Reviews by User: Stan (34)

These are my first pair of Dynafit bindings (switched from Fritschi) and I am now a huge fan! Initially I was hesitant (a little less inspiring when you look down and don't see a substantial binding). The first few times out were like switching to SPD bicycle pedals, a little finicky but after a small adjustment period I am as fast as friends using other systems. Slightly heavier than the Dynafit TLT speed bindings (335g from Dynafit's website), however the extra DIN is worth it. I have not released from these bindings yet and the ability to lock the toe on those sketchy runs is a huge plus (definitely won't lose your skis). I have these mounted on a pair of Volkl Gotamas and I had to bend out the brakes slightly to fit the 105mm waist. The only negative is that the DIN markings and logos on the top of the heal piece are starting to fade with wear from contact of the soles of my boots however this is a minor issue.

This stuff is awesome! I wear this year round, and add another layer over top in the winter. Super comfy and the no stink factor on multi-day trips is a huge plus.

Replaces my larger Telepro shovel. The telescoping shaft was a must for me as I do use this shovel quite often for digging profile pits. Although not as light as some of the other shovels it combines durability and size to make a very usable but packable shovel.

These mittens are super warm! Best warmth for the price that I have found. I have terribly cold hands and use the mittens on those cold days at the resort, in addition I always carry them with me into the backcountry (mostly the Canadian Rockies). Durability thus far (two years) has been great.

Got these to replace my seven year old Marmot ATV pants which I absolutely loved but are no longer made. Great quality, the full length zips are a huge plus. The only thing that I can see being a problem are the horizontal orientation of the two front pockets while wearing a harness, otherwise a great pant.

Great concept in a compact unit. Only negative is the small possibility that not all of the water (the amount that remains on the threads or top of the container that you use to obtain the water) will be sterilized. Great alternative to chemicals or the hassle of pumping water. Also AA batteries are easy to obtain around the world which will purify a lot of water.

Every time that I pull this out of my pack my friends are super jealous. I have spent about 60 nights on this pad both cycle touring and backpacking. This is the most comfortable pad that I have owned (previously have used thermarest) and as an added bonus it packs down super small. Only complaint is that it does feel somewhat narrow however this is an acceptable trade-off for its super low size/weight. It is cooler that other pads that I have used but even with winter time use it hasn't been a problem yet. Get one, you won't regret it.

This is my first Mont Bell product and I can say that I am a huge fan! Great quality workmanship/materials. Super light weight and packs small (smaller than a 1L nalgene bottle). Great warmth for its weight (too warm to wear indoors). I generally wear a medium (5'8" 150lbs) and find this jacket to be on the smaller side, which for its intended use (layering under a shell) will work just fine. I would suggest sizing up if it is going to be used for casual wear. On one other note, the shell material is very shiny... which is a small trade off for a otherwise great piece of gear.

I have used these skins for the past four years. Lighter than the Ascension line (great on fatter skis), and more flexible in the cold. I haven't had an issue with durability yet and have taken them over rocks/tree stumps. Attachment system is the best and most secure that I have used yet even on my twin tipped Volkl Gotamas.

I have been through two of these... the first one has fogging under the lens without any exposure to water and the second was flooded after a 95ft dive. For the price this watch seeems well built and is very comfortable. The keeper for the strap end works better than any other watch that I've owned. Too bad that it isn't waterproof to its rating.

Good for those cooler fall/spring days. Fits well with leg armour. The range of motion is good for the amount of pedaling that accompanies freeriding. Durability has been great with no tears or holes after a few good tumbles. I really like the pockets on the front of the leg... easy to access while riding and you don't have to injure yourself from things in your pockets.

These skis rock... perfect dimensions for everyday skis in the Canadian Rockies. Mounted with Marker Dukes for my slack-country setup. Looks like the '09 version is slightly wider and has a smaller turn radius which may make for even better all mountain performance.

I wear these mountain biking and skiing. The larger nose pads that are included are great for those with smaller nose bridges. The Unobtanium rubber on the nose/arms have great grip on my head. Perfect sport shades.

I have the CX (carbon fiber) version of this which functionally is exactly the same but sheds some weight. This minimal tool is light enough that I find that I carrying it around more often than the full Leatherman. Has the basic tools necessary to carry out most repairs and I have not yet found myself wishing that I had carried a larger tool more often.

I mainly use this for backcountry skiing and have been using this watch for two years. Like the other reviews state, the HR functions on this watch are basic, if you are looking for more than your basic heart rate then look at more dedicated watches. The altimeter/barometer are fairly dependable. The menu/operation of this watch is fairly simple and easy to remember from one ski season to the next.

After research and frustration with my MSR Hubba Hubba's lack of ventilation I found this tent. While slightly heavier that some of the other 'super-lights', the awesome design is well worth it. Great ventilation (one on each vestibule). Packs down well, I usually split up the tent between two people, into two of the smallest OR compression sacks (no problems getting the fly compress like one other user). Vestibules are an appropriate size to store our gear and keep it from the rain. This tent has been around the world and is great in inclement weather as well as in hotter more arid climates. Get a few extra stakes and a gear loft to supplement.

I purchased this beacon after using an Ortovox M2 beacon for four years. I have worked in the ski industry for two years and am well trained with analog beacons so was skeptical at first about how much these beacons take away from thinking as I was used to. At first glance the user interface was really simple to use. After three weeks of using the beacon and putting it through its paces I came to this conclusion that I could not use this beacon with a clear conscious. The user interface was great, simple to use and made multiple burials a snap (also great for those who are not as well practiced at their searches). The only downfall (and a huge one) is the range, or lack there of. In comparison to the Ortovox F1, the range of the Pulse was consistantly about 1/3 that of the F1's distance ...unacceptable. I could not keep this beacon, knowing what one day it might cost someone their life so it went back and I am back to an Ortovox F1 until the technology improves in the digital beacon field.

These have been my go-to goggles for the past ten years. Fit my smaller face perfectly and go well with my Giro Fuse helmet. As mentioned else where, don't wipe the inside of the lens if they are wet or you will scratch them up (dab instead). Lots of options of lens choices for a wide range of conditions (my favs are HI Yellow, Persimmon and Black Iridium).

Great side-country bindings. Super bomber alpine bindings with the option to release the heal. Ignore the reviews stating that they are a hassle as you have to remove your skis to switch from ski to tour mode as you have to with AT specific bindings such as Dynafit too. Also, have you ever tried to put your skins on without removing your skis? Slightly finicky going from tour to ski as you have to ensure that the binding is clear of snow and interfacing correctly with the base plate however not a deal breaker. A bit heavy and the incompatibility to accept non DIN type boot soles make these not great for an AT specific setup for me but make a perfect down hill setup with the ability to hike off the resort.

MontBell Ultralight Down Parka - Men's As mentioned earlier, Montbell has adjusted their sizing... I have a 2006 UL Thermawrap in a medium that is on the edge of being too small and this weighed heavily when purchasing this jacket however when it arrived it fit perfectly. I am a medium in most other brands: Arcteryx, icebreaker, marmot, etc... and this is bang on. The label reads US - M, JP - L

My new favorite skis... I am 5'8" and have the 189cm mounted at +6 with Rossi SAS2 140 bindings. A little history, I currently own 08 Dynastar Legend Pro's 186cm, 08 Rossignol Bandit Quad 184cm, and 01 Salomon Pocket Rocket 185cm. I also have owned a pair 04 Volkl Gotama's 176cm. These are by far the most fun skis I have ever skied. You have to ski these differently than regular cambered skis however they let you charge in everything from untracked to crud. I will definitely be pulling these out whenever there is any fresh snow on the ground.

Upgraded after many years of using the Petzl Tikka... which was sufficient until friends started to get these new generation of LED headlamps that produce more light. Although not the brightness it is a good compromise for its size.

I owned the 7 pump version with the pump built into the mattress for a short time before returning it for exchange of the older model (stuff sack pump). It looked great the first time I used it at home but after storage in the sack in combination with cooler temperatures the pump took a real long time to fill the mattress and because this is filled with down, you can't blow it up with your mouth or the pads insulation will be compromised. Other than my pump concerns, this pad works well.

This is the second Exped/OR sleeping pad that I own. Be aware that Exped is changing this model for 2009 and the new pad has the pump built right into the mat. I thought that this would be great at first but after the pad is stored in the storage sack in combination with cooler temps the pump takes a very long time to fill the pad. The original pump/storage sack is the better choice in my opinion.

I have been using these for four years with out any problems. Lighter and more supple that the BD Ascensions, have not had any issues with durability. Tip/Tail system is the best that I've seen yet.

Got these mounted on my Hellbents... solid so far. Only wish that they offered different width brakes instead of having to buy after.

Quick deployment and great construction. The newer smaller sectioned probes are great for putting in those smaller more accessible pockets in your pack (each section measures 15.5"). Have been using this for about a year both side country and AT... no durability issues yet.

Great quality, fit and finish as you would only expect from Arcteryx. I know that this pack was designed to be light and minimal to keep the weight/bulk down but a few additional features would make this the perfect pack (side/back access, hydration sleeve and slightly more padding on the shoulder/hip belts).

I bought this to replace my eight year old Giro Flint helmet. I find that I have a head that will only fit into Giro ski and bike helmets (I have tried to fit into other brands with out luck). This helmet has superb venting and the fit has been greatly improved with the addition of the micro-adjust dial that sits under the occipital part of your skull. Also fits perfect with my Oakley A frame goggles.

I own two pairs of these... they fit me perfectly (I generally find that Arcteryx products fit me better that most of the other major manufacturers). I wear them under soft shell pants while b/c skiing in the Canadian Rockies from fall through spring. They regulate my body temperature very well and the merino wool is great for the no stink factor on multi day trips. I have two years of use from the first pair and no signs of wear.

Having spent many years training as a ski patrol with this beacon, I find that I still can't persuade myself to switch to one of the newer digital beacons. The range (when searching), in my opinion, cannot be matched by the beacons currently offered on the market today. The F1 is a great beacon if you are practiced, if not you may have quicker results with a digital beacon. Also, I find that I get much greater battery life that any of my friends who use digital beacons. Simple, tried and tested get an F1!

I have been using liquid fuel stoves for the last ten years and finally decided to get a canister stove to lighten my pack. Great little stove, can be used with all other thread on canisters (Snow Peak branded ones just happen to be the cheapest for me to get here in Canada). Great life out of the canisters for summer use and good control of flame intensity.

I generally have difficulty finding a great fit with footwear. Even amongst the different models that Garmont offers only a few fit well. These shoes felt as comfy out of the box as they are now that they are broken in. As the other reviewer noted, the rear of the shoe does come up higher than other shoes in this category and I can notice it when walking down steeper terrain. Great as an approach shoe/light hiker.

I have spent the last few years in search of the "perfect" soft shell jacket to accompany me backcountry skiing. While I have always had my eye on this jacket, the cost was always a huge deterrent for me. Three soft shells later, I finally sprung for this jacket and couldn't have been happier. The larger collar allows me to keep my neck/chin warm on those chilly early mornings. The hood is perfect for keeping my head warm when the wind picks up, and even fits alpine helmets. The zippers (pit zips, and pockets) work very smoothly and open/close without much effort. The chest pockets are placed perfectly to allow operation while wearing a pack. The windstopper fabric that this shell is constructed from is perfect for me as I find myself a "cold" person while outdoors. In summary, I wished I had just spent the money and not wasted my time with other jackets.