I use this for anchoring to bolts at the top of single pitch sport climbs, which it works quite well for. Probably my favorite application of this is for extending my belay device for rappels. I clip my belay biner through *both* the first little hole and the first "chain link", then when I'm ready to rappel I simply clip the PAS biner to my harness waist loop, creating a secure and redundant connection, which will keep me safe even in the (extremely unlikely) event that my belay loop or this sling fails. Also, this makes it easy to clip my "third hand" prussic directly to my belay loop. Note that this is not really designed to attach to anchors for belaying on multi-pitch routes, as the rope that is already tied to you is far superior for that purpose.

I love little dental floss slings, but I find the durability of the 8mm Mammuts leaves something to be desired (though those are very nice as well, just need to be replaced more often). I think that Black Diamond has found the perfect compromise between size and durability with their 10mm slings. These really are excellent slings, and I'm slowly replacing all my other slings with these, other than the two nylon slings I use for carrying gear (these are a bit skinny and uncomfortable for shoulder carry of a heavy rack, which is probably the only use they aren't ideal for).

This is my go-to belay biner for tube devices, as it handles rappelling on even the biggest 11mm fatty singles with ease, and also makes a nice large power point biner on anchors. Plus, the round bar stock is easy on ropes and provides plenty of friction. I might go for something a bit smaller if I have to lug it up a mountain, but for cragging and gym climbing this is a great biner.

I have one of these that I've used for various things, including belaying and for the end of my PAS sling, and it works well, but I prefer something slightly larger for belaying with. It also works well with a Munter on small cords, but is probably a bit small for anything over 9mm or so (although it is quite good for a self rescue biner for use with PMMO hitches tied with cordalette and the like). Since I upgraded all my rigging biners to Shadow lockers, it now lives on the rope end of a locking draw, which it also works well for. It does have the sexy feel typical of all DMM biners.

I have a couple of these with the Tri-act gate, and find them very useful for certain things. I wouldn't use mine with a tube device or for rigging anchors (though I'm sure they would work fine), but they work great for a GriGri and are nice because they always stay locked and are easy to visually confirm. Also, I use one on a Mini-Traxion for solo top rope, which works well because (again) it stays locked when moving around with it, and the pulley has no trouble swinging around on the biner to load it in the proper orientation in case I fall on it.

Not a bad biner by any means, though there are certainly better options available. Due to the gate notch, I wouldn't use these for rigging anchors or for the bolt end on a draw, but I use a couple for the rope end on locking draws and they work fine for that. Plus, the price is right, so you can afford to get a couple extras to use if you run out of nicer biners. All in all, nothing special, but they work and are cheap.

I'm one of those people who prefer that my racking biners match my cams in color, so these were the natural choice to go with my C4s. I find that it makes it much easier to pick the size of cam I need off a crowded rack without fidgeting. These biners are light and small, and make for a good trad draw. Due to the size and notched gate, I would look elsewhere for sport draw biners, but these are great for trad. Plus, the price is right, especially if you need lots of biners (and who doesn't?).

A well made and very light wire gate biner that works well for trad draws and racking cams. I definitely wouldn't consider these for sport draws due to the small size and notched nose, but when you need to carry a giant trad rack full of biners all the way up a mountain, these are tough to beat. Plus, the price is right, especially if you need a bunch of them.

For general purpose climbing biners, better designs have been around for some time now, but there are still a few things that these ovals are good for. I don't aid climb, so I can't speak to that, but I find that these are still the best choice for racking wires. The oval shape allows them to hold many pieces comfortably, and the huge gate notch can prevent a stray wire from falling off the biner when opening it. Also, these make a handy bail biner that is a bit less painful to leave up on a tough sport route than a $12 Helium or the like.

What more can be said about the venerable Ecrin Roc? There is a reason that this is the helmet that SAR personnel choose almost exclusively. It works well, is well designed, and will last forever, even when subjected to the rigors of daily use in the mountains. It does not protect from side and front impact as well as a polystyrene foam helmet will (the Ecrin Roc is primarily designed to protect from things falling on you, as opposed to you falling onto other things), but certainly provides a decent level of protection against all head-busting impacts. The exchangeable foam headbands are nice (I use the thick one in summer, and change to the thinner one when I anticipate wearing a beanie underneath), and the helmet adjusts nicely for a secure but comfortable fit. It also holds a headlamp securely and in a usable position. Over all, the best of the best. Buy one of these, and never need another helmet again.

I carry one of these on my harness at all times, and it's great for a variety of purposes. I use it for belaying with smaller ropes (though I switch to a larger biner for big singles), and it is also quite good for general rigging (thanks to the snag-less gate). My main use for it is as a self-rescue biner, because it is small and compact enough to carry at all times (I also carry my prusik loops and chap-stick on it), but the basket is large enough to hold a Munter on twin 8mm cord (such as when constructing a load-releasing hitch out of a cordalette), which makes it very useful for belay escapes and knot passing. All in all, a very nice piece of kit, which gets 4 stars only because it is heavier than other comparable biners due to the large, rope-friendly bar stock it is constructed of.

I've used this jacket climbing, backpacking / winter camping, and skiing, and it really is excellent for all purposes. Amazingly warm for it's weight, it excels as an outer layer while moving or resting, and works equally well under a shell for nasty weather or skiing. It blocks wind very well, and is easy to vent out (thanks to the pit zips) when working hard. Plus, it packs up nice and small (for a fleece). I'd say the only downside is that it picks up cat hair pretty quick, but I guess it adds to the warmth...

This nut tool works well for removing stuck pro (don't they all?). The integrated "carabiner" works pretty well, and I've never had a problem with it. Also, the palm protector is a nice (but optional) feature. Only downside (as compared to something like the Pro-Key) is that you have to tie your own leash, but this takes about one minute and a couple of feet of spare cordage. Overall, nothing amazing, but works well for it's intended purpose.

I use one of these as part of my solo top roping system, and it works very well. Feeds smoothly and with little effort, and catches positively when weighted. I've never done any hauling with it, but I imagine it would work pretty well for anything under 50 pounds or so. Of course, like any "toothed" cam device, this can remove the sheath from your rope in short order if you subject it to heavy dynamic loading, so (like any rock climbing equipment), proper training and a sufficiently redundant system are mandatory prerequisites of use. Over all, a very well built and versatile piece of gear.

These gloves work well for catching big whippers without roasting your hands up (rope burn is no fun). They're very tough, but thin enough that you can manage biners and knots without taking them off (although undoing really tight overhands or fig8s might require removal). Also, they work pretty well keeping your hands warm while belaying / hiking / sitting around in slightly chilly conditions. Plus, the clip hole is convenient for racking them on your harness for multi-pitch climbs. Obviously, they work pretty well for rappelling too. Quite good overall.

I was skeptical at first, but this thing really does work well! I had a pretty bad case of tendinitis in my elbows and forearms, and using this seemed to help with the pain and keeping my grip strength up while I was sidelined from climbing. Obviously, the unique aspect of this product is the finger loop rubber band, which provides resistance when extending the fingers as well as when closing them. I think that's what makes this stand out among the millions of squishy grip trainers out there. Even after my tendons healed up, I've continued using it from time to time, mostly just sitting at my desk at work.

One of my favorite pieces of insulation, I use this through all four seasons, and it has found an almost permanent place in my pack. It's so light and compact (just bigger than a can of soda when stuffed down) that it's hard to justify not carrying it. Works great as part of a winter layering system, and I find myself wearing it both on the trail (with a light wind shell or hard shell) and at camp (under a MontBell Alpine Down jacket). It adds quite a bit of warmth for it's size, without leaving you with sweat pouring down your arms. Also, I tend to carry it in my summer day packs as a "just in case" insulation layer, where anything heavier would be extreme overkill. Being built with typical MontBell quality (awesome), I've put a couple of hard years on this thing and it's no worse for the wear. Note however that the outer shell is very light fabric, meaning that you should refrain from bushwhacking while wearing it as an outer layer, as it could easily tear on a sharp twig or branch. That being said, I haven't "babied" mine at all, and it has held up really well (better than I expected).

These are great all purpose slings at very low weight and bulk. They make killer alpine draws (way less bulky than nylon when doubled), but I get the most use out of the 180cm that I keep tied in an equalizing quad. Makes setting up belays off of two bolts a snap and is strong enough to hang you and your truck. These things are really great for everything, as long as you keep their limitations in mind (these things are skinny, so you don't want them rubbing against rock or sharp edges. Also, even though the jury is still out on this one, you should probably never girth hitch these to other slings).

I use these because I prefer nylon over Dyneema for sport draws. No complaints here: They're solid, durable and work with any biner I've tried them with (mine are set up with WC Helium rope end and DMM Shadow bolt end... sweet draw). Also, note that Petzl at some point redesigned the String (the rubber biner holder on one end) so that it is more robust and no longer held on by the tiny 2mm rubber sections. The new version is much superior to the old. I would give these five stars, but really it's just a sewn chunk of nylon, nothing too special about it. That being said, if you need draws and want nylon, don't hesitate to get these, they're the best out there.

I don't ever climb on doubles, but I use this rope for light alpine duty as a single (not recommended or condoned by manufacturer), and also as a rap line or rap tag line. This rope is solid, has a nice hand, and is about as durable as you would expect an 8mm Mammut to be (that is, surprisingly). Best of all, it's light when you're carrying it on your back (as light or lighter than 8mm Perlon and more versatile). Not too slippery to rap or belay, either. All in all, a great rope for it's intended purposes. If this is all that's keeping you from the void, there's going to be some "clench" factor, but it still beats having nothing by a long shot!

I haven't used this shovel to extract any avalanche victims (thankfully), but I have no doubt that it's up to the task. This shovel is nice and light (though necessarily somewhat bulky), has a blade size that balances snow movement with portability well, and has a very clever handle design. No more taking off your gloves to search through your pack for your shovel handle then spending more time assembling everything together. Just pull the Deploy from your shovel pocket and yank on the handle, the shovel does the rest. The handle is fairly short, so you're not going to want to use this thing all day, but for a quick snow cave, trench, or wind break around your tent, it works great, even in crusty hard snow. Regarding the handle "slop" noted by other reviewers, I honestly think this is something you'll notice in your living room when you open the package, but isn't noticeable or detrimental when actually using the shovel. Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to say that this is the finest back country snow shovel on the market.

This thing isn't so much a bivy sack as it is as mini-micro tent. I really dig this bivy because I can't sleep with fabric or netting hanging in my face like you get with a regular "no-pole" bivy. This one gives you a tiny amount to move around or partially sit up, and keeps the bivy fabric up off you and your bag, which reduces condensation (more air flow through the sack). It certainly isn't roomy inside, but fits a 15 degree down bag with me (6'1" 160) in it without trouble. Fairly easy to set up once you get the hang of it, but you should probably try it in your living room before headed out to the mountains, which you will have to anyways, and why I gave this only four stars: A $300 bivy really should come taped / sealed from the factory, but this one doesn't. Be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours crouched over with a tube of seam grip, because you have to manually seal every last seam on this thing to make it truly waterproof. Other than that minor inconvenience, this really is a well thought out and executed product.

Disclaimer: My review is for the older Bibler model of this bivy sack, although I don't believe anything has changed other than the brand name.

This tent is awesome for winter camping and high altitude adventures. It's too heavy to be a very good summer tent, but I have slept in it in all seasons and it works well (just vent it out when it's warm). It really shines when things get cold and nasty. You'll never feel more secure sleeping outside in a blizzard! Super easy to set up even for one person wearing gloves, and plenty roomy for two to sleep and eat comfortably. Vestibules on both ends are large enough to store gear for two and keep everything (relatively) dry, and are also large enough to cook in when things get nasty outside (be careful though!). The worst I've put this tent through so far was a vicious early winter storm at 12,000'. 50-60 mph gusts with over a foot of wet, sticky, heavy snow in less than eight hours (it was coming down). A couple of other folks down the way had their hex tent collapse on them in the middle of the night. Needless to say, they looked pissed when they came by first thing in the morning and found us warm and comfortable inside the Trango 2! Great tent, don't hesitate to get one!

I keep one of these clipped on the band of my main headlamp (Princeton Tec Apex Pro) as a backup navigation light and rear-facing position signal (the red strobe works particularly well for this). I haven't used it very often, but it's been clipped up there for a while now and ridden out some nasty weather on the top of my head and still works perfectly. It's not exactly a high powered spot light (surprise surprise) but is plenty bright enough for basic night navigation and camp tasks. Makes a great backup light, and is bright enough to be a primary headlamp for you ultra-light types (but you'll probably need spare batteries for more than a night or so).

I upgraded to this lamp from a Petzl Tikka Plus (which is also a great lamp) and have been really happy with it. Bright enough for true night path-finding (unlike a Tikka like unit) and SAR night searches. I don't have a single complaint, and I've put this thing through the ringer. Batteries can be difficult to find at a reasonable price (look for 12 packs of SureFire brand for about $23), but can usually be found at most stores sold as camera batteries if you're in a pinch (although expect to pay dearly for them). This isn't a problem for me though, because I had already "standardized" on CR123s for all my hand-held and gun mounted lights, so the batteries are actually a bonus (plus they work great at really low temps, unlike alkalines). Regarding the control buttons (which I see cause some complaints): They aren't especially easy to use while wearing gloves (and about impossible with heavy mitts), but on the other hand, I've never had the light turn itself on in my pack either. I'd much rather have a lamp that is somewhat difficult to turn on sometimes than one that doesn't come on at all because it's been illuminating the inside of my pack all day, so it doesn't bother me.

I have the Atlas 1230s, and have put them through a couple of decent seasons now with no complaints or problems. They give me plenty of flotation even with a heavy winter pack on (total weight: ~210 lbs), and the bindings are perfect. Easy to put on and adjust, totally secure, and they don't twist around at all, which keeps the snowshoe tracking straight without excessive effort. Plus, the coated nylon straps don't freeze and are pretty easy to manage even when covered with the ice and snow of a long day's walk. These shoes are larger and heavier in the pack than the newer style mono-frame shoes (MSR Ascent), but in my opinion provide much better performance with less fatigue during use (probably due in large part to the "springy" binding system) and much better flotation in deep powder. In other words, if you want to strap some snowshoes to your pack that you might use for a few minutes during a trip, the MSR (or comparable) is probably a better choice, but if you know you're going to be on your snowshoes all day and through all terrain, you can't go wrong with the Atlas 12. It's the Cadillac of snowshoes.

Without question, DMM manufactures the finest carabiners made anywhere in the world today, and these are no exception. I use these for general rigging and for locking draws, and they are awesome. Silky smooth lock and gate action for easy clipping, keyhole notch-less gate closure for snag free operation (great when trying to unclip a draw from a crowded gear sling), and almost unimaginably light weight make these the best general purpose lockers you'll find anywhere. Plus, they're drop dead sexy! Sure, you can get three BD quicksilvers for the same price, but you'll die a little inside every time you try and use one of them. These will set you right! Totally worth the price.

After a fairly extensive search, I found that these are hands-down the best (for me) rope end draw biner currently made. I use these on a Spirit sling with a DMM Shadow on the bolt end, which makes for possibly the nicest draw you can possibly buy (if you can part with the $27 per draw - ouch). These are easy to grab and clip quickly, with a super smooth gate action. Hooded notch-less nose (very cool for a wire gate) makes for snag-free operation, and they're wicked light. Production quality on these is top notch, which is no surprise since they are actually made by DMM for Wild Country. I won't use anything else now!

As others have noted, this rope doesn't have as nice a hand as a Mammut, but it also doesn't carry the price tag of one, either. It's a bomber rope for top-roping or leading on nasty sharp rock. Like most Edelweiss ropes, this one does seem to get fatter and fatter with use. Mine now feels somewhere between a 10.5 and an 11. This doesn't cause me any stress, but it can be a pain to use with certain belay devices. Over all, a top quality and confidence inspiring rope that makes a great first rope for beginners or work-horse rope for more experienced climbers who don't want to wreck up their $300 shoe lace redpoint rope.

This axe has every feature I wanted: T Rated shaft for confident stomper belays, hot forged head for strength (and sexiness!), and a shaft profile that works well for everything from flat-land walking to steep, hard ice. Bonuses: Stupid light weight, typical excellent Grivel quality (and swanky trademark yellow), feels good in the hand, and a very functional long style leash included. What's not to like?

These are great shoes for tough bouldering and sport problems where you need to stand on a dime size edge and get change to spare. It's also a good all-round shoe for any level of climber, if you can stomach the (typical Sportiva) price tag. I've been climbing the same pair for almost two years now, and haven't noticed any durability problems with mine, although it is about time for a re-sole. Certainly not the most comfortable shoe you'll ever wear, but not too bad either (no bleeding toes). These also have the super deep heel typical to Sportiva's shoes, which some people don't like (doesn't bother me any, though). All in all, I would say this is a great shoe, but should be fitted in person before attempting to buy online.

I've spent probably 30 nights in this bag now, and don't have a single complaint. Super warm and cozy, even right down around the rated temp (this isn't one of those "15 degree" bags that leave you shivering right below freezing). Full length zipper is great feature (a must, I would say) so you can vent the foot box easily (and you will have to, this is a WARM bag). Nice hood and adjustment cords, although I do have trouble sometimes cinching them down in the dark without a headlamp (but I seem to have problems with that in any bag... maybe I'm just slow). Fairly water resistant shell, although it will wet through against a wet tent wall eventually. Packs down nice and small and is feather light for such a warm bag. Great mild winter / shoulder season bag.

1 lb 3oz (long), stuffs to about the size of a Nalgene. This thing will make any pack you own seem huge after you put it in the bottom. Construction quality is top notch (just like every Montbell product). The "super stretch" system is genius. Space in the bag when you need it, gone when you don't. Certainly not the warmest, puffiest bag out there, but it's not supposed to be. It'll keep you warm enough to get some rest and get back out on the trail. Best of all, this will shave pounds off (and cubic inches) off your back. Top notch product, highly recommended (just like every Montbell product).

I use these boots for everything from light day hikes to steep snow and ice climbing in crampons, and they perform without fail. They are stiff, durable, adjustable, and comfortable. They are just as "at home" on an easy trail hike as they are on steep mixed climbing routes. Plus, the quality and craftsmanship are top-notch, unlike most of the Chinese mass-produced "boots" which cost just a little less and fall apart within a few months (I'm looking at you Vasque). Do yourself a favor. If you are serious about your outdoor footwear, drop those ratty sundowners and trail runners, and go for the best. Long live La Sportiva!

These are my "go to" choice of crampons for all terrain in the winter. Due to the configuration of the points, they are excellent for flat land walking as well as steep mixed climbing. They are well built, tough, and dependable. All the qualities of a really great tool. Plus, they fit my size 45 La Sportiva Makalus like they were made to be. All in all, a really great crampon. I would choose these over the light aluminum version any day. The ounces saved don't make up for the lowered life span and performance on thin ice and mixed ice/rock.

I too was lured to this jacket by the tiny pack size, low weight, and very reasonable price. Seemed too good to be true. Well, it is. This jacket will protect you from minor storms at best (when new). I have one that is 3 months old, basically sitting in my pack until the snows came, very little to no wear. Well, this week the snow came in hard during a night hike. Wet, heavy stuff that falls fast and melts on you just as fast. "No Problem", I figure as I zip on my PreCip. Within 15 minutes of heavy, wet snow (about an inch on our pack covers), the shoulders and hood were totally wet out, and leaking badly. Skip this for anything but casual, summer use. You can't afford to be in the winter backcountry with an inferior, leaking shell such as this!

These ATV pants are pretty nice. Well fit, good pockets with WR zippers, and the DWR works really well, especially when hiking in snow and ice. Plus, they are quite warm. I layer these over a mid-weight capilene bottom and am nice and warm down to 0 degrees F. However, I didn't find them to be as tough and durable as everyone else says, as I tore a huge hole in the seat of the pants the second time I wore them. This may have been some kind of defect, as I haven't had any problems with the replacements (thanks Backcountry!), but now I am much more careful about the fabric. It's not weak fabric, but certainly not as tough as regular nylon pants.

Fits well, don't move around or shift, breathes well, and keeps everything out of your boots. Plus, they're totally bomb-proof. How could they get better?

I really like the closed cell foam that Pac Outdoor uses over other types of foam. It is soft, squishy, warm, and LIGHT! My only complaint, as another poster noted, is that the bottom of the foam is pretty soft, and will show scarring from sitting on granite and/or scraping in brush and trees (if tied to the outside of pack). I just cover it with a small nylon rain cover I have for a daypack and then lash it to the front of my pack.

I really like my Marmot Ion windshirt. The Pertex Quantum material stops wind and rain cold, and yet still breathes well enough for high exertion at moderate to cold temperatures. At only 3 or 4 ounces, I carry it in my backpack all the time, whether I'm heading on my next backcountry journey or just going to work. Plus, the jacket stuffs down into it's own chest pocket, so it stays small in your pack without using an extra stuff sack. Really, what's not to like?

Since my purchase, I've only had the chance to use my mat on one trip. That being said, this mat delivers all that it promises. Great comfort, great durability (so far), easy to use, packs up light and small, and reasonably warm for three season use. I slept on one in a Marmot Pinnacle (15 degree) bag at about freezing, and the pad stayed quite warm, allowing my bag to keep me super warm (slept unzipped all night). Highly recommended!

I've used my Tikka Plus once while backpacking, and it is plenty for typical camp tasks, while maintaining a trim figure and an almost unnoticeable weight (with lithium batteries). However, this light really shines (nyuk nyuk) when doing technical night hiking. I've used it in varied terrains, from flat trail walking to craggy granite boulder fields, and this light handles it all. Plenty of throw, and the color is perfect for reading that next boulder you're about to jump too. The LEDs Petzl uses are (IMO) superior to other types, such as those in Princeton Tec lamps, because the color is a true white, instead of the "off-blue" color of the PT and other bulbs. I night-hike with a buddy who uses a Princeton Tec lamp, and the difference really is noticeable. I like this lamp so much, I bought another for my girlfriend to use. 5 stars!

Light. Tough. Packs Small. Plenty of Tie-Outs. Great Quality. 'Nuff said.