of all the brands I have tried so far the Lowa Tempest is the most durable shoe for a heavy person.
The upper holds up incredibly well; the lining eventually wears out on the heel
The sole is mega sturdy and does not wear

Not a bad shoe for sea kayaking though the sole on the previous model (Maipo) would delaminate too soon.
Sole sturdy enough for oyster rocks

I have been wearing Puckerwear shirts from Patagucci :-) since 2001.
And I still regularly wear my first shirt. I have not found this kind of quality anywhere else.
Smart enough to wear at the office but easy enough for "action weekends"
'nuff said.
Gnarlydog

I have used Thermarest for now almost 20 years.
From the original aluminium valve to the NeoAir.
Best night sleep is now on NeoAir.
Super compact and light.
Downside: I spend a few minutes inflating it by mouth instead of self inflation.
More details for a comaparison with Exped at http://gnarlydognews.blogspot.com/2009/06/sleeping-mats-less-is-more.html

I have several gas canister stoves and I wanted to use some off the canister and solidly supported by the tripod that this gadget offers.
Worked great for about 1/2 hour then the flame started to dwindle and eventually shut down.
No gas was coming to the stove.
Disassembled the unit in the field (need some tools), cleaned and tried again.
Worked for a few minutes and shut down again.
At home I have removed the "O" rings between the hose and the valve (both ends), removed the safety valve (redundant since the canister has one) and reassembled the unit sealing the threads with white plumber's tape (PTFE).
I am finally "cooking with gas" (the stove now works at full blast, if needed)

I have been paddling with a Camano for a few years now and despite having other paddles from Werner (Athena and Ikelos) the Camano is the one that does everything fairly well. I can tour for hours or catch some surf. Bent shaft it's a must for me since it gives me better feedback of blade orientation when underwater setting up for a roll. If you can afford it, treat yourself to a carbon one.
The ferrule on one Camano developped some slop but I had it replaced under warranty even if it was more then 12 months old.

Werner makes quality products and backs up any warranty issues.
Have paddled a Camano for a few years now and it is the most versatile paddle I have (other paddles are Ikelos and Athena, from Werner).
Great for touring and the occasional surfing/playboating.
I had a ferrule develop some slop but I had it replaced under warranty even if it was more then 12 months old.
Quality paddle.
Bent shaft is a must since it's easier for correct paddle angle when setting up for a roll and "self centering" when touring (much less grip needed to avoid flutter)

This is my second Pioneer compass that I use for sea kayaking.
My kayaks come with a forward of front hatch recess for a Silva 70 type compass but I decided not to mount the compass there and go for the Pioneer instead.
The Pioneer is sturdy and has enough rubber protection to prevent accidental damage. The dial is easy to see and gives you an accurate reading (enough for compass viewed in the cockpit of a sea kayak).
I wish it would have an illuminated dial for night navigation but I am curently working on a modification to make that possible using small LEDs and remote battery/switch.
Gnarlydog.

what can I say? I purchased my first pair in 2001. After wearing them constantly for a few years (yes you read it right: years) I finally got them to a state that looked like that they have seen better days and purchased an other pair. Same fit but better sole (Vibram). Lasted even longer. Eventually that pair got a bit stinky (still looking good though) and decided on replacement.
Glad to see that the quality and construction is still the same. I wear these shoes mainly as street wear with an occasional light hike in the park. For serious walking I use a boot (several different types, according to terrain).
I am heavy on footwear and Lowa's have met and exceeded my expectations.
'nuff said.