Nice little pack

The North Face Animas 12 Hydration Pack - 750cu in

The North Face Animas 12 Hydration Pack - 750cu in

Rating for this product: 4 April 10, 2012

I bought this pack hoping that it would be just large enough to fit my 15" MacBook Pro. The internal organizers and overall "pockets galore" design of this pack would make it perfect for lugging around my laptop in addition to its trail-worthiness. Unfortunately it's a bit too small for the laptop (though it'd probably fit an iPad perfectly).

Regardless, I'll keep the pack and use it for lengthy dayhikes in the Rockies this summer. It offers enough extra room for a layer, snack, binoculars, bear spray, etc... and rides comfortably on the back. As mentioned before, the side pockets are kind of useless (though I suspect bear spray will fit nicely) and the zippers take a little getting used to.

Maybe having this pack is a good excuse for me to splurge on an iPad...

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Perfect

Patagonia Strider Short - Men's

Patagonia Strider Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 1, 2012

Simple design, comfortable, breathe well, look good... what else could I ask for? I live in Mississippi right now, where it gets HOT and these help keep me plenty cool when I go on mid-day trail runs. I suspect they'll perform well when I'm in the Tetons this summer.

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The North Face Animas 12 Hydration Pack - 750cu in

February 26, 2012

Looks like it's a minimalist gear loop for holding an ice axe, trekking poles, etc. Can't be sure as I don't own this pack but that's my impression.

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So far so good.

ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season Tent

Rating for this product: 4 July 31, 2011

Simply put: this tent is a superb value, especially at the SAC price. I've used this tent in the Tetons, Wind Rivers, the Everglades, and New England and it hasn't let me down. The mesh body and fly vents allow for excellent ventilation while the poles and guy out points keep it the tent taut even in 30-40mph winds. I really like that this tent has two doors and two good sized vestibules, making it easy for the occupants to stay organized and enter/exit easily. The interior is a bit small - two average sized (from 5'6" to 6') people would fit fine, but for anyone very tall or heavy, it might be cramped for two.

At under 5lbs trail weight and hovering around $100, this tent is perfect for a couple's retreat into the wilderness. I'm happy I didn't throw down an extra $100 for big name tent when this has everything I'd need.

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Stoic Somnus 30 Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Down

June 29, 2010

Are Stoic bags EN 13537 tested like other manufacturers? This seems to be the most trustworthy rating system for sleeping bags, and although I do trust the quality of Stoic products, I would love to know the upper and lower limits for this bag.

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Wanted to like it

Marmot Torrid Fleece Jacket - Men's

Marmot Torrid Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 January 15, 2010

The Torrid would have been great if the fit was better. Most power-stretch tops I've had fit pretty snug (because they stretch, duh!), and this one is just way too loose. If there was a draw string at the waist it may have worked. I even thought about sewing one in myself. But ultimately, it wasn't worth it. If you have a beer gut, this might work for you. Otherwise, don't bother with this.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Favorite fleece

Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover - Men's

Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 30, 2009

This is an awesome pullover. It's a very stylish fleece for casual wear and also performs great on the trail. It has a baggy fit, but I actually like it that way. In the winter I wear a sweater or light down jacket underneath for added warmth, and in fall/spring I wear it over a t-shirt and the baggy fit lets air circulate to keep me from overheating. This fleece is also pretty durable - I've worn it doing woodlot work in the winter. This is simply a great all-around fleece that I find myself wearing time and time again.

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The North Face Khumbu Fleece Jacket - Men's

December 30, 2009

The bottom has a drawstring, which is nice, but if you want it to stay loose it definitely will.

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Great for winter

The North Face Mountain 25 Tent - 2-Person 4-Season

The North Face Mountain 25 Tent - 2-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 4 November 9, 2009

I really like this tent. In harsh winter storms you'll sleep well knowing you're protected from such a great tent. It's got just enough room for two average sized people (I'm 5'8", girlfriend is 5') and some gear. There's great mesh pockets on the walls for odds and ends (glasses, headlamp, gloves, whatever) and the vestibules are great for your backpacks. However, I wouldn't bring this with me in the summer. It's too heavy and bulky and with two people inside it'll definitely create lots of condensation, even with the vents open. But if you want something to save your ass in high altitudes and in winter storms, this fits the bill perfectly.

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Could be better

Backcountry.com Siphon Street Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Backcountry.com Siphon Street Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 November 6, 2009

I wanted to like this hoody, and I did until it started pilling all over after only a few wears. I also wish there was a waist draw string. Otherwise, it's a functional hoody that is warm down to about 40. The hood is roomy and adjustable, the pockets are decent. Sizing: I'm 5'8" 140 lbs and the small is pretty tight fitting.

Nailed It? 0 Yes

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Oh baby

Backcountry.com Rime Pullover Jacket - Men's

Backcountry.com Rime Pullover Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 28, 2009

There's nothing particularly amazing about this piece, but its simplicity is what makes it so great. Sizing is the standard athletic cut of most BC tops. For reference, I'm 5'8" and 135 lbs, and the small fits great with enough room for a baselayer underneath. Fabric is thin but warm, and it's not stiff so you can move pretty freely. It sheds light rain well, blocks a good amount of wind, and breathes excellent. Summit Sky is a pretty bright color but at least it'll help me not get shot by hunters.

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Good but delicate

Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 26, 2009

Real nice top. Warm, form fitting, and stylish. Works well over a base layer, as some of the seems tend to be itchy when worn against my skin. The only problem I've had with this is that the fabric is really delicate. A tiny twig can put a hole right through it - as I know from experience. I won't be wearing this anymore without another layer over it.

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Nice pack

Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Backpack - 3350-3650cu in

Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Backpack - 3350-3650cu in

Rating for this product: 4 October 24, 2009

This definitely isn't your grandpa's backpack. There's a lot of innovative design in this thing and I'm not sure whether or not it's for the better. I like the roll-top closure and the front stowable pocket, and the waste-belt pockets are great too. The other pockets are a bit annoying because they just take up space within the pack itself. Nonetheless, it's nice to have the option of using them. The padding leaves a bit to be desired, although it does carry a full load pretty well.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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Backcountry.com Overhang Pant - Men's

August 6, 2009

They're like a mix of dark brown and dark gray. As mentioned above, it kind of depends on the lighting. From a distance they'd probably just appear dull black.

I don't really know what the other guy is talking about with matching to other clothes. First of all, when I'm out hiking I don't really care what the birds and squirrels think of the colors of my clothes. Secondly, they definitely do look great with other clothes. I mean, if all you have is black and brown clothes you might look a little odd, but I wear these with blue, gray, red, and green a lot and I think I look pretty good.

Nailed It? 1 Yes

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The pants I've been searching for!

Backcountry.com Overhang Pant - Men's

Backcountry.com Overhang Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 6, 2009

These pants are absolutely awesome. I'm usually 29x30 or 30x30 and the small fits perfect. The slim fit is really stylish and comfortable but it doesn't restrict your movements because the material has the perfect amount of stretchiness to it. They breathe well, I wear them on light hikes when its in the 70's. They're also super durable - I wore them bushwhacking through thick vegetation in the middle of the night with no tears or anything. Definitely my favorite pair of pants. I love BC gear!

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