Clothing

Gear

Accessories

Get Your Profile Dialed

GearMom

Camper/Hiker // Trail Runner // Kayaker // Backpacker // Hiker // Nordic Skier // Road Biker // Paddler

GearMom: #234 of 91,688 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

39 Reviews:

Helpful?
27 Yes | 7 No

0 Questions:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

3 Answers:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

0 Photos:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

0 Gearlists:

Helpful?
0 Yes | 0 No

  • Stomping Grounds:

    Little Cottonwood Canyon
  • Bio:

    I like sleep.

Flag

Un-Flag

Close

Something wrong with this profile?

Thanks for pointing it out. We'll take it down immediately and send it to our clean-up crew.

This profile was: (Optional)

Use your real name to add some legitimacy to your content. Real names mean real community, and real community means real knowledge. Gear Gurus who use their real names get bumped up 1.5x for each contribution - you deserve the credit. For more info check out the Help Center.

This is how you compare to all the other Gear Gurus on Backcountry.com. You earn one point for each list / review / question / answer / gear photo / comments / votes you contribute. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up, but you lose a point for every thumbs down. Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x—you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

Change me.

This is how you compare to the other Gear Gurus within a group of products. You earn one point for each of your list / reviews / questions / answers / photos / comments / votes. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up (killer), but you lose a point for every thumbs down (filler). Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x-you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

Great for First Grade

The North Face Swerve Backpack - Youth - 850cu in

The North Face Swerve Backpack - Youth - 850cu in

Rating for this product: 5 September 15, 2008

This finally arrived and is PERFECT for my first grader. The straps are about 2 inches across and the length hits right above his behind. Though it is wide enough it BARELY accommodates the height of his two notebooks though and is kind of "dog earing" them. I don't imagine it will work for him after elementary though as it is WAY too small for the books, supplies and other stuff you need after K-6 is complete.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

The North Face Swerve Backpack - Youth - 850cu in

September 9, 2008

It depends on how many textbooks + other crap you plan on lugging around. This bag should be perfect size for most high schoolers.This bag was my favorite back in that magical high-school time of life:http://www.backcountry.com/store/TBK0047/Timbuk2-Classic-Messenger-Bag.htmlWay too small unless they are only keeping just a few things to write with and two notebooks. It may be too small in the torso as well.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Worth the money

Carlisle Enchantment Carbon Paddle - Straight Shaft

Carlisle Enchantment Carbon Paddle - Straight Shaft

Rating for this product: 5 August 5, 2008

Finally used this paddle and though the carbon hype was crap but - it is TOTALLY worth it. I cant really see the difference between this and the Magic but then we weren't out much. I can say that it is really light. I took it out on a lake in a tandem plus boat with two adults and two children, paddling against waves and for a full hour. I was not sore nor was the person using the Magic paddle. I have a fiberglass paddle as well - think I will let the kids use it and save the carbons for me!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great paddle

Carlisle Magic Carbon Paddle - Straight Shaft

Carlisle Magic Carbon Paddle - Straight Shaft

Rating for this product: 5 August 5, 2008

Finally used this paddle and though the carbon hype was crap but - it is TOTALLY worth it. I cant really see the difference between this and the Enchantment but then we weren't out much. I can say that it is really light. I took it out on a lake in a tandem plus boat with two adults and two children, paddling against waves and for a full hour and did not experience soreness. I have a fiberglass paddle as well - think I will let the kids use it and save the carbons for me!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Not very comfortable

Kokatat Bahia Tour Life Jacket

Kokatat Bahia Tour Life Jacket

Rating for this product: 3 August 5, 2008

Not the most comfortable PDF and toasty on summer days. I happened to buy a Patagonia Mesh Back and prefer it both for fit and convience, though I am just doing lake paddling.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Not as cheesy as you would think

Coleman Food Cover - 13 x 13

Coleman Food Cover - 13 x 13

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

Though these are kind of light weight they actually work out really well. They fold up quite small and are easy to use. Best thing of all is whether we are in the park, back yard, canyon or car camping it keeps wasps, flies and other disgusting insects off of the food. Great deal for such a cheap price, now if I could only get my son to put it back on after he serves himself.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Prefer over the car shade

Kelty Sunshade

Kelty Sunshade

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

Finally broke this out and love it. Had a big backyard party over the weekend and decided to provide some shade for the food. It unexpectedly began to rain. We moved the tables in a little closer and there was still room for a handful of guests to sit at one of the tables and eat. I got the large and am glad I did since it allowed all of the tall guys to walk right in and stand without hitting heads or ducking. I also got the extra wall that is sold separately, which provided shade when the afternoon sun finally reemerged. I debated between this and a car shade and am glad I got this since it is more versatile.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Nice to have a place to do dishes

Kelty Kitchen Sink - 1100cu in

Kelty Kitchen Sink - 1100cu in

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

So nice to have a place to do the dishes after cooking. I have never liked figuring out where and how to do them after we eat. This makes it easier because you can fill at the spigot and take back to the table or do them on the ground. There is a lid so if I step away I can close it, preventing dirt and bugs from getting in the water. Another thing I like is that it collapses down and takes almost no space in the car, unlike the big plastic bins I have used int he past for dishes. Though it seems a little OCD, it is more like a little luxury.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great for car camping

Kelty Aqua Porter

Kelty Aqua Porter

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

Given I have a young son who is either always thirsty or needs to wash his hands, this has proven to be a great piece of gear for us. The spigot is easy to use and his six year old fingers can easily manage to self serve drinks, wash his hands or even get me a drink. Not like the big plastic jugs I used when I was a kid where every time I turned the nozzle it seems like I broke a nail. I like that I can fill this and take it to where I need, then he doesn't wander off in search of water and I can keep him closer to camp after dark. It doesn't seem hard to carry and collapses down taking up little space in the car and garage. Overall I am very happy with the purchase.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Summer camp, hiking, you name it - love it!

CamelBak Mini Mule Hydration Pack - Kids'

CamelBak Mini Mule Hydration Pack - Kids'

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

I got one of these two years ago for my son (we have been through two bite valves but I believe he has figured out you don't chew on them). This summer it has gone EVERYWHERE with us for the last two months and used five days a week. The backpack part is really durable and has a lot of pockets. He has spent the last two weeks at a farming summer camp and thrown the pack on the dirt, from the looks of it, constantly - yet it is not ripped or damaged at all. For family camp located in a dry, high altitude part of Colorado he was one of the only children who did not suffer from lack of water consumption since he could just sip when he wanted to and the 1.5L would last him most of the day. I have packed it with sunscreen, lip balm, a hat, glasses case and lunch with no problems. I love it!

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Comfortable but I get blisters

KEEN Venice H2 Sandal - Women's

KEEN Venice H2 Sandal - Women's

Rating for this product: 4 August 4, 2008

I got the red pair and REALLY love how cute they are. I even get a ton of compliments when I wear them. The only problem is that one foot gets blisters on the big toe. I didn't size up so that may be the problem...aside from sensitive feet issues I love these, the foot bed is really comfortable as is the material used for the upper. I still recommend but be careful about sizing up.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Hurts the top of my feet

KEEN San Mateo Sandal - Women's

KEEN San Mateo Sandal - Women's

Rating for this product: 3 August 4, 2008

These are super cute and comfortable for the bottom of my feet but rub the top a little raw. I wonder if I just need to stretch them out a bit, I really like the bottom half so I am pretty disappointed.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

So comfortable I feel like a grandma

Dansko  Caitlin Casual Clog - Women's

Dansko Caitlin Casual Clog - Women's

Rating for this product: 3 August 4, 2008

I have been looking for a pair of navy (it is a perfect navy BTW) shoes for work for about three years. I got these and had to be careful with the sizing. I am usually size 9-9.5 but got the size 40 and they fit perfectly. They are REALLY comfortable to walk and stand (I do a lot of both). The only problem is...I feel like a grandma when I wear them. It is the style, shape etc. Not cute, hip or hot...old and comfortable.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Weird cut

Isis Concourse Skirt - Women's

Isis Concourse Skirt - Women's

Rating for this product: 2 August 4, 2008

The cut on this is weird. Way too big in the waist but fits in the hips and thighs. In fact, it is so big in the waist (and I am no Jane Russell) that the clasps come undone (lots of fun when I discover them undone during meetings). I wouldn't buy another nor recommend to a friend.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Yuck

Isis Daisy Boy Shorts - Women's

Isis Daisy Boy Shorts - Women's

Rating for this product: 1 August 4, 2008

Such a weird fit. They ride up and the tag sticks to my skin when I am running, feels like I have a plastic bag stick to my butt. My Costco underwear are better.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Bought 2

Mountain Hardwear Arroyo Skirt - Women's

Mountain Hardwear Arroyo Skirt - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

I loved this so much I bought two. I love how the draw string pulls up the sides (great for the beach or fording a stream). They go great at the office, over seas (Spain) or with a tank top gardening in the backyard. They are light weight, don't stain or wrinkle. I can seriously spend the whole day cleaning and gardening, change my shirt and go to a party. In fact, I would even go to church in this.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Waste of money

Contourwear ZOP2 Bermuda Convertible Pant - Women's

Contourwear ZOP2 Bermuda Convertible Pant - Women's

Rating for this product: 1 August 4, 2008

These are expensive pants and a pain to travel with. I took them to Spain with me and there MUST have been some defect in the fabric because after I washed them the first time the fabric pilled up, a button fell off and they plain looked weird. I sized up because I wanted to be comfortable but even still the waist was HUGE but the leg zippers cut (a joy on the 17 hour plane ride). I returned them, there has to be something in Ex Officio which will work better.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Comfortable but...strange

Contourwear Quick Dry Trouser - Women's

Contourwear Quick Dry Trouser - Women's

Rating for this product: 2 August 4, 2008

These are really comfortable but the pockets show through and so does my underwear. Unfortunately, I don't have cool underwear. They wedge up in a weird way even though they are actually a little big on me (you would have to see to understand but it isn't pretty). The fabric pills up too and they do shrink. I wouldn't buy again.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Love this skirt

Contourwear AnyWear Convertible Skirt - Women's

Contourwear AnyWear Convertible Skirt - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 August 4, 2008

I love this skirt. I bought the black. It fits my curves really well and the fabric lays very nicely. The zipper is easy to use and the skirt folds up VERY small which makes it a travel must for me!! I would but another if there was a color I liked.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

KEEN San Mateo Sandal - Women's

July 31, 2008

I have a high instep as well and these hurt my feet a bit...it usually rubs the top of my foot a little raw.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Not my favorite

The North Face Tempest Down Jacket - Women's

The North Face Tempest Down Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 2 July 7, 2008

This was my primary jacket this winter until I got the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Down Jacket. The cut is a little weird on this and uncomfortable. Though I am slim the arm zippers bite and don't stay closed well. Seams do leak and oddly I was cold in it a lot. If I had to do it again I would go with the Mountain Hardwear.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Best Jacket Yet

Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Down Jacket - Women's

Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Down Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 July 7, 2008

I bought a VERY expensive North Face Jacket and froze most of the winter until I got this one. So soft, warm and roomy. I love the stuff sac too - it packs down easily for camping and travel.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Don't bother

The North Face TKA 100 Masonic Hooded Fleece Jacket - Women's

The North Face TKA 100 Masonic Hooded Fleece Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 1 July 7, 2008

So uncomfortable. Though it keeps me warm I don't even want to put it on. The zipper is weird and noisy when you zip, the thumb holes are uneven and the cut is totally strange - I question whether they used a real person for cut measurements or just made them up.

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes | 5 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Great versitile layer

The North Face Momentum Jacket - Women's

The North Face Momentum Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 July 7, 2008

I wish I could afford more of these. They are really comfortable and a great base layer when it is cold out but perfect for outer wear when it is chilly out. Comfortable enough to sleep in (a little secret here - I have).

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Sleeping Pad

April 29, 2008

The women's size has more insulation in the torso and feet. It is also specially shaped for a women's body.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

More Colors

Dansko  Professional Oiled Clog - Women's

Dansko Professional Oiled Clog - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 March 6, 2008

I bought two pair of these shoes - black and brown. They are so comfortable that I wish they had more colors!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Durable and perfect for car camping

GSI Outdoor X2 Modular Table Set

GSI Outdoor X2 Modular Table Set

Rating for this product: 4 October 2, 2007

Great set. Really durable and easy to clean. Packs tightly too. Just wish it wasn't orange.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Cool but just a little awkward

MSR Alpine Kitchen Set

MSR Alpine Kitchen Set

Rating for this product: 4 October 1, 2007

Really great kitchen, comes with about everything you need but just a little awkward in a backpack. Maybe it would be better with the MSR pot it is supposed to nest in.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Decent for car camping

Lafuma CB Camping Chair

Lafuma CB Camping Chair

Rating for this product: 4 October 1, 2007

Light, sturdy and easy to tote around. The only problem is you have to carry it just so or it flips open.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Light weight and bright

Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 October 1, 2007

This replaced a much older headlamp and I was unsure if it would be bright enough and...indeed it is. Blindingly bright but provides enough to easily get around. Isn't too heavy either, and comfortable to wear.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Compact but perfect for backcountry

Jetboil 1.5 Liter Cooking Pot

Jetboil 1.5 Liter Cooking Pot

Rating for this product: 5 September 24, 2007

Great set for backpacking. Light, easy to clean and more than enough room to cook for plenty.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Who needs the expensive stuff?

GSI Outdoor Tekk Cutlery Set - 3 pc.

GSI Outdoor Tekk Cutlery Set - 3 pc.

Rating for this product: 5 September 24, 2007

I was going to buy a titanium set but then I ran in to this item. These are light, heavy duty, easy to clean and if that isn't enough - really compact. I am going to buy a couple more sets for the rest of the family.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Saved my back

Black Diamond Spire Contour Trekking Pole

Black Diamond Spire Contour Trekking Pole

Rating for this product: 5 September 24, 2007

I did not think I could make it though a tough week long back country trip and a friend recommended these. They TOTALLY saved my back and knees. Now that I have a pair I am going to use them for even short day hikes.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

So compact and light

MSR Alpine Folding Utensils - Set

MSR Alpine Folding Utensils - Set

Rating for this product: 5 September 24, 2007

Was debating if I really needed utensils but decided to go for it. These were a great pick because they are so light and compact, not to mention they saved the surface of the pot I was cooking in.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Who knew?

Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair

Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair

Rating for this product: 5 September 24, 2007

How have I gone 20 years on the trail without one of these? At first, when a friend recommended I get this I thought, seems too cushy for back county but it was PERFECT for chilling and playing cards, cooking and just enjoying the space after a long day. Didn't take up much space and was light too...added bonus!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Simple but works

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Stuff Sack

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Stuff Sack

Rating for this product: 4 September 24, 2007

Very simple but worked great for the new Therm-a-rest.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Worth the extra money

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Sleeping Pad

Rating for this product: 5 September 24, 2007

I own an older Therm-a-rest which, having a hole, needs to be retired. I debated back and forth about the extra cost for this one and it is honestly worth it. So comfortable, I actually slept well on the trail for the first time since I was a kid. Honestly amazing.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

No more clunky coolers!

Mountainsmith Modular Storage Cooler Cube

Mountainsmith Modular Storage Cooler Cube

Rating for this product: 5 September 14, 2007

This cooler cube rocks! I can either use it with the Modular Hauler for a long trip OR just throw it over my shoulder for the soccer field. It is big enough for a few days worth of food yet small enough for me to carry without injuring my back.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Love it!

Eagle Creek Pack-It Wallaby II

Eagle Creek Pack-It Wallaby II

Rating for this product: 5 September 13, 2007

Though I have three other toiletry bags, this one is by FAR the best. It has enough room for everything, nothing falls out (as with my other bags) and somehow manages to take up very little space in my luggage. I just wish I had bought this one first!

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Perfect for keeping organized on the go

Mountainsmith Modular Hauler 3 System Deluxe Bag

Mountainsmith Modular Hauler 3 System Deluxe Bag

Rating for this product: 5 September 6, 2007

This is the best! I can keep the individual totes packed and throw them in the hauler when I decide to go camping, to the lake or skiing on the fly. I got the mesh and cooler totes as well which are perfect additions!

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Temporarily Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Keeps wet clothes where they belong

Mountainsmith Modular Storage Breathable Cube - 1600cu in

Mountainsmith Modular Storage Breathable Cube - 1600cu in

Rating for this product: 5 September 6, 2007

This is a GREAT addition to the hauler. It makes cleaning up after a wet and dirty trip TONS faster and easier.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

Good idea...but leaks

CamelBak 1L Bottle w/ Big Bite Valve

CamelBak 1L Bottle w/ Big Bite Valve

Rating for this product: 3 August 15, 2007

I love the idea of the bottle but the bite valve leaks when standing up, lying down...going up in altitude. Perfect only if you are going to leave it upright at all times.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product