Backcountryoutlet.com Newsletter Articles

When Backcountry.com was searching for a Quality Analyst to monitor Customer Service calls, we did what any self-respecting company would have done. We got a singer/guitar player from a crazy loud rock band to monitor our Gearheads and ensure customers get the best service possible. When Peter Makowski isn’t on tour with Form of Rocket, he’s here playing Big Brother while the Gearheads hook people up with the new toys they’ve been drooling over. Though Peter has been snowboarding, hiking, biking, and camping for most of his life, his time at Backcountry.com has lead to a new found climbing addiction. We asked the man with ten piercings to pick his five favorite pieces of gear.

Super comfy helmet. It’s not the lightest, but it takes a beating. I’ve used it on plenty of trad routes, and it has saved my noggin from many falling rocks. It’s especially helpful when I'm not paying attention, and I smack my head into a huge bolder—which happens way too often.

Nice and simple harness. No B.S. and very comfortable. It's a really good harness for beginners. It has adjustable leg loops, so it can be used for all types of climbing. It's really nice when you feel safe 500ft off the ground.

These sandals rule. They’re super comfy and bombproof. I’ve used them on a ton of approaches and a few canyoneering trips and they work great. They’re really lightweight and the sole is super sticky. I even wear them while mowing my lawn or going to the bar. Chaco—not just for hippies anymore. I wear this Merino T-shirt all the time. It ultra light, soft, breathable, and it doesn’t smell like crap after a day of man sweat. I wear this thing climbing, hiking, riding my bike, pretty much anytime I know I’m gonna stink it up…and it never stinks, ever! Crazy. I wash this thing once a week and my girlfriend will still make out with me after a 40 mile ride. Thank you Icebreaker, thank you.

I was a little sketched by the wire gates on these ’biners, but they really do the job. Super-light weight. I can hardly tell when they're clipped to my harness. Easy to use, they clip in really nicely. I'll use these from now on unless a locking biner is necessary. No more heavy carabiners.