I have had this cooker/cup for about 10 years now and it has taken one hell of a beating. I have to say though that the cup has maintained it's shape over time and looks almost as good as new. It cleans up really nice. I like this cup because I can store cooking stuff in it with the mesh pouch it has a lid to keep things hot and it is incredibly lite. The sipper on the lid leaks by design so I recommend drinking with the lid off, but other than that I love this cup!

Small, simple and lite. Who does not love a spork. Multifunction at its best, this utensil will last you a lifetime. I have had the same one I purchased 10 years ago and it has lasted the test of time. I have got a couple more over the years and love them. This is a pack essential!

I just started using this tent, tried a buddies out on a trip liked it and got one myself. It is a little heavy and being a one piece tent you can't break it down much, but besides the weight and that this tent is dynamite. The 2" air beams are strong as hell and the the tent construction is is top notch with some quality materials. I wish there was a bit more ventilation, but it is made up for with the storage bins and light holders. I can get this standing and staked within 4 minutes so I know if I have too I can get it up fast. Bottom line, much recommended for the backcountry enthusiast.

The pad is easy to use, packs small, is lite, great R-value and good price point. My only problem with this mat is I had used it once and the second time I took it out it was deflated when I woke up. I am guessing I just had a defective pad, I took it back and got a new one and have not had any issues to date. For the price this pad is an incredible value. Obviously I see there are other reviews with the same issue as I have mentioned so there must be something to it, but I have not had any problems yet with the rectangular model I also have by Big Agnes. I think I am going to check out Exped next because the Rvalue on their downmat pads is 8 and the price is not too far fetched.

While in the military I never used a sleeping pad, it just meant I had to carry more weight, and being a combat paramedic, I was already carrying 50lbs more than the next guy in IV fluid alone. After I shed my paramedic bag and slipped into the civilian life I started carrying mummy style air supported pads. Believe me, I was kicking myself in the butt when I realized what a great night sleep I could get with the benefit of a sleeping pad. So the last 5 years I have been using mummy style bags, but then at the last minute ended up having to buy a rectangular style air pad. I have to say I really like the extra room to move around, I toss and turn a lot as is, and this keeps me on top of the pad having a little more shoulder an leg room as arbitrary as it seems, it matters! What I like about this pad is it has the whopping 4.1 R value which is on the top tier of pads for thermal insulation properties. It keeps you 2.5 inches off of the ground and keeps the cold at bay. I like the pack size of this pad about 4x4x6 which is nice and compact. The other big bonus is it doesn't break the bank at about $80 dollars this is a pretty affordable pad and goes a lot further than most pads in its price range. The only better by agness is the Q core and the Dual core which have an R value of 5 and provide 3.5 inches of displacement off of the ground. Other brands that offer similar packages are Nemo Cosmo series (Cosmo Air) and Exped has a few in that range.

I recently began using RAB gloves last year, switching over from my go-to OR (just to try something different and problems with newer glove designs) and I am really digging the innovation. What was bothering me about OR is the BEEFY over-shells which are becoming thicker and thicker and decreasing the amount of dynamic movement that can be made with single digits. Older OR's left freedom of movement for most digit dynamics (the review below should check out OR they have more of what you described you want). Another problem I was having with OR's newer design was the fact that the material in the palm's of the shells were not as durable in nature as some of the past models and reduced flexability. The inserts were thinner and did not have the R-value you want in an insert. So I checked RAB out. What I like about these? The shell! I love the thickness of the shell material, still feels durable, but not too thick so you still have incredible flex. The palm material is nice and sticky and you can really grip onto anything your grabbing and it sticks (Rope, slings, packs, Ice tools, ice screws etc.....) The insert! It is not just a thin little insert, but it is a stand alone glove which has the full dynamics of a thin insert but an insulated thermal glove that keeps your hands warm and wicks the moisture away from the hand when sweating. The palmer surface (silicone) of this glove is amazing. It is so sticky I can't even describe it too you. Without gripping you could probably open palm a biner and it would stick to the surface. The event fabric of this shell is incredible. It keeps your hands waterproofed. I use these gloves for mountaineering, ice climbing and winter touring in tandem with my RAB down mitts depending on how cold and what it is I am doing. All in all this is the best winter combo I have ever owned and for the moment am solely using RAB hand-wear products until I find something I like better. Check out the price points as well, If this was an OR glove the name alone would make this a $180 + glove so for now RAB is a bargain glove manufacturer (this is a cheap glove for what your getting). Of course this is all personal preference and some people may really like OR for the qualities I don't like them for. I guess that makes for a healthy competition.

I can't recommend these enough for the person who is going to spend countless hours out in the cold, or on expeditions and adventures. I have used these on some winter accents in Colorado, Chile, Minnesota and ski touring on Lake Superior's Apostle Island National Lake Shore Park. Let me tell you these gloves are Dynamite! Well worth every penny. The pertex makes them waterproof-esque, the palms are reinforced with a stronger denier that helps them grip to ice tools. The 850 goose down makes these gloves incredibly warm even in the coldest of temps. The coldest I have had these out was about -30 in Isabella Minnesota and my hands were comfortable for the few hours we were out. They don't feel as thick as you would think they are, and they are not heavy at all. They have a lite weight to them and feel just like a regular mitten. I have size 9 hands and I got the large (which fit me just fine). To be honest there is not one thing I do not like about this product, which for me is rare.

I have used this bag on Mt. Elbrus during a winter accent, the weather did get down to -10 for a night at camp 2 and I was pretty comfortable, mind you I had a liner and a bivy sack inside a 4 season tent with an insulated floor with an R value of around 15, but I was able to sleep comfortably. If the weather was any colder, I probably would not have made it for the night I was on the razors edge. I think the most optimal weather for this pack is 20-10 degrees. This bag breaths really well and retains heat, which is the most enduring quality. This bag packs down to about a #3 or #4 soccer ball, so it does not take up a lot of space for a winter bag. With most winter bags it does have a little weight too it, but for winter enthusiasm I think this has been my experience most of the time. This bag is a 600 down fill, and in the future I think I would get a 700-800 fill bag because there are more options out there that are affordable. Bottom line, the bag worked and kept me toasty. This bag is priced right and I would recommend it for anyone doing any moderate winter activities.

I have to agree with the review preceding mine, this pack did not live up to the hype and I really wanted it too. First of all I hate the newer suspension systems backpack manufacturers are making. I have tried them out on a few models and just can't get over my distaste for them. First the suspension systems dig into packing space and take away from total volume by creating an uneven storage compartment making it difficult to load. Then there is the issue that these suspensions displace the load away from the back making it harder to balance loads. Call me traditional, but I like to distribute the weight directly off of my hips allowing my shoulders to rest a bit (I took the suspension out the second go around on the trail). The shoulder straps never fit me right. I was concerned about this when pack fitting and finding the right size at the shop, but when I got it out onto the trail it just resignated the entire trip. The straps just dug into my shoulders and I could never maintain that balance so I felt as if I was readjusting ever half hour or so. Finally the chest strap broke on my 3rd adventure with this pack and I knew then I had had enough. The plastic buckles at times came loose and I was carrying around 25-35 lbs on 5 day backcountry adventures. What I did like about this pack is the flexible nature of the packs front pouch. The capacity without the suspension was much improved. I was just never really impressed with the load distribution and wanted more in regards to comfort. Bottom line, it just did not work for me, but anatomically it may work for someone of different dimensions. I am 5'10" about 165 and this pack fit me in the medium and I could almost make a large work, but stuck with the medium. Keep in mind height has nothing to do with fitting, torso lengths can vary considerably in people of the same height so it is personal discretion.

To be honest I have never had to use this before, but when I first got it I took it out and tried it for fun to see how well they work and I have to say they make an accent back into the cockpit a lot easier to say the lease. I keep it strapped to my deck on my kayak at all times now you never know when inclimate weather will create an emergent situation which requires assistance. It is definitely an essential on the water, would not leave land without it.

Great case for any valuables. I use the 4x6 with my iphone and it keeps it water tight, tough to get in and out with a case on my phone (the rubber sticks to the rubber on the case, so I usually tak it off). As mentioned in a review below the case does allow you to use the touch screen on your phone or ipod touch (if it is not wet, when wet it won't work). Different sizes mean different things for different people, so this is just what I use mine for and am sure there are hundreds of other items that will work efficiently with these bags.

I have it, use it often, and I love it. The biggest bonus is that you can listen to music on the water while your phone/MP3 are watertight. I use it with my iphone which fits perfectly. These newer innovations from Seal Line are great because they are lighter than the traditional otter-box style waterprof cases. They protect your phone and works pretty slick. I will not go out on the water without it (wow aren't we spoiled by technology). Bonus, I can use the touch screen on my ipod with this product if it is not wet. It fits in my pocket which is convenient, but I mostly keep it in my PFD front pouch.

I bought one to use for kayaking and really like the design and the quality materials. The materials do not cloud up over time like many other brands or earlier models by Seal Line. I really like the attachment points that I can use to strap down to my spray skirt and or the webbing in front of my cockpit. Bottom line this is a great map case while on the water and an essential item when touring. Different sizes allow for different map sizes and capacity.

I like the size of this pack and find it works well for fast packing and some short overnighters. Does not hold an incredible amount of gear/ clothing, but the size says it all. The shoulder straps are pretty comfortable for the moderate load in this pack. In the past I have had some problems with Osprey's chest straps breaking, and spoke with reps about this in the past and it was a common fault in a lot of the other lines and earlier versions. This pack does not seem to have any of the faults I would see in the past. the back of the pack is nice and flexible which I like ( I am not a big fan of the internal butterfly springs that are becoming very popular with Deuter and even some of the Osprey packs, I also thinks that cuts into your total volume). I Like the feel of this pack to my back, it really does conform and ride nicely. I do wish this pack had a larger diameter waist belt, I just like the feel of a big belt and with heavier loads distributes the weight better through the lower back and legs. Other than that this is a pretty decent pack. I have used it for day climbing trips and for fast packing on short 2 day trips. I am 5'10" 165 lbs and I bought the medium/large which fit me pretty well.

I don't know what I can really say about these, but it is an essential for paddling. They work perfectly, easy to use and keep your gear dry. Bottom line don't leave home without one.

I reviewed them, and have to say in my honest opinion, I don't really like them. Call me old school, but I have been using chaco's for the past 10 years and have grown to love the style and feel of the original z/1 and z/2. I really did not see the benefit with a shorter break-in because I have always found chaco's don't really need a break in period at all. From the first inovations to the most recent the I have noticed that the foot beds use to be much more firm than now and these have even a softer footbed than than the later versions which I am opposed to. They are a little lighter which is ok, but the higher arch is really unnecessary unless you need the extra arch support. All in all I think these get the job done but prefer the originals much more personally (and it is a personal preference, some might really like these). I would say these are built more like a Teva or a columbia style sport sandal. I wear a size 10.5 in regular shoes and a 9 fits me in all chaco's.

I got a pair of these to review on a kayak trip this sumer. My thoughts are that I just do not see the benefit of the yampa sole as to the regular z/2. I have found that the grip does not stick to wet rock any better than in my regular soled Z/2's and found the products to be a mirror of one another. If you do a lot of water sports this may be a sole sandal for you, but if you are buying these because you believe they are a water specific chaco, I suggest sticking with your old chaco's, because to me the difference was not notable. I usually wear my chaco's to all functions wet or dry and find them to work just fine. I wear a size 10.5 in a normal shoe and with chaco's the size 9 measures 11.2 inches which fits my foot that measures 10.75 from heal to captain (big toe) perfectly. If you wear an 11 I would go 10 and so on and so forth. I find that if wear an 10 in these I have too much extra space on the foot bed and end up toe kicking roots, rocks and other obstacles that should be easily passed.

I have had this jacket since the spring season and have to say it is a solid jacket. I am more of a minimal no side, low profile preference, but I like the stability of this jacket the fit and the design. It does not cut into my paddling, is light and provides a comfortable fit on longer tours. I am 5'10" about 165 lbs and fit nicely into the size medium. The only thing I would like on this model is a little more adjustment through middle torso. Other than that I think this is a solid fit.

I have 2 kayaks, a fiber and a poly. My poly is this Perception Essence, and in an almost 17 foot package this kayak can move. I use it primarily on the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore park out of Bayfield, WI. Lake Superior has incredulous weather and this kayak really performs well in the turbulent water. With different wind patterns variably changing on the hour, the skeg really helps to stabilize a nice tight trajectory and pushes you towards your target much more efficiently. This model is really narrow and cuts incredibly well while tacking through waves and swell. I think this model is a little more difficult than my fiber to roll, and to be honest I never roll a sea kayak unless I really have too on a trip or if I am goofing around on a day paddle. I have loaded this kayak up with about 35-65 lbs of gear on top of my own body weight, wet suite, spray skirt and pfd. I weigh about 165 and sit nicely in the water with that amount of weight. The cockpit fits me incredibly well (I am 5'10") and has adjustable foot braces to accomodate different heights and leg lengths. I think this kayak is really stable for a narrower base, and is pretty touch to tip. Really other than the fact that this is poly and weighs a lot more than my fiber it performs well and I think is a little more durable. We use it around here because there is a lot of rocks and trees beneath the water and don't want to scape up the fiber because they are harder to repair than the poly and they damage a little more easily. I use this for recreation use and I do some guiding with this as well and it works great in all of those capacities. I would recommend this package for anyone beginning or seasoned and on a budget. The price point is hard to resist and that is one of the reasons I keep buying this model every few years.

I used this in the spring for some late winter early spring trips and day trips. What I liked is the material is waterproof so it keeps the cockpit dry and the webbing on the front is great fro keeping a bottle or bailout right there. There is also a pocket for important equipment on the front of the spray deck which is convenient. What I don't like is that this does not have shoulder straps which I prefer. I feel strapless tend to scoot down over time and you have to play the pull up game. Other than that this is fully adjustable and within slated size ranges and offers great cockpit protection so you stay nice and dry on the inside of the compartment. I am 5'10" about 165 and go with the 38/20 which fits me perfect.

For $16.90 I just can't recommend these. Plenty of companies make an economical sock for running that performs just as well as these if not better. I got a pair as a gift and thought whats the hype. I tried them out and I can't say that it enhanced my experience any. I much prefer my nike drifit running socks which keep my feet dry and blister free. Bottom line, I would spend $16 on a single pair of hikers, but not on a running sock.

I like this jacket a lot. It fits slim and is very flexible so does not impede movement. I use it primarily for running and it breaths incredibly well, has meshed ventilation on the shoulders as well as under the arms. The thumb loops ar nice and the material around the thumbs is strong and flexible (they don't dig into your thumb webbing). The jackets length is a little longer giving you a little added protection from updraft. I also like the large neck. If you do not have a hood it is nice having an oversized scuba neck for protection and comfort. This model boasts a chest pocket which is nice for storing some essentials on the trail. The only thing I don't like about this jacket is A. the Climawind is just on the front so it blocks gusts in front of you, but not in back. I have this problem with their hooded wind stopper jacket as well. I don't use this jacket for my wind jacket, so I am not going to grade it down for that because it just is not designed for wind. I am 5'10" 165 and usually wear a medium top (especially in all of Salomon clothing). This jacket fit perfectly in a medium. Keep in mind it is active fit so it is going to be a slimmer and or tight fit because the material flexes.

The size large which is 180-195cm for torso. The medium is 170-180cm and the small is 150-170 cm. I am 5'10 and I just fit into the medium, but if I was 1 inch taller I would have to size up. They are pretty adjustable too as well. If you have not bought one yet they are coming out with the newest model with some orange accents and is the light version which means it is 100grams lighter which will release in march, I know a long time to wait when you need it now. I would also highly suggest the Salomon 12 set vest because it has more storage capability, the design is a little more sleeker and smart. It also does not have a waist belt and fits a little more securely with out the cumbersome nature of the hip belt.

These are the same as Gu no arguing that. I am not going to say these are any better or worse, because in my opinion they work exactly the same no difference. Other than the packaging being the same they give you quick energy that is soft on the GI tract and reducing stomach upset as well as they take about 10 minutes for your body to begin feel the metabolic benefits. The litter leash on these I am not impressed with and most of the time on the go I end up ripping the whole top off. Nice idea but in the end I don't really care, I am more than capable of getting my trash in a baggy and I just throw them in my designated trash compartment and go. Other than that I love them and they do exactly what they should do. I buy these in unison with GU depending on which is a better deal and or what is not sold out and what is available.

These work quick! WIthin 10 minutes your body can metabolize these and start converting them into usable energy. The glucose in these are already broken down into simple carbohydrates which metabolize much faster than complex food stuffs giving you the immediate energy right now. I was blown away when I started using these. On ultra runs I could slam 2 of these an hour and keep going for 8, 12 18 hours in a race without actual food stuffs. Like I said it take about 10 minutes for your body to start releasing energy stores. After using them for a while you become more in tune with your body and setting up a scheduled dose. When I am racing competitively on an ultra I usually take in 1 ever 20-25 minutes. During training usually 1 every 45 minutes after the first hour. What I like about them is they give quick stores of energy. They are incredibly easy to digest and soft on the digestive tract (you don't want heavily metabolized nutrients on the go). They are compact and sleek, you can store them every where and they do not take up much room. There is a plethora of flavors at your disposal to ward of monotony. They can be a little pricey when going through a box or two a week, but it all depends on your budget, the type of athlete you are and what your intentions are. Other than that I love it.

I got this at a scratch and dent sale for a great price, too cheap to not check it out. I put it on my Rhodesian and it must have felt all right on him because he did not even once try pulling on it. I do ski jour with him and he is use to wearing a harness, but he is still a curious puppy. This dog pack is pretty cool. it seats really nicely on the back and when moving with it, it stays in place which is what we want it to do right. The pack has a lot more capacity than I think I will ever need, but it is nice to have options. For the price I think this pack is definitely worth it. It is nice not to have to carry extra dog food, dishes and extra treats I would normally be carrying. What I really like about this pack is the pack is adjustable and you can compress it where you want so you can keep loads tight on his/her back to provide a smooth ride for them. I have not really found a negative in this product yet.

I tried these out on a pair of rec skis I keep for getting around the property in the winter and they work just fine. Easy to get in and out of, are pretty durable and incredibly easy to install. The pricing is right for these I must add. I don't think I would throw them down on a pair of nicer touring skis, but for a pair of beaters, the do quite well.

This boot gets the job done. I am not incredibly impressed with the footbed of this shoe, but then again I only got it because I left my other touring boots at home on a trip and it was the only 10.5 they had in a touring that fit my bindings. From here the boots lace up nice and I like the built in gaiter it works well. The footbed is just rigid, I like a softer footbed than this provided. My captain (big toe) gets a little numb a couple of hours into every tour with these do to the rigidity of the footbed. Other than that complaint they do get the job done, but I have designated them as my backup, backup, backup pair which I leave under my seat during the winter months. I wear a 10.5 for the norm and these fit me fine in the 10.5. I guess I really would not recommend them unless you are desperate like I was and there is no other choice.

For non-carbon shaft, these tools perform well but don't have the light feel. The ergo-grip feels ok in the hand, but not as comfortably as some other tools I have used. I have to agree with what many people say about the angle of the pitch on these is a little too severe for me and I prefere the more traditional shaft with less pitch like the Nomic as mentioned below, or the Grivel Monster. I think the staggered grip on these do provide a nice protection for the hands, but find the grips to be a bit small. All in all they just get the job done, but I am always finding myself wanting more in a tool when I am done.

Can't say enough about the Buff. You can wear them in a ton of different ways which makes them a piece of gear you don't want to leave at home. The provide UV protection so they keep you head safe from rays. You can wear it as a headband, beanie, neckband, face mask and etc. The material dry's fast and when wet can keep the skin cool. I take one on absolutely every trip I go on and won't be seen on any outdoor activity without one.

I like this pack a lot. I purchased it on the dime as a quick fix for ultra distance running for a few days until I my Salomon 12 set running vest came in. I love this vest, though it was not designed for running, but It served my purpose well. The pack has an awesome waist-belt which feels like you are wearing the belt of a backpacking pack. With that you feel a sense of security like it is fixed to your body, which I really like. The shoulder straps are wide and secure the load down over a large surface area. This is a really simple camelback with an open mesh baggage compartment which is super exposed. you can store a shirt and some small goodies in it no problem. The front has pockets on the shoulder straps one enclosed and the other drop in style. I carried a large can of bear spray in the drop in just fine, so it is pretty big, might accommodate a water bottle. There are also two other roomy pockets on the hip belt which are easy to access on the go as well. The last pocket on the back does not really make sense because it is hard to get to and you have to take the vest off to get to it, but it is extra storage. Ok a couple of things I really like. The bladder compartment has a hip belt adjustment to tighten the bladder so water does not slosh around in the bladder. I love that and it also makes the belt fit more securely. The other thing I love is that the vest style camelbak fits over a low profile PFD and still allows you to have hydration access at all times. Now a few things I do not like about this product. I despise camelbaks hydration bladders as is, but this one where it is located and the design is really difficult to refill. I would not wish it on my worst enemy, it just really bothers me how poorly designed it is. Second, though I was using it out of it's intended use for a few days when I first got it, the material on the back, especially around the lumbar can be a bit abrasive on the skin. Not as bad when wearing a top, but still does cause skin breakdown. Other than that, I love it. It is awesome when kayak touring having a hose to suck on is nice, because you don't have to keep track of bottles which I like. No one likes to chase down gear in the water.

What I like is this is a lightweight pack that can open up and expand its capacity to a decent size day pack, possibly overnight depending on your definition of ultra lite. The pack has a lot of adjustment capability. It can also accomodate ice tools and or some trek poles depending on how creative you want to get. I like to go shirtless on the trail most of the time and felt the material on the back side is a little abrasive. the pockets on the hips are nice and easy to access while on the go. The waist-belt is really nice on this pack. I don't like the dainty feel of this waist belt. I like a big thick belt like a pack. The shoulder straps did not work for me either. I could not seem to get the pack to sit right on my shoulders and there was a little too much bounce no matter how I adjusted it. The bladder is easy to access to refill, but I am not big on the bladder designs of Camelbak. I think they can be hard to fill so I really just don't like them. I think I prefer platypus bladders and salomon makes a pretty mean bladder as well. All in all this can get the job done, but left me wanting so much more. I think Camelbak can do better than this one!

I like this design a lot. I have a couple I use in unison with my ultimate direction bottles. I have to say that they are not as brilliant as the ultimate direction in that their bottles have a much more ergo-dynamic design which feels much more comfortable on long distance runs in the hand. The Nathan bottles have a simple design which I like, where a lot of companies are starting to develop these overly complex and ridiculous bottles. I think the two I mentioned are the best on the market that I have tried thus far and I see The North Face has come out with their answer for Hal Kroener. What is cool about this product is that the pocket accommodates about 5 gu's if I am really trying and as I said a simple design approach.

I am just going to say this bottle works, however I am unimpressed with the feel of this item. The extra material in this product just feels like too much when in the hand. I really prefer my nathan's handheld and or my ultimate direction fast draw which I like the most. I think it has a simpler design and really fits in the hand much better, where the ultra aspire feels a little more bulky with much more material in the way. Bottom line this gets the job done but the UD gets you their in first class.

I like this watch a lot, it is pretty accurate and has a lot of cool features that work well. It has a nice ergonomic feel to it and it pretty light for a larger watch. The altimeter was what I was after in this product. What I don't like is the buttons can jam after use in time. The Beveled bearing can pop off pretty easily and the battery can be a real pain to replace with the plastic cover. If you do not put the seal in the back when closing the cover you can get some water damage in the watch as well. I live in a very cold spot in the US sometimes get to be -60 with windchill and I have had this watch freeze on me. I have never had it happen while mountaineering on an expedition, it usually does not get that cold on the mountain, but it has happened around -10 before. Other than the negatives though it is stylish and functional. I also own the Core which is a little more than this model, but I would encourage the upgrade, because most of these weaknesses are cured in the newer model.

I have used Suunto for the last 15 years. I first had the vector when I was in the military, and it lasted 8 years before replacement. In that time I had been on 4 tours in Iraq and 3 in Afghanistan. I have never beat on equipment like I had on deployments, due to the nature of the job. I upgraded to the Core 2 years ago, and just replaced a core 6 months ago. Here are my thoughts. I have the core with the orange band, I like it more than the rubber band on the vector because I think it breaths a little better. The battery is much easier to replace on this model than the vector as well. The altimeter is pretty accurate. I have matched it with my GPS and it is usually within 5 meters, but I have had it range out to 30 meters off before. I am not sure if that is due to it taking time to update itself or not. This model allows you to utilize a log memory to track you trips via altitude which is nice for training on the trails and tracking your progress. I love the all around functions of this watch. Storm alerts when pressure drops, the ability to change straps and many more ancillary benefits make this watch a dinamo. I like the weight of this model. It is a little heavier than the plastic cases and the weight has a nice feel to it. The buttons are easier to use to make ongoing adjustment during trail running and or in the mountain. The only thing I have to say I don't like about this watch is (price) the rubber band if in orange I can attest becomes stained with wear over time. Other than that cannot give this watch enough props.

This is a nice little day pack that has a lot of room for expansion and is ultra lite so it can be used in unison with a larger pack for making shorter day trips from base camp. I test drove this product on a trip to Mt. Elbrus of all places and it worked for me but might not have been the best of choices for a mountaineering expedition. What I liked about it was it is lightweight and can be compressed to the extreme. It expansability makes it perfect for adjusting from a lite day to a heavier load day. The pack is not incredibly strong, but can accomodate a hydration bladder and some day items. I think it could work for ultra lite backpackers looking for a lite fast pack, but you would really have to trim down the weight and the straps are not incredibly padded which does not work for me. The pack can accomodate ice tools and poles which is nice, and they do fit securely. The pack does come with a foam pad in the back, the first thing I did when I got the pack is ditched the pad so I could roll it up into my large expedition pack. Other than this if you are look if for lite and versatile I think this could be a nice day pack for the liter crowd and or a secondary pack on the big trip.

I bought a pair of these to review on a trip to the Alps and I really have to say I was unimpressed and they did not work for me (but might work for you). I have to admit I have tried Asolo products in the past and they have never really worked for me. I heard some mad reviews about the fugitive and thought I should investigate it myself to see what all of the hype was about. First of all, this is a light weight backpacker though the rating on here is 3lb on the 8.5 I still think they felt lighter than that. What I really had a problem with was the narrow nature of this product. The boot is extremely narrow through the ankle, arch and into the toe box. I have narrow feet so I thought that this was exceptionally narrow. Second these are a backpacker, but I found them to be extremely rigid even for a backpacking boot. Even after three weeks of wear the boot seemed to be tight as the day I bought them and my feet were screaming for some meta flex. Another negative was the fact that the toe box is small and narrow. I need much more room for flexion and expansion of the phalanges than this boot provided. On a positive note they are incredibly strong and durable. The vibram is very sticky and provides great traction. The design of the tread gives you some solid stability on the trail. I really wanted to like these boots, I like the style and design aesthetically, but unfortunately they just don't fit my feet. I normally wear a size 10.5 and had to size up to an 11 to try and get some extra room for my toes. I would suggets sizing up a half size.

I have had a few pairs of these and what they lack in style they sure make up in comfort and durability. Wearing these boots is like wearing a pair of slippers. I love the fact that they slip on and envelope the foot providing cushion on all planes within the foot cavity. I think they are a very neutral boot, which is good for medium to narrow wearers. The vibram is sticky, the uppers hold together nice and I have never noticed wear on the tongue or around the top of the toe box. They felt pretty light to me, and had a really nice flex in the top of the toe box. allowing for a smooth roll of the metatarsals and phalanges. The lacing stays pretty tight and the laces stay knotted. I wear a size 10.5 in most footwear and I wear a 10.5 in these so I am going to say they are true to size which has been my experience with all Lowa footwear in the past.

I tried these out 2 months ago and I like them but they are not for me. For some reason the 0 drop in this shoe does not work as well as the MT110 for me. What I like about it is the low profile especially around the heel. I like the uppers they breath incredibly well. What does not work for me is the 0 drop. As mentioned before in other Newby shoes it works for me but in this shoe I find too much pressure on the lateral sole of my foot which several times translated into a nice sized blister. Other than that though I think it is a really light weight shoe and the uppers fit like a glove. The soft tongue material feels incredible. I purchased this in a 10.5 and I usually wear a 10.5 so I think it is on par with true to size fitting.

Had one for 4 years now and counting! Love this belt. it stays cinched tight, the webbing is heavy duty, and it never goes out of style. I wear it casual and have even dawned it on the occasional dress appearance (I was pretty casual though). The belt is incredibly soft with time and supple. I guess the best thing about it is I bought it 4 years ago and still have the same one. I don't plan on buying another belt for 10 years or more.

I really like the design of the Boulder x. The cushioning around the ankle is 2nd to none, but unfortunately like a lot of la Sportiva and Asolo footwear the toe box is just too small for myself. I understand this is an approach shoe, but the to box did not work for me personally and I see it is working for a lot of other people. What I do like is the cushioning, the design and overall build. The vibram sole is super sticky and the the wrap around rubber on the uppers is a huge plus making it great for scrambling and a little technical touch here and there. The leather uppers are incredibly durable and are for sure going to last you a long time. I think the lacing system is ok, but I feel is puts a little too much pressure on the tarsals for my taste, but can be more comfortable worn lose (defeats the purpose I know, but like I said they did not work for me). The price is not so bad considering shoes like the Ganda are packing the hefty $200 + tag so they are a pretty good deal. If you have a narrow to medium set of feet than I think you would be really happy with this product. My phalanges just flex with too much expansion to make these work. I wear a 10.5 in most shoes and for sizing purposes I went with a size 44.5 so I would say the sizing runs a little small and if you aren't sure size up and get a couple sizes to do your own comparison, you can always return a pair.

Here goes, I like this boot a lot, but I have to say I like its predecessor much better. This boot used to have the most cushion out of any boot I had ever worn in my life. It use to feel like a down mitten enveloping my foot. Well patagonia sacrificed a bit of padding and now we have the Nomad in front of you. It does seem like they are weaning the Nomad series out, but while they are still here lets talk about some pros and cons. I test a lot of gear for a lot of local and international shops and I tested this one out for a buddy of mine who was looking for solid hiker. So first of all this is a hiker, not a backpacker and not a trekking boot. Don't think about doing any mountaineering in this boot, don't even think about it, though it might work for some people so I will try not to generalize. What I like about this boot is well it is pretty light, but heavier than a traditional hiking boot. It does not breath incredibly well, but those of you who know the scoop on GT know that it does not breath as well as we would like. The full grain leather uppers soak up water and do take some time to dry out, but the GT propels the water from the inside like reactive armor. What I really like about this boot is the vibram sole. I love how aggressive the sole is. It wraps up the side of the boot allowing for more gripping ability. This bodes wells for scrambling and steeper inclines. The sole is incredibly grippy. I was really impressed with this, as they even preformed well on wet rock (granite, scree and sandstone). The rubber banding around the upper really protects the toe box nicely and the heal as well. The boot itself feels neutral to me with adequate room for toe flexion and expansion. The heel area fits snug (mind you I have narrow to medium feet). The lacing is nice and tight and the tongue really feels padded and adds a little extra comfort since the reduction of padding around the ankle has been reduced. The sole feels comfortable with a nice articulation of the foot bed and Overall this is a decent boot. I not a lot of pictures of heel injuries and boots falling apart. None of those happened to me so I guess that is a case by case, which is true with anything thats why there is chocolate and vanilla folks. I find some of the sizing reviews a bit confusing. I wear a 10.5 in most shoes and I fit perfectly in a 10.5 in these, so maybe those folks are in between sizes, but I feel they fit true to size not like other patagonia footwear. Again this is my educated observations after wearing them for a bit noting that what works for me does not always work for another.

I have owned a pair of the khumbu's made before the Khumbu 2 and really have nothing but praise for this boot. I tried the 2s out on a trip to give my buddy some insight as to whether he should stock them or not at his store and this was what I came up with after 2 weeks. They were easy to break in very comfortable with a ton of padding around the ankle and the incredible support. The lacing system cinches smoothly and does not undo during wear, the product is GorTex with a water resistant finish that is consistent to wear on the mountain. The vibram sole is of course grippy on most materials when finding proper footing even on wet terrain (watch out for moss and dense lichen though). The boot provides maximal protection to the foot and has the classical high rise of a mountaineering boot. This boot is in the trekking category which means that it is a crossover which could have some positives and negatives depending on what you are after. First of all this boot is incredibly light while still providing protection. This boot does not sacrifice stability by reducing weight, it feels like a light soft shell mountaineering boot. The foot bed is pretty neutral and has a nice articulation of the arch, but I threw a pair of the superfeet in it because I like the feeling of falling forward in a boot. This boot has a lot of qualities of a heavy duty mountaineering boot, with a fraction of the weight. I like that this boot feels insulated and wears warm in the alpine. Snow, rivers and creeks are impenetrable to the inside of this boot, unless you get in over your head. The grip of the vibram performs well above the trees. This boot also does well with a large load. I was doing some mountaineering and had about a 40 pound load all together and felt this boot really accelerated. This was more weight than I usually ever take out but I really wanted to push this boot and see what it could do. I used this in lieu of a mountaineering boot and it even fit a pair of strap on crampons quite nice (we weren't doing any vertical), so I like that it is versatile and able to perform in many different conditions. On to some specifics, the toe box felt adequate. I have a narrow foot and felt there was plenty of room for toe flex and expansion. The heal held my foot in snug with a nice fitting. I wear a 10.5 in almost all shoes, and fit the 10.5 brilliantly in this boot. Some changes of the Khumbu 2 from the original that I really like, are the heal protection and toe protection. There is now a rubber shield on the heal and toe making this newer model a bit more durable and aiding with toe kick. I think this is a big bonus because it also enables for more diverse scrambling and climbing depending on what your catch is.

I tried this one out after having used the Petzl Tikka 2 for a while. What I like about it is in my title, it is simple and efficient. With an elastic headband and a 4 led light that is all you get. It is a little more powerful than the Tikka coming in at 60 lumen, so you get a little more bang for your buck, and has multiple settings for lighting depending on your needs The band is strong and articulates well with the head and or helmet (I have used it on some night ascents just for kicks) and it worked well. It does not bounce around trail running and it feels comfortable on the forehead. Not really powerful like my mountaineering headlamps, but gets the job done. I think the pricing is fairly reasonable as it is $5 bucks more than the Tikka 2. I think this is a solid all around headlamp, and your ingenuity could think of several uses for it.

I like this headlamp. You want to know why? Because it is simple and gets the job done. There are no thrills, bells and whistles with this headlamp, no. What you do get is a headlamp that has a strong flexible headband that articulates with your head and or headwear, a light that just plain and simply works and with that you get a solid product. Petzl headlamps last a long time if taken care of. I would error on the side of saying that the weather resistant engineering is not as fabulous as petzl lets on, and like the zipca model can lead to corrosion of batteries in the battery compartment, but other than that I have had no problems with this headlamp. I like this one because It is cheap and I have a couple of them stashed in different packs, and they fit nice on a helmet or around my head.

I bought this headlamp to have in unison with whatever mountaineering headlamp I have. I primarily use this one for getting around base camp, reading some books in the tent and working on electrical projects at my house. I like this product because it is small and compact. It is not really weather resistant, which often leads to corrosive batteries leaking in the battery compartment. One of my complaints is that it is really hard to get the batteries to close right in the battery compartment and I have had several occasions where the compartment pops open and the batteries shoot out. The zip cord sometimes catches my hair and winds it up with the cord into the internal mechanism which can be painful. I have had 8 of these since they first came out. Often the padding on the forehead comes off after a little bit of time. Now some positives. I like this item for some of the same reasons I don't like it. First of all I like the zip cord. I can wear this around my wrist like a bracelet and have it right there ready to go when I am trying to get around base camp. Another thing I like about this is it is very compact and easy to pack in a pocket or hook to a bag. Now I have done a lot of various activities with this lamp i.e. trail running, backcountry skiing and some night ascents, but really just dont recommend it for these more active activities. It does work, but when trail running the light does not have a ton of stability with the zip cord and bounces a bit which is annoying. It is not entirely weather resistant so in inclimate conditions it poses a risk of your safety when it comes down to it, but that is my personal opinion and many people may find it suitable for their outdoor activities. For me it is a great addition to my mountaineering headlamp which i just don't want to wear around camp. If you don't mind putting up with some of these quirks then this could be a decent headlamp for you.

This headlamp basically is taking the place of the Lucido TX1 which was also a very solid headlamp. I took this headlamp to Aconcagua last year and have to say on summit day in the pitch black, this was a great tool to have around. Whats nice about it is you can adjust it to fit a helmet, headwear or just your bare head. There are many lighting settings which is convenient for different activities like reading in your bivy/tent or just pushing it on summit day. Another thing that I like a lot is that this headlamp has the 3 LEDs on the back of the battery compartment that sits on the back of the head This is really convenient when you are encountering bad weather and want to keep track of your buddy from behind. It is also weather resistant so it does well with moisture. Though this headlamp is a little bulky, a strong headlamp is a must in some situations and I would recommend this one because I really like the design and functionality of this one.

I love this hat. you can fold it up into a ball and put it in your pack and pull it out and it looks god as new. The fact that the brim can be crushed and never loses its shape is great. I really like the material, which dry's incredibly fast and wicks sweat very effectively. It is has a low profile which is nice if you do not need too much coverage and last but not least the hat come in multiple sizes so there are options for those of you who have a larger head or a smaller head. neutral and you fit in the middle just fine.

I love this hat. The fleece lining is warm and comfortable and the wool is really warm. The only dislike I have is it has a tendency to shrink over time even when air drying it out. The hat is warm in the right conditions. it is not for windproofing when you need it.

I really like these for just hanging out as opposed to my z/2s where I trail blaze and fast pack in those. These are good for just hanging out and having casual fun. They dig into my foot too much when I am doing some steep ascent/descent and find the toe loop of the z/2 great for more active activities. Other than that I love the feel of the arch in these and wear them everywhere weather permitting. I have a 10.75" foot (both feet) and I usually wear a size 10.5 in most shoes. In these I wear a size 9. I like my captain (big toe) to be right at the end of these because I do not need extra room for hanging out. I find that the 10s are much to large, I trip a lot in them and the look ridiculously big on my foot, but that is personal preference. Other than that love'em!

What I like best about the z/2 is that the toe loop provides a little more stability in the sandal if your getting a little more aggressive and doing some severe ascents and descents. I use them for a general shoe in moderate climates almost year round and they work well in the water and on the trail. I usually wear the webbing out before I wear the actual sole to the bone because I have some pretty course calluses from trail running, so I think the sole is incredibly durable. I prefer my z/1s if I am just hanging out because I like to move my toes around but that is just personal preference. Sizing is different and preferential. I usually wear a size 10.5 and have a size 10.75" left and right foot. With the chaco's I feel there is way too much room at the end of my chaco in a size 10. I try to size sandals so my toe comes right to the edge of the sole, otherwise I am tripping over stuff and they look ridiculous. So I always wear a size 9 in chaco's. I hope that helps for sizing.

I tried them out just the same as the leather upper version (non AC), and unfortunately came to the same conclusion. I like the sole and the wraparound coverage. I like the the breathability, a bit more than the GT leather version. I even liked the style and design. Unfortunately they are a bit warmer than a trail runner and too heavy for me. Since I began running in the minimal shoe styles noraml trail hikers are just too heavy for me know. When I fast pack I usually wear a trail running shoe with a lot of cushion which lately has been the Brooks Cascadia. I do like the tread and the style as said above but I just think these a little heavy and outdated for the evolution of a lot of trail activities. If you are looking for a durable shoe with a ton of protection and added weight then this could work for you. I am a 10.5 and fit the 10.5 just perfect.

So I tried these out about 2 months ago for a local gear shop and I have to say I think they are durable, like the design and they have some aggressive tread on them, but fell a little short in that they are a little heavy for me. I know they are a hiking shoe and should be a little more dense, but in the age of minimal shoes it is really hard to like a shoe that is so heavy, especially when I wanted to so much. The shoes as mentioned above have great tread and stick to rock and packed trail very well. The material is heavy duty leather and they they feel like a glove when putting them on. They do not breath well for being GT, but they are much more cushioned than their boot counterpart. I really like the rugged nature of them but when it comes down to it they are just to heavy for me. I have been running in minimal shoes for a while now and when I fast pack I even were a pair of heavier trail running shoes like the brooks cascadia so I think for myself I am ruined on the age of the traditional hiking shoe. They are however stylish and provide great protection. I do like how the sole creates a total coverage wrapping up the side of the shoe. Great for scrambling and approach. If you are in need of the classical style rugged hiking shoe this is the shoe for you. I wear a size 10.5 and know I have read plenty of discretion involving size, but feel the 10.5 here was spot on. I think you should stick with your normal size unless you are in between sizes and might have to actually try them out.

I know people love these glasses and the style, but for a pragmatist, I cannot bring myself to get a pair of these. I ordered a pair and they came and when I got them I was really disappointed in the quality of these glasses. They feel like 10 dollar glasses you get in a gas station. Basically you are paying for the name on the side of the glasses. There are a lot of companies that make the exact same glasses and quality lenses for about 10-30 dollars depending on where you go. I went to ebay and got a pair of imitations for 10 bucks and am happy I saved the $90. You can even put different lenses for the frogskins in them, they fit perfect. Don't get me wrong, they are stylish and would work with many face sizes, but they are just not $100 + sunglasses and in this case supply and demand has got the better of the demand. For this I cannot give them more than a 2 star, because they really overpriced. This picture shows my 10 dollar imitations with polarized lenses. They are made with the same composite material as the frogskins.

I have a beef with Julbo. I like their style and design, but when it comes to frame material, their plastics are cheap. I have had several of their glasses over the years and the dirt being one of them. What I like about it is it is a big frame, good articulation which provides adequate coverage for the acute and peripheral fields, nose and arm grips for stability and decent lenses (nothing to celebrate). unfortunately the frames are very brittle, especially in cold weather. Now for wearing around as an everyday sunglasses, that may be ok, but when involved with activities where they get banged a little the just don't deserve the above $100 price tag. I dropped these in the parking lot (in the winter mind you which makes plastic more fragile) and the frames exploded into a hundred pieces. The fall about 2.5 feet. For a mid range pair of sunglasses I would expect a dent and a scratch, but not an explosion. The problem is I also have the Julbo race, and they are built with a mor maleable plastic the flexes better and does not break which is also in the mid range glasses category. So I like the look and feel, but when it comes down to it I need something incredibly more durable than these. If you have a small face and do not want a large frame and lenses this is not a sunglasses for you. If you have a large face and or like large frames these glasses are for you in consideration with the above mentioned.

For a cheap pair of glacier glasses they get the job done. I think they are much more suited for a larger frame head. I think the design is a little flawed as they lack the proper articulation to fit the curvature of the face. I find on my face there is a lot of light still getting through which is not totally optimal, but I think some of the other Julbo glasses do a much better job with coverage. I find this pair of glasses does not really allow the periphery vision to engage as much as some of the more modern wrap around glasses do. The side shield material is a little tough and not as maleable as I would like and I end up futzing with it more than desirable. The lenses are just ok, but what can you really expect for 45 dollars. I think for the price they can get the job done but no bells and whistles. I personally use these as my back up and they seem to get the job done when in need. If you are looking for a fancy pair of glasses don't even think about it. If you want something simple, inexpensive and adequate then these could work for you.

What I like; breathable, great coverage, stronger more durable material (more durable than Camp Armor) and lite. What I don't like; not as easy to adjust, less adjustment options, and not incredibly comfortable. I reviewed this one for a local climbing shop owner and have to say it fell a little short. I took it out on 5 different trips and hung it up after. It would unadjust and have to be corrected a bit and just did not hit the not in the comfort department. I think it is a stronger material than the Camp Armor, but other than that I was dissatisfied and can only give it an adequate, because it does get the job done.

Very simple helmet. What do I like? It is lite, comfortable, breathes fairly well, easy to adjust and does protect against some rock fall. What I don't like, it has less coverage for protection overall (especially around the ears) and a lot of the plastic fittings failed on me in less than a year. If you are looking for better protection and longterm quality, in my experience this lid did not last, but again that is my experience and I could have had a faulty product. I have read a lot of great reviews for this one as well and many people seem to love it. Unfortunately the product failed me and I cannot give it more than a 2 star for the degradation of the fittings. Fortunately it is covered under the warranty and backcountry guarantee which I am working on right now as we speak. Without the fail I would have to say the lack of coverage and protection is the biggest downfall, but other than that this could be a great helmet for the minimalist.

I got this helmet 2.5 years ago for 3 reasons, it is lite, it is compatible with most of my headlamps, and it provides decent universal protection. Depending on the type of climbing I am doing I usually wear this cap in the spring summer and fall. I must digress I do not do much technical climbing anymore, as I focus on mountaineering and quick accent, but this helmet FOR THE PRICE is decent. it gets the job done. This helmet does not have any frills and as many have said it is not incredibly durable, but will it protect your head from debris? Well I have taken a lot of rock fall in my helmet and it has protected me. It ventilates well and keeps me relatively cool in the heat. It is also easy to adjust and take on and off. If your looking for something simple, inexpensive and can protect you then I would definitely consider this lid. If you want something with all of the bells and whistles, then do yourself a favor and increase your budget and look higher.

I don't have this pack, but I do have the Puterey 45L and it is very similar to this pack so I thought I might be able to give some insight to the technical attributes that might helps some of you out in buying a technical pack. First of all I love my 45. It is heavier than most packs, but considering it has waterproof built in and the absolute durability of this pack really makes the weight worth it. I love the design of the ice tool holster on this pack, as the points are protected and the pack is protected from the blades. The tools easily attach and that is convenient. I also really like the gear sling built into the left pad of the hip belt. It is really convenient for slinging ice screws and some miscellaneous equipment. The pocket on the right hip belt is also very handy for camera or baclava or whatever else one might want quick access too. The dual access is really convenient and I love being able to get in and out from multipoints to access clothing and gear. The lid gives plenty of room to accomodate rope and helmet. And the big kicker is you can A-Frame a set of skis and boots to this pack giving it a versatile appeal. I primarily ice climb and mountaineer with my pack, but have been venturing into backcountry skiing and some winter touring with it as well. I love the fit and feel of the pack. The lid is set back to allow more movement for the head with helmet, so your back is not keeping your head in strict alignment for an entire outing. All in all I have to say that this is one of the best mountaineering packs I have had in the last few years.

Not everyone will like this product. Compression fit athletic clothing is becoming more and more popular. There are several rationales for the recent resurgence. 1, compression clothing keeps the muscles tighter in large compartments of the body such as the quadricep cavity. The benefit of this is it keeps the muscles tight and reduces muscles contracting and sliding out of their compartment which creates more efficient and safe muscular contraction reducing injury and loss of excessive energy. 2, compression keeps the muscles warmer and reduces muscles from becoming cold, which in endurance events leads to decreased blood flow and then injury. 3, compression reduces chaffing, which can be painful, annoying and debilitating. For the record I was really apprehensive before trying this product out. I am not a compression type of guy, but being an exercise physiologist and NP, I did recognize the benefits of this product, and had to try it out for myself. after 2 long runs in it I have to say I was sold. Though this was a top and most of the l(eg) work is done in the legs when running This top kept my trapezium warm and reduced my natural tensing of my shoulders when I became tire. It usually hits me around mile 18-25, but I was able to run my 31 miler without tight shoulders. I also noted I did not get any rub or wear on my back or shoulders from my hydration vest, which happens from time to time especially on back to back long runs. The shirt did what all wicking tops do by keeping me cool and expelling excess moisture. The tops fit snug, but do not feel constricting, more like a second skin. I really like the fact that they are quarter zip, because I can adjust my colar depending on how hot and cold I am. Last but not least is the length. I like the torso coverage from this top, and feel it goes down far enough, but also comes down the full bicep which might not be for everyone, but I really liked the feel of that compression over that muscle group. All in all I loved it and give my recommendation to those who are interested in compression tops.

I am sorry but I must reply to another review. I read a lot of reviews for a lot of products with a recurrent theme. This entails the critical review and analysis of a product when utilizing that said product outside of the realm of its (real) intended use. Obviously we are human and like to explore creatively in many different facets, but by using my years of experience mountaineering and powers of observation I can easily note that this is not a mountaineering and or technical pack and more simply a backpacking pack. Looking at the tool attachments and and overall design of the pack, it is not engineered for a lot of technical ice tools, crampons and heavy loads at that. The pack has a wide storage capacity meaning that it is much wider in the center of the pack, making a vertical ascension and descension difficult to maintain balance. Mountaineering packs act to distribute the weight from the top to the bottom to aid in vertical ascension and maintain counterbalance with the bodies alignment. Further more this pack has no gear slings built into it and does not have the heavy duty webbing noted in most mountaineering packs built today. Why I like the Z55? Well, the big kicker for me is I love dual access in all of my packs. If I don't have it I will literally tailor one myself. Why is that important to me? Well, I really love being able to find what I need when I want it, especially when there is a more emergent situation on the horizon. Aside from the dual access I like gregory webbing straps and hip belt, they just work for me. Anatomically, I am 5'10" about 165, and this pack in a size Large fits pretty good. I tried a medium and it was slightly to small, but the large is almost too big so I am in between. Do yourself a favor though if your serious, measure using gregory's measurement guide and you should at least have a good idea where you should be, keeping in mind all torsos were not created equal. Now what I don't like about this pack is I really don't like is the front pocket and its design. Another review disliked the capacity of this pack, but I think that you have to calculate this front pouch into the 55 liters. Unfortunately when loading the front pouch and placing some unsaid items compressed between this pouch and the body of the pack it can become quite bulky and creating and unbalanced load. For this I find this pack below my standard, but this might work well for someone of a different build than myself, or of course personal preference. As for Gregory, I really like their packs and the access points which are becoming more popular with many other manufacturers.

I got a pair of these to review for Trail Runner mag a few months ago and really have to say I like the feel of these glasses. The frames are light weight and articulate to the faces curvature. The frames allow for enough air traffic to reduce fogging of the lenses. The lenses provide ample peripheral and acute visual fields. They also provide great protection from the elements coming at you. I like the nose grips and the arm grips, however my arm grips have begun to peel off which is offensive, but there could be worse things. The only other problem I have slated for these is I am not totally sold on the zebra lens for all sports and activities. When Mt. Biking in dense foliage to flats and open the lens just does not transition fast enough for safe conditions. I think the same could be said for trail running in much the same environs. Keep in mind, speed is the major concern here. I feel if your involved in an activity that is fast paced, then these might not be great choice, but if you are at a slower pace in any activity the lens will adjust gradually and would not cause a safety issue. These glasses are a medium size frame, and I think would work well with a larger and smaller face depending on preference. If you are dead set on a smaller frame these are not for you.

These glasses I felt were sub par and for the quality way overpriced. I got a pair of these for my girlfriend and she left them on her dash in her car overnight in the cooler months. When she went to grab them before going on a ski trek, she dropped them in the parking lot and they shattered into several pieces. We were both a little bummed. The lenses were ok, the frames were not very maleable and of course very brittle. They were stylish and looked good, but in the end if you are paying over a hondo for any pair of glasses, you hope they have a little more durability. They fit smaller sized faces.

Well I guess I am mixed about these glasses. I originally got them for mountaineering a year ago, and since then was really happy with them until recently which I will get into in a minute. First of all, I got these with the water lenses for traveling across glaciers and kayaking. The lens clarity on these glasses is absolutely breathtaking. I have never looked through a more magnificent lens not even a Maui Jim (so watch your back). Second the frames are great in that they are light weight, curved to match the faces articualtions and the nose grip and arm grips glue the glasses to the face. The frames wrap with the lenses providing coverage to the peripheral, and acute visual fields. The frames are on the larger side and if you like smaller glasses and or have a smaller head and prefer a smaller frame size these are not for you. Now onto the dirt. Around 7 months of owning these the grips on the arms began to peel. I was not impressed with that, especially since the price tag on these is steeper. When spending this much on a pair of glasses you expect to get several seasons out of them. Unfortunately I am in the process of working with the service department at REVO to see if they will honor this because I did not get these at BC. I am really neutral on these because of that one issue. I also reviewed the Revo Stern this last season and have not had any problems with them. They are fairly similar to these. I really do like these glasses but due to their malfunction I can't give them more than a 3 star until I try a new pair out and see how those do. If you can over look the arm grips peeling off then I would definitely recommend these glasses

Here goes! The frame and lens are lightweight. The lens is dark and offers great protection peripherally as well as acute field vision. The lens offers polarization so it is great on water, snow and wet climates. Of course there is complete UV protection which is standard. Revo lenses are right up there with Maui Jim. The clarity and view from these glasses is absolutely incredible. The frames has nose grips which keep the glasses from sliding even when perspiring which is a bonus for those of you who are active. Aside from being great for outdoor activities they are pretty sharp looking. I use these glasses for trail running, kayaking and mountaineering. I have not tried them out climbing yet, but imagine the grip is good for that as well. The frames are large and if you are shy to larger frames and have a smaller face then they might not work out for you. If you like bigger frames than these could be a great fit.

I don't find myself climbing as much anymore as I have began to focus on mountaineering and endurance sports more and more the older I get, but I do get out to the crag now and again and find myself often alone. This device is a proven belay device and I use it for a self belay device when solo climbing. Sometimes I top rope with it, and run a prusik and depending on the angles I am working on a shunt as well. Obviously the accomadation of smaller sized ropes means you can work with lighter rigging than in the past which makes me more mobile and allows me to be more dynamic in problem solving. I hate belaying with this device I am a bit old school and much more pragmatic when it comes to belaying, but when using this as a personal belay device I think it is well worth the money.

Other than this hat running a little on the large side (I have a 7 1/4 hat size) this hat is great and I love it. It can be used doing anything you want a hat for. I have had several of these over the last 4 years. It breaths well, has a lot of face protection, easily adjustable for hair of different seasons and is even pretty good at absorbing sweat and wicking it from the head. I even notice the hat dries pretty quick on my dash for a non-drifast material. I can throw it in the washer and it cleans up just fine without destroying the structure of the hat. I have used it trail running, climbing and just hanging out at the pub. Bottom Line Love it and give my recommendation to anyone looking for a big oversized hat. If you prefer small hats with a smaller brim and or shorter top (Low Profile) this hat is not for you

I reviewed this parka this last winter and took down some good notes for those of you interested in a warmer down jacket. I used this Jacket on Aconcagua this last season and was able to wear this on summit day. The jacket is incredibly warm and the pertex shell provides the water resistance as well as wind blocking properties that make it a great jacket for wet and blustery conditions. The reinforced elbows and shoulders gives the jacket a more durable wear for wearing a pack and flexor motions at the elbows. 2 things I really like about this jacket is the adjustable hood and the length of the jacket. The hood can fit a helmet and cinch down to accomodate lighter headwear. The Length of the parka provides complete coverage to the butt and can cinch down around the waist to reduce air traffic from updraft. The parka is HOT. I wore it on a ski touring trip to the Apostle Islands this winter in -15 and was toasty. For sizing considerations I usually wear a medium top. I got this online so I did not try on any other size than the medium, which I felt ran a little big, but this jacket is designed to layer underneath. I am 5'10" about 165 and the jackets length is perfect. As for the size I can cinch it down with less layers and with more layers it fills out nice. I think if I were to size down to a small it would definitely limit the versatility of the jacket. A large would be way out of my range. All in all I love this jacket and recommend it for the price, quality and versatility.

I finally tried this shoe out a couple of months ago and have to say I really enjoyed the fit and feel of this shoe. I primarily used them on some single track that was hard packed with a mine field of roots and granite. I took it for a spin on the first run for a 22 miler and no aches and pains to note. The shoes obviously lack the durable nature of cushioned comfort, but the vibram sole is very tough and provides adequate traction on flater surfaces when it is dry out. If it is a bit wet I have noticed the non grip really doesn't bite, they are not aggresssive but that is not their design in the first place. The shoe material envelopes the foot and is non abrasive against human tissue which reduces hot spots and material burn. The uppers and sole are extremely maleable and flex in unison with the foot. I wear a size 10.5 and these fit me in a 10.5 so I will say they are very true to size. Keep in mind they are designed for no socks, but you can wear socks with them. If you wear socks this will change sizing considerably. The inside foot bed is designed with a seamless structure to reduce friction. The ankle provides a low profile, but the heel does rise a bit higher than I would have expected. Other than that I like the design of this shoe very much. The laces have had a problem staying tied from time to time, which as a runner can be very annoying, but other than that I think this is a solid product. Warning! if you need a lot of toe kick protection or to box protection this shoe is definitely not for you. To all of those out there who are looking for a very minimal shoe with good flex and sole protection, this shoe will do just fine.

I recently tried out the MT110's from NB and I have to say at first I was a little nervous getting them on the trail. Going from a definitive drop to 0 drop, I was not sure how that was going to affect my fascia. I had run in the MT10s for several months before. Moving into the 110's NB offers a plate in the sole where the 10's do not have that added protection. When trying the shoes on I noticed the lateral sole of my foot was a little tighter against the bottom of the shoe having the 0 drop. Putting my reservations aside, I got on the trail and when warmed up the shoe molded to the articulation my foot. The inside of the shoe has a seamless design for no socks if you prefer. On my first run I ran for a 30 mile loop around the Drummond MTB cluster in Cable, WI. This stretch is diverse glacially moled terrain fixed with lava rock, sandstone and granite pushed from glacial strips from Canada. The trail is mostly single track and can be slick in a lot of spots where stagnant water mixes into muddy clay. The shoes traction I was very impressed with. The traction provided an aggressive grip in slick conditions. I was equally impressed with how the traction held up on wet rock as my feet felt glued to the surface. Normally I would not be able to say that about a trail shoe, because wet lichen makes the most sticky rubbers feel slick. The low profile ankles and heel are really nice because they do not grind into bony prominences of the fibula of the ankle. The material is next to none, as the shoes feel like you are pulling on a supple and soft fleece glove in the winter for your feet. Last but not least is the laces. When you thought there was nothing left to invent with laces NB taught me another lesson here. They have designed a shoe lace that I almost can guarantee will not come loose. The laces are ridged down the entire lace which holds them in place. I wear a 10.5 and these shoes are true to size.

I have been running with Inov-8 for about 10 years now. A compulsive trail runner I have used several of the trail series Roclite. I started out in the 350g and above and over the years have progressively decreased the grams to the minimalistic shoes. I bought the predecessor to this shoe in about 07' and have been hooked on the 315's ever since. The great thing about Inov-8 is their incredibly aggressive tread that is oh so versatile. I mainly run on single track mountain trails used for hiking or Mt. biking and or do a lot of bush whacking making my own trails. When I am pushing my distances into the 30-40 mile range I tend to prefer a little more cushion on these types of day outings. I will usually forgo my minimalist shoes and go for the 315s. These shoes have just enough cushion to make the hardest of trails soft enough to allow you to really increase the mileage (or so I have found). These shoes perform extremely well when it is wet out and when the trails are really sloppy the tread digs deep to give you the stabilization you need to keep balance and reduce the slipping. The tread has also come a long way. My first pair of Inov-8 back in 01 the tread broke apart, but those problems do not happen anymore. The sizing of these shoes is pretty neutral. The ankle and heel run a little snug (perfect for us with narrow feet) and there is plenty of wiggle room in the toe box for digital flexion and expansion. They fit true to size. I have a 10.75 inch long foot on my right and a 10.69 inch long left foot and the 10.5 mens fits me perfectly. This shoe also breathes incredibly well. The mesh uppers allows for circulation of air and wick the moisture and water away from the foot. When my feet become totally drenched within 30 minutes they are drying out. The feature I like the best about this shoe is the fortified toe kick. If you are like me and get tired once and a while on a long run, I lose my form and don't pick up my feet. I can't tell you how many lost toe nails or fails I can account to dragging my feet. The toe kick on this product is strong and durable and encases the toe to minimize phalange damage. Overall this is a great universal trail shoe from mountain fell running to packed single track. I use them a lot in the winter and the tread does great in the snow. When we have late snowfall and spring is right around the corner they really accel on the slick ice underneath. I think it handles well on wet rock and bushwhacking off trail. I hope this answers most of your questions but throw some comments down and I can try to answer them as they come.

I live in an incredibly windy location on Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. I trail run our vast network of single track trails right off of the beach line and into the rolling hills of the inlet. I was looking for a jacket that could protect me from wind elements in all directions as wind tends to shift hourly around here. When I got the jacket (purchased online), I was baffled when I realized the back has no wind protection. I was thinking to myself "Salomon what are you thinking, doesn't wind blow in all directions?" The back is a fine lycra material that is transparent to air. Breathing is an understatement as this jacket bares all from the back. I understand that Salomon placed the windblock material on the front panels, and that we run forward not back, however if you have a tail wind you are incredibly exposed. The other huge flaw is that the hood has no adjustment system at all. Unless you have an extremely long neck and large head this hood gets blown up with air above the head forcing all of the air down your back. That is a huge design flaw. The other flaw is that the chest pocket does not have a headphone jack access fromt the inside. There are no other pockets on the inside so you are forced to unless you have a clip on media device you are going to be holding it or putting it in a pocket in your pants. All in all this is one of the more disappointing products I have purchase and I am a little embarrassed for Salomon, being the trail running developer they are, you would think these design flaws would have been answered during product testing. I will say that though (these flaws are in my perspective) that the materials used and quality of craftsmanship still do reign through and Salomon does maintain the branding quality that I appreciate them for. I have looked high and low on the market for a wind blocking or wind proof jacket on the market and aside from a waterproof jacket for running, I have not found a suitable jacket with a hood. So I am going to say I would not recommend this to anyone or those of you who are serious trail runners. Because Salomon is one of the better if not best clothing developers in the trail running cirque, and they can not seem to make a usable product I am going to be left with no other options until a company can step up to the plate.

I really wanted to try some Norrona pants out that Backcountry.com seemed to have a limited supply on so I ordered a lot of gear direct from Norrona with a shipping reduction (Vibka in customer service really works with you to make the shipping reasonable). I purchased quite a few pants that were offered on the Backcountry.com site and some that were not offered. Of the products I purchased to review the Svalbard Flex/1 pant was among them in the iconic Norrona green (Backcountry.com does not offer this color yet (or ever)). These pants are an exceptional product. The heavy weight makes them great for spring and fall backpacking and climbing, and in the winter time I have utilized them for some winter camping, telemark, general mountaineering and ice climbing with layering. The construction is stiff at first, yet very pliable which allows for some stretch in dynamic movement as well as proper ventilation. The pants due to their construction with a very tight woven material emulate a waterproof pant with a long lasting water resistance. I enjoyed this feature much as I could sit in the snow for a few minutes without getting wet. Because of this same mechanism the pants block quite a bit of wind which I have noticed when climbing on some blustery ridges. The unique sizing device on the pants really does make a pant conform to your body rather than the other way around. The bottom ankle adjustments are handy and accomodate nicely for ice climbing boots, ski boots down to a lightweight hiking boot. The pockets like most Norrona products are placed well for maximal utilization. These pants do soften up over time, but after 3 months of rigorous use in the Andes have held up quite nice retaining the material properties that make them so appealing. Overall I give this product a 4/5 as the product quality is top notch, the materials are wonderful and the versatility of the product is very expansive. I wish the material broke in a little quicker and the overall design fit of the pants is not exceptionally ideal for me (I discuss this below) and that is why I am taking back 1 star, but overall a great product for the masses. Sizing is always difficult to determine especially with european/scandanavian brands. Norrona sizing is really quite true to size. I am a true medium 5'9 165 with a 32X32 waist and the size medium pant fits me perfectly; the waist is snug with adjustment, the thighs are straight fit (I have larger thighs however), and there is just a little more room than I prefer through the calf and ankle but I can tolerate that for fitting over boots. I have found sizing to be true with most of Norrona's bttom products other than their looser fitted clothing such as their Lofoten, Roldal, Narvik and some of the Trollveggen series in which I must size down to a small and I am barely making the fit (but it is much better to be smaller than baggy in my perspective). To clarify my waist is 32.2 inches bare, so when I am telling you a medium fits, it is not actually 32 inches but rather 32.5-33 inches. Norrona has several products with different fits so depending on activity and preference they will have something for you. The Fjora Felx 1 pant is very slim and will be a great product for trail blazing which is another product I tried, but backcountry.com has yet to publish for the new Fjora line so I will be presenting more information on more products when they update for the new year.

The Norrona /29 Warm 2 fleece is created with an incredibly soft and supple fleece. The jacket is slim fit and has a lot of flex to it which is great for a multitude of activities. I have done everything from ice climbing to trail running with this jacket and it's construction is sturdy as can be. There is virtually no wear to this product whatsoever. Depending on the activity the jacket can be incredibly warm. I have ran with it on trail in the teen degrees F and had to take it off because I was dying it was so warm (though I am trail running). When engaged in less aerobic activities where there is some movement and then some stand still it seems to be great. It is also nice just to wear when I am hanging out at a pub or on the patio on a cool fall evening. The only flaw in my perspective is that the jacket lacks adjustments around the hood and neck collar. The jacket is so soft the collar will not stand on it's own like many other Norrona fleece products do. Sometimes its nice to just have a high collar without the hood. The other flaw I see is that when zipped all the way up, the scuba hood clamps down tight around the base of the neck due to a constricting elastic band that is probably designed to keep more heat in. This becomes a problem when you wear a few base layers underneath (some with neck collars) which provides the sensation at times of a knot at the base of your throat. Other than that I am very happy with this purchase. if you are looking for something warmer Norrona also has a 250 fleece and 300 fleece jacket you should check out. I am 5'10, 165 lbs (give or take) and have a 39 inch chest. I wear a size Medium and it fits me perfectly. Last but not least the length of the jacket is a little longer than another jacket, so it never rides up as do other jackets tend to do and there is no definitive elastic band on the bottom that allows the jacket to bunch up. The slim flex of the material keeps the jacket close without having to pull it down constantly. Other than the few flaws in my perspective this is a great jacket and I love it, but I am a tough sale and can't give it a 5 star due to the reasons listed above. I hope this helped you out.

I am a Norrona fan. I have a lot of products from them. I was really excited to get these, but it ended up in utter disappointment when they finally arrived. I am a true medium 5'10" 165 lbs, so mediums (some smalls) fit me just fine. This product is listed as a slim fit which is exactly what I want for dynamic mountaineering movement. The problem of the pant was they were so baggy in the rear and in the thighs all the way down to the ankle. When I tightened them on the ankle adjustments the pants seemed to bunch up in the thighs even more and had the look of a WWII dress uniform. Now I would say that I have really large thighs so it was not that I have skinny legs. I think the Norrona picture above is a bit deceiving because it makes this product look as if it is a true slim fit, but in reality really baggy. The construction is really top notch like most of Norrona's gear. The only other problem I have with this product is that the material is quite stiff creating that scratchy sound everywhere you go, so it is not as soft as a schoeller. It really has the feel of a hard shell. If you are looking for a pant that is quite baggy and has a stern construct with the high quality Norrona has come to be known for, then this is the product for you. I am going to try the Svalbard flex 1 pant and see if that fairs any better.

I have had Arcteryx gor bibs and pants in the past and i like them; they are OK, but that is what I use to think about Arcteryx products (just OK) before I began using Norrona, I have had several Norrona products now and I recently bought a pair of the Trollveggen gorT pro bibs for big wall ice climbs and general mountaineering purposes. Since I bought my first Norrona product there was no comparison, Arcteryx produces products inferior in every aspect of construction, sizing, utility and fit. Norrona produces products with integrity to true size and function. The sizing on jackets and tops are form fitted, but still allow movement for swinging ice tools and running ropes overhead. They provide ample amount for making long reaches in the most of awkward positions. The pants are form fitting and allow dynamic movement in the legs in all directions. The construction of all the materials is supreme, built with the best of materials and seamless construction on all of the waterproof products. All products have vents, and pockets built in where they should be for optimal functionality. I feel like Arcteryx jackets are too baggy in the shoulders. I understand what they are attempting to accomplish, however the Norrona jackets accomplish the arms and shoulder extension for swinging tools without the bagginess. The pantwear has a nice fit that does not tapper to much at the ankles and leave you with incredibly baggy material in the rear and thighs. The last beef I have with Arcteryx is there sizing. I use to fit perfectly in all of there medium outerwear and other products, but now I awkwardly fit in the small which is slightly too small and the mediums I am swimming for my life. Norrona's sizing is perfect. A medium fits me just fine and a small is too small.
A few details about the Trollveggen bib are; the bibs allow all of the function noted above. They fit a harness with a perfect seat. The pocket on the front left leg is placed well and the 2 pockets above in the bib are a perfect addition for wallet keys or anything that may be important to keep safe and close by. The kick pads on both of the medial ankles is the toughest material I have ever had on a clothing product. You would have to intentionally stab repeatedly with your crampons to rip them. The bibs have a fit incredibly true to size. I have worn them alpine climbing in Colorado and up in Banff this year and they were warm, waterproof and easy to take on and off with boots on. They fit under my gor jacket very well and to this point I have no problems with the product. I hope this helps