This is my first pair of pants I've given a true five star rating. The Rampart pants are absolutely incredible, with their only down side being their price tag. They met or exceeded my expectations in every way, and because climbing is such a demanding sport, thats no easy task. I climb at least 4 days a week at my local gym, mostly bouldering and overhanging sport climbing. These pants have seen many hiking trips and outdoor excurions, with the biggest being a two week climbing trip to Squamish B.C. These pants are my favorite choice simply because they meet a climbers needs immaculately. They pack down into a smaller package than most shorts, and weigh the weight of most shorts too. Being full length pants, they offer excellent protection and abrasion resistance against unforgiving rock. They are almost completely nylon, and ultra thin and flexible. Permitting complete freedom of movement and breathability. They have a diamond gussetted croch, and are fully articulated in design. The Rampart also features six high volume pockets, with top flaps to prevent items and valubles from falling out during what ever activity who are doing. Like most Arcteryx products, they are pricey but also very high quality. I was lucky enough to find these pants half off, but I would have been more than willing to have paid the full price, these babies are well worth it. I dont know what to say other than: this is a must have pant for any serious climber. I love my Rampart Pants and I KNOW you will too.

In my mind, the charictaristics of exceptional climbing pants are: freedom of motion, abrasion resistance (duability), and lighweightness. And as far as I can tell, these capris were intended by Prana to excell as a climbing oriented peice of clothing. I've owned these pants for many months, and though out their life time, they've seen several bouldering setions at the gym, a two week trip in Squamish, and many casual days of wear. I rank these pants very high among my climbing clothes, an use them very often. Its because they live up to my three golden expectations. They are very strechy in fabric and articulated in construction. A built in, sinch style belt makes shure they sit high on your waist, and a gusseted croch promotes freedom of movement, as well as flexibility during high steps and any other rediculous positions you might find yourself in on the wall. A durable nylon and spandex blend (97/3) helps protect your legs in the middle of knee bars, as well as any other types of contact with the unforgiving surface of which your ascending. And un-suprisingly these nickers also come in at a low weight becasue of their lack of length on your lower leg. Once you throw in the water resistant surface, and the five mesh pockets, these pants are a truly remarkable addition to your climbing wardrobe. I highly recomend them to any outdoor-er looking for an excellent pair of pants. I love my Nemisis Nickers, and I KNOW you will too.

This carabiner is both very good and very bad. It excels in single pich routes, but slows down long multi pitch climbs. With that said, I think BD made a very smart product. It eliminates cross loading completely, and really shines in regards to safety. Even though this piece of gear seems bomber it lacks speed and freedom of motion during handling. If youve been climbing for a while, and rely on a fast and efficient system in between pitches, or on belays and repells, this carabiner might slow you down. Clipping and unclipping frequently can turn into a chore, an if more than one harness loop is through the lower gate it can block the main gate from opening easily. This might seem like a minor defect, but it can have dangerous consequences that a normal locking carabiner wouldn't. I say this because I had an unfortunate experiance with this carabiner. During a multipitch route at a local crag this problem kept happening to me. Because I always load more than one harness loop into the lower gate, I contiuously struggled to open the main gate of this device. It became very irratating, and complicated my situation greatly. I was switching over from a lead to belay up my partner who would be cleaning. I clipped the biner onto two harness loops and locked the two loops through the lower gate securing them. Then i clippped my ATC in and finally tried to get the rope fed through. I had my hands full and because of my biners new polished surface, my ATC slipped out of the main gate and plummetted to the ground. I had to resort to alternate means of belay, and had to rap off with out a belay divice... Not fun. So ironically, this super "safe" device created a potentially life threatening senario for me, and put my partner in danger too. BUT KEEP IN MIND, if you only load one harness loop into the lower gate, the main gate will still open freely, making the overall useage much smoother. Any way, always remember to BE SAFE, BE CAREFUL, and CLIMB HARD!

Ive had this pack for three years now and its durbility cotinues to impress me. When I first purchased this pack, I was looking for a school bag that would last me about a year until i could buy a nicer one. It didnt look bad so i decided to pick it up. Now after years of abuse, Im sitting down and recomending it. The varial backack single handedly changed my perpectve of Dakine. Its uncomprimising build quality and suprisingly good duraility has withstood countless days at school and multiple trips to the mountains. Even though this pack may not look as striking as some of Dakines's other packs, it holds its own against many other more expensive options.

Over all this backpack is a fantastic choice for the price, and I strongly recomend it.

When I was looking for my first bag this one caught my eye. The materials were nice, the colors were great, and hey, it's made my Arcteryx. Even though the price is a bit steep I decided to pick it up, and over time my love for this bag grew. Its a bit small, but for a good reason, its light! Really light! because it's Arcteryx I was expecting alot from it and Im continuously impressed. Its still holding up fine and has been crushed in my pack, and abused at the crag. This little bag is fantastic. Throw in the erganomic, bendable rim, and the awesome carrying pocket, this chalk bag will impress you too. The only reason it doesn't deserve five stars is the permenently attached belt.

Possibly the best sounding celebrity headphone, second to the Quincy Jones AKG's. For a celebrity endorsed can, these are pretty solid. Not quite worth the price in my mind, no rapper headphones are, but these run low compared to the Beats Pros, and they still sound much better. Whats more, is that (like the Rocnation Aviators) Skull candy resisted the urge to bring a ton of bass to the table, which is a huge plus. Most rapper headphones, butcher the sound due to an extremely excentuated bass. This just shows how uneducated rappers like Dre are about audio reproduction. BUT, these are much , much better. Add the awesome DJ features , and it makes this a pretty bomber can. The only downfall to the mix masters are the way they look. Im not all for the darth vader style, but hey, Ill live. JUST KNOW. These are still a rapper can, and lets face it, theyre made by skullcandy. If you want a better sounding headphone check out sennheiser, Koss, AKG, Bose,Audio Technica, even sony and phillips' web sites. These are where the real headphones lie.

Please oh please dont take the three stars as an insult, because Im not trying to degrade these headphones. I am not. The fact is, is that I believe these headphones live up to the hype theyve been getting. And trust me, Im thrilled I finally have found a decent sounding rapper can. Unlike Dre's glorified beats, I found that skull candy resisted the urge to bring a tremendous amount of bass into the picture, and for that Im very thankful. The issue with headphones like beats, is that they are very overpriced for the quality of sound, I know now a days teenagers want tons of base to compliment their rap and techno music, but making horrendous sounding headphones isn't the way to go. Fundamentally, I have a big problem with people like Dre, 50, and Ludacris excentuating the low end of their headphones, because, if people want lots of bass now, (which by the way I do not,) Then producers and artists should step up and mix it with extra base in the studio! Honestly. BUT. Skullcandy like I said, did not. Both this headphone, and their new Mix Master Mike's sound suprisingly good. NOT GREAT, BUT GOOD. If you didn't know, if you want a good sounding headphone, simply look at the AKG, Koss, Bose, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, even Sony and Phillips web sites, and I think you will be pleasantly suprised with the choices they offer. I dont recommend this headphone to anyone, but if you want a decent sounding rapper can, get these. The sound is smooth and clear, with a strong spectrum of sound, and reasonably nuetral response. ONE NOTE THOUGH. These headphones do not isolate sound worth crap. Its hard to even call them a closed headphone, so with that said. I'd never use these in public when lots of people are around you. which honestly sort of defeats the purpose of all the overexaggerated cosmetics.... yeah, so if I were you, I wouldn't buy these, really ever...

Please oh please dont take the three stars as an insult, because Im not trying to degrade these headphones. I am not. The fact is, is that I believe these headphones live up to the hype theyve been getting. And trust me, Im thrilled I finally have found a decent sounding rapper can. Unlike Dre's glorified beats, I found that skull candy resisted the urge to bring a tremendous amount of bass into the picture, and for that Im very thankful. The issue with headphones like beats, is that they are very overpriced for the quality of sound, I know now a days teenagers want tons of base to compliment their rap and techno music, but making horrendous sounding headphones isn't the way to go. Fundamentally, I have a big problem with people like Dre, 50, and Ludacris excentuating the low end of their headphones, because, if people want lots of bass now, (which by the way I do not,) Then producers and artists should step up and mix it with extra base in the studio! Honestly. BUT. Skullcandy like I said, did not. Both this headphone, and their new Mix Master Mike's sound suprisingly good. NOT GREAT, BUT GOOD. If you didn't know, if you want a good sounding headphone, simply look at the AKG, Koss, Bose, Sennheiser, Audio Technica, even Sony and Phillips web sites, and I think you will be pleasantly suprised with the choices they offer. I dont recommend this headphone to anyone, but if you want a decent sounding rapper can, get these. The sound is smooth and clear, with a strong spectrum of sound, and reasonably nuetral response. ONE NOTE THOUGH. These headphones do not isolate sound worth crap. Its hard to even call them a closed headphone, so with that said. I'd never use these in public when lots of people are around you. which honestly sort of defeats the purpose of all the overexaggerated cosmetics.... yeah, so if I were you, I wouldn't buy these, really ever...

If I wanted to waste money, all that I'd do is put it through my paper shredder, instead of going to Best Buy and getting these. I'm an audiophile, and appritiate high quality sound reproduction, so I guess you could say these headphones aren't for me. But, dont get me wrong, if all you are looking for is a cool looking pair of cans around your neck, all your friends will blindly approve of, then these are the headphones for you. trust me when I say these headphones aren't worth 200 dollars, even remotely. For a rapper can, I'd suggest the Skull Candy Mix Master Mike headphone. Which has astonishingly better sound. Even if they dont look as cool. But any person educated in the world of audio preformance, would just go for a pair of bose, seinnheiser, or any other quality pair of headphones. And not celebrity made ones... Remember all rappers care about is YOUR MONEY. So dont be decived for a second by the cool sleek look of Dr. Dre's beats. He does,t care what they sound like...

In conclusion, I'm not saying these headphones aren't fit for listening, I'm saying they aren't fit for the price tag.

Wouldn't recommend for anyone

This shoe is my first from the La Sportiva mountain running line. I've never owned a pair of La Sportiva's before other than my very first climbing shoe, the Nagos. With my inexperiance stated, I'll go on to say that these are my favorite pair of shoes I've ever owned. I couldn't be anymore happy with the fit, feel, and the way that they preform. The Quantum, one of La Spo's two shoes utilizing their Morphodynamic technology, is extremely comfortable and shock absorbant. The Frixion out sole is grippy and flexible, while still being highly durable. Over all the upper breathes quite well, and still protects against mud, dirt and light water. A very well rounded trail and mountain running shoe is what La Sportiva crafted when they addded this piece to their arsenal of preformance footwear.

My personal experiance: A day or two after I pulled them out of the box, I thew em' on and hit the trails. I couldn't be more pleased. The first thing I noticed about the outside of the shoe was the unique style and colors. I chose the typical yellow and black. The lacing system is very cool, and incorporates a zig zag pattern the laces feed through, this allows the laces to tighten the entire mid section of the shoe. This system that wraps around your foot, already makes the shoe feel like a second skin. As I put them on and tighted them up, I noticed the breathibility of the upper sole, which is perferated in two places, keeping your foot cool. I couldn't wait to run in them, so I did. It was a squshy day on the trails, and I heard these shoes dont preform well in mud. Hmmmmm. I dont know what mud other people were running in, because these worked great. Evenn with the smooth, wavy out sole. The shoe stayed stable, and true to my foot as I lept over big puddles and trudged though dirt. Whats more, is that I even tested the morphodynamic technology's legendary adaptability. to get to my trail head, I ran along road sides on cement, then on gravel and flat, compact dirt. Then finaly to juicy wet trails, then back again. What suprised mr most is that slowly I could feel the sole remembering the shape of my foot, and soon I felt like I was stepping in the same spot over and over again. Then I realized I was stepping on rocks, then back to cement, and more rocks. Bottom line... Adaptable. Above all else. I couldn't belive my eyes or my feet.

I love my new shoes. I hope you will too.

Very basic hat. The top has a six dart design for a more flexibile and and better fit that most other hats. Big ARCTERYX text wraps all the way around to the back of the hat. Double layered head band to keep your ears warm and adds comfort. The wool and acrilic blend are a little ichy at first but soften up after being washed a few times. This cap is pretty basic but aslo fits the bill for almost any task. Also stylish!!!

I started my search for a water proof shell with a company i have loved a long time. Arcteryx, their products preform exceptionally, and I knew I never could go wrong with gore-tex. I live in seattle where it rains, well, alot and I thought I'll need the best jacket to stay dry. I'll admitt I have an eye for extremely expensive and out standing clothing, thats why I wanted the big, bold Arc logo on my chest. But as I know, and and continue to find out, I simply cant get around the expensive prices of Core-loft, windwall, or gore-tex, brands like Arcteryx use in their jackets, or all of their garmets for that matter. So I tried to find a substitute for these technologies. Originally I thought I might be able to get a jacket from Arc that isn't Gore-tex, I thought I could settle with a water resistant hoody that would still fit my situation. But in the end I was slapped awake by a jacket I thought never would...

I have a pair of columbia titanium ski pants that have never failed me, and continue to make me prowd even after many seasons of wear. So, thinking i use this jacket for the similaar purpose, i went to columbia.com... What I found was a much more honest and reasonable approach to outdoor clothing and gear. I found prices that blew me away, so inexpensive! I thought: this couldn't preform even close to Arcteryx's clothing!... Oh, was I wrong. This jacket doesn't only keep you warm, it is a total storm fortress. Blocking out water , and shedding snow, now matter how much. Its also breathable. (not as much as had I hoped, but it works) This jacket is awesome, really comfortable, and also stylish. Great range of motion, and flexibility, the arms are articulated as well as almost evey other part of it. The iside is ined with soft and breathable mesh fabrick, not to mention the thousands of tiny silver dots, reminding me cold weather is no longer a concern. This piece of gear has an exellent hood, easily detachable, and fully adustable. The hood's inside is lined with more mesh, and luxurious polyester panelling, placed carefully to keep the hood on your head, this also your head warm. The same polyester material also lines the deep side pockets, and top cuff around your chin and neck, an added comfort bonus. It feels great.

This jacket taught me more than I ever expected, and brings me incredible joy time and time again. No, No. it's not Arcteryx, and I'm proud of it.

Buy this jacket.

I love these shorts alot. Being a climber, light weight, flexible clothing is important to me and these shorts are just that. On the longer side, these shorts protect your knees and offer suprising durability and abrasion restistance. They aren't quite 3/4 long and aren't quite 1/2, which I love, its great because unlike long pants these shorts wont reach down to your feet and interfere with your footing on small holds. I love the breathebility and fit of these shorts, they are more centered for movement and athletic activities, but can still be worn around town and simpily all the time.
Near perfect and well worth the price. (especially for climbers!)

Hope it helps!

These were my first climbing shoes, and I now use them for warming up and traversing. They preformed well when I first bought them but once there edge was gone I had to either resole or upgrade to a new shoe... I upgraded. But not to say the Nagos wren't good, they were, and still are. I tend to smear, and use blunt force when I cmilb in these now. My new shoes are the Anansazi Arrowhead and they edge like no other. This led me into the world of teqnique and precision. Now when I climb i don't allways go for the biggest foot holds I see like I had to with these.

I recomend this shoe to beginners, or people looking for a very casual, laid back piece of footwear, that isn't forced onto very difficult routes.

Hope it helps!

These shoes suprised me the first time I opened the box, they are bright, bright orange. From pictures online its hard to tell, but buyers beware. Anyway, these shoes once I tried them on hurt my feet... alot, usually I try to downsize my rock shoes at least half to a full size, but these I had to go big. I was a little disapointed with the fit and feel, I put them on and took a lap around the living room, and let me say, my toes were numb when I took them off, but never the less I took a leap of faith and bought them.

Two weeks latter...
Once I broke these shoes in I love them, no doubt, one hundred percent. What hurt originally was the tops of my toes that were constantly being forced against the top of the shoe. I later have found out that the perferated rand is there for a reason, after a good five bouldering sessions my feet felt fine, and I'm very glad. How do they preform? Amazingly. I can stand on the smallest micro edges with ease. I can jam and twist my foot into any position I need to in order to make the move necessary. This shoe took me from the world of V1-3, into the world of V4-6. I can now top out on 11a,b,c,d's. And can lead them in the gym too. Let me make myself perfectly clear when I say these shoes don't mess around. Plus the velco dual closure system and split tounge openning allow me to take this shoe on and off in record time, letting my feet take a break. The Cowdura tounge and full lined synthetic upper wick all moisture of my feet and keep me cool as well as dry for long climbs and never ending multi-pitch routes.

The only thing this shoe might lack is grip on overhanging routes. Unfortuanately me, being an avid boulderer, need a shoe than can grip to what ever I thow it on. Infact I was a little disapointed with Five Ten for not finding a way to make their ONYX rubber stickier. But, after all, it is alot harder and more durable than many other rubbers, like Vibram's Ex-s Edge, MadRock's Science Friction, and Evolv's Trax rubber. I have only owned La Sportivas and Five Tens so far, so I'm not fermiliar with the preformance of these other rubbers. All I know is that I love these shoes, next pair might be a more bouldering- oriented shoe, hopefully that will edge similarly to this one. By the way, this shoe has a very wide heel cup, and me having a narrow heal have alot of trouble heel hooking on smaller holds. As far as toe hooking goes, I recommend Five Ten's Stealth Paint. If you can get it to work it provides massive coverage for crack climbing and toe hooks, BUT MAKE SURE you've broken in the shoe before applying it. Like I said the toe does expand and conform to your foot after a while.

In conclusion, I recommend this shoe to people who want to work their way into more advanced, and better preforming climbing footwear. This shoe, being down turned and rather uncomfortable at first, isn't a very good shoe for beginners. Good luck to all the climbers out there, and buyers, if this shoe sounds like he one you want I highly encourage you to get it, it's worth the high price.