Got this one as a backup as I have a spendier Petzl Tactica and this one actually outperforms it in close-in distances.

It does the job, but I was surprised to only get about 20+ minutes and I never even use full burn. Carry a spare if you get this, or you'll be eating or drinking cold stuff. Or just spend a buck more and get something that'll give you a few hours.

I second all the other reviews. I bought this more to be shoulder-strap mountable, ala the XP Adapter kit. If I had a complaint, it could stand to be a tad brighter as I still have to carry a high-intensity hand-held.

Amended: After using this for a year, I will still say that I was expecting it to be brighter. Batteries didn't last as long as I expected from an LED either. Lowered my rating from 5 to 4 stars.

I wouldn't take this into space, but it does the job, is a brand name and is worth what I paid for it. If you've got complaints about it, then you might have the wrong expectations because this is a $25 bladder. Don't expect it to perform like a $125 bladder. This is essentially a quality 2 liter bottle with a cap and a 3ft. straw.

If you've never been a fan of wool because it was itchy and didn't move well... this is leaps and bounds better, but it'll still irritate. I finally had to wear a layer underneath. Also wears on the small side and rides up in the pits. I'd suggest 1 size larger than what you normally get. Otherwise, warmth to weight ratio is super.

These are shorts first, and pants second. Keep that in mind when buying. I have to give it credit for functionality and quality, though I was expecting them to be a good pair of hiking pants, and shorts as an option, but instead, its the other way around. Pant cuffs could also use some sort of drawstring, velcro or elastic since their is a noticeable flair. And the leggings don't really do much except keep the occasional bugs away.

It's a polyester shirt with no spandex or odor control, nothing spectacular. Fits well and is comfortable though. Warning: tends to fray and pill after just a few washes.

AlpineAire's consistency is more powdery and just an overall strange texture. There's usually some odd quirk to it too, as mentioned in the review from 9/28/06. If it was the last thing I had and I was going to be stuck outside for another day, I'd eat it.

This is not a kit that you will use over and over or even for something bigger than a small repair job. It's pretty much got one of everything, but only enough for about 1-2 uses. In my case, it was the silicon patch repair. It comes with about a 2" round gray colored patch. I cut it to the size of my needs, and saved the rest. Definitely worth $6 to fix a $300 tent.

For some reason, on this particular one, make sure to stir it really well and don't skimp on the hot water. On several occasions, I wind up with pieces that are still not rehydrated. Otherwise, tastes great. Oh, and this will also make you regret not bringing that roll of TP with you. Enjoy and Beware.

with all the veggies mixed in, make sure to bring some extra TP on the trail....

Not quite as comfortable as the other brands that are out there for the same price. Could feel the seams on the inside, and they're not as stretchy as I expected. But they do hold true to form and don't bunch, bind or cause discomfort while active.

So far, I'm not that impressed. This is my first convertible pant. Though it should be called a convertible short and the pants are the option. I agree with the other reviews, sizes seem to run a little large and long and the ankles could use some sort of elastic, snap or velcro as these border on bell-bottom style flairs.

I've tried 6 different brands of this type of underwear/brief. This one is the best and most comfortable so far. Other's I've tried are 5.11, Under Armour, Dockers, and Ex Officio. Yes, it is sort of a weird fit, as these don't have a traditional elastic waist band, but at the same time, they don't feel as constrictive by having to use compression to hold them up like others do. Breathability and warmth better than expected.

The Mountain House beef stroganoff is much more like the real thing. This is only ok. Texture is a little rubbery and doesn't seem like you can heat it long enough to get rid of it. And taste, it seems they've over-spiced it to compensate. It's eatable/edible, but why, when there's something better?

but pretty hard and crunchy. Not soft and chewy like I was expecting. Fair warning to those with artificial parts in their teeth... the hard pieces in this could break something loose. But if your teeth are strong and you like honey, this will do the the trick.

I only gave them a 4 rating because they wear a little big as some of the other reviews pointed out and can tend to bunch up a little. But otherwise, the best underwear I've ever owned and they do everything as advertised (wash and dry easy, don't stink up, hardly even feels like you're wearing them, comfortable, warm) I think I'm going to try the Brief version with my next purchase.

positives: tastes ok, good backup to dehydrated food if you're short on water

negatives: you're packing extra weight since this isn't dehydrated. pull tab for self-heating is supect and unreliable. self-heating element also has a foul odor.

After trying these, I realized Mountain House is superior to AlpineAire in the quality and consistency of their dehydrated food. I would have given this a rating of 3, but since MH doesn't seem to make anything with mashed potatoes, I gave it a 4.

Tight against the skin is supposed to be how they're worn, ie., "tight in the pits", etc. And of course it's not windproof - it's a base layer! Also imo, I agree they do wear a little large, but then again, I've always had the problem of being on the slimmer side with long limbs. Hope this review helps.