I recently used this filter on a backpacking trip with a 6L MSR Dromedary Bag.

PROS: It performed well and I could fill my Dromedary bag all the way without having to pump. While I don't carry 6L around with me, it is nice to be able to filter enough water for 2-3 people without any work. The filtration rate was fast, about 1-1.5L/minute, but the water was of good quality. There is a sediment screen on the big bag to prevent junk from getting in the tube. It can also directly connect to wide mouth Nalgene bottles. Supposedly can filter 1,500 Liters before a filter change.

CONS: Backflushing didn't work well on mine. The filter worked fine in the field, but I tried to backflush at home to clean it out. Doesn't work in freezing temps, but most filters don't work in freezing temps. Regular maintenance is required.

During my time in the Corps, I spent a lot of time battling bugs. I have seen mosquito swarms like bees and cover every exposed inch of skin, and had ticks where you don't want them. Although nets provide solid protection against mosquitoes, this is the best alternative. Over the years this was the best I could find, and provided better protection than most cremes and sprays that use other chemicals like Permethrin. I think Repel offers a similar product, that contains 95% Deet but it isn't offered at many stores. Against ticks, the best measure is physical barriers such as tucking your pants in your boots, and your shirt in your pants along with spraying you legs heavily.

Pros: Super soft and comfortable alone. Works wonderful as a layer with the North Face Alliance shell of the same size. It zips in perfectly where and the zipper is hidden from chafing at the collar. The 100 weight micro fleece is perfect for milder climates, and offers great insulation with the shell.

Cons: The pocket liner is arranged so that it appears that it can also function as a internal pocket, but there is a small gap in the corner that objects can fall out of (ie. PDA, cell phones, keys). I will probably sew so I can use it as an internal pocket. This wouldn't be a big deal if the external pockets were accessible when zipped into a shell.

Overall: Good product, great layer, minor pocket issue that not everyone will dislike. I would still buy another.

I have had 2 of Suunto watches, and both have performed well. I have had my second Observer long enough to change the battery twice (~5 years). The compass isn't the best for navigation, but it is usually accurate to +/- 2 degrees. You have to keep it calibrated often in order for it to work well. The calibration process is quick and easy. The compass also has an option to automatically adjust for declination. The air pressure measurement feature must be set to either barometer or altimeter mode. It isn't a big deal, but it is misleading in the description. The altimeter function is probably the least accurate because of changing weather and not the watch. In order for those to work well you need to enter the current sea level air pressure, but that isn't too difficult. The temperature reading bottoms out at around -20 Celsius. Mine is covered in scratches, but it still works well. The compass is starting to be difficult, but after 5 years I can't really complain. After this dies I will buy another Suunto.

I wanted a good shell that could fight off the rain and keep me dry. The armpit zippers are great, for when temps aren't very cold. Where I live, it tends to be wet a lot and the temperature varies a lot throughout the year. I recently wore it while helping my neighbors evacuate during a recent flood, and the shell performed better than expected even without the hood. There is an extra zipper for adding a layer, and it does fit on the large size for that reason. The price isn't that bad when you want quality. A good outershell is worth every penny.