These boots are pretty bad boy, son. They are heavy, tough, full grain leather and have the wicked Powermatic lacing system. Actually that was the thing that impressed me most. You can get a tightly laced boot with ease, with those things. However, they just didn't fit right. I'm getting a lot of that with the boots that are manufactured in China. Somehow they just don't quite work. Even a few days around town showed me that I would get a wicked hot spot on my right heel if I was out on the trail. So, in the end I opted for a very similar pair of Zamberlan's (the 996 Vioz GT) and they fit me like a glove right out of the box. Italian's know how to make shoes and for the same price it was a no-brainer.

Like almost any piece of essential gear, this guy is costly. I could hardly justify $80 for a tarp/poncho but in the end it proved it's worth. Got caught out on the trail at about 9000ft when a freak storm rolled in and dumped hail and rain on a less experienced (and less prepared) friend. He was soaking wet and cold. Me, bone dry and toasty. I quickly pulled off the poncho strung up some rope and a trekking pole and viola! Quick shelter for my friend to get warm, change into dry clothes and wait out the storm. Still, you could probably make you own (albeit heavier) for far less than $80.

Wore the same shirt every day hiking in 90 degree heat with a 30lb pack. Came off the trail and the shirt didn't have a bit of stink on it. Amazing. Comfortable, wicks moisture, keeps you cool, dry and smelling nifty. Worth every penny. They do run a little small though. I'm usually a medium and went with a large.

Just brought this pad on a 8 day hike in the rocky Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. Every rock was my recliner. The rest of the group was pretty envious of my little ass cushion and I don't blame em. It could be the best 3oz in your pack.

This pad is nothing short of unbelievable. Check the other reviews for specific pros (side sleeping, warmth, sticky top) and cons (for $150 you can't give me the damn stuff sack?). I took this pad out to the Idaho Sawtooths for 7 nights through sunshine and hail and slept like a baby every night. Yeah, it's expensive, but that's why I have a job. Best. Pad. Ever.

Let it be said that I completely LOVE the Ex Officio underwear (I've replaced my whole nappy drawls collection with them)The shirt is made of the same material, however, something is truly missing in the comfort department, I don't know if it's weird seams (of which, there are some in the neck and armpit area) or that the fabric that feels good on my boys just don't feel so good on my chest and back. Something about that waffled fabric grabbed at my chest hairs and didn't want to let go. If I'm going to pay $40 for a performance T-shirt it better be comfy as hell.
Sent this one back and traded up to an Icebreaker GT series. Mo pricey, yes, but waaay more comfy.

After 30miles in the damp Smokey Mountains I surprised to find that my taint area was far less chapped than it should have been for the weather we had. In short, pricey underwear, but totally worth it