Reviews by User: bob o (57)

The fabric is excellent... breaths well and completely waterproof. They say it is roomier than most bivy's, but it is still very cramped for my taste. I'm 5'10" and 155lbs...the length is fine, there is just little room for movement in the shoulders. Overall great quality, I guess bivys are not for me.

From hardpack to variable crud and pow, the mojo is probably the best ski in its class. Not quite a fat ski, but far from a mid-fat, this crossroads ski outperformed the scratch bc, dynastar legend, and the atomic stomp. With a sweet spot like no other this ski is already one of my favorites.

Although not a huge fan of skis with so much cut, these skis were good in crud, pow, heavy slop and variable soft snow. Not so good on ice, but who cares about that. Not as stiff as my usual skis, but it performed just as well and was light and energetic.

Here's a ski that pretty much does it all... groomers, crud, corn and especially pow. This is probably my favorite ski right now. Not to mention it is extremely lightweight, which makes it an ideal touring ski.

For a lightweight pack, the atmos 35 and 50 both carry heavier loads exceptionally well. The suspension system does not lack, and the hip belt proves to disperse the weight. The best part about the pack is the mesh back panel which allows your back to breath, especially since the pack structure keeps the pack off your back. Another Great design by Osprey.

When Raichle stopped making the flexon, I had to find a new home for my feet. After skiing about a half dozen boots, I went with the freerides. With almost no break in, an awesome stock liner, burly buckles and a progressive flex, these are my new favorite boots.

Don't trust shovel saws, as they are too flexible and short for cutting columns in the snow pack. Basically they are about as useful as a ski pole. Plus, it needs to be attached to the shovel handle in order to use it. This leaves you without a shovel for testing and shaping your snowpit. Bottom Line-Go with the independent snow saw. It's not heavy, and allows you to work much faster in the backcountry.

Yeah, this ski is huge, stiff and fast, but if you can hold your own, don't be scared to step it up. I'm only 155lbs and have no problems skiing this guy. Once you go fat there is no turning back...plus this ski kills it in the crud.

The taste is not bad, and if you add a little gatorade, it's all good.

Having tried all of Dynastars new line, the 8800 was probably the best ski I tested all year for an all around ski. If you can only have one, get the 88.

Unlike its spray counterpart, the wash-in applies an even and longer lasting coat. No need to touch up and no accidental overspray, or missing spots. Plus it doesn’t smell as bad.

Most lightweight shells advertise weather protection and breathability, but most are very clammy. This shell is probably the lightest in its class, and the most breathable of any rain jacket I've worn.

Although I don't snowboard, the pack works excellent for carrying skis diagonal, which I prefer. The best part is that you can keep your skis on the pack when accessing the pack due to the back panel access. Good Design.

Great for reconditioning old gear, just do not use too much as it will leave behind a residue and funky odor.

Pimp the retro aviator look, with high quality lenses. They fit comfy and are sure to kill it.

I can't tell you how much faster it is to leave the Home Depot. No more jimmy rigging. The load stops are easily adjustable and work great. Maybe I'll build another deck???

I've always been skeptical about the rigidity of screen rooms and awnings. It's solid design does not give up in moderate to heavy winds and the price is even better. Another car campers dream.

I'd like to consider my self a minimalist, but I like a good meal when I go camping. Carry everything you need and keep pack weight and size minimal. Giddyup.

Most veteran XC skiers, believe metal edges hinder kick and glide, but they have little effect on ski performance. These full metal edges combined with extra sidecut allow for easier downhill manuvering and are especially good for beginners looking to get off the beaten path.

Rob Machado knows whats up, this pack is perfect for the beach, durable outer material, wet and dry pockets, and stylin.

Lightweight, tour mode is very efficient, but they take some used to getting in and out, which is not a big deal unless you are always in transition between booting and skinning. Their so light it seems as if there is no binding at all. Scary.

Most of us never go camping in the rain, so if you live in a predictable climate, there's no reason for a tent. Now you can see the stars and keep your pack light.

Most down gear needs to be dry cleaned or so they say. That's why I never clean my down jacket, till now. Many thanks to Nikwax, my roomates send their love as well.

Probably one of the more comfortable sleeping pads in terms of cushioning and warmth. There is one drawback, the tapered cut does not allow for much movement. My feet always slip off the pad. Combine this with a big agnes sleeping bag to secure the pad with th sleeping bag and your'e set.

Fit Kit works, my A frames used to fog with both my giro and boeri helmets. No more fog with the kit, plus it fits with less strain on the face.

Most people think you can get away with a single climbing post. Those people swear at their AT partners. The steeper the climb, the higher the bar, the easier it is. Stop swearing.

The blacklite coating cleans easily and is hard to scratch. It’s all you can ask for in a pan. Also, the handle is great, it even on other brands it works.

We all rinse our camelbacks, but do they ever get cleaned. After some nagging, I bought the brush kit and got that green out of my hose. Works great.

This pack is probably the quickest touring pack around, strapping skis on and off couldn't be faster and easier. Just enough room for day tours. Great for transition touring between booting and skinning.

I'v had a pair of these shorts for at least 3 years of summertime abuse. As the others shorts wither away, these remain alive for the beating.

Most sunglasses make me look like a joke, but these fit just right, comfy and lightweight.

Using the 20x pen is not always great in the backcountry...hard to handle, easily fogs, and the hole is too small for viewing. With the 5X Magnifier, none of these pitfalls exist, however it is not as detailed. This does not make a big difference because it allows for enough identification between snow formations and facet types. Unless your studying snow science, this tool is great for easy identifications of snow types.

The pad is comfy, light and packs small; however the cut makes it hard to sleep. I can't seem to stay centered on the pad. Thats what you get, when you become a tech weenie.

Heavy weight socks are a myth, warmth is created by postive circulation in your ski boot. Heavy socks just end up constricting your feet, thus creating cold feet. Go with the lightweight socks for skiing and riding.

If you live in Utah, these are a must have. Stay on, and do not twist as much as other baskets.

Ok, maybe it is, but it's got more style than you. Get after it.

Just a nice fitting casual slack, built like a truck for that unexpected job or scramble.

For a supportive and stiff boot, it is probably one of the lightest around, making it sweet for hiking and touring. Sweet boot.

Not too thick, not too thin, seems to be just right. Also the best price for ropes in it's class.

good organic sunscreen for cheap. it goes on easy and it's not sticky. this is a no brainer.

Overall, good ski performance and kick and glide. The edges do not seem to make the skis slower. If you’re a beginner, you'll be stoked on the metal edges when you hit the first hill.

Many purists will say these boots are too much for most XC skiing, but I feel the extra support does not compromise performance and they’re super light. They run true to size too.

Keeps your poles from post holing on that long traverse to your favorite spot. These even work on most standard alpine poles. (Scott/Smith)

A little bit shorter than most of their movies, which actually makes it a better film because it is more exciting and less repetitive. Some great pow skiing as well.

I've worked at a climbing gym for years, and this is the only device we used. Keep it simple, combined with a bomber carabiner, this is a great setup for teaching kids and newbies.

After a week of ski touring on Mt. Shasta, youv'e got to protect the neck. I wish I had the mullet hat on that trip. In the meantime, it's a great gag.

Use it for hiking cause its light and wicking. Surprise people in the woods with Kramer style. Giddyup

This is awesome, no prep, quick food that actually is better than half the food I cook at home and eat out.

Before a long backcountry ski trip I was skepticle about taking only freeze dried meals, when the trip was over I actually craved for a few of these alpibe aire meals. Who knew?

Cutting skins is a pain, hats off again to Black Diamond for making life easier. Also, the new tail strap is better and lighter than its metal cousin.

Who else has a phat bass on their shirt? No one, thats what I thought. Holla.

For $10 bucks it's almost as cheap as a doo rag. Who else has a jibber on their shirt??

Just admit it! All your family and friends already know. There's no reason to hide with this victim's classic.

If you camp and take your car, never take this out of your trunk. It folds small and is incredibly practical. You'll be the hero of the next impromptu tailgate party.

We all have too many pants and shirts we never wear, cheers to the Springwale, these are the go to pants. I think I wear them everyday.