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Lucas Cook

The American Alpine Club

Camping - top 5%Climbing - top 5%Certified in 265 brands

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\ \ Best Shoes on the MarketThese are great shoes for any task you throw at it. I have used these items on the road and trails and everything in-between, and they have held up really well. On top of that they are really well made and last forever. I have over 600 miles on one pair of my H1's. I recommend these to anyone looking for a new pair of trail shoes as it is a all around great shoe. The traction isn't super deep so if you are going for very technical terrain then look at their T1's instead, but that is not the purpose of this shoe.\ \ Patrick Kavanagh](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/648277) \ \ Durable gym rope!Have had it for 6+ months for gym sessions exclusively. We use the rope at least once a week for a 5-hour session. It has been used for fall practice regularly. Both ends have just showed some signs of used/fuzzy like a month ago. I’m pretty surprised how the rope can take abuse with little signs of wear. Good rope if you’re looking for durability but don’t mind the weight.\ \ Andre Oktaviandra](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/648211) \ \ Multiple purpose wool blend tshirtThis shirt is a great lightweight shirt with a wool blend. I have worn this way more than expected! Hiking, backpacking, biking, mountain biking and to work. I have washed it several times in my front loader and air dried it and it has held up better than some of my other Icebreaker shirts I own. Even though it is not 100% wool, it keeps the stink down after sweaty, multi day use and kept me cool. I sized up to a large and generally wear a medium in shirts and I wanted a slightly looser fit. The shirt is still fitted decently, but not too tight. I would order a large one again for sizing. It also fits fine around my curvy hips and the length is generous without being too long. It's thin, but not sheer, at least in the black color. My only minor negative is that I wish the sleeves were just a touch longer, but they fit well over my larger arms . They seem to have more of a women's look/fit than a general T-shirt.\ \ I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.\ \ Kristin Mettke](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/648082) \ \ Fantastic Shoulder Season Lightweight pieceThis lightweight fleece is perfect for cool days or mornings. It is very light and compact for those times when you need just a bit of insulation and not a heavy bulky fleece.\ \ Fit is fantastic and true to size. I am 5'9" 180lbs and typically wear a medium and this is true to size with an athletic fit that is easy to layer over. Arms are nice and long and have great thumbholes.\ \ The piece moves with you and breaths very well. It is soft and very comfortable.\ \ I have used it for climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, and wearing around town. The chest pocket completely disappears when nothing is in it, making this a nice understated top for around town or the house.\ \ It is a bit of a specialty piece as there is not a lot of insulation. That makes it perfect for cool days when you don't need a lot and want to avoid overheating.\ \ Another fantastic and innovative product from Icebreaker! \ \ Jim Couch](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/647768) \ \ Cool with room for improvement I tested the Icebreaker 125 Sphere Cool-Lite Short Sleeve Tee on trail runs ranging from the mid 60s up into the low 80s. Overall, it’s a really comfortable shirt that does a lot well, but I think there’s still room for improvement when it comes to hot-weather performance.\ \ The standout feature for me was how soft the fabric feels. This is one of the softer running tees I’ve worn and it’s comfortable both dry and soaked with sweat. Once I got sweating, the shirt actually felt noticeably cooler as the fabric wetted out, which helped during warmer climbs and exposed sections of trail.\ \ Odor resistance was also excellent. After multiple runs it stayed far fresher than a typical synthetic tee, which is one of the big advantages of merino blends like this.\ \ That said, for a shirt marketed toward keeping you cool, I honestly think it could be lighter. In temps pushing into the 80s, I found myself wishing for either a thinner fabric, mesh panels, or some sort of added ventilation. It performs well enough, but it doesn’t disappear on your body the way the best hot-weather running shirts do.\ \ One other thing: if I were buying it myself, I wouldn’t choose black. A dark color kind of defeats the purpose of a shirt designed for hotter conditions since it absorbs more heat in direct sun.\ \ Overall, this is a super comfortable and versatile tee with great softness and odor resistance, but I think Icebreaker could improve the warm-weather temperature regulation a bit more.\ \ Disclaimer: I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.\ \ Ben Kelley](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/647560) \ \ Excellent weight and grip, no durability.I used these gloves on a five day backcountry tour. By day four, the fingertips were unravelling and holey. I even upsized from their recommendation to prevent strain on the material and they still gave out. The material is lightweight and the grip surface is well-situated without hot spots when gripping ski poles all day, but they were a real disappointment. Look elsewhere, unfortunately. \ \ Boris Vassilev](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/647404) \ \ I love the Ghost 16s!I am not a crazy runner. I don't do marathons or triathlons or anything like that. My primary sport is mountaineering and alpine climbing, but one of the most important aspects of that is a strong cardio base. Because of this, I find myself running 10ish miles per week. I have used a few different shoes (from Brooks and others), and the Ghosts have always been my favorites. So much so that I will likely not ever stray from them. They strike the right balance of being lightweight while still having good cushion. They also have plenty of room in the toe box, at least for my feet. While the longest run that I use them for is around 8 miles, they are very comfortable over that distance. They're very breathable, and they last me about 400 miles of running. \ \ Nick S.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/647379) \ \ Solid rangefinderThis is a solid little rangefinder. I was surprised how small it felt compared to other rangefinders I've had. The optics seem excellent, as you'd expect from Vortex, and are very clear when shooting the pin. The rubberized body is a personal preference - I like it but if you're taking it out of a fabric case or pocket, it might turn your pocket inside out. The display is good, maybe not the very best I've seen but plenty good for normal play, and the menus are dead simple and easy to use. \ \ I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.\ \ Derek F.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/647176) \ \ Unexpectedly great!I had never used trail gaiters before; I had always written them off as being a useless accessory. However, when I went on an Annapurna basecamp trek in Spring of 2025, they were invaluable. I have always struggled with getting rocks in my shoes and they prevented even a single pebble from getting in over more than 60 miles of trekking. The DWR coating on them is also great, and when we got rained on it helped keep my trail runners dry, and kept the goretex membrane on the shoe able to breathe. The only thing that I don't like is that if you are wearing them with only shorts and short socks, they slide down your ankles, even if you tighten them up. Overall, I highly recommend them. \ \ Nick S.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/646963) \ \ Great little magnetic speakerThese are great little speakers. I bought two when I saw that you can link them together. To be fair I haven’t really used that feature as much as I thought I would and when I do go to use it I can’t remember how to pair them (maybe add that language on the underside?). That’s really the only con I have with them.\ \ Where they shine is the magnetic base. Fly fishing? Throw it on the side of the truck and get the vibes going while putting your waders on and rigging line. Come back for a lunch break and do the same. Same goes for camping trips, tailgates, dove hunts, anywhere or time. Also great for sticking to golf carts.\ \ Overall a great little speaker.\ \ Joe G.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/646926) \ \ The best pack for trad climbingFor years, I used to use a backpacking pack to go climbing, thinking that all of the pockets would keep things organized. Instead I just ended up carrying too many things that I would forget I even had on me. Also, backpacking packs tend to focus more on weight (and so are less durable). The Creek 50 is none of that. Super burly, large enough for a trad rack, water, lunch and layers, water proof and just enough organization to keep things separated. I know it may sound silly, but it also awesome that it stands upright with a large top opening to easily pack/unpack. The full length side zipper make it easy to find something in the bottom without having to remove everything from the pack. Highly recommend.\ \ Michael Geramita](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/646437) \ \ Icebreaker name vs. qualityThere's nothing wrong with this garment - perfectly serviceable base layer for various temps/activities. Not wild about the color/design but at the "Drop" price that wasn't a big issue. MSRP would have been out of the question - there are countless options for merino base layers, including very cheap Chinese gobbledy-gook names (i.e. XXRHMHW - you get the idea) for a small fraction of the price of Icebreaker that perform just as well. I don't mind paying name-brand prices as long as quality, materials and workmanship are commensurate with the price. I don't think you can say that about Icebreaker, at least not for several years. But a great value at the EV promo deal. Sorry - nothing about it doesn't feel like a standard Chinese-made garment. Can't get excited about it. \ \ Geoff B.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/646341) Comfortable approach shoe that is lighter than othersI have been using these for the past year after I purchased a pair while traveling. They are great for approaches and scrambles - almost as technical as the Sportiva Boulder X, but much lighter. I tend to wear these for warmer weather since they breathe a bit better. I do wish that the pull loop on the back were rigid webbing (like on the Boulder X), because when you clip these to your harness the thin cord loops mean the shoes will spin around a bunch. If you carry your approach shoes in your pack, then this will not be an issue (and they are lighter than the Boulder X). Def recommend!\ \ Michael Geramita Great approach shoe that also looks good for travelingI have been using the Boulder X for over a decade as my approach shoe for climbing. They look enough like "normal" shoes that I can take only these for a climbing trip and not look out of place in a restaurant or bar. They are burly (which makes them a bit heavy) and sticky as hell. Very useful for scrambling or technical approaches/descents (think Joshua Tree). Finally, the pull tab on the back is rigid webbing, so great for keeping the rubber oriented out if you clip them to the back of your harness for a climb that requires hiking off. Definitely recommend!\ \ Michael Geramita \ \ Best all around shoe on the marketI have been climbing for 20+ years and always had specialized shoes for different styles of climbing. After a friend convinced me to try the TC Pros as an all around rock shoe, it has become my go to for everything aside from bouldering and extremely overhanging routes. I did not have to size them tight to get them to stick to everything, handle cracks and slabs well and I can wear them for long multipitches without intense pain. Highly recommend!\ \ Michael Geramita](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/646049) \ \ Mega ComfyI don't have much natural padding so after a couple of days of climbing, my hips are usually pretty bruised and sore. This harness was like wrapping myself with a pillow. I hung a ton of gear on it for 4 hard days and never felt anything other than plush. \ Another little bonus are the mini-loops at the connection point of each gear loop, perfect for hooking the keeper cord for your nut tool, phone, etc that you want hooked to you but not causing clutter on your main gear loops.\ I like this harness enough that I am tempted to buy a second and stash it in the gear bin for when this one wears out.\ \ James Palmer](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/645561) \ \ Great portable and high quality binocularI have been wanting to get a high quality binocular for a long time and very glad I get to try this Vortex Triumph Binocular. It is small, portable, and lightweight, yet provides high quality viewing experience. It is perfect to carry in your backpack when camping to spot wildlife and birdwatch. The straps and case made it very easy to carry.\ \ Aijin W.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/645449) \ \ I really enjoy this for what it is. The glass is clear and the ranging reticle is a great feature with no downside. It has the highest magnification I could find for something of this size.\ \ The weight is right at the edge of what I would be willing to carry in a chest rig or on a pack strap for offhand spotting. Anything larger or heavier would require a tripod to stabilize. In my experience, the ranging reticle is only useful if you have a small tripod or find a flat spot to rest it on; handheld is too unsteady to make an accurate measurement. It is nice to be able to spot/range without having to point a rifle scope (with a rifle attached to it!) at things.\ \ I agree with others' assessment that the folding eyepiece and how the rear cap interacts with it could be improved upon.\ \ The included pouch is of good quality. I would prefer a buckle for closure over velcro, as it is a little on the loud side, but there are workarounds.\ \ Paul T.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/645016) \ \ Best lightweight shell everEveryone needs this layer in their pack for unexpected bad weather. Amazing lighweight shell when you don't need a full goretex shell. Packs very small. Fit is perfect for movement, consistent size with other Mammut jackets, has two-way zip for harness accessibility (amazing for glacier touring). Helmet fit is great with Mammut helmets, but need a good solid downward tug on some models (like the Haute). Zip comes just under nose for better face protection in wind (THANK YOU MAMMUT!). Relatively good water resistance but not as good as goretex. You will get wet in rain lasting >2-3 hrs most likely. I've used it many times in wet snow and been dry. Not great for folks who sweat a lot- there are no pit zips on this model. \ \ Jennifer Aschoff](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/644928) \ \ Amazing lightweight rain/wind layerAmazing layer. Everyone should have this for light/fast tours. Full zip- yes. Lightweight-yes. Fits over smaller volume skimo boot-yes. Waterproof- yes, to a point in rain but great in snow. This is an amazing layer to keep in your pack for longer trips where you don't want the extra weight of a goretex pant but want something in case the weather comes in. It's almost as light/packable as a wind pant but is easy to put on over ski touring boots and is waterproof. I find it fits tighter than other Mammut pants of similar size so I'd suggest sizing up esp if you might have some ski-quads or layers. \ \ Jennifer Aschoff](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/644926) \ \ Great mountaineering/touring packI feel 35L for me is the sweet spot for long days in the alpine..enough room for layers, my camera, food and whatever else. I havent done it but im sure you could fit all your overnight gear in no problem. I did find the zip pockets on the outside nice but I dont really use them other than for wallet, keys...waterproof exterior, light frame, durability of the material is nice, ice axe clip, plenty of straps on the outside for cramp-ons, skis, rope, snowshoes, helmet ect. Also I liked the fact it has a hydration reservoir pocket inside..pleasantly impressed with this backpack will also be using it in the summer for mountaineering trips.\ \ Brady Lampert](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/644880) \ \ Must Have for Wildernessthe inReach Mini is a little workhorse. Love taking this on expeditions and have used it mountaineering, fly fishing and hunting. Ease of use is highly user friendly and there are limitless options on what you can do with the device. Connects seamlessly with the Garmin connect app which made communicating with the outside world a breeze. I have not used the SOS button and hope I never have to but account setup for emergencies was easy and I have tremendous peace of mind knowing I can reach out to SAR in an emergency. \ \ Dimitri Kermani](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/644485) \ \ Innovative Down Bag That Punches Above Its WeightI received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.\ \ The new Marmot Wraptor Down 15 sleeping bag’s claim to fame is centered around its adaptable design and Fidlock magnetic closure. I had the pleasure of testing this novel design over several weeks in the mountains for western Montana in a wide variety of weather conditions.\ \ Before discussing the bag’s performance, it’s important to understand the bag’s design and characteristics. The Wraptor Down 15 is an 11F to 22F degree bag insulated with 650 fill power Down Defender water resistant duck down. The bag weighs 2lb 13.6oz and packs down to roughly 15L in the included stuff sack. The regular length bag is sized perfectly for 6’ individuals and has a generous shoulder and hip girth of 60” and 64.6” aiding its roomy fit. The bag is designed with a dual flap design and a left, outer closure of the Fidlock magnetic closure on the top and a snap button half-way down the length of the side. The inner flap has a snap button closure at the top alongside a mini draft collar. Between the two full-length flaps lies a gap in the foot box allowing for adaptable ventilation.\ \ Now, for the nitty-gritty real-world performance, the bag was used on multiple backpacking trips in the mountains of western Montana ranging from 2-4 days. Despite the mild forecasts, the bag still saw a wide variety of weather, from high wind and rains to 60-degree swings. Overall the bag performed admirably, with its major benefits being its adaptability, packability, and comfort. The large temperature swings allowed the bag to come into its own, moving into different configurations to best suit the rising or falling temps and quickly venting heat out of the toebox when I found myself waking up sweating. The generous cut in the shoulder and hips allowed for easy movement inside the bag and ease in changing positions during the night. The Fidlock closure also allowing for easy entry and exit from the bag without fiddling with zippers. No more catching the bag or clothing! Despite the innovative design, it doesn’t come without a few shortcomings. The only gross issue that wasn’t a function of the design or market placement was the temperature rating. The bag was given a 22F comfort and a 11F extreme rating. I find these generous at best, and dangerous at worst. While I do find myself liking bags on the warmer side, I would compare this to a 30-35F comfort rated bag. The bag’s sewn-through baffles allow for heat loss and wind ingress at the seams. In addition, the generous cut and lack of proper top and bottom draft collars allow for severe billowing and heat loss. The DWR treatment is mild at best, and I found the bag starting to wet-out when I found myself caught in a drizzle while cowboy-camping.\ \ Despite some of this bag’s shortcomings, it really does stand out in the crowded market of lightweight, adaptable down sleeping bag. The adaptable design incorporates a dual flap system and foot vent accommodate a wide variety of temperatures and the novel magnetic closure system for easy adjustment and opening of the bag. The system packs down to roughly 15L in the included stuff sack, with the 650 loft down bouncing back well for compression. It has all these features for the shockingly low introductory price of $309. With a feature-rich spec sheet and a low price for an innovative down bag, the Wraptor Down 15 punches well above its weight. I look forward to where Marmot incorporates some of these technologies in the future.\ \ Michael Renaud](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/644383) \ \ A great design for taller, broader campers I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.\ \ The Marmot Wraptor sleeping bag stands out for a few thoughtful design features that make a real difference in comfort. The magnetic closure is a neat touch and works smoothly, making it easy to secure the bag without fumbling. I also really like the way the front flaps overlap, which creates extra room around the shoulders. As someone who uses the tall size, this made the bag feel noticeably more comfortable and less restrictive than other sleeping bags I have tested. The hood is also a nice size and fits a backpacking pillow without being too big. The included compression bag does a solid job of packing the bag down. That said, the overall weight is a bit on the heavy side for backpacking, especially in the tall version, so it may be better suited for car camping or shorter trips. I have not yet had the chance to test it in truly cold conditions since I received it late in the season, but I am looking forward to seeing how it performs next winter.\ \ Aijin W.](https://www.expertvoice.com/review/644364)

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