Appearance: passable quality, some rough, multiple pass but sturdy stitching.

Fit: Different. It feels a bit backwards even when on correctly. No limitation in range of motion or, just a bit off.

Conditions: Over two dozen hikes, most between 3-5 miles@~3.5 mi/hr, that is, really hoofing it. Several longer hikes, ~9 miles@2-3 mi/hr. All 15-40 degree F weather. 3 in modest rain. All wearing a fleece 1/4 zip and a about 1/3 with a Marmot Precip shell for wind and rain/snow protection.

Performance: Always comfortable, dries fast. I was never uncomfortable. No sign of wear yet, but they've been pretty well protected.

I hike with my 3 year old and got the Emerald Mountain 3 a couple months back. I am very pleased with its size, ease of set up, and a special use of the pentagon shaped footprint. On the second trip out I found myself packing the footprint in the front pocket of my pack for use as a lunch, napping and dinner tarp. 6 stakes, 3 lines and a single hiking pole go up in less than 5 minutes, come down in the same and povide exceptional protection from wind and light rain. I stake the the vestibule point down first, then the adjacent points slightly in and forward of a normal tent strike. I stake the opposite grommets loosly with guys and then raise the center between them to about 50 inches with the foam handle of a hiking pole. A few quick adjustments and the short sides lay tight against the ground while the whole pitch is taught. My son naps back in the sheltered corner on his pad and I can sit out of the sun and rain and read or nap myself. I plan to use the same set up on our upcoming day hike. At 11 oz plus a few lines, its a pretty good set up. I appreciate multi-purpose gear.

The BA site says it works as a shower and, what do you know, it does just fine with the silicone hose from by miniworks and a surgical hose clamp. Now I wish I'd have gotten black and not terra cotta, though. I have no problem filling my insulated air core with about 13-14 'pumps'. After seeing the, ehem, 'liquid' inside a clear mattress after a season of use, filling with dry air can't help but add to longevity and maintain insulating factor.