Reviews by User: Eric Dacus (16)

Simple, standard, its a GriGri. Pros: easy and safe to use once you've got the basics down. Cons: not as smooth belaying a leader as other non-autolocking belay devices.

My wife uses a Mountain Hardwear Transition Zip-T which is windproof and breathes really well, and I had used a Patagonia Houdini wind jacket (very fragile material). After ordering both this and the Transition was a bit snug for me (that's how its supposed to fit), so I kept the gamma LT - and after climbing in it around Salt Lake City and City of Rocks ID I really like it. Pros: Breathes like crazy, stretches very well, very abrasion resistant even on granite, and cuts the wind as much as I need it to. My wife is always cold and I'm usually too warm. Cons: The absolutely perfect fit would be between this and the Transition, but I can still layer a thick baselayer under if I need. Also a bit more expensive than the Zip-T.

Pros: great for belaying a top roped climb and can belay a leader with some practice. Cons: can cause a hard catch when belaying a leader not as good for trad belays. Heavy.

Pros: Simple. The rolltop design makes getting into the pack really slick. The outer pouch is stiff enough that even if you forget to zip it stuff stays in. Carries weight pretty comfortably. Holds everything you need for cragging. Burly. Cons: side pockets are all but useless, they don't hold a water bottle. No easy way to carry skis (though Arc'Teryx makes an M35 that does). Kinda heavy for what it does.

I've got the 5ºF degree version and I've slept very comfortably down to 15ºF in the open without a bivy sac. Its probably heavier than other bags due to the zip-in capabilities, but its good bag regardless.

Very good gloves, much better than an older pair of Lowe Alpine gloves. These have kept the digits warm down to 10ºF while skiing in Utah. I haven't climbed in them yet, but I image they'll do well. They're very dexterous and have worked well to fiddle with telemark bindings and pack zippers while touring.

I've had a Core Skin jacket for about 4 years now (1st or second generation) and its held up wonderfully for skiing, climbing (ice, rock and aid) and winter cycling. The PowerShield material is great - I'd highly recommend any jacket made of the stuff. I got the jacket because it uses the PowerShield high loft so the jacket is warmer than most soft shells and makes layering a little simpler.

I got this jacket/windshirt a month ago, and its been with me on several climbing trips since then. Absolutely great jacket. The fit is trim but not tight. Pros: Breaths like crazy, cuts the wind, holds up in a drizzle, drys super quick. Cons: Pricey, no hook-and-loop closures for the wrists.

Obviously a great jacket (see other reviews). The fabric is a good balance of wind resistance, fleecy warmth and just enough breathability. Other jackets will breath better, but I got this for the little bit of fleece lining and the amount of wind/water resistance. Its definitely wet out in a steady rain, but that's to be expected. It did great in the driving wind and snow. Cons: wish it had wrist closure velcro tabs and another way to sinch down the huge hood when not wearing a helmet. Limited venting. Pros: great fabric, good pocket placements, great hood.

I had two versions of this coat, an older non-CSS iteration and the newer version here. Both were great I've had the current jacket for about a year now and the DWR coating is still holding up very well. Great shell, pockets are well placed, hood is easy to adjust and fits nicely over a helmet. My only complaint is the pit zips are a little hard to use with one hand.

I've had this jacket for while now and is the warmest fleece I've ever owned - great winter layering and obviously like the description says, wind cuts right through it, though even with a wind shell it retains a lot of heat. Both Arc'Teryx and Patagonia make something similar using Thermal Pro, but I found this jacket to be the least expensive for the same material (which is what matters).

Started using these tools leashless, and they've been great. Can easily adjust the modular items (ie two hammers for stuff in Ouray, add back the adze for the mtns). The pinky grip and upper grip are easily removable, but have been very nice to have. Cons: Kinda heavy compared to the Grivel Matrix tools, picks can be hard to remove from the ice when overdriven (duh). Pros: easy swing once you get used to it (no more overdriving the picks); easy to change out adze, hammer, and grip; plenty of clearance, pommel spike and head have holes that take a carabiner easily.

I got this for my wife as a belay coat and don't think I'd change anything about it. It keeps her warm on all of her adventures climbing so far. Its really windproof and fairly water resistant and stuffs small. Highly recommended!

The Chugach is a good jacket for layering in the cold. Worn over a softshell it provides a good boost in warmth and worn under an outer shell kept me warm down to below 10°F. As a belay jacket, it needs a hood. Great for backpacking and as an extra warm layer climbing.

Great hoody, very comfy, warmer than I expected, dries quick. Only beef, is that wind cuts right through it. Its just as warm or warmer than a cotton hoody, and just as soft. The sleeve pocket is pretty small, not much more than chapstick would fit.

Great locker for setting up anchors: stays locked (as much as can be expected), clips easily and is plenty big to accommodate other ‘biners or haul system.

This pulley worked great on Touchstone in Zion. Used it to set up 2 to 1 hauling for the pig, and it hauled smoothly and doesn't weigh much. Does what it’s supposed to.