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Badger

Nordic Skier // Camper/Hiker // Sport Climber // Mountain Biker // Trail Runner // Backpacker // Backcountry Snowboarder // Snowshoer // Snowboarder

Badger: #376 of 91,775 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Southern Utah

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Icebreaker BodyFit260 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

October 25, 2009

I'm 5'11" 175 lbs and a med fits snug but I can still fit a lightweight layer underneath (such as a silk weight or an IB 150). Unless you want is loose and hanging, I'd suggest a small for you. It regulates temp great. I think it would be perfect alone in 40 degrees - if you are a person who gets cold easily you can put a thin layer underneath - if you overheat easily this will breath well. The next best thing I have to this is a midweight Duofold - not as good at warmth but cheaper and you can throw the duofold in the dryer and never worry about it.

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Good boot - once broken in

Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 19, 2009

I have owned these about a year now. I had wanted another pair of Asolo because I loved the last pair so much. They were definitely stiff to start off with and I wore them around the house a lot to break them in. My first hike in them was about an hour (half uphill, half down) and I got the worst blisters on the backs of my heels. After recovering, I wore them as much as possible on short hikes and walks and eventually broke them in - now they fit like a glove. Wore them all winter for hiking and snowshoeing. Always kept my feet warm and dry and comfortable. Didn't like the color at first but it grew on me. I was a bit disappointed that they don't have vibram soles, but I have not noticed any traction problems that others have mentioned. If you don't mind taking the time to break them in they are a good boot.

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excellent midweight

Icebreaker BodyFit260 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Icebreaker BodyFit260 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 19, 2009

I've had this top for about a year now. Its thickness and weight make it a great midweight, but I find it warmer than most midweights. That being said it regulates temperature well - as most wool tops do. I've worn this day after day snowboarding with a light baselayer underneath and a shell/jacket on top. Only on the coldest/windiest days (5 degrees) did I need any other layers. It also looks good for casual wear. I'm 5'11, 175lbs and the medium fits perfect - snug but not skin tight.

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Light Bright

Black Diamond Icon Headlamp

Black Diamond Icon Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 October 18, 2009

As everyone else has said, this light is super bright. When hiking on some pretty technical trails I only use the lowest setting on the LEDs. I use the higher setting and/or center bulb (beam) to check something out or spot the dogs when they go exploring off trail. For around camp or in the tent I would actually use a much smaller headlamp that is less bright. This one is awesome for any kind of night adventure; whether its just seeing where you are going or a true safety need. I was skeptical at first of having "set" settings instead of a focusing beam like I've use on other headlamps. I've found that the 6 different settings are more than enough adjustment. One reason I chose this headlamp over other similar ones was the weight - lighter than most in its class. This is the first time I've used a headlamp with a separate battery pack and I don't even notice it on my head - even during strenous hiking. Can't wait to use it XC skiing this winter - should be more than bright enough and secure and light.

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Warm and Comfy

Marmot Midweight Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Marmot Midweight Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 11, 2009

This top is very light, but as far as warmth it is definitely just right for a mid-weight. The inside of this is super soft and comfy. Blocks wind like a brick wall yet doesn't feel too hot. My only complaint is the sizing. I have other Marmot tops and the mediums fit just as I want them to (5'11, 175 lbs) but this medium fits like a generous large.

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so, so

Marmot Lightweight Bottom - Men's

Marmot Lightweight Bottom - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 September 24, 2009

I have always liked Marmot clothing, but wasn't impressed with these. They are exactly what I expected in terms of being light-weight. However, for the price and brand I expected them to be more comfortable. As other reviewers have noted, they were not at all soft for a base layer. Fit obviously varies from person to person, but these also didn't fit great. I am usually a solid Med for something like these (5'11", 175 lbs, 32x32). The length was good but they were kinda tight in the thighs, which made them feel a little restrictive, then oddly, the elastic waistband was loose. Just not right for me. I prefer the smartwool version (which is more expensive but worth it IMO) and recently bought the Terramar version which I feel is a step up from the Marmot.

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Great Base Layer

SmartWool Lightweight Bottom - Men's

SmartWool Lightweight Bottom - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 25, 2009

I've had a pair of these for about 4 years and wear them for snowboarding, snowshoeing, xc skiing, and cold weather running. I find them to be better than anything else I've tried in terms of comfort/fit and insulation/temp regulation. They are super soft and not ichy at all. They wick moisture well, dry quicky, and don't reek after days of repeated use. I'm 5'11", 175 lbs, normally wear 32x32 in pants and the medium is a perfect fit - snug but not skin-tight, no sagging or pulling - you forget you have them on. Highly recommend them.

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Backcountry.com Overhang Pant - Men's

August 22, 2009

Looking for a good pair of soft-shells for snowshoeing and XC skiing. Would these be heavy/warm enough alone on warmer days (25-30)/ with long underwear underneath on colder days (10-20)?

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near-perfect performance T

Backcountry.com Merino Crew Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Merino Crew Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 7, 2009

I have 2 of these now and love them. Super light weight and perfect for hot weather and aerobic activities. These seem to have a fairly athletic cut to them. I'm 5'11" with an slim/average build and the medium is a pretty snug and very comfortable fit. Probably the softest shirt I own - softer than cotton or any icebreaker. Minor cons are that the sleeves are a little long for a short sleeve and "V" design on the collar is a little more fashion than I want in a T-shirt.

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Great buy.

Brunton Echo Zoom Monocular 10-30x21

Brunton Echo Zoom Monocular 10-30x21

Rating for this product: 5 April 28, 2009

This was my first monocular/binocular purchase. Just wanted something for checking things out on hikes, bikes, etc. Also considered its little brother the Echo. For only $12 more I decided on the greater mag and have been very happy with it. As a novice, it takes a little practice to use it at anything above 20X. Now that I've gotten used to it I can't imagine only having 7X. A little bigger than the Echo but still fits in your pocket fine. The description doesn't mention it, but the lens material is the same as the Echo - Multi-coated BaK-4 prism glass, and it comes with a lanyard and nylon carrying case. This thing is a steal for $33.

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not great

Backcountry.com Dawn Patrol Vacuum Coffee Tumbler

Backcountry.com Dawn Patrol Vacuum Coffee Tumbler

Rating for this product: 2 March 11, 2009

The size, shape, style is all nice, but it just doesn't do the job - keep things hot. I tried pre-heating it once with boiling water - 2 1/2 hours later my coffee was luke-warm. It doesn't make sense that there are 3 little holes in the top of the plastic cap that are plugged by a little rubber stopper (which is easy to lose down the drain). Even with the stopper in you can feel the heat being lost through the plastic cap and through the metal cap on top. Just not a good design.

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Wish I could afford more!

Icebreaker BodyFit 150 Atlas Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Icebreaker BodyFit 150 Atlas Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 11, 2009

This is a fantastic top. I have used it so far as a base layer while snowboarding and XC skiing with a midweight on top of it. Breaths well, keeps you dry and warm. Use it day after day and it just dries and never smells. Should also work great as a single layer for aerobic activities on warm to cool days. I'm 5'11" with an average/athletic build and the medium fits perfect. I would call it an "athletic fit" - snug but not tight.

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great BC skis

Rossignol BC 70 Positrack Ski

Rossignol BC 70 Positrack Ski

Rating for this product: 5 February 17, 2009

I'm a beginner/intermediate XC skier (2nd season). Rented the 1st season, tried on friends skis, shopped around, and decided on these. Very happy with them. Use them monstly on rolling ungroomed trails (lots of powder here in UT). After using traditional skis, I love the curve and metal edges on these - great for turning and control on those downgrades. Good float in the heavy powder, light skis, handles icy tracks well. Not super-fast but kick and glide well. When I first got them I had some trouble getting good grip for climbing. I think it was becasue they were new and still a little stiff - wouldn't flatten well to get good grip with the scales. However, they seem to have broken in nicely and flex well now to give great grip. Highly recommend. Have them pared with Rottafela BC bindings and Alpina 1550 boots.

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ok shirt

Sport Science Raglan Polywool T-Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Sport Science Raglan Polywool T-Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 February 17, 2009

Bought one of these on SAC and loved it. I'm 5'11" with an average build and the medium fit great as a base layer. Very soft and comfy, but not too great at wicking moisture as compared to smartwool or icebreaker. I still lided it enough to buy a second one when it came up on SAC again. However, the second one seemed to be made different. The material was nowhere near as soft and even after 3-4 washings feels a little rough. The cut also is a little different - its definitely tighter around the neck and I find myself constantly adjusting it. Ok for the price if SAC or on sale, but at full price I don't think it compares to smartwool or IB.

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not impressed

The North Face Montana Glove - Men's

The North Face Montana Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 February 17, 2009

From TNF and for the price I expected these to be much warmer. Only used these for resort skiing and they just did not keep my hands warm. Maybe they can't hold up in the wind as another reviewer suggested. Also got a significant rip (along the stitching where the thumb meets the palm) after about 6-8 uses. Got some Burton Mittens and have been happy with them so far.

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Rossignol BC 70 Positrack Ski

February 13, 2009

Yes, you seem to describe exactly why I got these skis. I was a little tempted by the BC65's because they are cheaper, but I'm happy I got these for all the ungroomed stuff. See my review and happy skiing.

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OK Boots

Alpina BC 1550 Backcountry Boot DO NOT USE

Alpina BC 1550 Backcountry Boot DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 3 February 11, 2009

Newer to XC skiing - only second season and first pair of boots (other than rentals). As others have indicated, the tongue design isn't great and makes it hard to really tighten over the top of the foot. The tongue underneath and above also seems a little flimsy -hope it holds up. Normally wear a 42 - had to get a 41 in these and still find them plenty wide and long. Had the same problem as another reviewer - bending in the forefoot created a crease over the toes that produced significant rubbing especially on the big toe. However, after a few hour to hour and a half break-ins the boots softened up and I have no problem with this anymore. Have gone out as long as 3 hours and feet are comfy and warm. Paired well with Rottefella BC bindings and Rossi BC70 skis.
I chose these because it was tough to find a BC boot that wasn't too stiff - I didn't want all that extra support since I don't take downhills in them - just rolling terrain, a lot of trail breaking, and I want to kick and glide on the flats when I can. Overall, I'm happy with them after breaking them in.

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never go puffy again

MontBell Ultralight Down Vest - Men's

MontBell Ultralight Down Vest - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 30, 2008

Yes, yes, its super-uber light and packs up incredibly small. I was just worried about how warm it would be. Well, its also super-uber warm. I started wearing this everywhere to see how well it worked - going to work, walking the dog, light hikes, strenuous hikes. With a couple light-midweight layers underneath it kept me warm and regulated temperature great. On anything but the easiest walk I found myself unzipping it because it was so toasty. Found its cold limit one night on a walk at about 15 degrees with two layers underneath. Great for stuffing in a pack in case you need it when out hiking, snowshoeing, skiing. Easily fits under any jacket/shell for layering.
I'm 5'11" with an average build and the Large fits perfect for layering underneath and/or over.
Minor cons: no zipped pockets, no drawstring waist
Bottom line: Warmth you'd expect from a down vest but because of how thin and light it is, its incredibly versitile.

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Durable Shorts

Kavu Chilliwack Short - Men's

Kavu Chilliwack Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 September 19, 2008

Have worn these about a year now. Extremely durable - should last forever no matter what you put them through. Can't imagine them wearing thin or ripping short of taking a chainsaw to them. That being said, they are a bit heavy for my taste. Certainly good if you're going to be scaping against rock scrambling, bouldering or climbing, but they are a bit warmer. I use them for shorter hikes in cooler weather. I personally prefer the Kavu Chilli Lite short - same thing just lighter weight. These also fit a little big in the waist. I still ordered my usual size - just have to cinch the belt a bit more. Also, one the belt is worn in one position for a while, it becomes hard to adjust the webbing through the buckle.

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Fantastic shorts!

Kavu Chilli Lite Short - Men's

Kavu Chilli Lite Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 19, 2008

These are my new favorite shorts. After wearing them a few times I bought a second pair. Just like the description says - durability of canvas without the weight. Bought them for climbing - durable against the rock (should hold up for years), great freedom of movement, and light. Because of the lighter material they are very comfortable and fit better, "sit" better, and look better IMHO than the Chilliwack short. Great for hiking and look nice enough to wear anywhere. They run a little big in the waist, but I get the same size as usual for me and cinch the belt a bit. As others have mentioned, they run a little shorter than most shorts. I wouldn't call them short-shorts, but don't expect them to come down to your knees. This is a reason NOT to drop down to a smaller waist size - then they would be even shorter down the legs. I like the length as it gives good freedom of movement in climbing. Last - the webbing belt seems to get fitted to where you place it in the buckle and is hard to adjust later. My advice: fit the belt where you want it then don't gain or lose any weight - these shorts are worth it.

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great shoe for hot conditions

Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe - Men's

Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 28, 2008

Just bought my second pair of these. The first lasted me about 5 years of constant use (still use the old pair for more casual walking and work). Extremely comfortable and sturdy shoe. No break in required - wore this new pair for the first time on a 10 mile, hilly, rocky, sandy hike and they were great. Perfect for hiking in hot conditions like the desert southwest. If you don't need the waterproof Goretex, these shoes will keep your feet cool and comfy. When they do get wet, they dry quickly. Had to buy a half size smaller.

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great for hikes

The North Face Mountain Biker Lumbar - 375cu in

The North Face Mountain Biker Lumbar - 375cu in

Rating for this product: 4 May 28, 2008

Had this pack for almost 3 years now. Never used it mtn biking - strictly hiking. Great for long day hikes. Plenty of capacity, very durable, and secures weight very well so that the pack and its contents don't shuffle around on you even on very strenuous hikes/scrambling.

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good, tough sac

Outdoor Research Hydroseal Dry Sacks

Outdoor Research Hydroseal Dry Sacks

Rating for this product: 5 May 28, 2008

I have two of these sacs and have used them on multiday rafting trips. Keep stuff absolutely dry. Had doubts about the durability of the outer layer of the bags, but they are definitely more durable than they appear - plenty of tossing and throwing onto rocks unloading the boat and no signs of wear on the bags. The daisy chain is a smart, useful add-on.

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great camping pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Rating for this product: 5 May 28, 2008

I've tried a number of other types of camping pillows and this one is the best. When you first look at it, it doesn't seem to have much loft. You just have to puff it up for a minute then let it sit a bit and it gets super puffy. Great for car camping and compresses small enough to use for backpacking if space isn't too tight.

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great product

Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad

Rating for this product: 4 May 28, 2008

Plenty light for backpacking and very comfortable for its weight. Should include the stuff sac - why sell separately? Still a good price. As other reviewers have said - self inflates just fine if you store it properly (inflated). Even so, to inflate it yourself takes all of 30 sec.

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great bag

Mountain Hardwear Clouds Rest 5 Sleeping Bag: 5 Degree Down

Mountain Hardwear Clouds Rest 5 Sleeping Bag: 5 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 4 May 28, 2008

Good all around bag. Great foot space, nice collar and hood that keeps in heat well, yet is still comfortable. Keeps loft very well. I use it for backpacking. Would recommend buying a compression sac for it - the stuff sac that comes with it does not compress it nearly as much as possible - with a good compression sac you can get it to half the size of the stuff sac for easier packing and it regains its loft just fine.

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pretty good bag

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag - 250 - 9070cu in

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag - 250 - 9070cu in

Rating for this product: 4 May 28, 2008

I have the large size. Even when not packed full it compresses well. Found it to be very durable and water-resistent. Its gone through the airport a number of times and cam out just fine. Drag it, drop it, 4 years and still no signs of wear. Backpack straps are very nice, but take a bit of fidgeting to remove. Only real complaint is that it does not come with a shoulder stap - even though there are clips/rings for one.

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great all around pack

Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack - 3700cu in

Osprey Packs Aether 60 Backpack - 3700cu in

Rating for this product: 4 September 18, 2006

Purchased this pack for 15-20 miles/day, 3-4 overnighters max. Extremely comfortable pack. Very lightweight for its capacity yet truly study enough to load it up. Because of its simple/minimalist and tall design you do have to be good about packing it properly or the weight will throw you a bit. Used it once before I had the belt "heat-fitted" - was just fine and didn't feel that the "fitting" made much difference. Only downers - 1. wish it had some extra pockets on the front for better organization of small stuff (Osprey does have some nice add-ons); 2. wish it had a divided sleeping bag compartment with separate opening. These are the only reasons I didn't give it 5 out of 5. I still chose this pack over others that had those and have no regrets.

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Super comfortable

Black Diamond Focus AL Harness

Black Diamond Focus AL Harness

Rating for this product: 5 September 18, 2006

Use it strictly for sport climbing. VERY comfortable, Very adjustable. Basically don't even notice that I have it on, but feels super secure and comfy in a fall. Great price for a quality harness. Couldn't be happier with it.

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