Reviews by User: jrv (20)

Good shoes overall -- I agree with other comments citing the stiff feel -- but I should note that there doesn't seem to be a way to replace the laces. The laces are so "protected" that I can't see how to access the lower loops. This hasn't been a problem so far -- and I suppose the thinking is that by protecting the laces, they won't need to be replaced before the shoes themselves are worn down. Call me OCD, but this still bothers me... I like to lace my running shoes differently to ease pressure on the top of the foot -- I can't do that with these shoes. Someone out there correct me if I'm wrong about this: how do you access the lower laces??

These boots are sturdy and warm -- solid for three-season mountaineering (or in winter when plastic boots are not appropriate).

I found the fit to be drastically different from less "aggressive" shoes in Five Ten line -- so much so that I could not find a size that worked for me. I have narrow, size 11.5 to 12 feet, and I could not find the right compromise: smaller sizes were painfully tight (more so than even aggressive shoes should be), but larger sizes had too much volume and "dead space," making them sloppy. If you have long, narrow feet, you might want to look elsewhere... I love Five Tens, the Galileos did not work for me...

After more than two years of almost daily abuse, my Hollowpoint (the 2006 model) is still going strong. This pack is the perfect size for mundane tasks (daily commutes, going to the gym) as well as more adventurous pursuits (trail-running, summer peak-bagging). My pack is still in great shape; this speaks to Black Diamond's attention to detail and commitment to product excellence.

Full-strength and unbelievably light -- you can't go wrong here. I've long been a fan of Black Diamond products, and these 'biners are no exception. Great for alpine routes when ounces count...

Black Diamond makes great climbing products, and they continue to deliver with the VaporLock. I love these light-weight lockers -- great for trad and alpine climbing. As other reviewers here have suggested, you won't want to use these as a belay-locker or for top-rope anchors -- otherwise, though, you can't go wrong.

I purchased Eco Pro 15 for a late-summer glacier mountaineering trip in the northern Cascades. The bag was warm and comfortable (even when damp) for my three-week expedition -- in fact, the Eco Pro felt a bit roomier in the foot box than other 3-season bags I've used. Add that to the use of recycled materials in its construction, and you have the formula for some toasty warm, guilt-free sleeping...

Most of us recognize that helmets are necessary but don't particularly enjoy wearing them -- enter the Half Dome. This helmet is surprisingly comfortable and highly adjustable -- it fits well in summer on its own or in colder conditions with a hat underneath. I have a small head and many helmets don't seem to fit well, but the Half Dome fits great -- I tend to forget I'm wearing it...

Doesn't get much warmer or more comfortable than the Das... As other reviewers have noted, you might want to size down with this -- I'm 6'1, 178 lbs, and size medium in the Das is plenty big with multiple layers underneath...

I purchased the 70m in late summer and have been using it primarily on trad routes in the Gunks throughout the fall -- this is a versatile and durable rope. The 70m length has been especially helpful in making quick work of some longer multi-pitch climbs (and the subsequent raps). The middle marker is especially helpful but sometimes hard to see. Overall a great rope.

A bit smaller than you might expect -- better for small hands and for loose chalk (tough to close fully with a normal-sized chalk ball inside). Still, the bag is durable does the job. Comes with a clip for keys that tucks into its own pocket.

I was first introduced to Nuun by a WFR instructor two summers ago -- I love this stuff! Tastes great without being overly sweet, and it's super convenient. I use Nuun when distance training as well as on longer back-packing and mountaineering trips. Lemon-lime and orange-ginger are my faves...

I lived in these for three weeks of mountaineering in the Cascades in late summer, and I couldn't ask for more. The fit is slim, but with some nice stretch for climbing... The soft shell material sheds all but the most drenching downpour, and the fleece lining is plenty comfortable with or without a base layer. I got a tiny rip in the material (sustained during a fall on some talus that should have done a lot more damage than it did), and the rip never expanded -- no field repairs necessary. You can't go wrong with these pants!

I love my Black Diamond Raven. I've used it for glacier travel in the Cascades as well as winter mountaineering in the White Mountains and the Catskills. Strong, lightweight, and comfortable -- I look forward to many more trips with this tool. Check out the axe and pick protectors from Black Diamond to keep your axe from shredding your belay jacket when packed in your luggage...

I've had my Eldorado for years and I love it. You can't beat this tent for simplicity and ease of set-up, strength-to-weight ratio, and versatility. The small footprint give you lots of options, and I appreciate that you can set the tent up from the inside -- a great feature in foul weather. There's a good amount of space for two plus essential gear... If you don't quite need a tent this sturdy and weatherproof, check out Black Diamond's Firstlight -- the same tent design, but with lighter (and less waterproof) fabric and fewer ventilation options. The Firstlight is cheaper, too... If you're looking for a tent you can use year-round and in the harshest conditions, though, you can't go wrong with the Eldorado... Well worth the price!

Simple, reliable, and versatile -- love this device! Especially good for leading trad...

This pack is highly versatile, but what I find most surprising is how comfortable it is. The shoulder straps and waist belt are nicely padded and make carrying heavier loads quite comfortable -- not something you find in lots of technical packs with this capacity.

Love this pad. My friends call it the "Pool Toy" -- it's so big and comfortable -- but they're just jealous. I've used this for long expeditions and never had any problems -- just the best backcountry sleep ever.