I have now become prone to the habit of brining this hammock with me on every adventure possible. There is no sweeter relief than to take the waffle stompers off after a long day on the trail and doze in this dream maker. The fact that it packs so small gives you almost no reason not to bring it along, especially if you are canoe camping. Also, if you have the discipline, you can begin to master the art of hammock acrobatics. The Bummer: it doesn't come with straps.

I had been on the market for a pair of casual shoes that could handle urban and woodland activities without being a hiking boot but also not being a pair of cheap Nikes from a department store. The happy medium? Patagonia Boaris shoes. I wouldn't go and try to conquer some 14ers in Colorado, but for being labeled as a casual shoe, these do hold up to an active lifestyle. The vibram sole is definitely the winning touch, a top of the line sole with legendary grip and durability on a sturdy but light leather upper. My suggestion; if your feet sweat a lot, get the A/C. The regular boaris' are great, but do not nearly have the breathability.

People have said it before me, but I'll say it too; This is good stuff. The Down Sweater itself is already legendary for its weight to warmth ratio, but with an added hoodie, this is an unstoppable winter layer. It effortlessly cuts all wind and cold while weighing so minimal it feels like a t-shirt. The hood is helmet and big head compatible, deep enough to pretty much bury your face in if necessary. this is my go to jacket for cold fall camp days, dry winter adventures and anytime I need warmth fast.

I don't know if I can say anything about these layers that hasn't already been said, but these are the BEST baselayers created. Really Patagonia's capeline entirely is fantastic, but I use the 2 the most because of it's versatility. They breath like a champ, wick sweat rapidly, are thermally efficient, and are tremendously light and comfortable. They are indispensable in my skiing and fall backpacking wardrobes and they are the only layers I bring out on trail. The waist band is really comfortable and none of the seams chafe, my only concern is no cuff on the bottom of the legs.

I don't know if I can say anything about these layers that hasn't already been said, but these are the BEST baselayers created. Really Patagonia's capeline entirely is fantastic, but I use the 2 the most because of it's versatility. They breath like a champ, wick sweat rapidly, are thermally efficient, and are tremendously light and comfortable. They are indispensable in my skiing and fall backpacking wardrobes and they are the only layers I bring out on trail.

I have always been a teva guy, and still respect the company, but these are just too good. The way the footbed hugs the arch and cradles the foot is unprecedented in the sandal world. It also brings to mind birkenstocks and their argument of a firmer sole is better over a plush, pillowy footbed. I'll have to agree. The strap system feels like it's not even there, but does a great job securing the foot from heel strike to push-off. The only thing is the straps tend to shift when they are new, meaning repetitive adjustment until they settle down.

These are great for apres ski and getting wood from the wood pile, even general about town traipsing. The insulation is noticeable but not overwhelming, and the vibram sole grips like a vibram sole should. The only problem is that they feel a bit chunky and oversized, a problem that can be solved by thicker socks. Overall really nice.

These are by far the most comfortable, durable pants I have ever seen or worn. MK has got something right going on in their bottoms department. I own a pair of these and a pair of the Alpine Utility Shorts and they are pretty much all I wear whether I am climbing, walking about town, hiking, packing or canoeing. The softness of these pants is incredible as well, butter compared to carhartts and the likes.

I purchased one of these 70 L packs to use on an extended weekend trip in the BWCA in mid-October. It worked great! We were constantly bombarded by rain, snow, sleet and wind and this bag stayed toasty dry inside, which is good news for my down sleeping bag. Using a chunk of foam padding as a back panel helps greatly, and will hold all of your gear. The strap system is quite comfortable even while portaging a 70 lb royalex canoe. Great buy!

I don't climb, but I love carabiners for their ability to work for almost any situation in the backcountry. I purchased a positron to add some lockers to my collection and I am not dissapointed. Smooth, sleek, and just the right size, these biners will soon be my primary for bear hangs and the attachment of anything to a solid surface. BD rocks!

First off, I'm not really much of a climber, but I always enjoy having carabiners for other connective uses. I ordered the rocklock to get a locking carabiner into my lineup, and might I say, it is HUGE! Besides the size, I love the thing. Handy for bear hangs, clipping accesories to packs, pretty much any thing.BD knows how to make a sleek, well functioning product.

This fleece/buttery smooth poly jacket is so comfy. the Hi-loft is definetley the way to go. For warmth, comfort and compressability, this is the best option. The fit is perfect for me, a 6 foot, 165 lb. person in Medium as Patagonia sizes generously. If I were forced to find a fault, it would be the large cuffs that you cannot adjust. The Primaloft works wonders in the cold (I just tested it on the windy shores of Lake Superior for a week). No windproofing, so this is perfect under a winter shell, or a medium patagonia torrentshell jacket, which I own.

These are a really good pair of polarized sunglasses. I have the maple tort with brown lenses and they are the best for clear vision and comfort out of all the glasses I have owned. I'm seeing things I never have before! I use them for looking good on town, mountain biking, canoeing and pretty much anything else.

Yes, you have to manually blow it up, but it is well worth the potential light-headedness. The 2.5 inch thickness is luxurious, I have never slept better on the ground. Sometimes I sleep better on this than some beds. Big Agnes hit the mark with the air core line, for the price you cannot beat them period. Stuffs a little bigger than a nalgene.

Yes, you may look like a colorful polar bear wearing it, but you will be as warm as one no doubt. The fur is thermically awesome! As soon as you put it on, sweat almost starts forming on the brow. Check the sizing, unless you want the sleeves short.

I find these to be my go to casual shoes nowadays. the comfort is unsurpassed, it feels like each pair was made specifically for your feet. Only after a few wears they mold to every nook and cranny of your foot, providing nice support while still keeping the barefoot feeling. The canvas wears in nicely too, giving it an awesome vintage, lived in look. The only problem? Your feet will most likely sweat in them. Kinda hard not to do with bare feet on a rubber sole.

These shorts are some of the best I have owned. MK is a great brand, and it really shines through in these shorts. Plenty of pockets for all your stowing needs, and just the right length so they are good for the trail and the town. The 10-oz canvas is unstoppable, but the folks at MK made it feel like supple cloth. At first I thought the shorts were a little chunky in the crotch due to the gusset, but I got used to it. I'm wearing a 36 where I am usually a 34, so size up. Looks great with a patagonia friction belt!

Toko brushes are the way to go. Brushing your skis provides a whole new world of speed and enjoyment to all levels of skiing. If you are a racer, be sure to get a metal brush, either copper or steel, for initial wax removal and structure detailing.

Yes, it is expensive. But, if you are like me and Nordic ski race a lot, it is so worth the money. Ski racing is never a cheap sport, so it only seems fair to pay decent amounts of money to go really fast. And I mean fast. If you go to any major race in the world you will definitely see swix HF waxes on the benches of the pros. I've been to a few of these races myself and used these waxes and swear by them.

These are great waxes to have in every box, racer or newbie. They have proven durable and true to their temperatures every time. A great, cheap alternative to Swix's VR line of racing kick waxes for those who aren't too serious. I found that sometimes these work well in a pinch for racing too, covering better temperature ranges than the VR. However, these are not iron on waxes. Cork only.

I love this thing. It works like a charm and it is easily serviceable in a pinch. My only dislike is the pump is a little hard to work occasionally, it seems to stick sometimes. Because of this, pulling up on the plunger requires some extra effort. I'm sure others will find this a small price to pay for clean water like myself.

The accutation is correct, these things are quick! The only problem I've had is that occasionally it overshifts. No biggie though.

The cleats with these pedals combined with the clamp of the pedal make the smoothest entry release I have seen. The tension on the springs in the pedals is just enough that the feet stay locked in, but still easy enough to release for quick dabbling. The open design of them keeps them really clean and mud free, much better than SPD.

This is smooth as butter. Race face makes some of the best components I've ever ridden with. My set up has the x-type fitted with evolve XC cranks, and the combo is phenomenal. Light, smooth and durable, if you are looking for a good xc or light all mountain BB, this is it.

Look no further if you want a reliable, durable and lightweight stuff/dry bag. I bought the trifecta of bags and each one works great for stowing your valubles. The small, about 5L, works great with smaller gear like hats, gloves, headlamps and matches. Medium, around 10L, is just right for my 40 degree summer bag or clothing. If you have a good enough tent, you might be able to fit that in there as well sans poles. the large comes in at 15L and is good for larger sleeping bags or bulkier tents including the poles. I have found no leakage in these bags yet, so bravo stoic! P.S. I haven't tried this yet, but I imagine that you could stuff some clothes in the medium and inflate it a little for a pillow.

Usually you have to give up a year's pay for anything merino, but not with BC. This shirt is amazing! I test wore it on a 15 mile mountain bike ride the day after I got it and it works wonders. It didn't smell, get beat up after a fall or two, and wicked great. The extended tail is great as well, making sure you don't become a plumber out on the trail. The collar fits snugly, which I like a lot, but I would recommend to size up from the recommendations listed.

This is probably the best baselayer I have ever owned. Leave it to the first of the base layer pioneers to be the best. The lifa fabric is light but durable and keeps you dry in almost any conditions, especially cold. This shirt is my top of the list for any strenuous winter and fall activities for it's comfort, wicking and thermal properties. Not to mention the stripes are BA.

This is a great minimalist all-around tool except for one thing... no can opener! While it is not always a necessity, can openers always seem to be one of the basic functions that all multi-tools have. It does mean I have to bring along my swiss or my friend with my old swiss to open all my cans. Other than that, the pliers, locking knife, 4 bit screwdriver and of course the bottle opener all are wondeful tools that have uses in everyday life. I dig the pocket clip as well!

These pants are great for the price. Fully waterproof (as expected), and the longer zippers allow for easy access and removal. They pack into their own cargo style pocket which is nice, but also come with another stuff sack of the same material. I'm not sure if you double bag it or what, but no biggie. If you plan on sizing for the wearing of pants underneath, be careful as I sized up from a large to an XL for the same reason and the pants were, well, extra large.

I've used ridge-rests for years now, and I can say that they are dependable, adequately comfortable and durable. It's just that they compress and lose what loft they have, decreasing the comfort significantly. You can feel a lot of the ground beneath you as well, which isn't so handy when your back isn't the greatest. They are light and durable, I have always stashed mine on the outside of my pack and it has yet to be torn up, but don't pack up to well. Rolling is the only method, and usually end up above knee height on end and about an 8" diameter.

First off, this pad relies totally on your lung power. If you are persistent, it takes about 5-7 minutes to inflate, but the result is worth it. Perhaps the most comfortable bag for the buck, the thick tubes lined with prima-loft 400 keep you snug, warm and rested for the whole night. what's more is the compact-ability of this pad. I find that if you fold it in thirds and roll tightly, it will snug right into it's stuff sack, which is only a little larger than a nalgene!

If you need coffee to do basic human actions, don't suffer on trail anymore. This press is compact enough where it can find a nice place in a pack, but big enough for the biggest caffeine fiend. The nesting mug/carafe design allows for separate drinking from the grounds container, always a plus. The plunger has a double gasket sealed rim, ensuring that almost no grounds make it into your beverage. Also, the plunger disassembles, allowing easy packing of the mug, carafe and plunger into one unit. The sleeves keep you and your drink toasty, and are easily removable for cleaning. Of course, the grounds are sometimes a hassle to clean out, and you do have to pack a decent amount of coffee grounds. Though to some people it may be worth the extra time and weight.

This hat is great! I saw this on the shelf and it screamed at me to wear it. I'm not a trucker hat guy usually, but the fit and style of this hat is great. I purchased the tan vintage logo and it has become my go to hat for everything. The organic cotton is a plus, knowing patagonia is doing it's part to protect and benefit our world.

If you do any kind of backcountry camping or adventuring, bugs are bound to keep you company. For those days around camp on warm, windless days these bug nets are a god send. Nothing can penetrate the fine mesh, and they barely obstruct vision. They pack wonderfully small into their included stuff sack, and work well over wide brimmed hats like a filson. Critical piece of equipment if anyone is going to the BWCA or Canada during the early summer.

These are pretty tasty. Wether at work or on the trail, they are the right size for a quick pick me up snack anytime. They do get melty, however, so don't keep them in your pant's pocket. Otherwise, they're great for when you don't need a whole clif bar.

I recieved my first Bloks in the 2009 Birkie gift bag, and I thought, "WTF?" I tried them though and was amazed. They were quite good and do wonders for recovery just as much as mid workout crashing. I bought more packs for training for the 2010 birkie and I must say they are some of the best electrolyte and carb replacement systems.

Gu does take some getting used to, and it is not for everyone's stomach, but I find it to be a solid boot to the system when I want to shut down. I always down one before the Birkebeiner and one halfway at OO, and I can feel the energy coarsing through my body. Combined with clif shots or Hammer Heed energy drink, they get me through anything. Tri-berry is the best flavor in my opinion.

These are the toughest dry bags that I know of. Thick, durable rubber all over ensures a complete seal from water, rocks and other snags. I use my 4 bajas particularly in the BWCA, where when something gets wet, kiss it goodbye. The D rings make them easy to hang from bears, and just as easy to attach to the canoe to prevent a loss. The toughness of them also poses a problem when I try to bring them on a pack trip, as they aren't as flexible and compact as nylon drybags. But still, nothing compares on the water.

Got this baby for Christmas and LOVE IT. Super light and good looking, not to mention it boils water wicked fast. I held a race with my friends pocket rocket in 5 below zero weather, and the flash boiled two cups with plenty of time to spare over the rocket. Great for a hot beverage in the backcountry and light pasta dishes, this is a great stove for anyone who says their a weight weenie. Also a nifty little spork holder on the side. (at least that's what I use it for.)

This belt is great! I got mine with the Fitzroy design and it is probably the coolest looking belt I've seen that isn't gaudy and flashy. True to it's word, this belt has yet to slip on me, a testament to the quality of patagonia's gear. It's reversible too, though I don't know why you would ever want to put the fitz skyline away. It's a tremendously simple belt, just stick the tail in then out and your set. I've heard that the size is so it can be used as an emergency pack strap. True or not, that's a pretty cool idea.

This is overall a great stretchy, warm, breathable and packable mid layer shirt. I use this shirt more in the backpacking field, and it works great over a t-shirt for a little chillier afternoon or lunch break. Great mid layer for skiing too, the zippered front lets you dump heat and still remain wicking. The thumb holes are great if you don't feel like wearing gloves, or, if you are, they keep the sleeves inside and keep you warm. The zipper pulls are glow in the dark too, I'm not quite sure why though. The bottom hem seems to be a little short, so tucking and riding up are small problems that are very minor to me.

I have just recently become exposed to the Zeta 3's, and may I say they are one of the best larger pack tents I have dealt with. The pole design threw my group and I for a loop the first time we used it, we almost took a half hour to set it up! The problem was that the poles are attached at 2 points permenantley, making a sort of H shape. Then the extra pole snaps onto the back of the H, creating a kinda tic-tac-toe pattern without the two bottom vertical poles sticking out. But once you get the hang of it, setup is a snap and you have shelter in no time flat. The resulting set-up makes for a wonderfully spacious interior, almost cube like in shape. The two doors are great, and the vestibule is huge! the fly door has two zippers so it can easily be rolled up, same with the rear door, which has one zipper. The tent is almost all mesh, allowing for refreshing breezes to come through on hot, muggy nights.

I've had the vario for over a year now, and I don't think I could go back to any other water filter. The double piston design ensures constant flow on both the up and down strokes, a nice thing when you have 10 nalgenes to fill. The adjustable dirty/clean water filter system is great for expeditions into the back country where your next water supply could come from anywhere. the additional screw on bottom easily attaches to any wide mouth bottle, and a special adapter allows for a reservoir hose to be attached, removing the hassle of digging it out of your pack.

I loved these shoes when I had them. Their perfect blend of sturdiness thanks to the vibram sole and breathability seems unparalleled. I could hike for miles on end in these boots and my feet were happy as could be. My only beef are the ridiculously long laces and sometimes if you really snug the laces up, the baffles on the tongue get pinchy. Otherwise, awesome.

MSR towels are by far the best on the market. They are soft, super absorbent and have a handy snap to hang dry on pretty much anything. the M size is perfect for me, big enough to get most of me dry, but small enough where it is not a burden to pack. The pack bag that it comes with is a nice touch, preventing it from being lost or snagged inside a pack. washing it as soon as you get it makes it super soft right off the bat. Great towel and definetley worth the money!

I picked up one of these in Grand Marais on a circumnavigation of Lake Superior last month once I realized that it holds more than two nalgenes worth of fluid for the same price. The compact design got my attention as well, as I can roll it up to the size of a small TV remote! The bottle is a little tipsy (I found this out after spilling half of it on my friend's sleeping bag) but just remember to cap it and your set!

This is probably the best rain jacket I have ever owned. Period. It's light as a feather, breathable as a light shirt, and provides a full range of motion. The H2no membrane works wonders, proving it's worth the first week I got it in a rain/snow storm while out back packing. It works fairly well in the wind too, providing a more than adequate shelter in the elements. I was torn between this jacket and the Marmot ageis, but it came down to the reputation that patagonia has built both environmentally and warranty wise. For the price, this is a steal for the quality of shell that it is! Thumbs Up!

I always swing between Toko Carbon and Swix VR, but I always find the Carbon line to provide the best performance when the temperatures are iffy. The better part of the Carbon line is the smaller temperature ranges for each color, allowing for less guess and check.

Yes, it's a cork, and other wax companies make plasto corks. But I find that toko's tend to smooth the waxes better than swix or holmenkol because of the pore size in the material. The smaller size spreads rather than scrapes, so that's why toko gets five stars.

The Terra Fi's are the quintessential active sandal. The tough-as-nails spider rubber outsole grips to anything wet, dry and in between. The foot support is great, I have a high arch and the footbed cradles the foot like a baby. The strap system is very reliable, though the toe strap does pinch the little toe sometimes. Personally, I get the most use out of these in the boundary waters, where they are the perfect hybrid for fast drying after unloading and enough support for the portage. I've been wearing Terra Fi's all my life, and I probably won't stop any time soon.

I've worn these boots all over the country, and I must say that they have held up well. The leather will dry out and begin to show wear around the flex point at the toe, but a little leather treatment does the trick. The sole is a little thin for my taste, this would probably a 5 star review if they were vibram. The foot tends to twist and flex a little too much in boulders and roots, but that's just me. The GTX membrane is greatly welcomed as an accompaniment to the leather bottoms and has held up in many stream crossings. I have high arches and I find that I need to add an insole in order to get the proper support. As for the width, It hugs the foot nicely, and not too tight or loose. Shorter laces would be nice too.

The stances have a great clean look to them, especially the white and persimmon version. The persimmon is great for middle to lower light, it takes enough of the edge off without making everything dull. They haven't fogged up on me yet, and I'm well known amongst my friends to sweat if I think too hard. The clip system is pretty handy and I don't notice it at all on my head. Smith wins again!

I really enjoy the feel of this pack on the shoulders and lower back. The vari-quick system is crazy simple and, well, quick and is the easiest adjustment system I've seen on a pack. I wish there was more room for gear for longer trips, and it's harder to stuff a thicker sleeping bag in there. The whole design of the bag is very streamlined, with hardly any material bulging out beyond the shape of your torso. Very nice for tight trails and 4 to 5 day trips.

Personally, I prefer the solid colored bottles for their simplicity and the abundance of sticker surface. The taste of the liquid is what it should taste like, no chemical or metallic flavors. Dent a little easier than expected, but it adds to the character. Added bonuses, they have a smaller diameter than a nalgene so they fit in most cup holders and don't squeak terribly when you screw the cap on!

Great stuffer. I can fit a weeks worth of clothes into the large bag and have plenty of room for other gear in my pack. Rugged material too, and makes a good pillow in camp!

Really light and comfortable shorts for the trail. Just the perfect length for trekking, not too long and restricting, but not too short to not comfortably wear in front of other people. Dry quickly too!

Of course, this awesome hat is made for the rain. The brim is great for keeping the rain off the eyes and neck and anywhere else. But it's not just for rain! I've taken this hat on 8 days in the BWCA and Glacier NP and saw hardly a drop of rain. It works just as well for sun in the alpine and on the lake, not to mention the chin strap for the wind that usually accompanies those areas.

Personally, I dig the big MH logo on the side. I don't mind reppin' one of the best brands out there. Anyways, the wool exterior is nice and warm, and works great in light rain and wind. Slays in snow too. Best part though? Not itchy at all!