Ian Brown

I got this pack about five years ago and the idea of water resistant outside material seemed relatively new at the time. My other buddies tried to make fun of me for buying such a new pack, but the laughter turned on them when they had to start scrambling for their little messy pack covers in the downpour. Rain, sleet, snow or accidental water spills, this pack withstood the abuse. As an instructor, it gave me the critical opportunity to stop worrying about the way my pack was, and help others deal with the trash bag / pack covering mess. Others are right, the pack is a little heavy, but the frame and padding is like the cadillac of backpacking.

On a sizing note, I have the men's regular, and I probably would be better fit in the small. I'm 5'11", about 180ish lbs, and about 17" torso length. The kangaroo pockets (the hip pockets) have been great for carrying mugs, thermoses, and MSR white gas bottles. I also like how I can open the divider to the sleeping bag compartment, and make the bag just one huge barrel - this has worked really well on my mountaineering trips. On summer trips, I can keep the two compartments separated, and still take on my fair share of group gear. The transforming lid into a fanny pack has really come in handy. It's a great way for injured participants to carry a shell and their own hydration when you have to split the rest of their pack amongst the group. The side zipper has also allowed me to stash away / grab layers rather quickly without having to spend an absorbent amount of time unpacking and re-packing.

Overall, its worth the weight if you're one of those who likes the extra doo-dads and the plush padding.

This jacket helped me get through sub-freezing temperatures on a high's course during a Wisconsin winter. I originally had a large to allow for layering; however, right before the winter hit, I exchanged it for a medium and it made the world of difference (5' 11" and about 180 lbs.). I still have plenty of room for layering, and the fit is much better. Like the other reviewer shows, the inside mesh pockets allow gloves to dry out, and act as a parking garage for many other items. The collar did seem a little high at first, but ended up providing me with great coverage for my face while I was sitting waiting for participants to climb up. The hood works very well with a helmet underneath, but without one, it takes some minor adjustments to prevent it from flopping if you're doing a little walking. Overall, it's a great belay parka, and a great piece for someone who, like me, wanted to make sure they didn't ruin a down jacket while learning the basics of taking care of their gear. Another sweet product backed by Patagonia's awesome guarantee.

I have had this vest for over five years, and I still love it. It has been great for every activity I do, because it helps to regulate my temperature very well. It's a great piece to toss on after getting out of your sleeping bag in the morning and stashing it before the start of the hike. Also, the synthetic material let me dry out my top layer while loading boats and helped me warm up after many of cold days on the river. The elastic around the shoulder cuffs took a while to get used to, but they do a great job of sealing heat. Plus, it looks like they added baffles to prevent the insulation from bulking up.

Overall great quality as the other reviewers have mentioned.