Amazing Design

Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool

Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool

Rating for this product: 5 December 7, 2010

This is exactly what I want out of a multi-tool. It has the tools I need and not a lot of crap I don't. It's light, compact, looks great, and all the tools are available without needing to use a fingernail to pry them out. It is light enough to carry regularly, which makes it especially handy.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

0 Comments

Sold Out

Long Tail, Easy to Tuck, Doesn't Ride Up

I/O Bio Merino Universal Crew Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

I/O Bio Merino Universal Crew Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 14, 2010

A very thin, very comfortable, lightweight base layer made of merino wool.

I'm not thrilled by the graphics, but the long tail makes it excellent as a base layer that will never pull out of your pants.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Seriously, They're Just Socks...

Backcountry.com Merino Hiking Sock - 3-Pack

Backcountry.com Merino Hiking Sock - 3-Pack

Rating for this product: 5 October 5, 2010

but they're pretty great. They're merino wool(ish), still the right size after washing, and they've got a goat on them. They were great for a 10 mile hike this weekend. Probably a little too short for a ski boot, though.I'm a 10/10.5 street shoe and I have the L/XL. I think they'd be small for the upper end of the size chart.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Check Tools Carefully

Black Diamond Cobra/Viper Android Leash

Black Diamond Cobra/Viper Android Leash

Rating for this product: 3 September 23, 2010

http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-cobra-viper-android-leash
http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-viper-android-leash

There are two versions of the "Viper Android" leash. Look at the attachment points on each of them carefully, and it should be clear which one will fit your tools.

The one with the post on the attachment point uses a screw that goes through the tool to the attachment point.
The one without the post uses a screw that goes through the leash into the tool.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Sold Out

Black Diamond Viper Android Leash

September 18, 2010

http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-cobra-viper-android-leash
http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-viper-android-leash

There are two versions of the "Viper Android" leash. Look at the attachment points on each of them carefully, and it should be clear which one will fit your tools.

The one with the post on the attachment point uses a screw that goes through the tool to the attachment point.
The one without the post uses a screw that goes through the leash into the tool.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Better than 3-Section

Black Diamond Traverse Ski Poles

Rating for this product: 5 May 22, 2010

I deliberately bought these over a three section pole because they have fewer parts to break/lose. They're quickly adjustable with only one section to adjust. They're stiffer without the extra joint and skinnier third section.

The only downside is that they would stick out of a pack if I were carrying them, which I am not typically doing as a skier, but I could see this being important to a snowboarder.

They are light enough that I'll be using them as my primary backpacking pole as well.

The price is great, but I don't think I'm lacking anything that throwing more dollars at a pole would gain.

Nailed It? 4 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great, Versatile Shell

Marmot PreCip Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 22, 2010

I abused this shell.

I used it for hiking, backpacking, ice climbing, mountaineering, and snowboarding.

The coating on the inside wore out a bit, but it is still 80% functional after ~8 years of heavy use in all conditions from warm summer rain to winter on Washington.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

1 Comment

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Amazingly Warm

Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 22, 2010

For a "sweater", it's as puffy as a down coat and makes me look a bit like the Michelin man, but it's perfect for cold days around town or as a layer in cold, windy conditions on a mountain. I'm not sure about the water resistance. I've only had mine for two seasons, and any rain that falls seems to go right into the fabric.

It packs down incredibly small and is very light weight for the amount of warmth it provides.

I wore it in 20 degrees, 40 mph winds on Washington with just a Marmot Precip shell and it was perfectly warm.

Nailed It? 3 Yes

1 Comment

Sold Out

Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket - Men's

May 22, 2010

I'm 5'7", 160 lbs and the medium is plenty roomy. Don't go large. I wear it under a Mountain Hardwear Terra Jacket which doesn't look like it has enough room for such a puffy layer underneath, but it feels fine and the combo is super-warm.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

Sold Out

Skinning is Hard

Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Rating for this product: 4 May 22, 2010

I was sure these would work in similar fashion to a chairlift, but when I put them on, I still had to walk up the mountain. What a letdown.

As far as shoving my skis up a mountain go, these seem to work as advertised. I could ascend very steep slopes with little slipping. I have used them on two different pairs of skis and, although they didn't fit the contour of the second set, they worked fine even though I didn't have enough adjustment to fit the length of the second set.

The two problems I have had are that they don't seem to glide as well as the skins on my friends' skis, and they iced up pretty easily in warmer snow. I wound up with a four inch thick chunk of ice underneath the boot section of my ski on one trip. My friend's GlideLite's didn't ice up nearly as much on the same trip.

Nailed It? 2 Yes

1 Comment

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Heavy, but Comfortable

Petzl Calidris Harness - Men's

Petzl Calidris Harness - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 22, 2010

This is by no means an ultralight harness, but it is bomber, comfortable, adjustable, and convenient. I've been using mine for years, but I only came to appreciate the ability to center the harness after using a couple harnesses that didn't have the same feature.

On those harnesses, only three of the gear loops would be usable. After cinching the waist belt down, the other one would wind up directly below my spine, out of convenient reach.

This harness has been great for sport, trad, and ice climbing and has fit over everything needed for climbing in 0 degree temps without any problems.

There is no denying that the extra buckles and adjustability add to its weight, but the fit is great and the worry-free buckles are fantastic.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Sold Out

Seconded

Mad Rock Phoenix Climbing Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 22, 2010

I agree with the review below. These are a good beginner shoe. They don't have a technical cut to the front of them to give awesome edging, they aren't designed to drive power onto your toe, they are relatively comfortable, and the rubber is sticky. I have started to wear through the rubber on the front of the toes, but I think I drag them a lot.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Not a Fan

Osprey Packs Stratos 24 Backpack - 1300-1700cu in

Rating for this product: 3 May 22, 2010

The reviews seem biased towards people who put a priority on not having sweaty backs. I haven't used this in the summer, so I can't speak to that.

As a lightweight pack for winter day trips, I would definitely get something else. The ice ax loops and snowboard/ski carry(really?) scream "Take me mountaineering", but it terribly frustrating to use for that purpose.

I have taken it on two Huntington Ravine, Mt. Washington, trips and been annoyed with the pack both times. The fasteners for the ice axes are really irritating to release, especially with gloves on. The volume of the pack is on the small side to begin with, but after a giant arched venting panel is stuffed into it, half of the main volume is gone. It is scarcely enough room to hold food, hydration, and a couple pieces of spare clothing; let alone pack the climbing gear for the hike in. I wound up packing things in the venting area, further precluding any review of its ability to vent.

I'm not sure who is stuffing a sleeping bag into this thing, but my Cat's Meow will not fit past the arch, even if it would fit in the bottom of it. Trying to get at clothing changes, food, and gear throughout the day was further frustrated by how difficult the arch makes it to get at things in the bottom of the pack.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Perfect, but...

Petzl Ecrin Roc Climbing Helmet

Rating for this product: 4 May 22, 2010

It's great for my large dome, even with a hat on, classic looking, heavy duty, but...

It's heavier, more expensive, and not as stylin' as the BD Half-Dome, but...

I prefer classic and the thing feels bomb-proof.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

1 Comment

Sold Out

Like.

Garmont Syner-G G-Fit Telemark Boot - Mens

Garmont Syner-G G-Fit Telemark Boot - Mens

Rating for this product: 4 May 21, 2010

I need some experience in other boots, but these fit my wide feet really well and with a thick pair of socks, it's like my skis are bolted to my feet. Great control. With a thinner pair of socks, it doesn't feel like the volume is taken up very well as I try to tighten the boot. They felt much better on my very wide feet than the Scarpa boots(T2's, maybe?) I tried at a ski resort.

I've used them extensively at resorts and backcountry over the past winter; my second season tele skiing.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Sold Out

Love Them

Grivel G14 Crampon

Rating for this product: 5 May 21, 2010

These are light, fit securely, and are easy to switch from dual to mono. I haven't owned another pair of crampons, so I am not sure I can make a fair comparison, but these have been great to me.Mine came without the mono spacers. I called Grivel and they sent them to me for free, along with a sweet sticker. I <3 good customer service. Just bumped my review to five stars.I tried to fit these to my GF's size 5 boots and the extension bar ran into the rear points of the crampon. I had to file them down. When I bought a pair specifically for her boots, they had already been cut down substantially in a similar fashion, so it was not a problem specific to my pair; they just aren't made for tiny boots right out of the box.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

0 Comments

Sold Out

Nice Sack

Outdoor Research Durable Stuff Sack

Outdoor Research Durable Stuff Sack

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

A friend got the 30L sack. It's heavy for a backpacking accessory, and I'm not sure what I'd pack in this if I were using it to backpack, but it seems like it would be useful to compartmentalize things in a duffle for either car-camping or climbing trips where weight and packability aren't as important. It is waterproof-ish, but not roll-top, so stuff will get wet if you're getting drenched.Four stars for dirt cheap organization on car-based trips.

I believe he got Cayenne, which has more copper in the color and is less washed-out looking than the picture.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Seem to Run Small

Five Ten Gambit Climbing Shoe - Women's- 2009

Five Ten Gambit Climbing Shoe - Women's- 2009

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

I bought three sizes around the range of my gf's foot for her to try. They were all way too small. They look like nice shoes, but she'll probably go with another pair she bought at the same time that fits.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Small, Lightweight, No Glass

Brunton Lucy Butane Lantern

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

I love how small this is and that I don't have to worry about breaking the globe on my Coleman lantern.I typically use my Coleman on cabin trips, and I bought two of these to replace one of those. They'll be easier to pack and travel with, but the gas is more expensive, the lanterns are more expensive, and they likely cast less light together than the Coleman dual mantle lantern alone.I'll update this after I have an opportunity to use it for the purpose I intended. So far I have only use it to light up my kitchen, which it seemed to do as well as I expected.Update: Used it on a car camping trip where the weight, size, and glass of the larger coleman would not have been a bother, but it was nice to have this little, VERY stable lantern that produced plenty of light for our makeshift kitchen. In fact, we often complain that the Coleman makes too much light and we have to turn it down to protect our eyes, so this lantern was great all around.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great House/Apres Shoe

Simple GUMShoe Hemp Shoe - Men's

Simple GUMShoe Hemp Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

I don't think this would look great to wear around town, but I think they'll be great around the house and hanging out in the bar after skiing/hiking/climbing/etc. They're comfy, slip on with or without the back up, and look good.

Edit:
I've been wearing them around town and to work, mostly without socks. There is very little padding in the heel, so I feel every step as my heel hits the ground. There is also very little ventilation, so my feet get pretty sweaty. I expect that they'll get gross smelling if I keep wearing them like regular shoes.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

0 Comments

Sold Out

Suprisingly Wool-ish Texture, Very Casual

Sherpa Adventure Gear Khampa Hooded Sweater - Men's

Sherpa Adventure Gear Khampa Hooded Sweater - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

I've gotten a lot of compliments on this, so I decided to keep it.

This is a good sweater/sweatshirt for hanging around the house or around the cabin or elsewhere that you don't really care about wind or style.

The hood is nice and fits well enough that a cinch isn't necessary. The color was a bit odd to me to begin with. Not sure if it's grey, green, or beige. The elastic around the wrists and waist is a little tight. It's too baggy/bunchy to use as an underlayer, so it's strictly an apres-whatever piece of gear.

It has grown on me as a nice piece of casual outerwear. Don't expect to use it as a piece of technical clothing and you'll be very happy.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Super Soft, Huge Sole, Awkward

Sanuk Heat Seeker Shoe - Men's

Sanuk Heat Seeker Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 May 19, 2010

I had to return these. The lining is extremely soft and nice to the touch. They neither fit over nor under my pants. The sandal base to these is really large, relative to the amount of sole necessary to support a foot. It looks pretty strange in person. I had high hopes for a nice slip on boot in which to walk to class in the snow. Any recommendations?

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Weird Looking

Sorel Fairbanks Shoe - Men's

Sorel Fairbanks Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 May 19, 2010

These are big, heavy, and strange looking.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

These would make a great bra if I had boobs on my knees

Stoic Overhang Pant - Men's

Stoic Overhang Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

I almost returned these when i saw how baggy the knee area was. It is probably marginally easier to bend my knee as a result, but I'd prefer pants that I could wear to the bar after hiking/climbing/etc without being embarrassed by the boobs on my knees.

I really wish that BC had stuck with the goat logo on these pants. I think the goat and BC are way cooler than the new stoic brand they're pushing.All that said, these pants seem really breathable, have nice pockets, easy zippers, and sit nicely in a climbing harness or under a backpack waist belt. They'll be great for outdoor activities where I'm more concerned about functionality than looks.

Nailed It? 2 Yes

3 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Bleh. I look like a snowboarder.

Backcountry.com Creek Softshell Hat

Backcountry.com Creek Softshell Hat

Rating for this product: 1 May 19, 2010

I bought this b/c it was cheap off of SAC. Unfortunately, the L/XL is still too small for my giant dome, and the styling isn't quite the retro/classic/ski style that I'm looking for. It's more Jesse James, new school snowboarder than I'm looking for.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

So Soft!

Backcountry.com Dreamland T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Dreamland T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 19, 2010

I <3 BC.com and SAC.com. Thankfully, they've made the most absurdly soft t-shirt I've ever owned to make it easy to show off my mindless devotion to an internet retailer.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Kidzie but Comfy

Simple CARwalk Shoe - Men's

Simple CARwalk Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

I like these shoes a lot. They look like i'm wearing some sort of plaid carpet and the low-top is awkward looking to wear with shorts, but with pants, I think they look great. They're fun looking and comfortable. Four stars only because there is no chance that these would repel water at all.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

First Dedicate Ski Bag - Pretty Good

Gregory Targhee Backpack - 1900-2200cu in

Gregory Targhee Backpack - 1900-2200cu in

Rating for this product: 4 May 19, 2010

Love the color. Love the huge amount of stuff I can stuff into this and have it all sealed up with waterproof zips. There are a lot of options for attaching things, but I'm not sure I'll ever use anything but A-Frame. However, I've seen a couple times that after I put the A-Frame carry together, the tails hit my legs while I'm walking. Any tips for making this work better? I suspect I just need to get better at cinching it all down properly. Once the skis are tight, they carry very nicely with little unnecessary wiggle.

It has a pretty sturdy frame, so it's a little heavy.

Overall, very satisfied.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Large = Perfect for Ski Gear

Mountainsmith Travel Trunk

Mountainsmith Travel Trunk

Rating for this product: 5 May 19, 2010

I have the large in red. It's awesome for packing up all the gear I'm going to put on to go skiing along with apres ski gear. It's big enough to hold boots, hats, helmets, jackets, gloves, food, etc for a full day of skiing. I can usually pack all my gf's boots and gear along with mine, with a little shoving. Perfect for winter sports where I pack a backpack full of stuff for the day and this bag full of the stuff I want to put on immediately.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Sold Out

Meh

Mountain Hardwear Tilton Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Tilton Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 May 19, 2010

I got this in lava and wasn't thrilled. Sent it back.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Flexible Day/Multi-Day Pack

Gregory Z 55 Backpack - 3112-3722cu in

Gregory Z 55 Backpack - 3112-3722cu in

Rating for this product: 5 May 18, 2010

This pack has been light enough to use on all my day trips and packs down small enough so nothing bounces around. It's big enough and light enough to carry everything for rock/ice climbing. I haven't used it on an overnight, but it's big enough for a weekend trip. The apparent lack of external water bottle pockets is a little confusing, but they actually fit fairly well in the sides of the kangaroo packet on the outside. I prefer the internal bladder pouch.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

1 Comment

Temporarily Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Love it, but not completely care-free

Mission Playground Larsen Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Mission Playground Larsen Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 May 18, 2010

Nice, light shirt with a cool print. Great for the summer. Wish they had the rust version in my size. Only problem is that the collar gets all crinkled in the wash. I don't want to have to iron a shirt like this.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Blech

Sierra Designs Hurricane Pant - Men's

Sierra Designs Hurricane Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 May 18, 2010

Zero styling, cheap appearance, and cheapo nylon that didn't seem breathable at all. Got them for $20, but not worth it.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Meh

Oakley Dredge 2.8 Board Short - Men's

Oakley Dredge 2.8 Board Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 May 18, 2010

I got these in "Blue Print". They are way too "baby blue", so I never wear them.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Terrible

G3 Trim Tool

G3 Trim Tool

Rating for this product: 1 January 25, 2010

Is this only designed for G3 skins? It doesn't say so in the description. I used them on the first of my BD Ascension skins and it was a miserable experience.

The tab that lifts the skin stuck to the glue so badly that it was nearly impossible to push and gouged a jagged line down the skin that only barely followed the profile of the ski.

I used the included BD "paper cutter" tool to do my second skin. It was amazingly easy, made a perfect profile, and took half as long, even with the mandatory repositioning of the skin.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

2 Comments

Sold Out