As smooth with a 9mm or a 10.2mm rope. This is no different to many other belay devices until you hang it from the big loop to belay your partner up. I no longer get a freaked out second when he/she sees me belaying with an italian hitch - there goes my fun. A further advantage is the autolock feature when belaying a second from an anchor (the live rope runs over the dead rope so that a fall results in the latter being pinched into the belay device effectively causing a self-arrest)A nice piece of equipment but maybe runs a bit smooth for a beginner. A standard ATC has more friction and may be easier to control when belaying or rappelling.

Slightly heavier than the Mk1 but worth the extra weight for the versatility it provides. The action is smooth and secure. The tool is solid and I have no qualm in trusting it as much as my full size jammers. As a jamming device it has proven excellent at hoisting and the light weight makes it a feasible tool for two man glacier travel, when weight savings mean thinner ropes. A definite blessing when the alternative is tying a single handed prussik whilst your partner does a Peter Pan in the crevasse.

I've had this pulley for about six weeks. I like the high efficiency of the Mini; it's a definite advantage over using a krab at the turn of the rope when rigging a z-system or even a 1:2. It runs smoother than the Petzl Fixe and the Ultra Legere. The fact that it will mind the prussik on those occasions when I choose to use one has not gone unappreciated. I own a collection of pulleys and this model is quickly becoming my favourite. Whether using a prussik not or not, if hauling or as a lightweight, rescue item, this is an excellent pulley to have and I strongly recommend it.

I own three MSR stoves (blush). My high peaks, desperate situations, really far away from mum, burn whatever I can get, expedition XGK (although I'm not sure they called it that when I bought it 7 years ago). For more comfortable jaunts in the wilderness, lasting up to two weeks, I have a dependable Whisperlite. Nothing wrong with either once you learn to control the pressure so you don't incinerate all your meals!! Now, at the turn of a screw, I can choose to simmer or hurry up that snow/ice. FANTASTIC!! It's been a few weeks and only one trip since it arrived but I have found it a good example of the quality and reliability I expect from MSR. I will be trusting this stove to keep me in good stead in the Andes and Patagonia. Defintiely worth the pennies. On the downside, you may never see the wildlife; the Dragonfly is no quieter than the XGK.

I have had this stove for 7 years. It's never let me down. From deserts to glaciers it hasn't failed me. I give it little maintenance and in return it lights first time and will burn just about anything anyone would put in an engine. On the downside, it does sound like a jet engine on full volume. On the plus, if you are going to be anywhere you absolutely need your stove to work, get this stove.

When using pulleys you cannot beat an oval krab. The automatic action on the Traict is smooth and simple to use whilst setting up. It also means that the insecure gorilla you climb with will not be able to tighten it to the point of no return. The only downside I see is that you really need both hands to operate the action. The lock can be twisted and opened single handed, with some practice, but it is not a simple affair.

I have just returned from a mountaineering trip and can say the mug-bowl union represents a good, working utensil. When you're not using the bowl portion it acts as a second skin to make an insulated mug. The bowl is large enough for a generous serving and when done the entire unit packs away neatly. On the downside, whilst the mug portion seems to be happy with extreme changes in temperature e.g., addition of hot water to make hot drinks, the bowl cracked in three places. It still holds solids but soup is a problem. The bowl received no knocks so all I can assume is that the contrast from sitting in the snow to holding warm food was too much for it. I approached Stanley regarding this point but haven't had a reply yet.

Excellent belt. The low profile means I am unaware of its presence even when wearing a harness.

I wore these pants during a two week trip to Alaska. They proved to be very strong and resistant to rock abrasions. They also make light work of shedding water, snow and ice. I found them very comfortable but as with other items from OR I have problems with the sizing. I'm usually a medium but find that with OR I have to get a large which is a bit too big for me. If I could improve the pants in any way it would be by providing some ventilation. On warmer days they were a bit too warm! Then, I run hot most of the time so it could just be me.