BD Hilight @ 1000 Isle Lake

BD Hilight @ 1000 Isle Lake

Black Diamond HiLight 2-Person 3-Season Tent

January 10, 2009

Nailed It? 2 Yes

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MontBell U.L. Sleeping Bag Cover DO NOT USE

December 26, 2009

A gore-tex bivi is a great thing to have if you get caught in the backcountry overnight. This model is based on the British standard issue military gore-tex bivi bag. This one is about three times more expensive but it tapers at the bottom and is probably a little lighter. Gore-tex is great but not flawless, it will inevitably 'sweat' inside without some ventilation, however if you have a good tarp and sleeping bag it's wiser to get a ground cloth or sleeping pad. Either of those would make more sense for weather protection, but if you already own those items then this bivi would be great for a lightweight emergency alternative to carrying all that gear.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Looks cool...quite itchy

Arc'teryx Classic Beanie

Arc'teryx Classic Beanie

Rating for this product: 3 December 23, 2009

I purchased this beanie because it looked cool and I can't really afford anything else Arc'teyrx sells. At first I was totally bothered at how itchy this was but after soaking it in hair conditioner to soften the fibers it actually isn't that bad. I already have a few great beanies but I'm a big fan of wool. The problem is that this is old school itchy wool. That's why it's billed as a "classic" wool cap. At any rate it is very warm as all wool usually is and as long as you know what you're getting you won't be disappointed. I gave it 3 stars because as with most of Arc'teryx's stuff it's a tad bit overpriced.

Nailed It? 3 Yes

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Believe the hype!

The North Face Sequoia Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

The North Face Sequoia Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 31, 2009

Protection from the sun. Protection from the bugs. Keeps you cool. What more could you want? Performs flawlessly with my backpack on.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Conventional boot...streamlined.

Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot - Men's

Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 June 26, 2009

With all of the lightweight products out there why would anyone choose a heavy-duty backpacking boot over the lowtop trail runners/boot hybrids out there? Well, if your like me there is something about a rock solid pair of boots that just appeals to you. Asolo has taken the very best things about a tough waterproof full-grain leather boot and trimmed all that fat. I can't say enough about the triple structure sole construction which make this boot more comfortable than my favorite pair of sneakers. But besides this they make for ultimate shock absorbtion and have super grippyness. These boots are anything but clunky and have excellent ankle support which is a big deal for me because my ankles tend to roll hiking downhill. One thing though, in the summer the full grain leather can tend to make the feet a litte hot but not totally unbearable. I docked it one star because they don't have the power matic lacing system, but other than that these boots are awesome.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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Nice Pants

The North Face Paramount Surplus Pant - Mens

The North Face Paramount Surplus Pant - Mens

Rating for this product: 3 January 29, 2009

You know how you like traditional cargos but don't really hike or backpack in them because they're really heavy and bulky and made from cotton canvas? Well these are TNF's answer to the classic cargo pant, with paramount nylon these things are rugged yet light, and styled after traditional cargos with velcro flap pockets on each leg. I like! What stinks though is you have to buy a size up to achieve loose feeling comfort. If you're really thin butt tight pants may complement you, but for the rest of us it's nice to have a little wiggle room. I docked one star for the aformentioned problem and another becuase TNF discontinued this style as quick as it was released, no bueno.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Very warm

Patagonia Capilene 3 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Patagonia Capilene 3 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 16, 2009

I've had this for about two years now and I can say this is a great first layer. I've worn this on many trips and it has performed flawlessly. I wear it while I hike in cooler temps and it wicks moisture likes it's nobody's business and I don't even have to change when it's time to climb inside the sleeping bag. This thing stays dry and is very comfortable. One minor issue: It can get real clingy. The material which I think is polyester attracts static electricity so I docked it one star, but other than that this base layer is well worth the price.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Not for everyone

Black Diamond HiLight 2-Person 3-Season Tent

Black Diamond HiLight 2-Person 3-Season Tent

Rating for this product: 4 January 12, 2009

I love this tent but let me start by saying what it isn't: This tent is not for tall people, if BD tents appeal to you get the Lighthouse. I'm 5'8" and it's great for me and people under 6 feet tall but someone taller might find it a little short. It isn't the quickest and easiest tent to set up, however after a few a few practice runs at home I can set it up just as quick as any tent. It isn't a tent you can sleep in and open your eyes and see the stars although it does have excellent ventilation. Here's what it is. It is an unbeleiveably light tent tent at a little over 2.5 lbs. No need for a rain fly as the poles go inside and the tent has two little awnings over the windows. You do have to seal the seams with silicone provided by the manufacturer but once this is done the tent is completely rainproof and never gives off condensation inside. Another great feature is the huge door. At camp everyone kind of gathers around my tent because with the door down it's like a little living room. Also there is no sag as the poles pull the silnylon material very tight maximizing every inch of inside space. I've have never had trouble finding a place to set this up either because if the small footprint. In short this is a great backpacking all-in-one tent, lightweight, packs really small, relatively easy to set up and breakdown, and weatherproof. Oh yeah I almost forgot the color is awesome and even on the gloomiest trips makes things very bright.

Nailed It? 3 Yes

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doubles as a seat

Bear Vault BV350 Solo Bear Resistant Food Canister

Bear Vault BV350 Solo Bear Resistant Food Canister

Rating for this product: 5 November 8, 2007

If you frequently do weekend trips 2-4 days then this is your canister. I read an article saying your first day's food doesn't need to be inside because you'll eat it before the day is done, and that helped me to chose the bearvault 350. It is actually quite large and holds my scented toiletries also. I was able to solve another problem with this item. I'm so sick of sitting on cold rocks and wet ground, this thing doubles as a perfect backpacker seat and it fits nicely into my backpack. Great product-highly recommend.

Nailed It? 5 Yes

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Liquids hot, fingers not!

Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Cup 450

Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Cup 450

Rating for this product: 5 April 6, 2007

This cup does exactly what it says it does. It keeps whatever is inside nice and warm, while staying cool to the touch. And comes with a cool mesh net cinch bag so it doesn't rattle in your pack. Great product.

Nailed It? 2 Yes

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nice pants

The North Face Workhorse Pant - Men's

The North Face Workhorse Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 7, 2006

Comfy and versatile.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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