Contributions by Garrett Grove (228)

Super versatile, breathes pretty good and gives great weather protection. I do not recommend a light color as it gets dirty fast. It feels like your favorite shirt or sweatshirt, stretches like Stretch Armstrong too! Cant go wrong with this. Very trim sizing, wish it was a bit of a longer cut for my tall lanky frame.

The DriClime material is amazing. It is so proficient and durable. I use these for my morning cold runs, chilly hikes or a layering piece if it is a tad bit cold outside skiing or climbing. The full length zips are a nice feature too.

My favorite feature on these pants is the full length zip. I cannot stress how many times I have used that zipper to get me warm fast in uncomfortable situations. The material is a bit, um, tearable and snags easy. I have stitched them up a few times now. But the warmth to weight ratio is unbeatable. Great emergency warmth when you need it. Keeps up its loft very well too.

After riding a big, heavy, sidewall ski for the last year then strapping these on my feet with some dynafit bindings I did not know what to do. They are so responsive to the littlest movement. Have tons of snap and can handle themselves pretty well in the deep powder also. Not as good as my heavy sidewall skis for powder though. But definitely a one ski quiver. I am impressed with how quickly it can turn and holds an edge with amazing confidence on the hard pack. Not too big of a fan of the graphics...but really who cares about that?

Started using these on my splitboard mountaineering endeavors and they work great. Solid hold of the boots to the binding interface. Do not loosen up and easy to use in cold weather.

I have found this to be a steal of a deal for me. The gear is all quality, not the best, but great to move me up to the next level. A flexible and forgiving ride that lets me make mistakes without grabbing an edge and falling. Since it is all Burton they all fit together perfectly like puzzle pieces.

Like all the Never Summer boards I have ridden this is a tank. Can destroy anything and is impossible to destroy. I love the three year warranty they company gives it. This can really turn quick when needed but does the best in the deep stuff and long big turns. It loves to go fast and can handle cruddy snow very well. Not the best for the groomers or hard packed snow in general.

These are what I take backpacking, hiking or as an emergency waterproof layer on alpine climbs to go over my softshell pants. They are pretty durable for their weight and a good medium fitting pant (not tight or loose). They shed the water very well. Would like to see a waterproof zipper running down the sides to reduce bulk and weight more.

I take this beanie all over the place. Its snug fit, great drying abilities, and lightweight is awesome. Fits great under your climbing helmet when it is cold out. It breathes very well also. Does not pill or lose form over the years.

I got this mainly to use in the steeps and the deeps. I love it in the backcountry and responds super fast to what I am wanting to do. The board is very strong and snappy. I was very surprised by how well and light it felt when charging through the groomers and even the pop through the park. Not the best for switch with its direction design though.

I have many other thicker, burlier Carhart pants for work but these are what I wear for comfort. Soft and a great fit. Takes a lot to wear them out too!

I have put these pants through the gauntlet a time or two over the years. The classic pant from Carhartt. Their color fades over the years. Mine used to be a darker clay brown now they look nearly white and have a few holes. But they can be worn for years, I have been using mine for 6 years straight now.

This package is a super fun ride. Since it all fits together so well there is not any pressure points on the boots and bindings give a dialed in fit. The board is snappy and poppy and handles well anywhere. I mainly use it in the backcountry and powder but have been known to hit a few park kickers with it too. This really is an all-mountain machine!

The Kailas is true to the decidedly solid Atomic ride but adds responsiveness uncharacteristic of some of the other Atomic skis. This is a very easy initiating ski that can handle deep and mixed conditions. I am used to the more traditional feel of the Kongur (TMX) and it takes some time to adjust to this ski but the Kailas is a true all mountain board with a wider appeal for the powder hounds and backcountry tours. Too bad it is not the best looking ski though...

This fits my average sized noggin very well. I like its design and thin materials. Get lots of people commenting on how much they like it too!

This hat is on my head 75% of any given day. I have broken it in and really like the simple looks of it. Comfortable and not too stiff of a fabric. Breaks in nicely.

I take these to the local crag, to the climbing gym and then out to dinner for some beers. I wear them a lot. The little bit of stretch in them add a lot of comfort. Great mobility and can handle a lot of abuse. I am 6'1" 170 pounds and had to go with a medium for the length but a bit big in the waste.

I have been using my beanie for about a year now and it is still fitting great and has not stretched out very much at all. It fits nearly any size head. Most people try to steal it off of my head because they like it so much.

Since I ride at Mt. Baker and we get copious amounts of snow I saw this as a great option for riding the deep powder. The boards big nose and smaller tail and flex pattern make huge powder slashes nearly effortless. The boots fit great and are a great flex. Not super stiff but not too soft a great medium/stiff boot and fit very well with the Ride binding. I am really enjoying my new toy on the mountain!

Rode this board a bit so far this year and was really impressed with how solid it is. From the super snappy response to the damp feeling it gives when going through variable terrain. It also can take a beating as I used it at the start of this year and hit a few hard objects and was pleased when I looked at the edges and nothing was blown out.

I take this beanie out to the slopes or out on the town. Very good fit, not too big so it does not sag down into my eyes. It does not stretch either. I have not noticed any strings breaking or coming loose either. A big fan of the earflaps, but I cut off the long tassels, they got a bit annoying.

A great do it all pant. Very durable, fits nicely (true to size) and the low profile waist does not cause you any pain when a heavy backpack is resting on you hips. Would like a few more pockets on them.

I bought this for my son and he loves it. Very soft very forgiving snowboard package. Makes riding for my son much easier and more enjoyable. The boots cinch down easily and fit so well with the bindings. I bought a little bigger in size so that he can use it for more then one season.

This pant fits very true to size. I would have preferred a medium long size (6'1" 170 lbs.) but a large works pretty good. They shed rain very well and are super durable. Side zips would have been a nice option to add to them.

Like all the Never Summer boards I have ridden this is a tank. Can destroy anything and is impossible to destroy. I love the three year warranty they company gives it. This can really turn quick when needed but does the best in the deep stuff and long big turns. It loves to go fast and can handle cruddy snow very well. Not the best for the groomers or hard packed snow in general.

These pants have replaced my Levis for my favorite denim jeans. A good casual fit, not too tight or too loose. Washes very well, fades just a little bit. Not too stiff either. Shrink just a little after a wash or two. Size up!

My favorite feature on these pants is the full length zip. I cannot stress how many times I have used that zipper to get me warm fast in uncomfortable situations. The material is a bit, um, tearable and snags easy. I have stitched them up a few times now. But the warmth to weight ratio is unbeatable. Great emergency warmth when you need it. Keeps up its loft very well too.

With it's 87m underfoot and a wide big shovel, the T Rock is floaty while at the same time it is maintaining efficient carviness. I find this to be an exceptional all-around ski, this wood-cored beauty is ideal for dancing among the aspens and hauling in the open bowls in the backcountry. Volkl can't seem to do anything wrong with their skis these days, and this is a prime example.

I got this to protect my down bag in wet environments and it keeps it totally dry and compresses to an smaller size. The straps are strong and the bag is durable. Can't complain about this bag in any way.

It is hard to go wrong with cereal, that is why I chose this. It tasted just like my cereal at home but doesnt go stale on a week long backpacking trip. They dont get soggy fast either a nice option.

I have done experiments with these bags to see if they are actually waterproof by dunking them filled with paper to soak up water if it leaks though. The paper comes out totally dry. On top of that they are tough and can handle many years of use. Big fan of these bags.

This is my top three of Mary Jane foods. This soup is super thick, tastes great and very quick to make. Not super salty or any bad after tastes. Simply put, you cannot improve this Lentil Bisque even at home!

I dont know how Mary Jane does it but everything I have of theirs is incredible. So easy to make and way to easy to eat. I brought this on a three day hike and we had it on the last night and for some, it was a highlight of the entire trip. Hot, moist brownies 3 days into a backpacking trip, who can complain. Very Good!

With the semi aggressive pick and short shaft with grip I take this on many outings. The pick is durable and takes hold of ice very well. I was trying to decide on a general mountaineering axe or a ice tool and the venom fits what I need perfectly. A great alpine tool!

These are my ski of choice for ski mountaineering. They hold an edge with the best of them for those steep hairy, icy descents. Pretty lightweight and great response to my movements. Very snappy and lively and can make very tight turns when you need them. Overall very reliable and proven ski.

Slides right into the snow and can take a descent beating from your feet or from the hammer of your ice axe. It is aluminum so it is somewhat soft and the metal will dent when hitting it into very hard ice conditions. Overall very satisfied with the product.

Not my favorite gaitors, they are pretty bulky, not super waterproof and not very durable. I would rather them not have those useless vents at this point. They seem to be wearing out rather quickly too.

Mary Jane makes the best tasting back country meals in my opinion. This amazing oatmeal is a testament to that statement. Nice and thick and creamy the way I like my morning oatmeal!

I use touring pants that do not have built in gaitors but I don't want to use full on gaitors to just keep that snow out. These do the job for me wonderfully. They do not ride up or down, they stay put nicely and no snow gets in my boots when going into the deep stuff!

These are my ski of choice for ski mountaineering. They hold an edge with the best of them for those steep hairy, icy descents. Pretty lightweight and great response to my movements. Very snappy and lively and can make very tight turns when you need them. Overall very reliable and proven ski.

From the dexterity to the great padding on the back of my hands these are my favorite climbing gloves. They do get wet after extended use in wetter conditions though. The warmth is moderate, will not handle temps in the teens too well. But for some good climbing gloves these fit the bill, and they are very durable.

Much better then trying to tune your board or skis and having them move exactly when you dont want them to, causing a burr in an edge or un-needed stress. I finally decided to just bite the bullet and make my home able to do what a shop can and it has actually saved me money over the years. The vise is secure but it could be even more, slightly wobbly.

I highly recommend this for the Nubuck and Suede shoes. It really extends the life of them by a big margin. Easy to use, little messy.

Skis well on groomed - like a cruiser it is very comfortable and predictable to use. Cuts and busts up crud well. It's a fun, mid-speed carving ski that seems to like to dodge, dart, and play. Great for ski mountaineering or icy descents.

Man this is a great thing to bring along on you rock climbing road trips. Perch it up next to your car and wallah you are set. Never though I would be caught dead with one of these until I saw another person using it and I copied there idea. Good room inside and fast and fun way to camp.

For a while I was just using the Tech Wash by NikWax for my soft shells, it did the trick but left a slight residue on them and did not seem make them perform how they should. I have been using this lately and the residue is gone and the water shedding properties are way up again.

Not necessary on most days but for those cold ones this is great! Super warm and breathable, you cannot beat the quality and performance of wool. Very durable, no holes in them yet and they dry very quick without a stench.

For many years I just scraped my board with a flat edge before waxing then my friend told me to use this. It is amazing how much wax is still left on your board after a thorough scraping. It really is an attention to detail not worth missing. Great purchase.

I have used this confidently on steep ice pitches or chutes and it gets a good grip in most condition. The slightly bent shaft is a great feature and makes this tool super versatile. My favorite tool for most uses.

I use these when I have a route that has a bit of everything in it. Glacier slog, steep chutes and even a few good icy pitches. They hold there own very very well and are a great do it all crampon.

I have tried to use the backpacking case to carry eggs with me. Eggs have so much good protein and calories, but they always break. This is a great tasting option to have when you are fed up with your eggs breaking before breakfast on your camping trip.

One of my favorite backcountry meals to have is bean and cheese burritos, lots of calories and protein and they taste great. I used to bring canned black beans and tried some other brands but these ones are the best by far. Take them with me on nearly every trip now, I have even used them at home for dinner.

Osprey's packs seem to be getting better and better lately. Their fit is stupendous around the waist and how it fits securely to my back. Very strong and lightweight backpack. Use it for cragging, rock or ice, ski tours or fast and light alpine ascents. I even use it to carry my school books! I use it all of the time and love it for everything. Not a single thing on it is falling apart after 6 months of good use.

These pads saved my knees when I was learning to snowboard and telemarking.... You put them on under your pants and nobody can tell you're wearing them. I don't even notice that I am wearing them, they are so light and comfortable. I don't want to take any chances with my knees. I STRONGLY recommend them for any beginner snowboarder or avid tele skier.

I have used this crampon on many a glacier slog and cannot file a single complaint. They walk very well and are extremely light. Not durable enough for kicking hard and planting steps on steep icy terrain of about 50 degrees or more for an extended period of time. But for what they are made for they excel!

Leathermen did a great job on this multi-tool. Used it for a while now and has performed excellently for me. All the tools are still attached and working smoothly. Like the pocket size and versatility.

This ski sock is outstanding. It fits like it was made custom for me and the cushioning is just right. Still waiting for them to start smelling, has not happened yet. After 30 days of riding they still don't have any rub spots or holes either. Very durable.

These may be the smoothest screws I have ever used. Fit in very narrow places and are extremely easy to distinguish in sizes. The handle is excellent and makes placement very effortless (relatively speaking).

After one too many screwed up edges with the cheap edge sharpeners I finally forked out the money for this guy, and it was well worth it. No more dull edges, wrong angles or dings, this sharpens them right up with ease. Worth the money if you want to do it right the first time and not pay a ski shop about this price for them to do it over and over again.

This doesn't have a very good hip belt, but everything else is still fairly comfortable. The hydration sleeve keeps your water from freezing to about 10 degrees outside. There's an easy access top lid, and plenty of room for overnight tours. I love this pack.

The Rapid Transit ski offers a quick-turning ski for its dimensions. I prefer it in consistent snow conditions, and it takes a few runs to dial it in. Once dialed in, the ski offers quick response from edge to edge and good edge control in firmer snows.

It has a longer straight edge, declination, measurements and still nice and small for my pocket. I have used it for many years and still performs like new, great for nearly everything you could need a compass for. Would be nice to have a mirror on it for more accurate readings. Very similar to the Suunto M-3G Global Compass but without a Global needle and with declination adjustment.

This is the perfect compass for me. It has a longer straight edge, declination, measurements and still nice and small for my pocket. Have used it for many years and still performs like new, great for nearly everything you could need a compass for. Would be nice to have a mirror on it for more accurate readings.

This pack is amazing for in-bounds and short out-of-bounds riding. Holds your ski or board super tight and the hydration sleeve keeps me sipping on water. The fit is excellent, they really nailed it on the head with this pack. Very comfortable, wish it was a bit bigger like 32 liters for longer tours or to fit camera equipment.

This is not my compass of choice for any precise measurements but for a basic compass to have with you it does a great job. Can take a few drops to the ground, gives good easy readings and is very small.

Used this on a few camping trips and social gatherings. The wide mouth makes it easy to drink and the shot glass is a great size. It is virtually indestructible and has taken many falls. The seal is very good and I never lose any precious cargo that is stored inside of it.

This is the super light, take only the essentials touring pack. I use it on my short yo-yo days around the resort most of the time when I do not need any extras. Holds the stuff in tight without a bunch of clanging around on my back. Makes skiing easier without all the extra weight back there too.

These were a great replacement tip for when my old ones ate the dust, literally. Goes right on and my poles are working again and in great shape.

I love the lexan material. It can bend a lot and not break, lightweight and just lasts forever. Used these for a very long time and still waiting for them to break on me.

This is the classic design. Scissors, saw, can opener, all the essentials are here with nothing unnecessary. I have been using mine for years and love it. Blades are still sharp and nothing has broken.

I worked at a gear store for a while and we could not keep these in stock. From the thin design and great materials and the weight of only 1.8 ounces it is very nice. Super strong and functional.

So this is not the best small pocket knife I have had. It opens a little too easily and I am not a big fan of the stumpy blade. But the blade is a good quality and it stays sharp.

What can you say about this tool? It is super sturdy, lightweight, great angle, subperb grips. Only wish it could plunge into snow easier for boot belays. Over all I really enjoy this tool and the hammer gives a very study blow when needed. Have not experienced the pick wiggling loose and needing to tighten it as often as I do with other tools.

This shirt is indestructible. Super comfortable and bright! I wear it at least 2 days a week. Love it.

This is the pocket knife I take with me everywhere I go. It is basically my money clip. Very small and lightweight so it in unobtrusive and very sharp. Works great!

I take a .5 liter of hot chocolate up with me to the mountain every time I go skiing. Drink the first half to warm me up before skiing and 6-8 hours later it is still hot for a nice warm up after skiing. Does not leak at all and the lid makes a nice little cup.

Received this as a gift a while back and the LED first was hard to turn on then it just stopped working. Awkward sizing and design. I suppose it is ergo but impractical. The tools themselves totally work and are very strong but just don't like the design very much for backpacking and general use.

These adapters work just as well as buying the whippet poles themselves. My buddy and I both use them and swap poles and notice no difference at all. Easy to convert your carbon trekkers into sweet whippets!

This has gotten me through a few hairball traverses. Never worried about it performance, very secure and solid crampon. Use it all the time for steep ascents or traversing. Attaches pretty easy and have not bent it or anything yet of any major significance.

Now I don't usually use my fleece as a layer to keep the rain off. I got myself a bottle of this to wash my old fleeces and then took them outside in a drizzle and the water beaded right off of me. It lasted for a good couple handfuls of outings. Not a necessity but a nice option to have.

Much like his bigger brother the Double, the Single is very durable and the zippers do not snap off at all. The padding is more than adequate and there is enough room for clothing and extras too.

This is a great pole for the occasional skier. If you go more then 8 times in a year or so get some better ones because they will bend with ample use or aggressive skiing. But they are a great cheap pole you don't have to worry about.

This protects your friends, yourself, or your gear from some unnecessary harm when your ice axe is on your backpack. Very durable and stretches over most ice axes as I have experienced.

With how low Dynafits sit these risers are great to transfer for edge to edge with less stress. They are very stable and secure and did not lose any of my torsional rigidity with them. Expensive though for some plastic...