Good but pricey

Mountain Hardwear Canyon Short - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Canyon Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 June 26, 2012

I think $50 is pretty pricey for these shorts but well worth it when on sale. They do fit true to size and about the same as all my MHW stuff.

I haven't had mine long enough to comment on durability but they seem like they should hold up well.

They are lightweight and pack well. seem to dry pretty quick also.

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Best ever

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

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

Rating for this product: 5 June 26, 2012

Picked up 2 pair recently on sale and wish I had got several more!

All I'm gonna say is: Get a pair and try them yourself. You will not be disappointed.

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What more can I say?

Sea To Summit Tek Towel

Sea To Summit Tek Towel

Rating for this product: 5 June 26, 2012

I think most has already been said. I do see an additional use I haven't seen on here yet.

I like to wet mine (sz Small)and put it around my neck when it is really hot out. The evaporative cooling effect helps a lot. I can also use it to wipe my face and forehead occasionally for added effect.

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MONSTROUS!

Mountainsmith Travel Trunk

Mountainsmith Travel Trunk

Rating for this product: 5 June 26, 2012

I actually considered getting a XXL for a weeklong trip to Colorado. We will be basecamping in a cabin in the mountains and doing several hikes and hopefully an overnight. I tend to pack more than I need for this type of thing. (I do a little better when I have to put it on my back:) I ended up going with an XL and had room to spare!

Be very careful and don't go overboard on size. Also I believe the XL can stay within size limit for checked bags on a plane (I have not tested this theory) But the XXL is definitely over the limit.

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Nice sun hat

Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat

Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat

Rating for this product: 4 June 26, 2012

I like the rear drawcord to adjust fit. I usually put the chin cord inside the hat before I put it on my head. If it is windy I simply pull the strap under my chin and adjust to fit.

The mesh breathes well and the sweatband works well to keep moisture out of my eyes.

My only suggestion would be to put a wire in the brim around the outside similar to what is found on technical rain jacket hoods.

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Gotta luv em!

Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Shoe - Men's

Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 June 26, 2012

Picked these up off of Geartrade at a VERY good price. I don't buy used footwear but these were unused and had only damaged box.

I already own a pair of Lowa Baltoro boots that I love. I wish I had gotten a size larger in the Baltoro (I purchased sz 12)So I got these in sz 13. They are a great fit. My feet are quite wide in the toe area and I have a lot of trouble finding footwear that fits properly. My little toe does touch a little even in these but it is not a problem.

I received these on a Thursday and wore them the rest of that day plus 2 more days at work. I took off on Saturday evening to go on an overnight trip. We went in late Sat. evening and camped just a couple of miles in. Got up and took off the next morning with about a 30lb pack. About 1/2 of the weight was water which was nowhere to be found along the trail.

We were on the northern end of the Knobstone Trail doing the Spurgeon Hollow and Delaney Park loop. It is a very rugged trail with lots of ups and downs. Some steep climbs and descents for a hiking trail. By the time we got back to the car my GPS showed a total of 12.3 mi. By the end of the day I was tired but quite happy that my feet were in great shape. The PU midsole offers good support but not a lot of torsional resistance. Should be expected since these are not claiming to be backpacking boots. Vibram sole had good traction uphill and fair on the descent. Of course the Gore-Tex makes them a little hotter than non Gore-Tex but by being low shoes it isn't too bad. I will probably change the footbeds soon (never seen a stock footbed I cared much for) and treat them with DWR.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Arc'teryx Axios Backpack 50 - Men's - 3051-3661cu in

June 16, 2012

If rubbing off the laminate is a problem: Why not just use a pack liner?

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Black Diamond Beta Light Shelter

May 6, 2012

I think I would use Sil-net sealer from McNett since this is a sil-nylon shelter. Seam Grip is fantastic stuff and I always keep some handy but Sil-Net is made specifically for the sil-nylon. Wht take chances?

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Timberland LiteTrace Mid WP Hiking Boot - Men's

May 4, 2012

If it don't say "Gore-Tex" I would bet it is something else. Gore-Tex is absolutely fantastic stuff (they have been at it the longest) BUT many companies are going in leaps and bounds with new materials (look at eVent) Any membrane listed as "3-ply laminated is probably good stuff. The biggest considerations (at least to me) are breathability and the quality of innner and outer materials that protect the waterproof layer.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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OK but not that great

Mountain Hardwear Matterhorn Convertible Pant - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Matterhorn Convertible Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 March 7, 2012

There are a few things I don't care much for. First off I agree with leg4686342 about the pocket design. The top pockets are awkward. I don't mind the zip pockets but they cause the others to be in a weird position. Another is the single loop on the left side. Why no loop on the right? They also have a very low cut at waist which have me constantly trying to pull them up.

Great material. Nice leg design and length. I also like the positive latch on the belt that is unlikely to come loose unless I release it.

Overall a decent pant but not worth $109.95. Good thing they were on sale.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Patagonia Simple Guide Softshell Jacket - Men's

January 19, 2012

I see the previous year the weight is shown 1lb 5oz (21oz) and this one is 12.9oz. Can someone explain how they shaved that much weight off?

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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SIZE is confusing

Gregory Rain Cover

Gregory Rain Cover

Rating for this product: 3 December 22, 2011

I can't honestly give much opinion on function but the sizing would confuse anyone.

According to Gregory website:
Size Volume Weight Dimensions
XS 20-35 L
S 35-60 L
M 60-80 L
L 80-100 L
XL 100-120 L
The label on the one I just received says XS 55-65L. I ordered the XS thinking it would fit a 34L pack. I guess it is a good thing I own a 65L it will fit also.

If I was rating the experience of purchasing with all of the confusion I would give it a 1. The cover looks like it will do a fair job so I gave it 3.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Eureka Spitfire Tent: 1-Person 3-Season

December 13, 2011

Only if the other teenager is your very petite girlfriend :)

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nice but short

Arc'teryx Bird Head Toque Beanie

Arc'teryx Bird Head Toque Beanie

Rating for this product: 4 November 30, 2011

I picked one up about a year ago when the cheap knit cap I was wearing wasn't doing the job. This works great as far as keeping wind out of my ears and allowing my head to breathe. Works well down to around 20 deg Fahrenheit below that I use a MH dome.

If it would just go all the way over my ears it would be a perfect 5

Mine weighs 2.2oz.

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Impressive for $100

Marmot PreCip Jacket - Men's

Marmot PreCip Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 20, 2011

Just got this a few days ago and love it for what it is. This not a high end performance shell (like my Marmot Exum Gore-tex 3L pro shell) This is more basic and works well for keeping me dry and comfortable.

I would suggest a double zipper - next to no weight or bulk gained for the added function.

I'm not sure I like the flaps on the pockets. They seem like a place water may gather and potentially leak.

I haven't had very good luck stowing the hood in the collar but maybe I'm not doing it quite right.

Pit zips are always a nice feature and the idea of venting through pockets is nice too.

Easily stows into left pocket also.

This is a great jacket to carry around "just in case" or on less technical activities. I would not even consider it for a week long adventure trekking. I would take it on trips that it may or may not be needed or on shorter journeys where there is little danger if it doesn't perform in extreme conditions.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Marmot rocks!!!!!

Marmot Approach Softshell Jacket - Men's

Marmot Approach Softshell Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 20, 2011

Actually picked this up on geartrade. Just received it today. Been wearing it around in drizzle and gusting winds and temps in low 40's. So far it blocks wind surprisingly well and sheds water well. It has a nice stretchy feel. Breathes great so far but haven't been doing anything strenuous. I have even left it on indoors at work and haven't been uncomfortable by wearing a jacket indoors.

Update 11/30/11: After wearing this several times I have found the wind resistance less than I thought at first. It breathes amazingly well though. It does feel somewhat stretchy but actually stretches little at all.

Weighed my XXL at 1lb 5.4oz.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover Insulated Jacket - Men's

September 20, 2011

I would use a tiny bit of Seam Grip right on the hole. It would be best to pull the fabric out from the insulation so it doesn't adhere to it.

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Not good at all for me

Merrell Outbound Mid GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Merrell Outbound Mid GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 August 27, 2011

You can read my report here http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Boots/Merrell%20Outbound%20Mid%20Boots/Test%20Report%20by%20Roger%20Ault/
My feet kept getting wet and I ended up getting rid of them.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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MSR Dromedary Bags

March 25, 2011

There is one VERY important point that seems to be overlooked here. That is "extended backcountry trip" combined with being new and unfamiliar. I would strongly urge you either get more experience and/or assistance from someone with the necessary skills prior to taking any extended backcountry trip. It may sound cliche' but your life could depend on it.

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Lovin' it

Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket - Men's

Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 17, 2011

I find this quite warm for the size/weight. It was never meant to be a stand alone winter jacket. It is a great layering piece for insulation and also works well for me as an outer shell as long as precipitation is not a concern. I have washed in Nikwax downproof as recommended by Patagonia and it will shed very light rain and snow but I would not dare try this for extended periods or anything over very light precipitation.
Extremely light and very packable. The reg. $200 price tag stings a little but it is a fair deal at the current $140.

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Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket - Men's

March 17, 2011

I would never consider storing any down product compressed. Down gets a lot of warmth from loft and this will be compromised by storing compressed for long periods. Precisely why many quality sleeping bags come with 2 bags. One for compressing while out and another to store loosely at home.

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Excellent but oversized

Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiter - Men's

Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiter - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 March 17, 2011

Great construction, solid materials, nice wide hook and loop closure, tough replaceable strap. Overall a little heavy but worth it.
I wear a size 12 boot and I am 6' 275lb. My calf measures 20" and the XXL are nearly too big. I usually tend to go up in size because of my size but I wish I had went with XL on these. If you are borderline or have small legs I would recommend downsizing rather than up because these seem to run large.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Heavy fleece

Columbia Ballistic Fleece Jacket - Men's

Columbia Ballistic Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 February 17, 2011

Wow this one weighs over 39oz on local postal scale (size xxl) Has a regular fit which allows for layering. I agree fully with the reviews below that this is a heavy jacket and can stand alone. Yet it leaves room for layering on cold windy days.

I haven't been out in the wind yet but it certainly feels like it is highly wind resistant if not windproof.

I bought this one slightly used and washed it right away. The Omni-Shield repelled water well but I washed in Revivex DWR just for good measure.

I wouldn't plan on trying to pack this in my pack because of weight and bulk but it certainly is a nice jacket for when the weather is a little nasty. Windy cool days will be no match for this thing from my first impression. I will update if anything changes.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Stoic Bombshell Jacket - Men's

February 10, 2011

Can anyone tell me what this jacket actually weighs? Backcountry says it is 1.89lb and the Stoic Welder insulated is lighter at 1.75lb. This makes no sense to me.

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Marmot Original DriClime Windshirt - Men's

February 6, 2011

Why is the lead/gargoyle and vapor blue/eclipse both $26.98 more for a xxl when the black is the same for all? I understand some places charge more for extended sizes but this seems extreme. It is even more confusing when black is the same price for all sizes. Even if the xxl is more, I would think $26.98 sounds excessive.

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Great Hat

Mountain Hardwear Stimulus Rain Hat - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Stimulus Rain Hat - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 28, 2010

Very light and 100% waterproof. The cinch takes a little getting used to but works good once I got used to it. A little awkward to pack because after folding the brim it tends to retain creases.Overall another excellent product from MH.

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Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Spirafil

February 27, 2010

I have a High Sierra Naja 70+10. It is a tight squeeze to fit this bag in the 10L sleeping bag compartment. This is mainly due to the huge 10" compressed dia. of my Long X-Wide bag.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Spirafil

February 27, 2010

I have the Long X-Wide and the best I can get it down to is about 10" x 10". It comes with a Marmot size L compression stuffsack that measures 16"L x 9"Dia. before compressing.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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Kelty Slider 65 Backpack - 4000cu in

February 27, 2010

Andrew's answer to Great Scot said lashed to the two gear loops" The specs say "Gear Loops: None" And the correct answer is??????? Is he somehow using the ice axe loops??????

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Mountain Hardwear Sojourn 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season

May 8, 2009

Okay then the image still does not match the description. OAL (overall length) is in description as 86" and the image shows 89". In addition to the measurement changes I think it would be worthy to note this is a trapezoid footprint (more accurately a isosceles trapezoid)I would assume the manufacturer's image to be correct so the description here needs to be changed. If it were me I would post measurements for the trapezoid as 89"L x 52" one end by 40" on other end.

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Mountain Hardwear Sojourn 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season

May 7, 2009

Floor space is given as 52" x 86" and said to be 28.4 sq ft. This does not work. 52" x 86" is 4472 sq in. and converts to 31.06 sq ft. can someone please clarify the size?

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Excellent Parka

Mountain Hardwear Downhill Down Parka - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Downhill Down Parka - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 19, 2009

I have only had this jacket a few weeks but have worn it daily. I have been out in temps fgrom -10 to near 40. I have been dry and warm. I was surprised how warm such a thin jacket could be. I would recommend this to anyone who wants waterproof and the warmth of down.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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