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Reviews by camerona91 (12)

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Neutrino Straitjacket Quickdraw (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.83/5 Average Rating : 4.83/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Carabiners: Quickdraws

Good but small 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: camerona91, 2007-02-09


Nicely made. Good clipping action. Light biner. Maybe not as good if you are pumped out. I use mine early. Really light. Might not work with twin ropes...


Exposure 50 Backpack - 2800-3200 cu in (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.60/5 Average Rating : 4.60/5

In: Gear: Hiking and Camping: Backpacks: Backpacking Packs

Works well 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: camerona91, 2007-02-09


I actually just got mine. Just looking at this pack online does not do it justice. This pack needs to be loaded and handled to be fully appreciated. Although it is relatively light weight everything seems pretty heavy duty and durable. The pack seems large for a50L as it has such good attachments on the outside for gear and the spindrift collar extends (not counted in the 50L) and you can store your rope on the top. I loaded mine down with all of my gear and it was not full (maybe I need more gear:-P). The heat molding is nice and it rides really well. Unlike my other bag it actually seems to promote good posture and my back arches a bit and makes me stand straight with it on. The internal daisy chain is small and light. The ice axe attachment is actually really solid. The rope tabs are good although they could be a little lower. I dislike that the side pockets will not fit a 1L Nalgene really (maybe a narrow nalgene). The back suspension is not removable although the hip belt and top pocket are easily removable. The top is cut out a bit so you can look up with your bag fully loaded. Helmets securely attach to the top. I will add a more extensive review when I field test it a bit more.

UPDATE: The features are all useful although it can be a bit annoying trying to figure out which strap goes where when the wind is howling. The straps are pretty long so I might trim mine down so they don't flap in the wind as much. It climbs really well. I felt solid on 55 degree alpine ice with the bag half full. It doesn't move. The gear loops are good for storing stuff for rappels. The pack seems to sit a bit above my harness which is nice although it is more comfortable without a harness. The rope straps work well. It is possible to remove a tool with the pack still attached to your bag and to get some things out of the top flap with the pack on. The helmet holder is a bit annoying-the helemt seemed to slide down and hit the back of my head a bit. Even fully loaded down the pack carried exteremely well and made my load feel lighter.


GripMaster Average Rating = 2.71/5 Average Rating : 2.71/5

In: Gear: Training & Accessories: Training

mediocre 3 out of 5 stars

Review by: camerona91, 2006-12-18


The spring action in mine started to stick after just a month. It is nice that they come in different difficulties. The individual finger action is nice as you can't cheat. There are some good exercises for your thumb too. It doesn't make you hands smell like rubber. I put mine in my bag and use it in the library, on the bus or walking to class. I haven't noticed a difference climbing though, to be honest.


Wallnuts Average Rating = 4.68/5 Average Rating : 4.68/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Protection: Passive: Nuts and Stoppers

DMM Wallnuts 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: camerona91, 2006-11-27


I love my wallnuts. I have a few of them to complement my Wild Country rocks. In a choice between the two I always reach for my Wallnuts. They seat very well when you give them a tug. I have used them on aid and have had placements hold where the nut is 1/3 sticking out of the rock but they still hold because of the scoop in a little constriction. They seem to slip so nicely into less than ideal placements. I like the smaller sizes the best (up to 6). Size 1 I don't think they really make a difference either as the scoop is so small. The anodizing is nice and stands out more than the Black Diamond nuts. When scratched up you can tell the difference more easily. The anodizing matches the Wild Country lineup as well which is really convenient. The cams, hexes and nuts all are anodized the same color for the same size. They are nicely tapered, aethetically pleasing, moderately priced and light. I would definitely recommend them. I will buy more.


Raven Ultra (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.00/5 Average Rating : 4.00/5

In: Gear: Alpine & Ice Climbing: Ice Axes and Hammers

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: camerona91, 2006-11-08


"It is what it is..."-Todd Bertuzzi. This axe is exactly what it claims to be. It is extremely light weight without compromising functionality. Those used to a heavier axe may find it feels odd. There is less weight (momentum) for cutting steps. The adze is a bit smaller than on a standard axe. The weird spike takes a little while to get used to (I haven't tried it on ice yet, that might be a bit weird). The ergonomic hand rest is nice but you don't really notice it that much in reality. It does cut down on soreness that sometimes results from using an ice axe which spreads your fingers apart really wide. The clean shape of the shaft is great for plunging. There are no teeth on the pick where your hand grips so your gloves do not get shredded! It is a little pricey. I would recommend this axe to others.

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