Backcountry reviewer-Vanessa

I've found the number 9 hex's versatility in placement options to be of great value when climbing. I really like the added security of a wire replacing perlon in this year's hexes. The wire will withstand lots of abuse and extends your reach when going for that awkward placement. This size hex is just the right thing to add to your rack when considering the weight to placement ratio.

I just took this pack for a day trip of skiing in the mountains. I was carrying a small load under 15lbs to start the day with water, food and some extra stuff. I was really impressed with this pack! Obviously, this pack is super light, yet managed to hold my load(which was small) with ease. The no-frame design means the pack relies on what's in it for stability and comfort, so pack wisely. I would like to see Golite add two compression straps to this pack for load stability and even weight distribution with small or larger loads. Overall, this pack sports adaquate features for comfort and convenience and fit so well...this is really the most comfortable pack I've ever worn!

I've had a Mtn. light jacket for about three years now. The gore-tex is holding up well and this jacket keeps on proving to be a true mountain jacket time and time again. Not as breathable as the newer soft shells, but provides killer protection from the elements that tend to kick up hard in the mountains. Awesome jacket for the resorts, but worthy enough to join me on a seven week trip to Everest base camp. Basic, impressive, and durable-nice job North Face!

Nalgenes have come a long way in their design and color scheme (what is going on with the colors lately anyway?) Plastic juice bottles are a close second when it comes to immortal plastic that will, sadly, be around when Martians hit the planet...never mind that...What I truly love about Nalgenes is their ability to hold near boiling water when winter camping gets a little too cold. That's something juice bottles usually can't do. I've seen quite a few Nalgenes shatter though, so don't go throwin' them around if you decide to buy one.

I've has the smaller hexes on my trad rack for a while now and just can't seem to find good placements for them on the rock. The wire makes them as easy to place as a nut, but to take advantage of the hex/camming shape takes a uniquely shaped crack and lots of creativity. I find these small hexes are better used in tapering cracks, like a nut placement rather than placed as a camming hex. Could be lack of practice, but I think most folks are better off doubling up on nuts.

When I ordered these bindings at the start of this winter season, my friends snickered and pointed their fingers swearing that if I didn't get the latest piece of binding hotness from BD, I'd be so sorry. And wouldn't you know it, just a few weeks into the season I had the pleasure of compassionately pointing the finger at my friends who had thier new binding hotnesses bust on them! The latest and greatest is sexy, but not time tested as the Riva Zs prove to be...Easily adjustable for friends to rip on, or for those mornings your feet grew another size and a half-the Riva Zs are always user friendly, burly, and field friendly for repairs. They come with a heel lifter and generously sized riser-handy dandy and super fun in the resorts or in the backcountry!!!

This was the first PFD I ever owned(it's since been handed down several times among friends) Harmony busted out with this low volume, form fitting, affordable, no frills, but not ugly PFD and knew they had a good thing going. The side zipper has yet to fail even in whitewater conditions, though the stitches on the two-toned color panel has proved to be weak in spots. This is the PFD that will work for years to come-I loved mine and miss it!

These bags come in a useful size range and the see through plastic and netting is really helpful for "nerd-alerts" like me. These bags aren't water-proof (water will come right through the zipper) but do a good job of keeping toiletries from spilling all over while en route to wherever. I like these bags for car camping and overnight wilderness trips alike because of their versatility and durability.

I was introduced to climbing by old school Welchmen who cragged with rocks in their pockets and hemp slings around their necks. After some time passed, I was shown the beauty of tubular webbing, waterknots and nuts, and when that time had passed I finally threw down for some sewn runners. The climbing community, myself included, has ventured far from what could be back in the day, but owning sewn runners is better than tying knots.

As a proud owner of both a Ridge Rest and an inflatable Therm-a-rest, I'd like to give a shout out to the traditional closed-cell foam pad. I'm no exception to the rule, I'm getting old and my bones and back creak when I get up after a night on the ground, so I still tote my inflatable around on occasion, but here's the goods on a Ridge Rest: these sleeping pads are the lightest weight around; they don't absorb water; no patching/repairs needed; pads double as excellent emergency first aid supplies when bulky padding/braces are in demand; this pad keeps you warm even in the coldest conditions (no air to heat up underneath my body); absorbs minor inconsistencies on the ground like divots and pebbles. Hands down, Ridge Rests provide the best bang for your buck.

Feeling a bit mysterious? Hide your "Betty Davis" eyes behind dark gray lenses. Feeling a bit blue? Rose tint lenses are cheaper than Prozac. Riding during the evening when the temperature cools off? Yellow lenses truly extend your ride time. The Toaster's lightweight frames and schnazzy colors are a sure thing for comfort and performance when you’re on the trail or impressing that crowd of big muscley boulderers. The best all around interchangeable lens sunglass is the Toaster, by far for active, fashion conscience people with "smaller" faces.

This isn't a replacement for your favorite, fluffy, smells so good, cotton towel you use when you hop out of your shower at home, but it's the next best thing when your living outside. This pack towel feels surprisingly soft and absorbs an impressive amount of water - only a small towel needed for drying off after a visit to hot springs, the pool, or river running. This is one little summer time "extra" that has served me well in many outdoor living situations.

How can you not love the #10 hex? Does anything feel better, more secure, than placing a #10 in a crack that was born to accept this piece of gear? Be honest, now - don't most moderate climbers take along a hex a or two to lower off a climb that was just a little too much? No moving parts, just good design that gives you lots of placement options and won't drain your wallet. Rad climbers need not bother - this hex is just for those with moderation in their blood.

This may fly in the face of the new ultra light weight craze, but I find Original Multi Tool is an impressive piece of metal. For over ten years, this Leatherman has found its way into my pack on almost every journey, sits tucked away in one of many Carhart pockets, and stays in my kitchen drawer as a substitute for the tool box I've never owned. My original Leatherman doesn't have any locking features for the blades which has been cause for some alarm in the past-other than that, this is one of the most thoughtfully designed multitools around.

Honestly, when I get up in the morning to go for a tour I can hardly see straight enough to dial the numbers for the Wasatch Avalanche report, let alone figure out appropriate gear to slam into my pack for the day so the BCA Companion is a life saver in more ways than one. Probe/shovel all in one means I grab my transceiver and skins and I'm ready to roll. Brake down the shaft and blade or put together, I've never had any problems with buttons freezing or assembly. This shovel isn't the lightest on the market, but it's super durable, boasts a functional handle design, and will likely be used for years to come.

Up, down, in, out...this chick can't stop raving about these "elfin' booties". I bought these long before Mythos were made specifically for women and found out that this shoe knows no gender limits. This shoe sticks like a magnet to various rock types, begs to be jammed into thin cracks, and remains sensitive enough for delicate face climbs.

I've climbed for quite some time using a traditional gear sling that was really nothing more than a piece of webbing left over from the eighties (you know, electric pink and purple only in vogue in the Verdon Gorge these days). I bought this Metolious sling last season and have been thanking myself ever since. Its fleece padding that lines the main contact points (along the shoulder) is so comfortable (adjustable too) and the sewn plastic coated gear loops are a blessing when I'm reaching for a nut or cam in a pinch...this sling lends itself so well to organization, I've stopped dropping pro on my partner’s head!