Fischer E99 Crown Ski

January 2, 2011

I used to ski on the old waxable double camber E99's and they were fast on the flats and downhills, but difficult to climb with. Just recently I asked a friend if I could try his 2-3 year old E99's. These newer nowax were a bit small for me (205's and I would choose 210's), and in some older icy snow they were very nice. A bit slower than what I was skiing (210 Madshus Glitterand waxable), but that is to be expected. As a test, I held them bottom to bottom and the reduction in camber from the old E99's was huge. I could easily, with one hand close the skis together. I could never do that with the old mongo double cambered E99's. Bottom line is, I am going to purchase a pair, but I am going in with the knowledge that they will be a slower no wax ski, with much better grip. Hope this helps.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Merrell Perimeter GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's

June 18, 2010

Scott, I got only 2 hiking seasons with my pair. I go 6' 190 lbs. I thought they are fine on trail hiking boots, but they are not beefy enough for backpacking. Very little ankle support - too low cut and not stiff enough. The bottoms got completely destroyed - worn down and the cleats simply broke off in many locations. They are very comfortable and kept my feet dry. All that said, I am buying a second pair, but just for on trail day hiking. If you are purchasing a dedicated backpacking boot - keep looking. DD

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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Marmot Aeolos Tent 2-Person 3-Season

July 1, 2009

What is the grommet bungee dealy for? Read and re-read the directions and I can only guess it is to field repair a torn out stake loop? Ideas? DD

I found my answer on a Crib Review:

It comes with 2 elastic-type bands attached to a grommet which I had no idea what they were. I had to call Marmot to ask where they belonged and they told me in case the tent breaks where it stakes in the ground, they can be used on the go if needed temporarily. This is a great feature, but again I wish I had a manual to tell me that and to show how to actually use them.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Backpacking??

Merrell Perimeter GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's

Merrell Perimeter GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 October 6, 2008

I believe this is a great trail boot when little to no offtrail is contemplated. I have rolled my ankle twice on what I consider moderate off trail. Just not enough ankle support for me. I have also broken off lugs as others have mentioned. Over all, I love Merrell's products, but this one looks much beefier than it is. A good boot for day hiking. I go 6' and 190, so maybe for smaller folks it will do the job. I ended up with the Traverse for my backpacking. Happy trails.

Nailed It? 4 Yes

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