything from pancakes to eggs to veggies to burgers and I can't see any melting on the edges. Its stiff enough too for pot scraping at the end of the night. The folding feature is great too. Not just a gimmick
Spoon: The spoon is in pretty much the same boat as the spatula. Strong enough, durable enough and the folding handle helps. The coolest thing is the angled edges that allow the spoon to contour to the sides of a pot, for getting the last drop of mac & cheese out. And the measuring cup on it seems useless, but I've used it twice, and it is a nice feature to have. I'd buy em if your skeptical, a couple bucks isn't going to kill you.

I love this little cooksets versatility. I've used it pretty heavily for over a year now, weeks canoeing in the BWCA, weeks in the Porkies and numerous nights around a rowdy campfire and it has preformed tremendously. I bought it on sale at REI and didn't expect to get much use from it, but I sure am!

Pros: -nonstick coating makes cleanup a BREEZE
-mugs stay warm, keep fingers from burning
-nests beautifully
-space in the nest for cutlery, spices & soap
-heat distribuition rocks
-strainer actually works!!!!
-GSI large spoon works as pot scraper

Cons: -pot grabber was hard to switch while cooking
-lids for mugs don't have big enough holes

Really this thing is great. I use it all the time. I'm going to get a couple more mugs & bowls & another pot though, as you need more if your bring more than a partner.

Well this is one comfortable pack. I'll give it that, but there are a couple of flaws. First the pros:
Gregory Suspension. I have never had a Gregory pack that wasn't exceedingly comfortable. This is another. Three zippered access points are also nice. Material is definitely ripstop, throwing this pack on piles of choss and hiking through talus I've never worn a hole through it. .
Cons: Mine squeaks. Not all the time, but more than I'd want a pack to squeak. I believe it has to do with the carbon in the suspension rubbing on something. The side pockets are worthless. You'd have to be a contortionist to fit anything in them with it on your back. Also, I don't know why all pack manufacturers don't make the lid removable.

Overall, I don't regret buying this pack. I'd probably recommend it, but warn the people whom I'm recommending it to. I wouldn't use it for anything besides summer backpacking. It doesn't seem like it'd hold up to carrying ice gear or anything like that, but a good summer pack should be on everyones shelf.

I have no idea what Synchilla means, but I know that Chinchillas are very cute and very soft and probably comfortable all the time in their cozy little coat, so I'm pretty sure this is a play on their name cause holy buckets! This has got to be the most comfortable fleece I've ever worn! It looks great, it is soft, it is warm, it is perfect! Almost.... It is a little short, but to be honest I don't even care one bit for how nice the rest of the thing is.
I wear medium in most 'gucci, but this has that casual/relaxed fit so I went small cause I didn't want to be swimming in it. My brother got a medium, and I suppose I could wear his if I needed to but I'm very happy with my small (I'm six feet zero inches and 150lbs)
I won't be taking this on trail, it definitely isn't that sort of piece, but for lounging around the house, growing your mustache, impressing girls with your style, chasing your dog down the street and drinking coffee or beer this is the perfect garment.

As with any sport-specific manufacturer, these gloves perform very well in their intended application. Skiing.... Insulated back, leather extending into the thumb, long cuff. One can tell these were made for XC skiing, and pretty much that only. Great pair of inexpensive ski gloves. I wear em till its 20ish, and then switch to a lobster mitt

Just got this jacket off S&C, like the guy below me. Seems like a pretty decent fleece. I like the nut pattern on the jacket, its unique. 6'0 & 150lbs and a large fits pretty great. I could've snugged into a medium if I needed. Haven't worn it in any weather really except to get the mail in a snowstorm. I think it'll be a nice spring/fall piece

Got this stove on S&C for a great price. Threw it on my combined shippping and didn't give it much thought till I was out of whitegas, but had a canister left & wanted to cook on trail. Set it up in the basement (gasp!) and was very impressed with the simplicity of it. Screw the adapter on, screw the burner on and bingo! A stove.

It has a pretty large diamater flame which helps to prevent burning of foodstuffs & speeds up boiling time. The flame/gas control isn't the most variable, you can crank it up, and go pretty low but it is a bit difficult to find a good simmer. Otherwise this is a great stove for quick jaunts, or environments you don't want to risk loosing your whisperlite. Buy one.

This is another phenom piece of Ibex gear. It never stinks, it never rides up, hasn't piled, regulatets temps great. I haven't checked the durability of it too much cause it hasn't been warmer than 25 here for months and I've only worn it as a baselayer and not an outer, but if its like any other Ibex, it'll rock. One quazi complaint: it is very hard for me to zip the zipper all the way. I'm 6' & 150 lbs. I don't have a linebacker neck, yet it is not easy to zip it all the way up, and when I do, its tight on my throat. No matter, I'll zip the next layer. But it'd be nice to have a slightly larger neck. Also, it isn't the most insulating. NTS mid is definitely the way to go in real cold temps.

Well I didn't think you could find a better product than the Z/1s. I was wrong! These sandals offer so much support I (along with what seems like every reviewer out there) can't take them off! The toe strap is nice for more technical stuff, although it can be a little tough to get your fat toe into sometimes. But I'm not complaining. They're not light, but I don't care. I'm bringing them on every overnight cause I haven't found a more technical, durable shoe out there. Plus the rechaco program?!?!? Keep your shoes out of the landfill, just put new straps or soles on your worn in ones! (although the way these things hold up it'll be awhile)

Bottom line, just buy them. And when your toe is a little worried the first day cause its not the most comfortable until you get it completely adjusted, tough it out. You'll thank me

I bet supermans outfit was made out of this stuff. There is no way he could have felt comfortable in that tight fabric unless it was smartwool microweight. I can't believe everything in the world isn't made of wool! It breathes, it doesn't stink, it looks good, its comfortable. Its perfect! Except for..... The tag! Cameron Phillips is right, the tag is annoying. But it wouldn't hurt me from buying one again. And again. And again. But I won't have too, cause even after climbing in this for more days than you should in one shirt, it hasn't shown any excess signs of wear! Suprisingly durable.

Perfect little headlamp for keeping in your car, the bag you commute with, your ski bag, climbing bag. Anywhere! I've never had anythin break, the battery compartment is solid. Battery life is pretty long too.

Well, the 2010 model is still a little scary. I don't feel comfortable using it except short trips to trails & races. There is just nothing that beats the stability of a fork mounted rack. That being said this is super easy to use with mountain bikes, as you don't have to take the front wheel off and risk messing up the disk. Now the other point of that. This doesn't work with a couple of full suspension bikes I've notices. So if you've got a road bike or hardtail, are driving less than sixty five mph and less than a half hour, your good to buy this. If not, get the peleton.

I've had the same fairing for years, transferring it between roof racks and cars. With all its stickers come memories. I'd grown quite attached to the silence it provides. You can't not have a fairing with a rack setup, as I've learned over the past month. Somehow my hood flew up driving down the highway, cracking my windshield and my lovely fairing mounts! My car is a heck of alot noiser, and the fuel economy is just awful! I'll have to order a new fairing to get the mounts, but you bet I'm gonna use my old one! If you have a roof rack, you've gotta have it.

Gregory has something great going on with their JetStream system. It keeps your back nice and dry, and also contours to your back quite nicely. The lumbar support is great, and there is a special little pad located just above the hipbelt/lumbar area that keeps your back in an upright position, avoiding the typical backpack slump. It is hard to describe, but you've got to try it on to believe it. I wouldn't load tooo much into the pack, don't get me wrong its great, but I would really only use it for summer backpacking. It feels too lightweight for anything that requires burly gear. This is my go to pack for weekend trips, and even multiday trips with others who can split the gear load. I would recommend this to anyone.

Well, I've been skiing in these for a number of years now. They breathed great for the first few seasons, now after long skis I do notice that I can get a little damp. The side zip is nice for cooling off your legs without taking off your boots/pants. The windproofing/waterproofing has also broken down, but that is to be expected after four Wisco winters. I'd for sure buy them again, and recommend them to anyone who skis.

Well, you've just got to take the plung. $75 you won't regret. Everyone has already said what I'd say; doesn't smell, great fit, not itchy, temp regulating, wicking, good thoughts on the shoulder seams. It is just an essential piece of your everyday gear. You'd have to do some real bribing to get me back to synthetics. Go sheep!!!

Well, I love these lonjohns. Warm, wicking, wonderful. Just great. They don't smell after days without washing, regulate temps like a champ, and are just all together very comfortable. I've worn them as a single layer under softshell pants for some stormy snowshoe camping which was a great idea. I've worn them under Carhartts for cutting wood, which was also a great idea. What I'm saying is you'll want to find excuses to wear them. One thing I did notice is you'll want to get some boot length socks, as hiking socks are a bit short to hold down the bottom hem from riding up. So, grab a pair of these
http://www.backcountry.com/smartwool-phd-ski-light-sock or
http://www.backcountry.com/darn-tough-merino-wool-over-the-calf-cushion-ski-sock
and you are in for a treat.

These rock. Not a bit itchy, not a bit smelly after four years, not a bit worn or frayed. Just everything I could hope for in a baselayer. I've worn it as a baselayer in everything from brutally cold Wisconsin January storms to a single layer for some cool northern Minnesota October paddling, and stayed dry each time. You can't go wrong with something this versitile. One of the only pieces of gear I (or my dad, who has the same one) have owned that don't get stinky after a couple years of abuse. It is hard to find wrong with Ibex, even for the price. I wish I had wool instead of hair.

Ouch! I saw the price and flinched. Then I sucked it up, and bought them after trying on a friends at the climbing gym. They rock! So comfortable, and just like everyone said, the sole is nice and durable for taking trips outside. They look nice too, I've worn them with jeans tp the office a couple of times, and gotten compliments! They're warm, comfortable and durable, like everything else from Smartwool I've owned. I could see these lasting for a number of years for sure.

Okay. I paid less than a hundo for these gloves, and have gotta remember that. I've been wearing these gloves for a couple months now, and I'm definitely impressed with them. The liners are very warm, and the shell is pretty windproof & snow/waterproof. Palms are very grippy, and I like the foldover idea of the liner, so you can keep your gloves on while doing work that involves your fingertips.
A couple of points.
-The liner feels very strange at first, like it curls your fingers over. It takes some getting used to, but I don't mind the way these gloves fit now. I can see why people complained, at first.
-The gauntlet isn't very big. If your putting it over a thick insulator & shell, its going to take some doing.
-No where to wipe your nose. I haven't found a pair of winter gloves with that ever, just XC ski & bike ones. It'd be nice if backcountry glove makers put a furry patch on the thumb to get the ice buildup off your 'stash.

Considering it is all too easy to spend over a bill or even two on gloves, I'm pretty happy with this purchase.

Pretty lightweight, grippy sandals. I've worn em canoin for a number of years, until I sliced the right front strap most of the way through on something in my trunk. Now I wear them around the rock gym. . Whatever, I got a good season out of them, and I wore the heck out of them. In the canoe/yak three days a week at least for a summer. Not a bad deal. I'd definitely buy them again for a pair of something to wear in and out of water, if I did't more shoes than most girls.

Well, a couple years ago I jumped on the bandwagon and bought a pair of these. I loved them for the first couple months, wearing them fishing, canoeing and for four days kayaking the Jervis in BC. My feet were wet during the day those four days, and I never once got a blister. That was great. They protected my little toes very nicely too. They were not the grippiest on rock that I know chacos would've been though.

I put 'em away dry (which takes quite awhile) and pulled them out next season. After two wears, they started to smell! I put them in the wash, like the instructions said, and the smell was still there, albeit a hair less. I wore them yet, and I guess I could't complain, except it took several washings to keep the smell down. Now, I know what your thinking, that I've got nasty feet. IMO, they are normal. All my chacos don't smell, my tevas, my climbing shoes, cycling shoes, no great scent and the same barefoot feet are in them too. These are the only shoes. I work with a guy who has the same pair, and his also emit an oder.

They're really comfy, for sure! But bottom line: if you want to be in and out of the water much, want something that'll give you traction, and don't smell, and dry remotely quickly, don't buy these. Get the H2 model, or a pair of chacos. If you want to wear them on your walk around town, great! Just not in the water...

Well, I've had my AMERICAN made Chacos for three years, and I can't think of anything to say except THESE ROCK. They snug down for ultimate support, have a grippy Vibram sole for traction on any terrain, wet or dry (except Wisconsin snow...) and give you an awesome Z shaped tan after a couple days in the canoe! They aren't light, but I'll sacrifice weight on my pack to wear them around camp. I can't wait to pull off my boots and put these on. You don't notice the weight while wearing them. You can't wear socks too easily with the z/2, so you may need to invest in two pairs, for different circumstances. I'm pretty bummed, along with everyone else, that a great company from the land of the free was sent to China, so I'm very glad I have a pair of original American handiwork. They send you stickers if you send a self adressed envelope to someone in Michigan though. One thought: the straps take a little while to dry..

Awesome. I keep these shoes longer than any other pair and they keep on going and I abuse my shoes. The laces were a boring color so I switched to some red ones, other than that these shoes are just rock solid. Very supportive with an overnight pack on, or very nimble for your trail run (I feel like a mountain goat running with them!) After I wear them out running, I wear em hiking, and then switch them to wearing in the bike shop. You cannot go wrong with these! Someone commented on the tough toebox, they were definitely right. I convinced a friend of mine to get them, and he balked at the price till I wore him down, and he's still thanking me months later.

I found these on S&C for a fantastic deal, and because you can never have too many kahkis, snagged a pair. I was pleasantly surprised at the color. Its definitely darker than what shows on the screen, which is a good thing. They're a bit softer than I expected, so I don't think I'll be wearing them to the crag at all, but definitely paddling or for a quick hike, cause they look good enough to wear to the bars afterwords. I wear 32's in everything, and these fit true to size. Plus they come with a cool Kavu sticker & bottle opener. You can never have too many bottle openers.

I like these pants. Size runs true.. They're really lightweight, they dry quickly, and they don't smell after spending days in them. I wore them for a seven solid days in the Sunshine Coast of BC, loved 'em. Many days in the Tweed Valley of Eastern Australia, loved 'em. Five days in the Franklin River Gorge in southern Tassy, loved 'em. Dozens of dayhikes in the Midwest, loved 'em. Except for one small thing. One of the zippers was giving me trouble one morning, and I said screw it I'll wear shorts, and took the legs off. I then forgot to grab the leg sleeves off my roof rack, and drove away from the trailhead never to see them again. So now I have a nice pair of shorts! Still wear 'em alot though. Word of advice. Remember where you put your leg sleeves.

These pants rock on rock. They're just so durable! I've worn them climbing, hiking, canoing, rafting, lumberjacking, and they hold up so great! The articulated knees are a nice feature along with the gusseted crotch. They move great with you. In other prAna pants, I've noticed them running a little large. Not these. The 32 fits perfectly just like my normal pant size. Well worth the money.

Well, just like the other reviewers are saying, the sizing is a bit off. 6' & 150lbs, and I usually wear a 32x32. Got the 32s, and they definitely aren't small. A belt is definitely needed with these. I wear them on days when I'm working in the office, and climbing after work so I don't need to bring pants to climb in. That being said, they are pretty comfy to climb in. Crotch is definitely gusseted, and they move pretty well with you. Not a bad purchase, just wish they would've been truer to size. I would've bought a 30..

I go through this stuff in the season. Pre-season, I load up all my glide areas with yellow, and put them in the hot box. The yellow is a great base wax, and then you can layer for the day. You'd want something with a higher flouro count for races, but for bummin around the local park you'd do great with this.

The LF in the system three is great for those wednesday night races at your local track. I wouldn't hesitate to say that I can ski up to the weekend on an application, however everyone is different. I'd use HF if I'm skiing the Birkie or Noqui, but a good wax for those local races. Obviously wax to conditions, and you'll be fine.

Make sure you know what your doing before you tune nordic bases with this brush. The copper is the first brush you'd use after scraping, and you take off quite a bit of wax with it followed by nylon, and horsehair. Always run tip to tail with brushes, and never use any back and forth motion, as the pattern in your base can get damaged. Gets dirty fast, but you can beat it against the counter and it'll come clean. Essential for any wax buff. Another thought: two hands fit perfectly onto it, one right on top/behind another for really gettin into your brushing.

This is kinda heavy, but otherwise its your basic smaller tuning table. I like the Toko vices, and didn't wanna pay three bills for their table, so I've done the dispicable deed of mixing brands. Whatever. This is nice to take to races, or even to use in your basement. Cool feature: the legs micro-adjust for the terrain your on. If your going to use on snow, even hardpack, consider laying a piece of plywood down so your feet don't drive into the ground.

Easily the best nordic tuning setup I've used over the years. We've used it for as long as I can remember in the shop I work at, and I've got a set for my house too! I know many folks who use a set for their travel ones, but after a hotel got upset with me for waxing in the bathroom I've stopped bringing mine on the road. You can adjust the tip/tail pads for perfect contour to your skis. Just a flawless setup. They're kinda pricey though..

Hey, $65 and they're that light? Great news. Just like the previous poster said, I've seen high schoolers break quite a few of them. I think you grow out of that though, cause I haven't broken a pole since those days. Anyway, he good thing is is that you won't be replacing a blackfeather at $279! If your just getting into skiing, grab these. Don't settle for those junky aluminum ones that with the slightest off axis pressure snap like a twig. Get these. And if your looking to upgrade, an easy way is right here! The strap is very easy to adjust, and you can get different sizes at your local ski shop.

I use these boots exclusivly for classic skiing, as they have just enough midsole flex to be comfortable, and they also have the attachable cuff that helps stabilize your ankle. I wouldn't go any other way than pilot system. In my opinion, they offer the most stability and control out there. I don't have a very wide foot, and these are almost uncomfortable, they run quite narrow. The quicklace isn't actually all that great, I find I really have to fiddle with the laces to avoid a hotspot on the top of my arch. Still a great boot though.

A very lightweight, sticky, breathable, comfortable shoe. You can't go wrong with these. Agressive enough for overhangs, yet delicate enough for tiny chips. A great shoe. One note, and this may be just me but the heel cup isn't the greatest..

The description really does this shoe well. Very padded tounge, but not too padded that it is bulky. Comparing these to a pair of Sportiva Mantis would be like comparing very comfy wool sock to a thin pair of cycling socks. They aren't too aggressive, so don't expect much in the overhang department, however they have a wicked heel cup that keeps you locked in. The rubber around the heel is also quite great for heel hooks. I typically wear 45 boots, 44 1/2 street/running, 44 cycling shoe and 41-41 1/2 in most climbing shoes, which proves that you can't really base your climbing shoe size on your street shoe. Best bet is order several, and then try em on, send back the uncomfortable ones.

Bought this package to get back into climbing. It is a pretty comfy harness, but the chalkbag is really kinda small. Standard ATC & beaner. The leg pads are better than I've seen on more expensive harnesses, and the gear loops hold a pretty decent sized rack.
One thought, you've gotta double back all BD products, which is safe for sure, but can be a nuisance with gloves like for icey climbin, and if your a novice. Best deal out of any harness manufacturer.

Can't argue with the price. Breaths pretty well, though there aren't any vents. Stops wind better than a couple more expensive jackets, and is reasonably weather resistant, though I wouldn't use it in anything more than a light rain. would've been nice to have a drawcord at the waist also. One real pro is the durability of this coat.

Great jacket, real warm by itself with a light baselayer under (R1 was pretty much made for this I think!) and works for me down way below freezing, or if your looking to do something a little more intense throw on a shell and you've got yourself a bombproof outfit. The jacket blocks wind a heck of a lot more than I expected, a nice feature. 6'0" 155lbs, I wear a medium, (kinda like most 'gonia, it runs a little large) I was swimming in the large and it was hard to cram into a shell. Overall a very worthy investment. Plus my girlfriend thinks it looks nice!

The R1 material from Patagucci is really somethin great. They use old soda bottles and other peoples worn out fleece to make a phenomenally warm pullover, which is pretty sweet! Super soft & comfy for loungin around the house, but loaded with technical features like the interior grid structure (best wicking/breathing I've seen from synthetic in a LONG time) & offset shoulder seams (awesome if your carrying a pack) make the R1 my go-to midlayer or baselayer for playin outside in the wonderful woods of Wisco. Definitely getting more colors. Also, I wear a medium in baselayers from Smartwool, Ibex, Craft & Icebreaker, and now also in 'gonia. I don't agree with people saying order larger..

Can't complain for $20. Perfect for that "oh crap!" moment when your driving past an REI and remember you forgot your lamp at home. Pretty bright! It does have a tiltable housing actually. So if you don't have a lamp and don't wanna drop more than an Andrew Jackson, get this one!

Good thing this lamp was only $20, cause it is tiny and I lost two before I learned my lesson. It is very lightweight, we're talkin about two dollars in quarters here, and doesn't feel like anything on your noggin. Perfect for leaving in your car for emergencies (like trying to start the bonfire, changing a guitar string in the dark, you know) and its way easier to stomach when you stumble out of some party and forget this than your Tikka 2 XP Core.. Expensive mistake, learned my lesson.

In dark situations, I sometimes reach up to my forehead to turn on a headlamp that isn't there. This headlamp has saved many a nighttime shenanigan with its super bright light, and that nifty red color that helps your night vision. I've had at least 6 in the past four years, and I always manage to loose them. But not this one! Lasted already a year. Nice...

If your looking for a decently solid pack look no further than the Trad pack. Pretty comfortable suspension, tight fitting pack that doesn't move around when your running away from the smokey the bear rangers determined to ruin your day. One thing I wish it had were loops on the bottom for a sleeping pad, but the compression loops on the side can take care of that situation. Durable as all heck... I don't really have a huge issue with the straps, they seem beefy enough for me altough I rarely load more than a few layers, kitchen set & water. Hip belt is a little lacking... I don't regret buying it,

So if your lookin for a pack to haul your gear, your friends gear, your friends grandmother and your favorite bouldering problem around for any length of time look no further than this pack. It isn't light, and never pretends to be but I'll sacrifice a little weight for a comfortable freight hauler. The thick and wonderful hip & shoulder pads & frame design plus DWR zippers/material and standard Arc'teryx durability make for a great piece of gear. And the kangaroo pocket is awesome for wet shoes & socks that you don't want to put near your other stuff. I enjoy this pack.

I think Johnny Cash used this bag when he wrote that song about "I've been everywhere man" The expander zipper is a nice feature, allowing for some heat control, mummy hood cinches down tight. Irue to the 35 rating, a couple of chilly nights late October in the Boundary Waters down in the 20's proved to me I should've brought a different bag, but that is only my fault. Spring to Fall this bag has taken me to the mountains and the desert, and is gonna keep on going. And it doesn't smell yet! 6'0" get a long for sure.