Reviews by User: MJ Johnston (24)

I'm a huge fan of the gri gri, I use a smaller rope (9.6) so it flows pretty easy through and the catching mechanism has no problem. I've even used it on a 9.3 and the catching mechanism works just fine. The standard 10.5 ropes aren't quite as smooth through the device but its an awesome safety.

The Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Hoody is a great hoody for all around. It is extremely soft on the inside and very comfortable. I run in it a lot in the winter as it keeps me warm yet is still breathable so I don't feel like I have to peel off any layers as I get going.

I couldn't ask for a more stellar glove! It fits nice and snug so your palms and digits aren't in the least bit hindered unlike so many gloves out there. I use them with my motorcycle and they keep me grippy and dry. From the tip of my middle finger to the base of my palm is about 7" or so and the medium glove fits perfect.

Of all of my gear bags the Black Diamond Stubby Haul Bag has taken the most abuse and withstood every bit of it. It got dropped of a 180 foot cliff by accident skid the entire way down the sandstone and hardly had a scratch. The opening makes all of your gear easily accessible without having to reach down into a dark bag feeling for what you need. You'll never have to pull out everything to find what you want. I recommend this bag to anyone who needs to haul a bunch of gear around.

The The North Face Velocitee 1/4-Zip Shirt is extremely comfortable as well as thin and light. Its great for working out in but beware it moves around a lot. I wouldn't recommend wearing anything other than a shell over it. If you try to put a fleece or merino layer over, it bunches and can become quite uncomfortable. It's a great stand alone piece for working out when you don't need a lot of layers.

The Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top is both comfortable and functional. It can be used for running in cooler temps to keep you warm without the need to peel off any layers as you get going. You could use it easily on a cooler summer evening or as a mid layer just before you head out into the dead of cold. It's totally versatile and fits very true to size.

The Backcountry.com Siphon Primaloft Hooded Jacket is a great alternative to lugging around a bulky jacket. The primaloft interior keeps the warmth in without making you feel like you're wearing a jacket ready for the Arctic. It's comfortable and lofty and also works as a great mid layer underneath a shell.

The Simple Toetally Winter Boot does come a little bit tight, its canvas material so it doesn't stretch a ton. If you have a wide foot or an extra high arch, it can be uncomfortable and you might consider sizing up. However even in saying that it's a really fun around the town boot. It won't offer a ton as far as warmth or waterproofing goes, but with a pair of skinny jeans or a casual skirt it's great.

The North Face Destiny Down Jacket is great for around town. I don't know that I would necessarily wear it skiing or snowboarding. I have a long torso and it wouldn't likely keep the snow out if I took a spill but it definitely keeps you warm when your outside in the freezing temps.

The Petzl William Locking Carabiner is a quite a bit larger than what I usually use from day to day. I LOVE using this biner on multi pitch rappels or climbs. Its steady and solid all day long. Its still really easy on your ropes and the triact lock is SO convenient. I use this biner a lot to set up my slackline also, its got a lot of uses and despite its size isn't to heavy or bulky feeling.

The Petzl Attache Locking Carabiner is easily one of my favorite biners. The lock opens and locks off easily, the gate is convenient and never sticks. Its the one biner that works exceptionally well with the petzl pirana, which is my favorite rappelling device. They aren't too heavy and are super reliable.

The Lole Victory Halter top is an all around solid tank. It's convertible straps make it easy to dress up, dress down or tailor to any sort of activity you may be engaging in. It has a long torso so for all of us women who are stretched long in that area, this is a great option for you. I've used it boating, climbing, playing volleyball and in my yoga class and it remains one of my favorite. It wicks away moisture and twists and turns without being uncomfortable. Its a great performance piece for any sport.

This is the most convenient pack I own for day trips. Its pockets are in all the right places and its not too big to lug around. It's good for a day trip or even an overnighter.

These shorts are super comfortable but they do seem to run a tad big, I'm generally in between a size but I for sure would go smaller for this pair. Love them.

These are my favorite draws ever. They are SUPER solid and easy to maneuver. They are a little heavier than other draws, but WELL worth it.

I love this bag because its quick and easy, and my 70m rope has no problem fitting in it. The only downside is the shoulder strap will slip out of the clasps really easily if any weight is put in/on the bag, I had to tie the strap in knots to keep it from sliding out. other than that its a stellar bag

Shirt has an awesome feel, keeps you cool but doesn't look overly techie. Can be used as performance wear or for just plain kicking around.

This top is super comfortable, just enough padding but not too much and each side is just as cute as the other.

This short is really cute on but it fits a little tighter around the upper thigh. They feel a bit weird when you put them on but you get used to it so it doesn't matter. They are cut higher in the back then in the front so I still feel like I'm wearing low cut shorts but I don't have to worry about anything falling out when I bend over or if my shirt is riding up. I'm around a size 8-10 and the medium was plenty big.

I'm not as well endowed as others so I generally always get a small top, however this top was a little too small, I should have gone with a medium. It doesn't have ANY padding which to some may be a plus but to others not. All in all its a super cute top with no padding and runs a bit small.

It's an awesome hoody but it seemed to run a little big.

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Micro Socks are both warm and comfortable. They are great for long hikes or backpacking trips. If you are on the fence as to whether to get a medium or small/med or large I would go with the small, they are more comfortable when ultra form fitting.

The Black Diamond ATC-XP is easily my favorite ATC. The high friction mode helps a lot especially when belaying someone who weighs more than you. I also love it for its versatility in rappelling. The high friction mode gives you security on those long rappells but filp it around and have fun soaring down those others with a little more speed. It is the best ATC for the all around climber/canyoneer.