Works as expected

Louis Garneau Switch Helmet

Louis Garneau Switch Helmet

Rating for this product: 4 August 10, 2012

I purchased this as a gift for a new mountain biker. It looks solid, construction is satisfactory. I expect it will protect her head just fine, though we've not yet tested out that functionality.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Best boot ever

Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot - Men's

Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

My previous boot was an Asolo Fugitive but I like these even better, my feet aren't particularly wide in the middle but my toe box needs alittle more room, these fit like a glove. Walking around they are sturdy, great support, goretex liner keeps the water out. The construction is awesome, classic leather backpacking boot, these seem really well made.

They feel a bit heavier then my last pair but not much, and then these are sturdier boots, I knew I was making that trade and I'm happy I did, I expect I'll be wearing these still in 5 years.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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Ideal basic hydration compatible pack

Black Diamond Bullet Backpack - 976cu in

Black Diamond Bullet Backpack - 976cu in

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

I was looking for something with a little more carrying space than my camelback lobo, but still wanted something hydration compatible. The bullet fits the bill perfectly. Construction is good, fabric seems really durable. I use it mostly for hiking and it carries lunch, compass, extra layer, snacks, water, headlamp, knife, water filter, binoculars... all the things that wouldn't fit before. Love it.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Will keep your stuff dry (and floating)

SealLine Baja Dry Bags

SealLine Baja Dry Bags

Rating for this product: 3 July 17, 2009

If you happen to capsize your boat. That said, I don't have any complaints. The material is pretty thick but it also feels more durable to me.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Filling

AlpineAire 5 Grain Fruit Nut Instant Cereal

AlpineAire 5 Grain Fruit Nut Instant Cereal

Rating for this product: 3 July 17, 2009

Took a package of AlpineAire 5 Grain Fruit Nut Instant Cereal on a canoing trip through the Minnesota Boundary waters, it was real easy to make, just added boiling water and mixed. Tastes a bit like oatmeal with some sunflower seeds and dried fruit mixed in, not at all bad but a little plain, but it filled me up for the long day of paddling ahead.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Most comfortable Smartwool

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Mini Sock

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Mini Sock

Rating for this product: 5 June 18, 2009

I love just wearing these day to day, cotton socks don't cut it after wearing these for a wile. Not saying you should, but you could wear them two days in a row, maybe more, they won't smell. They are snug, don't bunch or move, form fitting, and just really comfortable, great padding and friction reduction for hikes as well.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Sea To Summit iPOOD! Lightweight and effective

Sea To Summit Pocket Trowel

Sea To Summit Pocket Trowel

Rating for this product: 4 June 18, 2009

I used to carry a bulky shovel axe combo, when the axe head started to fly off mid swing on ocassion, I started looking into other options. I replaced the saw portion with a 0.1 ounce ring saw, while this next to nothing weight, cleverly named iPOOD! is infinitely lighter and more compact form of shovel, especially for the purposes I use it for.

CONS: I have a hard time getting the plastic cap piece off to access the hollow compartment in the handle, and sand can quickly (although temporarily) gum up the function of the retractable handle.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Smartwool is my brand of choice

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Crew Hiking Sock

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Crew Hiking Sock

Rating for this product: 4 June 18, 2009

I think at this point I might try hiking in something else, but only to prove again why I switched to smartwool, the right mix of synthetic and wool seems to give the benefits of both, they are also really comfortable, staying in place without bunching up. If I were to complain about anything it's that after 2 years they can start to rough up in areas, but on the other hand they last through at least two years of backpacking and hikes.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Kelty Teton 2 is a Solid tent

Kelty Teton 2 Tent  2-Person 3-Season

Kelty Teton 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 4 June 18, 2009

My previous tent was the Kelty Yellowstone, and I'm still trying to figure out what this tent has over that one. They're almost identical in size, though this tent is a bit more narrow. It has plenty of ventilation, but then I never had a problem with my other Kelty tent either. One plus is the dimensions when packed, the Teton packs down under two feet. In the end the KeltyTeton 2 is a very solid tent that comes at a more than decent price for the quality, just like everything else I've bought from Kelty.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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I can't find a better headlamp

Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp

Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 June 17, 2009

I bought this 2 years ago after doing a bit of research and deciding it had the best mix of intensity and battery life. Since then I have never regretted it. I can't complain about a single thing, it's really bright, might not be the brightest, but it's up there, and the battery life is fantastic, one battery change will last several trips, depending on how much you use the super bright setting. One thing I've found really useful that is a bit out of the norm for headlamps is the flood setting, just a little plastic window that slides out in front of the LED and diffuses the beam into a wider path, illuminating more with a less blinding light, good for working/ cooking, setting up tents etc.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Great Mid layer

Backcountry.com Siphon Street Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Backcountry.com Siphon Street Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 February 25, 2009

I love the technical fit, especially in the hood (can't stand hoodies that don't cover my whole head). It feels good, I'd have to agree that it feels like cotton, but the 10% wool mix gives me a little extra confidence that this thing could retain some warmth even when wet. As it is the Siphon Street Sweatshirt is warm and does a decent job blocking the wind, I've been wearing it as a mid layer under various jackets in the heart of winter in the Wasatch, very nice. Being partially wool, there has been some pilling after a couple months, but it hasn't reduced the functionality. The thumb holes seem little too small for my thumbs, which I didn't expect, they still help keep my hands warm though.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Two points for style

KEEN Laguna Sandal - Men's

KEEN Laguna Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 July 18, 2008

I've heard lots of good things about Keen. The Laguna Sandals have not lived up to my expectations. Sometimes socks just feel stifling but without them these feel sort of sticky, sweaty. They probably work great in water, unfortunately I don't think I'll get the chance since the sole started coming up on the right shoe three days after I bought them and the sole coming unglued and sliding around like that makes them too annoying for me to wear. Also there is a piece of plastic poking me in the foot on the right sandal, I suppose I could shave that off and glue down the sole, regardless, not what I expected from Keen.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Super dooper

ProBar Superfood Slam - Box of 12

ProBar Superfood Slam - Box of 12

Rating for this product: 5 May 8, 2008

Pricey, but I would say this is the best energy bar I've had.

Tastes good, a lot like a handful of trailmix heavy on the seeds. The best part is the ingredients. Everything in it is wholesome goodness and healthy energy.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Not so bad, not great

Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy Sack

Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy Sack

Rating for this product: 4 May 1, 2008

I've been using this bivy for a few seasons of weekend backpacking trips and I have a bit of a love hate relationship with it. The nice part is that it's super light, packs down into a ridiculously small stuff sack, and it's easy to set up. I'm 6'2 and can't agree with all the folks saying it's hard to get in and out of this, I don't have much trouble, just scoot back a bit into the headspace and pull your knees up and out. Bivies are a minimalist option so folks expecting a roomy palace should get one of those 6 person Eureka tents, geez. Unfortunately this thing has issues with condensation, every night around 3 am I'm feeling sticky all over, sleeping with just the bug mesh closed seems to help marginally. The waterproofing seems adequate, but since I had to seam seal it myself I really don't trust this to keep me dry in a rainstorm.

Nailed It? 4 Yes

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These folks don't lie

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief - Men's

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 3, 2007

These underwear do everything they say they will. Bring two pairs, wear one while the other dries. Bring one and wash them in the shower. They dry in a half hour with the help of your body heat. They wick like crazy, and they don't get funky even after a day of hiking with a 40 pound pack.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Quality

Backcountry.com Cairn Fleece Jacket - Men's

Backcountry.com Cairn Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 3, 2007

I've only had it a couple days, but it's been a cold couple of days and this is working great. I'm really impressed with the quality, the fit is great, I'm 6'2, just over 200 lbs, I'm usually an XL but I got this in L to wear as an insulating layer under my Arc'teryx and it works out perfect. My warmth factor went through the roof.

Today I was wearing it alone and the wind definitely gets at you without a shell, but if you want a fleece that cuts the wind, get a Polartec Wind Pro or similar. I love the color and the feel of the fabric, outside looks like a thermal but is really quite soft, inside is fleecy, also really comfortable.

As for pockets, the front pockets are cozy, and personally I like the arm pocket, it's pretty much meant for cash, and no one is getting at it without you knowing. I also couldn't find any security pocket, the front pockets make a bit of a second pocket on the inside, but the stitching ends where the zipper ends at the front, leaving a gap at the bottom of this inside pocket. My wallet would stay put, but I can see my keys or cell slipping right through that gap.

Overall it's perfect, I hope it doesn't shrink.

Nailed It? 3 Yes

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So so good.

Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - 2 Serving Entree

Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - 2 Serving Entree

Rating for this product: 5 November 1, 2007

I was supposed to be eating this spaghetti meal 6 miles into the west rim trail of Zion national park, thanks to the rain and the national park service's no dog policy, I ended up eating it on my couch watching videos. It was still fantastic.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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