Are they a bit heavier than wire-gates? A bit more than draws with dyneema bones? Yes, and yes... But think why you're going to buy these: you just want a snappy gated, key-locking, nylon boned (read: no flopping all over, something to grab on to, wont degrade) biner that is super strong and rivals the Spirit. If 100g is not your limiting factor at this point in your climbing career and you're not looking to do ice climbs, these should be your biners. Sometimes, the all the stars align in just the right Orbits. (owned more than 6mos at review time)

Are they a bit heavier than wire-gates? A bit more than draws with dyneema bones? Yes, and yes... But think why you're going to buy these: you just want a snappy gated, key-locking, nylon boned (read: no flopping all over, something to grab on to, wont degrade) biner that is super strong and rivals the Spirit. If 100g is not your limiting factor at this point in your climbing career and you're not looking to do ice climbs, these should be your biners. Sometimes, the all the stars align in just the right Orbits. (owned more than 6mos at review time)

While unable to test in the extreme conditions I had hoped (summiting Mt. Washington mid-January and due to absolutely Everest-like conditions), I have spent some quality time with these Rs throughout the coldest December/January Ohio has undoubtedly seen in the last few years

Being a thin, six-foot bean-pole these thermals in size medium did not fit overly tight for a base layer. The elastic waistband is just barely tight enough for a 30 waist. They are intended to be snug, but not tight not as tight as thermal underwear. The mostly spandex material is light, compressible, and quite comfortable, while the raised and checkered texture gives you something to think about the first few wears. It is a bit odd, but provides for superior loft of the fabric above your skin to provide very good insulation. The mens version comes with a rear zipper pocket that might be useful if using for cold-weather running, but could probably be done without. More importantly is what the pants should have - a zippered fly with an insulating flap. You dont want that area to freeze for sure, but it would be nice to be able to keep these very warm thermals all the way on when going about business, youre already stripping off outer layer(s) as is

And boy are they warm. While climbing in Arkansas this past December these never came off. Standing around the crag in low/mid 40s and wind my legs were never once cold with these under a light hiking pant. The pants are also extremely flexible and stretch really well, no pulling whatsoever. Back in Ohio hiking with 30 or so pounds to train in single digits (but no wind) I actually had to zip off the bottom portion of my pants I was so warm. Running in low 20s and wind with just running shorts over (I still cant wear totally form-fitting I suppose Im a self conscious bean-pole) resulted in a similarly sweaty outcome. They are, however, surprisingly breathable and dry very quickly due to the R1 fabric technology.

All in all these are great thermals, but just maybe not great pants. From my experience would be best for very cold weather in active use or medium cold weather if planning to be static. Patagonia made this superior piece of clothing to keep you warm, dry, comfortable, and alive - and the R1 technology does just that. No frills, no extras.

I have bad knees and tried to hold out for the longest time against trekking poles - what was I thinking? These are a great pair that are relatively light and compact - which is what I was going for. Carbide tips work great, poles have held up well with just a tightening of the flick-lock after quite a few miles. There are no springs to absorb shock, but like another reviewer mentioned, they do flex a little. Flick-lock makes it easy to break-down and strap onto the backpack in no time - or easily adjust on the go. I took some bicycle handlebar tape I had and made a second, soft hand-grip below the rubber one so that I don't have to constantly adjust if on a trail that is frequently changing incline/decline. Your best bet for something non-walmart that you want to last, but aren't interested in shelling out for the "top-of-the-line."

Being a Wilderness EMT and leading trips through our club I carry medical supplies with me everywhere... While I got it before having any significant training, I am still very pleased - with a little personalization. It has all the basics you need to get you started in a great, light, water-resistant package that - very importantly - leaves room for expansion. As you go out more and more (or seek more and more training which you should if you spend any measurable time outdoors), you will realize little things you wish you had along. Some of the things I have added (off the top of my head) and/or keep with me: 2-5 rolls of 1" medical tape (depending), various size band-aids (ever-popular), extra/more medications, more gloves, non-rebreather, cavit, second skin, more butterfly bandages, more gauze, and a bandanna or two...

ALSO, and VERY importantly, it is now (after additions) the right size for what I'm doing (smaller sized groups, less than a week). A super-comprehensive kit does you no good if its either too big and will sit in the car at the trailhead, or you don't know how to use everything anyways. The best kit is the one that gives you basic supplies you know how to use and that will make it into your pack and onto the trail.

Being a Chemistry student I naturally had to buy a tent named the electron. Turns out it actually was a good tent, too! I have the older version (the one with just two 10ft vestibules - which have always provided plenty of room for us anyways) from about 2 years ago and it has never failed me. SD thought it out with this tent: good zippers, very solid construction that holds up well, anti-mold impregnated walls, great size, and keeps dry! Been through plenty of bad weather with it from wind to torrents of rain to snow. This past week I could see the ripples of water running under my vestibule as it poured but we were dry all night - no problems. Stake it out tight and guy out the sides and your golden. Can have it set up in a flash if you roll it up with a bit of thought, and the "extra" weight is well worth the added durability in my opinion. Our club tents (MSR Hubba Hubba's) have seen less action and show far more wear than my electron.

Not sure if the extra 4ft and "window" is necessary or worth the weight (if there is any - and your decision), but this new version's older brother was a winner for sure.

Awesome bag, quite warm (coming from a cold sleeper), packs down great, good weight/cost ratio, good zippers. 15 degree bag is an awesome all-purpose rating, too. Can vent it and not be pouring sweat on warm nights, or throw in a silk or fleece liner to add 10+ degrees on a chilly night! Just get a waterproof stuff sack - useless if wet...