There are pads out there that are much cheaper and lighter but you will be sacrificing a lot of comfort. The Neo Air is an incredibly comfortable and compact sleeping pad. You can control the firmness or softness of the pad allowing for a custom sleep experience. The insulating properties are very impressive. 16 of us were tenting on frozen dirt. In the morning when all the tents were packed up I walked around and noticed every ones “melt spot” from where they were sleeping. I was using the Neo Air and my melt spot was much smaller than almost everyone else.

Durability: Very durable if taking precautions. You need a ground cloth! If you’re in a tent perfect! Guys on the Appalachian using just the shelters I find a space blanket works perfect and weighs next to nothing. Ultra lighters and Light guys, MSR makes an E-Bivy that is 10oz and is surprisingly tough and water resistant, coupled with the 7oz tarp from GoLite that uses just one hiking pole to set up and boom you’re in business. Some sort of stuff sack is a good idea to protect it form objects in your pack.

Cons: After a couple hardy breathes into the pad I get a little light headed. It takes about 20 to 25 good lung full’s to inflate. I usually put a couple breathes into it, get water, couple more breaths, do something else and so on until its filled. Also break down time takes a little longer as well.

Bottom line: Perfect for going as light a possible but keeping comfort at an all time high.

This jacket is super light and warm! There is no wind protection but that allows the jacket to breath very well. The DWR finish does a great job of keeping snow from sticking, you can brush it right off your shoulders and arms. In a light mist the jacket didn't wet through and dryed quickly. It does not have draw cords on the waist to keep the draft out but it is an athletic fit and the cut does a pretty decent job keeping wind from getting under it. Bottom line, I love this jacket! Its super comfy, the first week I wore it I found myself rubbing my chest subconsciously while talking to people. Attractive jacket, much warmer then I was expecting and super light.

During the night a huge rain/wind storm rolled in while I was sleeping in the The North Face Tadpole 23 Bx Tent 2-Person 3-Season. It rained buckets! so hard and loud that it kept me and the dog up all night. The wind was pretty strong too, it sounded like a tree of large branch fell near by at some point during the night. The tent held strong and water tight! I was very impressed. I was using the footprint at the time and believe it was a crucial peaice of protection that night. Awesome tent, hasnt let me down yet.

This jacket is totaly waterproof. When I first got it I put it on and held my arm under the sink for a couple minutes, no water came through. The following weekend I wore it for a backpack trip, it rained for 13 hours... no leaks! it does build up condensation even with the pit zips all the way open, but what rain jacket for this price doesnt? I read a reveiw about a fleece collar, the fleeze isnt on the face part, just a small patch on the back of the neck. I also read a reveiw about there being a pocket that it folds into, theres no pocket but it does roll into its hood and is held tight by a velcro strap. I'm 5'10 145 with longer arms and it fits great! The drawcords for tightening the hood are a little difficult to use some times. Awesome jacket, wait for it to go on sale, I picked mine up 2 weeks ago for $90!

Great non-technical crampon, it really is. Stays on the feet. Easy to put on and take off. Durable, bites into snow and slightly inclined ice. BUT eats your boots up! This crampon will last but not sure how much longer my boots will. Tore up the toes and heel badly. In the making of some kind of cushioning for the boot between the crampon, we'll see. wouldn't buy this if your planning into getting into the alpine world. Wish they gave half stares...2 and half stares just because of the damage.

Great little tent for the price. Has a small problem with condensation in high humidity enviorments. The mesh body of the tent acts as a defuser for rain drops when setting the tent up in rain causing the entire inside to get a little misted. I used this tent in a storm on Adams, the tent took a beating but remained standing. It is really only a three season tent. With all that said, would recommend this tent to a friend or a beginner. It is small though with two people (you and significant other), roomy for one. Great gear loops and pockets inside the tent and on nice nights gives a great view of the stares. The vestubule is a little too small for two packs. Better pack your rain guard for your gear. No leaks and feet aren't wet in the morning though! A little annoyed the foot print didn't come with it, but you'll want to bite the bullet and get it. It does help. Have fun exploring!

I live on Whidbey Island WA. It's very windy here during the winter months. The jacket does a great job of keeping the wind out but it is very thin. The temperatures here range from 30*F - low 40's. The jacket stops the wind very well but lacks the insulation to keep you warm on the cooler days. It may be a good idea to get a size larger than you would regularly wear so you'll have enough room for extra layers if needed. Other than that I love it. Very attractive design and does exactly what the name says it will do.