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Michal Patten

Camper/Hiker // Hiker // Backpacker // Trail Runner // Snowshoer

Michal Patten

  • Backcountry.com Employee Backcountry.com Employee

12 Reviews:

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6 Yes | 0 No

4 Questions:

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3 Answers:

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1 Photos:

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1 Comments:

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1 Gearlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Park City, Utah

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TNF Borealis Fleece

TNF Borealis Fleece

The North Face Borealis Fleece Jacket - Women's

December 2, 2008

I hiked to Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City this October wearing the TNF Borealis Fleece jacket and it was the perfect choice in 45 degree weather with no shell.

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Light and reliable

MSR Lightning Snowshoe

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

I used these snowshoes all last winter and found that they were easy to quickly orient and strap onto my feet. They stay in place are nice and light. My old ones were enough heavier that after several hours my knees would hurt...but not these.

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MontBell U.L. Super Stretch Hugger #7 Sleeping Bag: 50 Degree Down

September 11, 2009

I don't know what the length is, but it does unzip all the way to the bottom of the bag. I need to be able to stick out a cooling fin....

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This bag is beautiful

MontBell U.L. Super Stretch Hugger #7 Sleeping Bag: 50 Degree Down

MontBell U.L. Super Stretch Hugger #7 Sleeping Bag: 50 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 5 August 3, 2009

At just about 1 pound, this bag is surprisingly warm. I used it recently in damp conditions and about 40 degrees and was just fine. I particularly like the stiff zipper tape as it makes it easy to zip and unzip without pinching the bag. I also like that it unzips all the way so that I can stick out a cooling fin when necessary. When zipped all the way I don't feel constrained due to the design....And I love the beautiful purple color!

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Great tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Ultra Light Tent: 3-Person 3-Season

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Ultra Light Tent: 3-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 5 August 3, 2009

Each time I use this tent I like it even more. Equally great for car camping or backpacking, this tent is easy to set up (first time in the dark and in the rain < 3 minutes)and delivers a dry night's sleep. I purchased the footprint also which works perfectly and is also extremely light. I've used it in dry western conditions and in the rain on the AT and have had no condensation problems with two people. My only slight complaint is that if it's raining it's hard to get in and out of the vestibule without getting wet, as the profile is so close to the tent.

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I'd hoped for more

Backcountry.com SynthTrail Crew Sock - 3-Pack

Backcountry.com SynthTrail Crew Sock - 3-Pack

Rating for this product: 3 August 3, 2009

They got the padding right and I like the fit. They are on the thin side and are a little slippery inside in my shoe. My foot slides a bit when I'm hiking. My feet got hotter than with cotton socks.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Snuggly

Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Hoody - Women's

Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Hoody - Women's

Rating for this product: 4 August 3, 2009

I like this hoody for its forgiving stretch and fit. I'm a medium and the fit is quite flattering....something you don't usually hear about hoodies. The Leap Frog color is a nice lime/grass green.

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Nice sleeping pad

Exped SynMat Sleeping Pad

Exped SynMat Sleeping Pad

Rating for this product: 4 August 3, 2009

This pad is quite light and packs small. I like the integrated pump, but my wrist gets a little sore pumping it up inside the tent....that's probably more a function of old, injured wrists however. I like that the support is adjustable.

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Flatters and performs

The North Face Borealis Fleece Jacket - Women's

The North Face Borealis Fleece Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 December 3, 2008

I bought this fleece for hiking during the shoulder seasons and as a layering option for snowshoeing. I generally wear a medium and the medium fits me perfectly. The cut is form fitting and flattering, but not at all tight. I have short arms for my height and the sleeves are predictably a little long, so for those without munchkin arms, the length should be just fine. This fleece washes well with no special care. I'm very pleased with this purchase.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Good all around boot

The North Face Chilkats Boot - Women's

The North Face Chilkats Boot - Women's

Rating for this product: 4 December 3, 2008

My Chilkats are my primary winter boot. I use them for snowblowing tasks, walking my dogs, hiking and snowshoeing. I agree with other reviewers that getting the right size is key as they are rigid enough that you can't really 'break' them in. These rugged boots take a little practice lacing them properly for the type of excursion you are taking. I wear a 7.5 in most shoes and got these in an 8 and they fit me well with a medium heavy sock. I would definitely buy another pair when these wore out.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 0 No

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Light weight and durable pant

Columbia Omni-Dry Summit Sister Knee Pant - Women's

Columbia Omni-Dry Summit Sister Knee Pant - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 December 3, 2008

I love these pants. They are a little big in the waist, but the drawstring helps. The fabric is extremely lightweight and comfortable but protective against brambles when hiking. I've even taken a few tumbles and the fabric did not rip. The leg pocket is very handy for ID, cell phone or small map.

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Versatile skirt

Mountain Hardwear Arroyo Skirt - Women's

Mountain Hardwear Arroyo Skirt - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 December 3, 2008

I wore this skirt all last summer hiking and to work. The color selection is great and I like that you can vary the fit with the drawstring. One caution- if you must iron it, use a very low setting. I melted a nice sized whole in my first one!

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Works for this tender foot

Salomon XT Wings Trail Running Shoe - Women's

Salomon XT Wings Trail Running Shoe - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 December 3, 2008

I just started trail running this summer after 5 years battling Plantar Fasciitis. I was concerned that the harder sole would bother my feet, but they felt great the very first time that I used them. I normally wear a 7.5 - 8 shoe and got the 8 which fits perfectly. I like the roomy toe box and the pull type lacing. I tend to over pronate and turn my ankles. These shoes provide great stability. I'm so happy to be on my feet again and enjoying the trails!

8.3.09 - OK. I still love these shoes, but the lacing system frayed and broke while I was hiking. I use them a lot, but I was hoping that the lace life would be the same as the tread life....which is still quite serviceable after a year. I'll have to find out if the lace can be replaced instead of my current knot and electrical tape solution.

9.14.09 - My lace repair job is working just fine, but something funny happened 2 days ago. I was hiking with 3 friends who were all wearing these shoes. I was complaining that the laces are long and sometimes get caught on stuff on the trail or I step on them. Only one of us knew about the pocket at the end of the tongue where you can tuck in the excess lace!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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SportHill Symmetry II Pant - Women's

October 12, 2008

How true to size are these pants. Based on the sizing chart it looks as if they might run a little small.

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Not just for the trail

Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Snow Peak Titanium Spork

Rating for this product: 5 April 14, 2008

This spork has been a favored piece of camping gear for years, but I recently added one to my office tools. In an environment where the communal kitchen utensils are sparse and unpredictably clean, it's nice to have one piece that fulfills my lunch-at-desk needs. It's easy to clean and has many practical uses on the trail or in the office. Makes a great gift.

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