Ozzy

On if you like bivies or not. If you're a bivy enthusiast, the SL is one of the best on the market (hands down). On a recent trip in the Sawtooths, the bivy performed very well in rain and breathed excellently. I wouldn't recommend using it without any kind of backup tarp - it won't remain waterproof in heavy, sustained rain. Also, I was eaten alive by mosquitos (there's absolutely NO mesh netting). After pretty extensive experience in the backcountry and camping otherwise, I've learned that carrying a few extra ounces (or even up to a pound) for a high quality solo ultralight tent is far preferable. It allows you a sheltered place to relax during the day (or a long storm - not to mention a vestibule), and the mesh alone is worth admission, especially in bug-heavy locales. By the time you add up the weight of a bivy, a light tarp, and a few stakes, there's only ounces difference between the best ultralights on the market (MSR Hubba, Marmot EOS 1P, etc.). Having that said, let me reiterate: this is far and away the best bivy I've ever used. Mountain Hardwear makes diesel gear, and if you're looking for a bivy that breathes well and has pretty good weatherproof chops - this is your bivy. I especially like it as an overlayer on a down bag for snow cave/winter camping. As for other reviewer's comments on getting wet in the head/shoulder region: that's just the nature of the beast with bivies, even more elevated ones (like Black Diamond's tripod bivy).

This is the same shoe as the one listed elsewhere on the site. This is what you need to know: if people like Wayne Gregory say this is the shoe they never hike without, you know it's a damn good shoe (that guy hikes about 6 days a week, no joke). The Jannu Lo wears like a boot: the vibram sole is very sturdy and the lugs give ridiculous traction. I was recently on a hike where we descended a very steep slope (about 70% grade) and others were sliding and tripping down. Not I: straight down, no slips. These things have *great* traction. After breaking them in for about 14 days, they wear like a dream. I use an after market insole and find that helps my medium/low volume foot avoid heel slippage. So, the bottom line is this: these are very comfortable, superbly constructed shoes that perform like heavy duty boots. 9 out of 10 times (even on three/four day trips) this is what I wear into the backcountry. Backcountry only carries brown and black (brown is the money shot), but there are other colors available (including gray, blue and orange).

After reading fien's neanderthal one-liner, I felt obligated to contribute a review. Look, if people like Wayne Gregory say this is the shoe they never hike without, you know it's a damn good shoe (that guy hikes about 6 days a week, no joke). The Jannu Lo wears like a boot: the vibram sole is very sturdy and the lugs give ridiculous traction. I was recently on a hike where we descended a very steep slope (about 70% grade) and others were sliding and tripping down. Not I: straight down, no slips. These things have *great* traction. After breaking them in for about 14 days, they wear like a dream. I use an after market insole and find that helps my medium/low volume foot avoid heel slippage. So, the bottom line is this: these are very comfortable, superbly constructed shoes that perform like heavy duty boots. 9 out of 10 times (even on three/four day trips) this is what I wear into the backcountry.

This is a tank of a pack. It's on the larger side for a daypack, so frequently I've used it for quick light packing overnights. I've also traveled with it when I want something small enough for carry on but big enough for a few days trip. I've done three day trips with this pack (including packing 13" / 15" computers). Perfect as a *long* day pack when you need water, stove, food, layers, etc. And yes, the black has orange accents. Deal. I recommend Indian Clay Red. Money shot.

It's shocking to me that no one has reviewed this tent yet. The bottom line is this: you'll have a hard time finding a better tent than this one. I've spent a whole lot of nights in this thing, in conditions ranging from hail to heavy rains to light snowfalls (couple inches). I've never had any condensation inside - not a drop. It pitches easily (even at 1 a.m. in pitch dark), is incredibly taut, and stands up extremely well in high wind. Oh, and it's obscenely big inside + 2 vestibules. I'd suggest reading the editor's choice award review from backpacker's magazine (google it). I've owned a lot of tents over the years and this one is hands down the best 3-season I've ever owned or used. Like most things in life you get what you pay for, and you get every dime's worth with the Aeolos.

I decided to go with the Trail Lite over the Pro Lite after extensive consideration - haven't regretted the decision. Therm-a-Rest rates this as a 4 season pad, so it'll do the job even in winter conditions. The pad *does* self-inflate, but it's crucial to follow the instructions (novel, I know). I've never slept better in the outdoors than when on this pad; if you're on a budget, this is by far the best pad your money can buy.