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Jason Vermillion

Trail Runner // Climber // Biker // Telemark Skier // Mountaineer

Jason Vermillion: #111 of 91,775 Top 200 Gear Guru More Information

18 Reviews:

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45 Yes | 1 No

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10 Answers:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Live in the city, play in the mountains
  • Bio:

    Self-confessed gear-head -- it's an addiction. I enjoy alpine pursuits (trad climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing) as well as distance racing (running and triathlon) and finding the gear to help me do it all faster, lighter, and safer.

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Mountain Hardwear Terra Jacket - Men's

November 29, 2008

Not a 3-in-1; this is a single piece hard shell.

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Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Crampon

November 28, 2008

They should be compatible... If the Raichle boots have dedicated toe / heel welts, you're all set. If in doubt, go with the Sabretooth Pro Clip, which are compatible with pretty much any kind of boot. Hope this helps!

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Black Diamond Punisher Glove

November 28, 2008

Temperature range for the Punisher glove is listed for 15 to 40 degrees F... Check out Black Diamond's website for the temperature ranges of all their gloves and mitts: http://www.bdel.com/gear/gloves_overview.phpChoose any glove and click "compare" on the bottom right to get a chart of all their gloves' temp. ranges...

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Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottom - Men's

November 28, 2008

The higher the number, the warmer/thicker the material... Check here for more info: http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/collection_alt.jsp?OPTION=PBL_COLLECTION&catcode=PBL_FA_US.PBL.MENS.CAPILENE3

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Simple and reliable

Black Diamond ATC Guide

Black Diamond ATC Guide

Rating for this product: 5 November 28, 2008

Simple, reliable, and versatile -- love this device! Especially good for leading trad...

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Small but does the job

Arc'teryx C30p Chalk Bag

Arc'teryx C30p Chalk Bag

Rating for this product: 3 November 28, 2008

A bit smaller than you might expect -- better for small hands and for loose chalk (tough to close fully with a normal-sized chalk ball inside). Still, the bag is durable does the job. Comes with a clip for keys that tucks into its own pocket.

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Patagonia R2 Fleece Jacket - Men's

November 26, 2008

Patagonia doesn't make this one in blue -- the closest they have is a color called "North Sea," which is sort of grayish... See here: http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_FA_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.MENS.JACKETS.FLEECE&style_color=25135-767&ws=

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Solid mountaineering performance

Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 November 26, 2008

These boots are sturdy and warm -- solid for three-season mountaineering (or in winter when plastic boots are not appropriate).

Helpful Votes: 6 Yes | 0 No

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Bomber four-season tent

Black Diamond Eldorado Tent 2-Person 4-Season

Black Diamond Eldorado Tent 2-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 5 November 26, 2008

I've had my Eldorado for years and I love it. You can't beat this tent for simplicity and ease of set-up, strength-to-weight ratio, and versatility. The small footprint give you lots of options, and I appreciate that you can set the tent up from the inside -- a great feature in foul weather. There's a good amount of space for two plus essential gear... If you don't quite need a tent this sturdy and weatherproof, check out Black Diamond's Firstlight -- the same tent design, but with lighter (and less waterproof) fabric and fewer ventilation options. The Firstlight is cheaper, too... If you're looking for a tent you can use year-round and in the harshest conditions, though, you can't go wrong with the Eldorado... Well worth the price!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Versatile and reliable piolet

Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe with Grip

Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe with Grip

Rating for this product: 5 November 26, 2008

I love my Black Diamond Raven. I've used it for glacier travel in the Cascades as well as winter mountaineering in the White Mountains and the Catskills. Strong, lightweight, and comfortable -- I look forward to many more trips with this tool. Check out the axe and pick protectors from Black Diamond to keep your axe from shredding your belay jacket when packed in your luggage...

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Your security blanket

Patagonia DAS Parka - Men's

Patagonia DAS Parka - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 26, 2008

Doesn't get much warmer or more comfortable than the Das... As other reviewers have noted, you might want to size down with this -- I'm 6'1, 178 lbs, and size medium in the Das is plenty big with multiple layers underneath...

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Durable and comfortable

Patagonia Simple Guide Pant - Men's

Patagonia Simple Guide Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 26, 2008

I lived in these for three weeks of mountaineering in the Cascades in late summer, and I couldn't ask for more. The fit is slim, but with some nice stretch for climbing... The soft shell material sheds all but the most drenching downpour, and the fleece lining is plenty comfortable with or without a base layer. I got a tiny rip in the material (sustained during a fall on some talus that should have done a lot more damage than it did), and the rip never expanded -- no field repairs necessary. You can't go wrong with these pants!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Comfortable and versatile

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet

Rating for this product: 5 November 26, 2008

Most of us recognize that helmets are necessary but don't particularly enjoy wearing them -- enter the Half Dome. This helmet is surprisingly comfortable and highly adjustable -- it fits well in summer on its own or in colder conditions with a hat underneath. I have a small head and many helmets don't seem to fit well, but the Half Dome fits great -- I tend to forget I'm wearing it...

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Love it

Nuun Bigger Nuun - 6 Pack

Nuun Bigger Nuun - 6 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 November 26, 2008

I was first introduced to Nuun by a WFR instructor two summers ago -- I love this stuff! Tastes great without being overly sweet, and it's super convenient. I use Nuun when distance training as well as on longer back-packing and mountaineering trips. Lemon-lime and orange-ginger are my faves...

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Pool Toy

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad - Rectangular

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad - Rectangular

Rating for this product: 5 November 26, 2008

Love this pad. My friends call it the "Pool Toy" -- it's so big and comfortable -- but they're just jealous. I've used this for long expeditions and never had any problems -- just the best backcountry sleep ever.

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Surprisingly comfortable

Black Diamond Predator 50 Backpack - 2929-3052cu in

Black Diamond Predator 50 Backpack - 2929-3052cu in

Rating for this product: 4 November 26, 2008

This pack is highly versatile, but what I find most surprising is how comfortable it is. The shoulder straps and waist belt are nicely padded and make carrying heavier loads quite comfortable -- not something you find in lots of technical packs with this capacity.

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Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket - Men's

November 25, 2008

While it's highly compressible, the Rain Shadow does not stuff down into its own pocket/stuff sack.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Patagonia Fiona Parka - Women's

November 25, 2008

800-fill down is pretty warm -- I think it would keep you quite comfortable in temps well below 25 degrees. Hope this helps!

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Patagonia Puff Rider Jacket - Boys'

November 25, 2008

With the DWR coating, this jacket is "water-resistant" as opposed to "water-proof." It will shed light precipitation, but with consistent or heavy downpour, it will begin to take on water. Because the insulation is synthetic, though, it will insulate even when wet. Hope this helps!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Patagonia Duck Pant - Men's

November 25, 2008

Depends on the location and the kind of climbing he'll be doing... In general, you want to avoid cotton products (like the Duck Pant) for cold winter activities, especially if precipitation is possible -- the old adage goes "cotton kills" because cotton retains very little of its insulating ability when wet and takes forever to dry. In short: go with the cotton pants only if the climbing is in a warm, dry climate. Otherwise, look for something synthetic -- there are lots and lots of choices out there. Hope this helps!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Light is right...

Black Diamond Oz Carabiner

Black Diamond Oz Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 November 21, 2008

Full-strength and unbelievably light -- you can't go wrong here. I've long been a fan of Black Diamond products, and these 'biners are no exception. Great for alpine routes when ounces count...

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes | 0 No

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Great light 'biner

Black Diamond VaporLock Screwgate Carabiner

Black Diamond VaporLock Screwgate Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 November 21, 2008

Black Diamond makes great climbing products, and they continue to deliver with the VaporLock. I love these light-weight lockers -- great for trad and alpine climbing. As other reviewers here have suggested, you won't want to use these as a belay-locker or for top-rope anchors -- otherwise, though, you can't go wrong.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 1 No

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Still going strong....

Black Diamond Hollowpoint Backpack - 1220cu in

Black Diamond Hollowpoint Backpack - 1220cu in

Rating for this product: 5 November 21, 2008

After more than two years of almost daily abuse, my Hollowpoint (the 2006 model) is still going strong. This pack is the perfect size for mundane tasks (daily commutes, going to the gym) as well as more adventurous pursuits (trail-running, summer peak-bagging). My pack is still in great shape; this speaks to Black Diamond's attention to detail and commitment to product excellence.

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes | 0 No

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Warm and guilt-free sleeping

Marmot Eco Pro 15 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Synthetic

Marmot Eco Pro 15 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Synthetic

Rating for this product: 5 November 21, 2008

I purchased Eco Pro 15 for a late-summer glacier mountaineering trip in the northern Cascades. The bag was warm and comfortable (even when damp) for my three-week expedition -- in fact, the Eco Pro felt a bit roomier in the foot box than other 3-season bags I've used. Add that to the use of recycled materials in its construction, and you have the formula for some toasty warm, guilt-free sleeping...

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

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Versatile and durable

Beal Flyer ll Climbing Rope - 10.2 mm

Beal Flyer ll Climbing Rope - 10.2 mm

Rating for this product: 5 November 21, 2008

I purchased the 70m in late summer and have been using it primarily on trad routes in the Gunks throughout the fall -- this is a versatile and durable rope. The 70m length has been especially helpful in making quick work of some longer multi-pitch climbs (and the subsequent raps). The middle marker is especially helpful but sometimes hard to see. Overall a great rope.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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tough for long, narrow feet

Five Ten Galileo Climbing Shoe

Five Ten Galileo Climbing Shoe

Rating for this product: 2 November 21, 2008

I found the fit to be drastically different from less "aggressive" shoes in Five Ten line -- so much so that I could not find a size that worked for me. I have narrow, size 11.5 to 12 feet, and I could not find the right compromise: smaller sizes were painfully tight (more so than even aggressive shoes should be), but larger sizes had too much volume and "dead space," making them sloppy. If you have long, narrow feet, you might want to look elsewhere... I love Five Tens, the Galileos did not work for me...

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes | 0 No

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Be careful with the laces

La Sportiva Crosslite Trail Running Shoe - Men's

La Sportiva Crosslite Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 November 21, 2008

Good shoes overall -- I agree with other comments citing the stiff feel -- but I should note that there doesn't seem to be a way to replace the laces. The laces are so "protected" that I can't see how to access the lower loops. This hasn't been a problem so far -- and I suppose the thinking is that by protecting the laces, they won't need to be replaced before the shoes themselves are worn down. Call me OCD, but this still bothers me... I like to lace my running shoes differently to ease pressure on the top of the foot -- I can't do that with these shoes. Someone out there correct me if I'm wrong about this: how do you access the lower laces??

Helpful Votes: 7 Yes | 0 No

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