Reviews by User: tchandler (29)

I'm not really a gear geek, but sometimes I find something that just makes life in the hills a little bit better. I already owned a Transition Zip-T, which I love for cool, or windy conditions when climbing, backcountry skiing, running, or biking. This jacket takes it to a whole new level. The hood is form fitting, blocking the wind, and the thumb loops are great for keeping your hands warm by keeping the blood flow in the wrist warm. At least thats what I heard about how it works. And it does. The cool thing about this piece is that it'll keep you warm when it's cold and windy out, and when it warms up it seems to regulate the heat well. You can just keep on going and not worry about stopping to shed layers. This thing is the perfect piece of clothing for Alpine Rock Climbing and Backcountry Skiing. And other things.

I bought The North Face Chilkats because they were inexpensive and I needed a warm, waterproof winter boot for kicking around in the winter. At first they gave me some shin bang (actually on the front of the ankle) but that seems to be going away now that they are getting broken in. They are super warm and water proof. They are actually pretty lightweight too.

The Vipers are great all around Ice Tools. One of the coolest things about this tool is that you can use it as a leashless tool when you want to and then with the Viper Android Leash just clip in and you are climbing with leashes. When in Ouray for example- you are probably just going leashless and they will definitely work well on the Ice and Mixed routes there, so you don't need a second pair of pure leashless tools. If you are doing a long route and aren't comfortable with the possibility of dropping a tool, then the option is there to just use leashes. And as mentioned above, you can go back and forth too. And of course they have a good swing weight and stick really well. Two thumbs up.

Sometimes all you really need is a the MegaLight. You can save so much weight and be so comfortable. I've used them all over, but once I sat in Camp 4 in a four day rain storm, and had to dig trenches around the tent because of all the water. It was grim, but three of us and our gear were dry and relatively comfy the whole time. We didn't even have the floor - just groveling in the dirt..oh yeah-gotta love the valley. If you are a minimalist you probably already own one of these, if not it's worth a try.

First of all this pack is super durable lightweight and comfortable. I've taken this pack on two expeditions to china, used it as an ice pack, crag pack, lightweight backpacking pack, and it just keeps on ticking. I don't have or really like the bigger frame packs, so I end up fitting everything I need into this one. For example- a couple days in the Winds this past labor day I took my sleeping bag, pad, cooking gear, food, a light rack and rope, other climbing gear, a few extra clothes and a couple 24 oz PBR's. If you have this pack you are forced to trim down what you take but it's kind of nice to simplify a little and cut away all the excess junk you think you need in the backcountry. You can always lash a lounge chair and down booties to the outside if you really need too...

This is an excellent lightweight version of Black Diamond's venerable Bullet Pack. I use mine on long rock routes to hold a water bladder and extra food and a windbreaker. I also use it as a pack for mtn biking, replacing my Camel Back. It's the do it all small pack. The material is pretty burly for how light it is. Another great well thought out, simple design from BD.

These are great all around lightweight gloves. I use them for cold weather running and driving to work in the winter. I also clip them onto my harness with a lightweight fleece beanie (MHW MicroDome) for long rock routes where it's either going to get chilly or a night out is a possibility. Not that I've ever been benighted...wink wink.

These are a good, economical pair of lightweight long underwear bottoms. I was a little disappointed that they don't have any stretch to them, so this makes them a little less ideal for climbing and skiing, but they still work fine, especially as one of the less expensive pairs these guys sell. They would be perfect if Mountain Hardwear built them with a little spandex to make them more flexy.

Haven't used my watch much, but it's a good, simple, solid watch for basic timing. Good price too.

What sets this chalk apart from the rest? The packaging or course.

These are indispensible for your Vipers. I actually climb leashless with these more often nowadays. I recommend putting a little grip tape on the shaft and also get the upper pommel thing that Black Diamond makes and you've a great do-it-all tool.

I am super impressed with how these came out. I used early versions during the development stages, and saw all the hard work that Black Diamond put into these and I think it was worth it. These make previously unprotectable (without bolts) stuff safe. The narrow head is going to be great for pin scars in Yosemite as well as for any time you need a little piece of mind when other gear just won't go in. They action is little stiff, but you get used to that, and they are going to be very durable. They are pretty lightweight too. Two thumbs up!

This is a good lighter weight pair of Carhartts that I bought for climbing among other things. They work good for whatever kind of climbing, but are great for the desert. Maybe the double knee'd version would be more durable, but they are also heavier and not as flexible as these. They also look good as just a casual around town pair of dungarees, as well as a work/painter pant of course.

I bought two pairs of these prior to a week-long hut trip with Valhalla Mountain Touring in B.C. These are a variable thickness ski sock that was thin in the toes, thick in the mid section, and have a nice heel pad to help keep it in place. Overall I am very pleased with the Bridgedale socks and have no reason to buy anything else.

The Reef Heritage jeans are pretty sweet. They fit great and are really comfy. They have a newschool, classic fit, which means they are aren't too tight and not too baggy with a little skate/surf style. I'd definitely recommend them.

These Mountain Hardwear Alpinist pants are a super versatile pair of pants for everything from alpine rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry skiing, or winter hiking. They work great as a do-it-all pant for all of these activities. If the temps are cold, just put a pair of long johns on and you are set. These are techy, but not too techy. Highly recommended if you want one pair of pants that will do it all.

I'm on my second pair of these and as I near the time to buy a new pair it's looking like I'll stick with these. These are very comfy and durable and are great for running in the wasatch. I'd classify these as on the stiff side and I rarely feel rocks underneath, although this makes them a little less cushy, but they work for me so I'm staying true to the Hard Rock.

The C4's are the shit and this is a great way to save some change by buying more at once. I was in the creek this past weekend and it's just so nice to grab a C4 as opposed to the old design. You may find yourself saving the C4's for the crux placements because they are so much easier to place.

First of all the Neutrinos rule for racking cams and making superlight draws and runners. Definitely the best trad biner for the reasons I just mentioned. These make trimming the ounces off your rack easier (well not so easy on the wallet). It's handy to have them color coded with the cams too. If it's time to lose some weight this is a good way to do it.

These skins are my faves of the Black Diamond skin line. I used them on the Crossbows and now my Verdicts. It's just kind of a no brainer- they work really good and I don't worry about it. Well- I am worried that I got too much wax on them after their first day this year, and now they aren't sticking too good- so I need to fix that problem, but otherwise they work really well.

The Stubby actually makes an excellent crag pack. I have used mine lots at indian creek where you have more cams and stuff and it's easy to just dump it all in there and go. It's not so big that you'll overstuff and be crushed by the weight either (which I've done with the touchstone). It's not the most comfortale pack in the world, but if you've got a pack full of cams no pack will be. It's also a good second haul bag for the wall climbers in the bunch. I really like this thing and use it a lot. Oh and it's super durable so you'll never wear it out unless you're doing walls all the time.

Shorty hit the nail on the head with this one...

Mine has lived in my car for going on eight years. It's a little dried out and flaky, but still works. Sometimes I'll do three sets of 50 for each hand on the way to work. If you use it too much it could be bad, just be careful and you'll be ok.

This lightweight tent is great for times when you know the weather is going to be not so bad, and you don't want a full on heavy four season tent. It'll handle a bit of snow or rain, but I wouldn't take it out if I expected to get dumped on. I also hear it's a great tent for higher altitude mountaineering, where you need some protection from the wind and snow, but again need to go light. The big front door makes it feel roomy and is perfect for warmer weather.

There are lots of these types of devices out there and Black Diamond has come out with arguably the best one. It's super smooth, versatile and just works great. I really like it.

The best camming devices, period. I worked at Black Diamond for years and even helped test these as they were being developed and they are worth every penny. Super burly, light, great function and should last a lifetime.

I've been climbing in Misty Mountain harnesses for years (I'm from NC), and this is the first Black Diamond harness I've felt was on par with my Misty Harnesses. This is now my main all around rig for everything from Maple bolt clipping to climbing on El Cap. It's the do-it-all rig for sport and trad, and even aid fests if you aren't into the huge Cadiallac type harness. It's got up turned gear loops which I prefer for trad climbing because I think they are easier to get gear onto and off of. Seems like the true measure of a good harness is forgetting that it's there, and this lives up to that. It's also priced pretty economical and of course looks good.

These boxers rule. Pretty much the only boxers I wear.

This is an amazingly versatile piece of gear. It's now my go-to piece for cold weather running, climbing and ski touring. I can wear it alone, or with a light base layer if it's colder and it works great. Especially for ski touring, it's great for the skin up and when I get to the top I put on my puffy jacket and am ready for the ski down. It's a really simple, lightweight and effective system. It has replaced my midweight layer altogether, and I even use it for cool weather mtn biking.

I'm on my second pair of these and as I near the time to buy a new pair it's looking like I'll stick with these. These are very comfy and durable and are great for running in the wasatch. I'd classify these as on the stiff side and I rarely feel rocks underneath, although this makes them a little less cushy, but they work for me so I'm staying true to the Hard Rock.