I wasn't sure waht to think about this pack when I fisrt purchased it. It looks kind of old fasion, but after a week long mountaineering trip it performs better than most packs out there. It was super comfertable with a 50+ load. It has all of the options you will need in a mountaineering pack, a simple clean design, crampon patch, daisey chains, ice axe loops, gear loops, and a removable waist belt and lid. There is nothing extra to complicate things like extra pockets and unecessary zippers. That keeps it simple when your life depends on paying attention to what you are doing, and not trying to figure out what your pack is doing. I am 100% pleased with this packs performace, and wouldn't want to change it at all. Also on a sizing note, I normally wear a medium, but I tried a large to gain necessary volume. I found it to fit perfectly, I will say if my torso was any shorter than 18", or my waist any smaller than 32" it wouldn't have worked as well.

I recently purchased this pack, and I was able to compare it to the older version of the same pack that belongs to my wife. While this pack is adequate for the job, the suspension and construction doesn't seem to be as good as the olser version. The suspension is a single stay rod instead of the older versions dual stays. The reason I didn't like this was the fact that the load lifter straps have nothing to pull against, and do nothing tho releive shoulder stress. I also wasn't a big fan of the hip belt construction. After several training hikes with a 55lb pack the stableizer strap seemed to be pulling loose from the pack. While it didn't tear yet, it seemed to me that it was just a matter of time. I have returned the pack due to these issues. While I think the pack will do the job, I thought there were better packs for the same amount of money. If Mountain Hardwear had not changed the pack I would have kept it, and would have rated it at least a four star!

The MSR Fury is a resonably light weight, robust, and livable tent. The interior space is adequate, but a high ceiling with large floorpaln helps. The three pole geometry increases head room while creating a super strong shelter from mother natures fury. One intrance is not as good as two, but the trade off is a lighter weight (7.0lb stakes, poles, fly, body). The vestibule is quite large, easily holding two packs, boots, and a full sized dog. The ventilation is pretty good, especially when the tent's rear is placed into the wind. MSR uses the highest end materials on the market, and they don't cut corners. The attention to detail is easily noticed everywhere in the tent. Even in the gear loft where two slitted pockest hold head lamps for indoor illumination. When compared to other two person true mountaineering tents, this is one of the lightest, and when split up properly can be broken down evenly (3.5lb each). The price isn't too bad either, over all a great tent, and a good purchase.

Let me say first that I have other Steripen products. I like them, I use them, and I trust them. Now let me tell you what I think of this piece. Fisrt off my review is based off of personal experience, and my eye witness account of three other Steripen Journeys. All four units chew batteries up at the average rate of one pair per liter. At home the unit worked as it should, but the first time I took it into the field it wouldn't even treat one half liter with two new pairs of batteries. It was cool with lows in the thirties, I slept with the unit in my bag, and treated no different than my Adventure model that I have used in much colder temps without a problem for years. To top it all off when I got home I tried both pairs of batteries in the unit again, and the Steripen Journey again said the batteries were bad. Then I put both pairs into my Steripen Adventure, and both pairs worked flawlessly. I have used the Steripen Adventure without a single failure for several years now, and I would recomend it to anyone out there. the Steripen Journey on the other hand, well I wouldn't recomend it to my worst enemy.

I know that this pack got its start as a ski mountaineering/touring pack, but I find it great for backpacking also. Many of the ski specific features that set it apart from normal packs can easily be used for general backpacking gear. The probe pocket is a great place to store tent poles, or an ultralite camp stool. The huge kangaroo pocket on the front of the pack is great to stash wet gear like rain clothing, tent flys, tarps, and because it is totaly seperated from the main compartment it won't get the rest of your stuff wet. The side zipper access to the main pack is real nice to grab items on the go, and the roll top closure is fast to adjustable to handle any size load. The pack isn't submergable, but other than that it is totaly waterproof. My has withstood five hours of heavy continuous rain without leaking. The suspension is the most adjustable pack out there, not only adjusting for torso length, but shoulder width as well. This baby will handle even the most heaviest of loads, and shares the same suspension as some of Arc'teryx expedition packs. It will move with you almost as if it is part of you thanks to the swiviling hip belt. It a little heavy, it isn't the pack I use all the time, but when all hell is about to break loose I go for this baby. Its stated volume is very conservative, I think they only count the main compartment, but the kangaroo pocket is at least one third of the main compartments size. I mainly use this pack in winter or for longer trip due to its size. I tend to be a light weight backpacker, and I can fit four season gear and food for a week in this pack. Hands down this is the best pack I have ever owned, including some of the best offerings from Osprey, Gregory, and even other Arcteryx packs like the Naos and Altra.

Weighing in at 6oz (measured on my scale at home), you won't find a warmer lighter layer out there... hell they weigh less than most t-shirts! I have had the MontBell Down Inner Parka for years, and love it. So I finally decided to get the pants to go with it, and I am totaly satisfied. These pants will keep you warm by themselves in mild climates, work great as a layer in more extreme environments, and will cut weight from your pack. What the heck are you waiting for... order them!

I really like this pack, for one great reason, it is super comfortable. It carries the load close to your body so it moves with you, and the shoulder and hip straps are some of the best fitting I have seen. It has a clean design, good access with the panel zipper, lots of gear loops to haul climbing/ski/camping gear, and it is really light weight. I use mine mainly for ultralight overnight backpacks. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the back pannel isn't well ventilated, so your back will sweat some, but that is the trade off to have your load fit tight to your body. Typical Gregory quality, and craftsmanship. Overall a five star!

I have this jacket and use it when the temps are too cool to paddle with just a rash guard, but it won't cut it if the temps are below 65 or so. The neck and wrist gasket won't keep all of the water out, but it is a great spray jacket for late spring/ early fall. For real winter whitewater you will need a dry top.

The is the PFD I prefer to wear. It is comfertable, very buoyant, and has great features. It has hand warmer pockets to keep the hands warm when scouting rapids in winter, two zip pockets to keep snacks and whatever, mutiple adjustors to dial the fit in, and it is even hydration compatible! It isn't that expesive either. I recomend it.

These pants are really great. You know what your getting with Gore-Tex Paclite, a breathable material that will hold up better than the cheaper ultralight breathable materials. That being said, the things I like about these pants are the waterproof zippers on the legs (no more storm flaps for the zippers to get cought in), and the elastic waist is comfertable to wear all day. The 3/4 length zippers I go back in forth on. I prefer them to full length if you want to vent your legs because full length zips tend to get loose around the waist when the zippers are down, but when it comes to putting them on over boots or crampons the full zip is the way to go. I guess nothing is perferct. Like all other OR Gear I have these pants are of the highest quality. Oh yeah, they have suspender loops also!

I'll keep it short and to the point. This OR Bottle Parka will keep your water from freezing, and that is all I ask for it to do. I have a #3 and a 1.5 liter Nalgene fits inside perfectly. The Zipper will freeze if you get it wet, and this will make it very difficult to open... Especially with gloves on, but with some effort it will open. Typical OR quality, you won't be dissapointed.

This jacket is just what I have come to expect from Outdoor Research... A kick butt piece of technical clothing that has the right mix of functionality and clever features to make this a great hard shell for year round use. This jacket has all of the things you look for in a hard shell. The hood is helmet compatable with multiple adjustments, there are 3 exterior pockets, an inteernal pocket, adjustabel waist and cuffs, but the cool part is the pit zips. The pit zips can be unzipped all the way down to the waist to allow you to really vent your core. They also can be zipped up from the waist to the pit, this allows the jacket to be worn like a poncho, and that is killer for hot summer afternoons... Especially here in humid Tennessee. There are plenty of other Gore-Tex Paclite jackets out there with comparable specs, but I haven't found one yet that can match the ventilations options of the OR Foray. That reason combined with my personal love for OR Gear makes this Jacket a top continder in my book.

These Gaiters are an affordable substitute to the higher prices expedition style. I have used these pups hard for over a year now, and except for me punching a hole in them with my crampons they have held up well. They keep my boots free of snow, dirt, and rock... Even on a 30 mile hike in WY when we post holed the entire way in waist deep sloppy snow. Outdoor Research is known for making solid gear, and these gaiter are no exception... You won't be dissapointed.

This hat is awesome. It's versatility is the main feature I love about it. When the sun is beating down, just slip the skirt around your neck for full protection, if the wind is really whipping you can adjust the draw cord, if the sun is just hitting you from behind you can flip the draw cord over the cap to only cover your neck, or if you just need a ball cap remove the skirt all together. The hat itself looks great, isn't hot to wear, and dries quickly. This hat rocks, and I would highly recomend it to anyone. I have always thought that Outdoor Research makes some of the highest quality and the most clever outdoor clothing on the market, and this hat is no exception... You won't be dissapointed!

Here in the southeast winter tends to be milder than other areas. Not to say it doesn't get cold, it does, but it isn't like Wyoming or Montana. This jacket is perfect as a winter parka here in the mountains of Tennessee. It doesn't take up much space in your pack, weighs next to nothing, and keeps you warm at camp or when taking breaks on the trail. I'm sure that in much colder climates this jacket would get the job done when used with other layers, but it makes a great stand alone parka in mild climates. It seems true to size, I normaly wear a medium, but bought a large so it would fit over any other layers I was wearing. I have always thought OR built great stuff, and this piece is no exception!

These poles are really nice. I second what other people have said about the grips. They work great for ascending and descending because you can slide your hands so far up and down. The locking mechanism is vastly supirior to twist lock types in easy of adjustment, and locking ability. I have noticed that the grip can mark my hands black after a long hard hike, but it easily washes off. I have had no problems with durabilty yet. So far these are my favorite poles I have used or seen.

This is great axe for general mountaineering. It is light enough to carry it on long approaches, but will get the job done when you need it. Great for climbing snow, and crossing glaciers... Everything except technical climbing. I would recomend purchasing a leash, but don't get the axe with the grip that comes with the leash. The grip will make it harder to plunge the axe into the snow, and will just get torn to hell with regular use.

This canister is a little heavy, but it is bomb proof. It makes a great seat also. It was tight on space for two people for 4 days, but we made it work.

My wife always made fun of me and my friends because of our gear addictions. She would say you don't need all of that expensive gear to enjoy the outdoors. Well, this pack has changed her mind. I bought it for her as a gift, and it only took one day of wearing it on the trail to convert her over to the dark side. It is the most comfertable pack she has ever worn, it is totaly waterproof, and it is a cool blue color. I have the mens' version, and it is my favorite pack ever. If you shell out the money you won't be dissapointed, and the pack will last for ever thanks to Arcteryx super durable construction. My wife is 5'2" 130lb, and she is in between a small and medium... Both would work for her, but we chose the small.

This lightweight fleece makes a great mid layer in cold climates, and a good outer layer in mild conditions. I think it would also serve as a expedition baselayer as well. Fits me true to size, I'm 5'9" 160lb, and the medium fits perfect.

This new JetBoil work just as good as the old one for boiling water in a flash, no pun intended! The new stove comes with a stabilizer base that you had to buy seperately before(cool), a larger valve knob(very useful), redesigned ignitor(better, but still can be unreliable), and a temperature indicator built into the pot insulator(neat, but unnecessary). Overall a better product, and it doesn't cost any more! This is still my go to stove for three season use.

This pack is a load hauling monster. I just carried it for four days in the Colorado backcountry, and it swallowed all of my climbing/camping gear, even the bear canister, whole. The only gear I had on the ouside of the pack was my ice axe and camp shoes, and there was loads more room inside the pack. The pack weight was somewhere between 35-40 pounds, so it wasn't the heaviest out there, but I had no discomfert what so ever throughout the trip. I have carried a Gregory Baltero 70, Osprey Argon 70, and this Arcteryx is by far the cream of the crop. I cannot think of one bad thing to say about this pack, and look forward to using for years to come.

This is a great harness for everyone from newby to pro. It has all the features you need at a low price. You can hang around all day in this thing without discomfort. It is pretty much a no brainer!

This tent is bomb proof! High winds, snow loads, whatever mother nature throughs your way this baby can handle it. I use it strictly in winter here in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and love the way it performs. It helps trap in lots of heat to make it a comfertable home on the mountain. The tent is relatively light for such a heavy duty mountaineering shelter, and if the weather isn't going to be the worst you can leave the "Jake's Corners" at home to save about a pound or so. The tent is big enough for three, but I prefer it for two. The vestibules aren't as large as some other mountaineering tents on the market, but they are adequate. Bottom line... If it is winter, and I am heading into the mountains... I don't leave home without this tent!

This helmet is light, comfertable, and looks good. There is no excuse for not wearing it... So leave your ego in the car, and put your brain bucket on!

I love this jacket, and wear it all the time. In town it keeps me warm, protected from the wind, and looks great. In the backcountry it is like part of my body... I never take it off! I wear it over a base layer for high activity pursuits... I wear it as a layer if it is real cold... Hell I even sleep in it. I really like the hood, fits under a helmet, and the large pockets because they can hold gloves and hats. I love everyhting about it!

I use the Steripen Adventure primerily in winter when a filter will freeze, and be rendered useless. The Steripen won't freeze, is easy to use, and treats water effectively. There isn't much more I would want it to do. I have had no problems with it not working in cold temps, or treating snow melt. I do recomend bringing an extra pair of batteries, and if it is super cold keeping it in your pocket will extend the battery life. I mentioned above that I use mine mostly in winter, but that doesn't mean that the Steripen Adventure is not for year round use. It is a great water purification device for all four seasons, and international travel. When temps are above freezing I prefer to use a gravity filter, but that is just me.

Great stove! It melts snow much faster than my older Whisperlite, but that may be because it is old and in need of some service. Either way this baby really cranks out some BTU's. It also is much easier to prime than my old MSR. It comes with a fuel bottle as well. It probably wouldn't be the best for international travel because it only uses white gas, but for use in North America you can't beat this stove/price.

This tent is bomb proof! High winds, snow loads, whatever mother nature throughs your way this baby can handle it. I use it strictly in winter here in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and love the way it performs. It helps trap in lots of heat to make it a comfertable home on the mountain. The tent is relatively light for such a heavy duty mountaineering shelter, and if the weather isn't going to be the worst you can leave the "Jake's Corners" at home to save about a pound or so. The tent is big enough for three, but I prefer it for two. The vestibules aren't as large as some other mountaineering tents on the market, but they are adequate. Bottom line... If it is winter, and I am heading into the mountains... I don't leave home without this tent!

I use this pad for winter camping under an inflatable pad. It does a great job of keeping me insulated from the frozen ground. It also make a good seat for sitting on snow in camp, or for a rest on the trail. I would want to sleep on this thing by itself, but that is just my preference. I know plenty of people do, but I like a lot more cusion.

I use this pad for winter camping under an inflatable pad, and it does the job of keeping insulated from the frozen ground. It also make a good seat when lounging around camp or for a rest stop on the trail. Wouldn't want to use it alone for sleeping, but that is my personal preference. I know plenty of people do, but I like a lot more cussion.

I bought this pad for my wife, and she likes it a lot. She said it sleeps comfertably, and it kept her worm in zero degree snow camping with a closed cell foam pad under it. What else do you want from a sleeping pad?

This is a great cold weather bag. I have been impressed by its construction and materials. The center zip is awesome. It lets you cut some weight from the bag, with less zipper you have less chance to catch a draft, and it alows you to have better coverage when sitting up in the bag. The head and foot of this bag are made of waterproof material in case you come in contact with a wet tent wall. Oh yeh, this thing is super warm too! What else do you want.

I have tried alot of packs over the years. Everything from Kelty at the begining, then moving on to Osprey and Gregory Packs, but this Arcteryx Naos is by far the best. First off the main compartment is totaly waterproof if you leave the port for the hydration tube closed, but if you leave the lid on and as long as you don't submerge the pack totaly under water it will keep everything absolutely dry. The zippered pockets are not totaly water tight, but as I said above it will handle everything but a total submerging in water. So leave that pack cover at home, and pray for rain. Another great thing is this pack won't absorb water into its fabric... thus it doesn't get heavier if it gets wet. This is the most comfertable pack I have ever worn. The key difference is the swivel waist belt. It makes for all the difference. The pack is free to move from side to side, but still be anchored to your waist. The material of this pack is super strong... and while I can't attest to it now, this pack seems like it will last a life time. The design is everything you need, and nothing you don't. Two lid pockets (one large, one small), two front zippered pockets (one large, one small), and the cavernous roll top main compartment.

This will be the warmest lightest layer in your arsenal. Under a hardshell and over a base layer I have been comfertable down to 15, and with a few more layers I would take it down much colder. It has saved me from hypothermia several times in the mountains. Definitely get the hooded jacket... it is much warmer! They fit tight to make them more thermally efficient, but it is not uncomfertable. If you like a larger fit then get a size larger than you normally wear.

This will be the warmest lightest layer in your arsenal. Under a hardshell and over a base layer I have been comfertable down to 15, and with a few more layers I would take it down much colder. It has saved me from hypothermia several times in the mountains. Definitely get the hooded jacket... it is much warmer! They fit tight to make them more thermally efficient, but it is not uncomfertable. If you like a larger fit then get a size larger than you normally wear.

What I like about this cookset is the fact it is light, compact, and durable. I can store the Snow Peak Giga Power Stove, a can of fuel, and a folding titanium spork inside the large pot. Then the mug nests to the bottom of the pot, and the Snow Peak Giga Power Windscreen nests under it. My whole coockset, stove, and utinsels fit in the stuff sack smaller than a 32oz bottle. The Titanium will last for ever, and wont be absorbed into your food. The mug has a nice set of measurements stamped inside.

What I don't like is the lid's handle is tiny, the pot and lid's handles get hot, and the mug looses warmth quickly. I use my multitool to open the lid, and a hankerchief to handle the pot. The mug I either deal with it or sometime use a neoprene koozie to insulate it.

Overall this is my favorite cookset and I use it every time.

The suspension is like a dream, but lets be real 50+ pounds can't ever feal good. This pack will handle that load and you won't be in pain. It has great features like the detachable hydration sleeve, lid pocket/lumbar pack, straight jacket compression system, three access points to the main compartment, two side pockets(one is great for a water bottle, but the other is hard to reach while wearing), a mesh front pocket, and plenty of places to strap on external gear. I can tell you that this pack is well made, has total adjustability with torso length and different sized hip belts, a clever versatile design with usefull features, and the suspension for expedition sized loads. You can't ask for much more.

This is a great dry top. It fits true to size, and allows full range of motion. The neck and wrist gaskets are super tight, and may need to be trimmed down some to get a proper fit. Keeps me dry and warm when the temperatures drop. A must have for winter paddling.

I think NRS always make high quality gear. These are no exception. They are thick neoprene to keep your hands nice and toasty. The snaps allow you to roll them up for days when it isn't that cold, and you are running really cold water. They have a rubber coating over the nuckles for a little more abrasion resistance. They also have a small pocket inside with a water proof zip bag for personal items, but I wouldn't use them. Loose your paddle, and loose your stuff! Well made, good design, and affordable.

I sun burn easy, and tend to be cold natured. This shirt does the trick all year round when I am kayaking. In summer it protects me from the sun, in winter it is a good base layer, and year round it prevents rashes. Mine has help up well over two years of use. It fits snug, but true to size.

This device is easy to opperate, effective in treating water, and is light weight. It is great for backcountry use and international travel. The only thing to keep in mind is do you want your water treatment depending on a battery?

This is a good filter, when it worked. It makes good tasting water, and is easy to clean in the field. My main complaint was that it almost always failed me in the field. It would filter the first liter or two well, but after that it either pumped slow, required great force, or quite pumping all together. I have since replaced it with another brand filter, and have had no such problems with the new one. I always found a way to make it work, but it was so difficult at times that I would not recomend this filter to others.

This is a tried and true filter that is reliable, and filters great tasting water. I have found it to be easy to use, easy to clean, and have long filter life. I have tried other brand filters, and found that they almost always failed in the field. This filter has never let me down. It is the best filter that my friends and I have used, and between all of us we have tried many different kinds. The quick disconnects are a nice feature, and I think worth the extra cash. Can't think of anything bad to say.

I found this bag to be well made and full of high quality down. I can't find anything wrong with the bag itself, but I can with the design of Big Agnes Sleeping Bags. The idea sounded great, but I found in practice it left much to be desired. I addmit that I am a naturally cold sleeper, but froze my but off in this bag in only 20 degree temperatures. All the heat loss was through the ground. I was using the Big Agnes Dual Core Pad which was rated to zero degrees just like the bag. When I asked Big Agnes about the issues I had encountered they advised me to use a second closed cell foam pad under the sleeping system. I did not want to do this so returned the bag. Other reviews rate this bag well, and mention nothing of what I encountered. I just couldn't imagine this bag keeping me warm anywhere near the temperature rating, especially on snow covered ground.

This is a good stove system. I have used it extensively, and found it to be reliable, fuel efficient, and almost wind proof. The spark ingniter sometimes fails, but overall works well. The only down side for me is it is bulky, heavier than other canister stoves, and I'm not a big fan of aluminum pots. Overall it is a solid piece of gear.