Jonathan-ski&paddle

I was looking for a very warm mitten for use in the high mountains, and was having a hard time figuring out which models/brands were REALLY toasty. I went to the 'recommended gear' sections of a couple guiding services (Whittaker, Alpine Ascents) figuring that they'd have a good read on it. Both had the OR Alti Mitten on the list and AAI had the Masherbrum too. So I got the OR Alti Mitten and the MtnHard Mashrbrum and tried them both out. First, the Alti Mitt is notably lighter than the Masherbrum. Both had a leather palm, but the leather on the back of the Masherbrum clearly added weight. The Masherbrum also had a thicker liner. While I haven't taken these into the cold yet, it was that perception of the Masherbrum as a warmer mitten that got me most of the way to a decision.

Fit was similar, though there was more room in the Alti Mitt. I wear size M, and my hand measures 3.5 inches across at the widest point. With the OR mitten, I had a bit more room for a liner. With the Masherbrum, I think I could have a silk-weight glove inside, but nothing thicker. Another note on fit: the thumb on the Alti Mitt was too long for me, and I can easily imagine that the consequent loss of dexterity would be a negative.

I was looking for a very warm mitten for use in the high mountains, and was having a hard time figuring out which models/brands were REALLY toasty. I went to the 'recommended gear' sections of a couple guiding services (Whittaker, Alpine Ascents) figuring that they'd have a good read on it. Both had the OR Alti Mitten on the list and AAI had the Masherbrum too. So I got the OR Alti Mitten and the MtnHard Mashrbrum and tried them both out. First, the Alti Mitt is notably lighter than the Masherbrum. Both had a leather palm, but the leather on the back of the Masherbrum clearly added weight. The Masherbrum also had a thicker liner. While I haven't taken these into the cold yet, it was that perception of the Masherbrum as a warmer mitten that got me most of the way to a decision.

Fit was similar, though there was more room in the Alti Mitt. I wear size M, and my hand measures 3.5 inches across at the widest point. With the OR mitten, I had a bit more room for a liner. With the Masherbrum, I think I could have a silk-weight glove inside, but nothing thicker. Another note on fit: the thumb on the Alti Mitt was too long for me, and I can easily imagine that the consequent loss of dexterity would be a negative.

I have a drawer full of Smartwool, Ice Breaker and Ibex. All three seem to use very good materials and to produce a nice end product. Ibex, however, is the only one that is made in the US. So it gets my vote.

After a day of lift-served and a couple of days of touring, I think these are acceptable for touring. Like other reviewers, I found that the pole's length was difficult to lock, and that the pole would often slip shorter. I like the grip, and the wrist strap system works better than on most poles. On hard snow, I would think the tendency to slip shorter would be bothersome, and so wouldn't recommend these as a general purpose pole.

In an odd development, my Methods shipped without a footbed. I threw in a pair of superfeet liners, and it all worked out. But, is this a BD choice or just a BD/Backcountry.com mistake?

Because reviewers had questioned whether this tent could stand up to a strong rain, I bought it with some concern. Having taken it out for several nights in wet weather, I'm a big fan. Set up is straightforward, and while the combination of sleeves and clips isn't elegant or clean, it does work. Specifically, the bent pole design does create nice living space. I stayed dry through wind and moderate long-lasting rain for several nights. My complaint, as with other reviewers, is with the doors on the fly. They don't stay open particularly well; and opening them in the rain without soaking gear stored in the vestibule is tricky.

This fabric liner is effective -- though doesn't really add 15 degrees of comfort to a 3 season bag. The stuff sack doesn't compress, and is just big enough for the sack. In my experience, it is way too much work to get it back inside; I just add it to the compression sack that I use for the sleeping bag. It does look like it would work nicely as a stand-alone bag in the hot weather.

I love this jacket. It is durable, and has a trim cut and a really nicely stripped-down aesthetic. The fit is perfect for me (shirt size 15.5 / 34). However, it isn't really a technical shell. (I use it for around town.) There is no drawcord on the neck, so it is difficult to adjust venting/keeping-the-rain-out. There is no adjustment to the cuff, which is an issue if you are wearing a big watch (like a Suunto), and could be an issue if your gloves don't have a gauntlet-style cuff themselves.