Alright here goes. The folks over at Arc'teyrx really pulled a fast one here. I own tons of wool gear, Wigwam wool socks, Patagonia wool 4 base layers, Smart Wool bottoms, and all utilize the latest technology to make it soft and comfortable. Not this beanie, this thing is so itchy and scratchy it should have a picture of the cat and mouse from the Simpsons on the front. This is the kind of material you get with an old army surplus wool blanket. They used the cheapest little fleece liner they could (not fully lined just headband) and put their cool logo on it and said 'Of course people will buy it, it's Arc'teryx!' Did I mention it was itchy and scratchy? If this thing was 8 bucks I wouldn't be complaining, but for 35 smackeroos this thing should've come with a built in headlamp and been the softest, warmest, most comfortable beanie ever...NOT! I saw Ed Wardle wearing it on his BBC Channel 4 'Alone in the Wild' series and figured, he must be wearing it for a reason, but I've concluded he's a glutton for punishment! I usually don't write reviews till I've owned something for a while and put it through the ringer but seeing as how I'm already looking up articles online 'how to soften wool' this scathing rebuke is the least I could do for my troubles. Of course as always Backcountry.com is the best and this in no way reflects poorly on them. I hear Arc'teryx makes great gear I'll just never know for myself because their prices keep 95% of the population from owning any. Next time I'll stick to what I know and get TNF or Marmot!

Protection from the sun. Protection from the bugs. Keeps you cool. What more could you want? Performs flawlessly with my backpack on.

With all of the lightweight products out there why would anyone choose a heavy-duty backpacking boot over the lowtop trail runners/boot hybrids out there? Well, if your like me there is something about a rock solid pair of boots that just appeals to you. Asolo has taken the very best things about a tough waterproof full-grain leather boot and trimmed all that fat. I can't say enough about the triple structure sole construction which make this boot more comfortable than my favorite pair of sneakers. But besides this they make for ultimate shock absorbtion and have super grippyness. These boots are anything but clunky and have excellent ankle support which is a big deal for me because my ankles tend to roll hiking downhill. One thing though, in the summer the full grain leather can tend to make the feet a litte hot but not totally unbearable. I docked it one star because they don't have the power matic lacing system, but other than that these boots are awesome.

You know how you like traditional cargos but don't really hike or backpack in them because they're really heavy and bulky and made from cotton canvas? Well these are TNF's answer to the classic cargo pant, with paramount nylon these things are rugged yet light, and styled after traditional cargos with velcro flap pockets on each leg. I like! What stinks though is you have to buy a size up to achieve loose feeling comfort. If you're really thin butt tight pants may complement you, but for the rest of us it's nice to have a little wiggle room. I docked one star for the aformentioned problem and another becuase TNF discontinued this style as quick as it was released, no bueno.

I've had this for about two years now and I can say this is a great first layer. I've worn this on many trips and it has performed flawlessly. I wear it while I hike in cooler temps and it wicks moisture likes it's nobody's business and I don't even have to change when it's time to climb inside the sleeping bag. This thing stays dry and is very comfortable. One minor issue: It can get real clingy. The material which I think is polyester attracts static electricity so I docked it one star, but other than that this base layer is well worth the price.

I love this tent but let me start by saying what it isn't: This tent is not for tall people, if BD tents appeal to you get the Lighthouse. I'm 5'8" and it's great for me and people under 6 feet tall but someone taller might find it a little short. It isn't the quickest and easiest tent to set up, however after a few a few practice runs at home I can set it up just as quick as any tent. It isn't a tent you can sleep in and open your eyes and see the stars although it does have excellent ventilation. Here's what it is. It is an unbeleiveably light tent tent at a little over 2.5 lbs. No need for a rain fly as the poles go inside and the tent has two little awnings over the windows. You do have to seal the seams with silicone provided by the manufacturer but once this is done the tent is completely rainproof and never gives off condensation inside. Another great feature is the huge door. At camp everyone kind of gathers around my tent because with the door down it's like a little living room. Also there is no sag as the poles pull the silnylon material very tight maximizing every inch of inside space. I've have never had trouble finding a place to set this up either because if the small footprint. In short this is a great backpacking all-in-one tent, lightweight, packs really small, relatively easy to set up and breakdown, and weatherproof. Oh yeah I almost forgot the color is awesome and even on the gloomiest trips makes things very bright.

If you frequently do weekend trips 2-4 days then this is your canister. I read an article saying your first day's food doesn't need to be inside because you'll eat it before the day is done, and that helped me to chose the bearvault 350. It is actually quite large and holds my scented toiletries also. I was able to solve another problem with this item. I'm so sick of sitting on cold rocks and wet ground, this thing doubles as a perfect backpacker seat and it fits nicely into my backpack. Great product-highly recommend.

This cup does exactly what it says it does. It keeps whatever is inside nice and warm, while staying cool to the touch. And comes with a cool mesh net cinch bag so it doesn't rattle in your pack. Great product.

Comfy and versatile.