I have had this stove for about a year, and have found a pretty reliable way to light it. In my earlier review I shorted the rating because of the priming procedure. Tip-dont over pump. The directions from MSR suggest way too many pumps. Ive found that whatever size fuel canister Im using, pump half as many times to prime. Example, if your canister is 11oz. (11 oz. to fill line), pump only 5 times. Quarter turn on the valve until only a few drips come onto the priming cup. Close valve. Light, and when you hear the "hiss" from the pressurized fuel, open valve to desired level. This has worked for me consistently, and hopefully will for you as well.

Ive used quite a few different glasses over the years, but this is the last pair Ill ever use for snow sports, camping, or hiking. Blocks all UV types. The fit is fantastic; snug like goggles with the same protection, but not the bulk and size. I originally purchased them for snow travel and light mountaineering where I live but they work so well in every situation that I take them on short overnight camps as well. Sometimes, Ill get one of those "hey idiot, why are you wearing glacier glasses on hike" looks, but they would wear them too if they tried them. Price is a little high, but a previous review got it right when stated that designer glasses that cost twice as much cant perform as well as these. Very highly recommended for all outdoor use.

Hands down, the best shoes Ive ever had in the snow. Incredibly light-weight design yet very stout in terms of grabbing on steep or packed terrain. Simple binding system with very stout straps. The icing on the cake for me is the heel bar. I frequent the same snowshoe area that has lots of buttes and hills and they are "leg-killers" with my Atlas 1025's (no heel bar and fewer crampons). With the MSR LA's, I absolutley flew up the hills that usually take quite a while. For other peoples reference, I am 5'8", 179 and I use the 25 inch version, primarily for backcountry outings with 25-30 lb loads. The 22" version is perfect for daily outings. Pricey they are, but worth it when youre out in the snow. If you can find them on sale, dont let them get away. Highly recommended.

This shell is fantastic. It is lightweight and quiet. It fits well over the hips (snug) and a very good fit for slimmer folks. Velcro on the wrists is easy to adjust even with gloves on, as are the pocket zips (very accesible even with a pack on). Hood is a bit big for my head, but for those wearing helmets in would be great. Defintley waterproof and very breathable. Highly recommended jacket. Spendy, yes. Worth it, yes.

I was debating between this shovel and the Black Diamond Deploy series. I choose this one and I have not been disappointed. I dont do extreme climbing and so I dont have any avalanche experience with it (hopefully wont ever) but whenever I am out in the snow, this goes with me. Snowshoeing, winter camping, this is great tool to have. Very light weight and functional, and very easy to extend. Blade is very good. Highly recommended.

This bag goes with me on 75% of my trips. It packs ultra small and compact, you dont even notice it. Temperature rating is pretty accurate. I sleep pretty warm anyways, and Ive had it out below 32 degrees and it worked fine for me. Im 5'8" but I got the long version for clothes and other items, and to just have some more wiggle room. Very nice bag for spring, summer and into fall.

I love this filter. I have never had an issue with pumping, clogging, cleaning or anything. The dual pump mechanism is very quick and the attachment capability with hydration packs and camelback is great and makes for easy pumping. My only issue with it is its a bit bulky in the pack. Not a huge issue. Also, if using it in winter, don't leave it out because it will freeze obviously. And be sure to not try to thaw it out next to the fire because the plastic will warp. I know, stupid. Other than user error, this is a great pump and I take everywhere I camp or hike.

I camp year-round, and if Im not on snow this is the tent that goes. I absolutley love this tent. The other review is correct in that a shorter person is much more suited for this tent. Im 5'8" and I sleep with a ThermaRest regular length pad and it just fits in perfectley. The J shape of the tent allows for quick access to necessaties and is a large enough area to keep your next mornings clothes dry and warm. The interior pocket is huge and can hold a lot of smaller items that need to be readily accessible. Most of the main tent body is mesh so your not going to have any condensation problems with this tent. Even with the rainfly it stays well ventilated. The vestibule is large enough for my Bora 80 backpack too. Be sure to get the footprint. It will not only lenghten the life of your tent floor material, it provides a clean area to get in and out of if the ground is wet. With a compression sack, I can compress the tent/fly/footprint down to size of a cantaloupe melon. Very package, light and suprisingly durable tent. Nice work Mountain Hardwear.

This jacket is fantastic. Its much more affordable than the Arcteryx Theta jacket and the weather protection is just as good. It is lightwieght and packs away very small in your pack. It is fully waterproof. The tension cords around the waist secure the jacket below the hips which is good to keep the weather out. Even though the hood doesnt detach, it rolls up very tight. I have had this coat in the crater of Broken Top in the Central Oregon cascades when the wind and snow coming up the slope was 35 mph easily. This jacket took it all. Yes, the Theta is the Bentley of jackets, but the Beta is much more affordable with fantastic durability and performance. I rated it four and not five because of the zippers. The zipper handles are terribley small to handle with gloves on and tough to pull without opposite tension. Other than that, sweet jacket.

Yeah, there are lots of items for cookware. This is only one you'll need. Yes, use it as a cooking pot, bowl, and teapot all in one. This kettle is bulletproof. Numerous camping trips, dropped on rocks, set IN campfires and still is going strong. Its good some scars but it still cooks and everything. Titanium is the best and lightest material Ive found for cookware. The handles do get hot, but just use gloves. Used with an MSR stove/windscreen, youre going to be the first one eating first in camp. Spend the extra money and get this. I can fit my MSR Simmerlite AND the MSR Titan mug inside this kettle. Its well worth it.

I have a Therma-rest Trail Comfort, and this pad. I prefer this pad for 90% of my trips. It packs down smaller than football, and is a warm pad on cold ground or snow. It does take a bit to inflate compared to self-inflating mattress, but not too bad. The wieght savings with this compact pad is worth it. I havent had any leak issues with mine, yet, as noted in other reviews. Hopefully I wont. Just a note, put dabs of clear silicone on the bottom of the outermost panels on the pad to prevent it from "swimming" around in your tent. Very recommended.

You could take the kitchen sink with this pack. I have had this is freezing snow storms to extended summer hikes and it endures it all. This pack has excellent durability and weather resistance. The room in this pack is great plus all the available loops and attatchments on the exterior. The fit is good and comfortable even with big loads. It will take some getting used to though, at least it did for me. Check www.arcteryx.com in their pack fit guide section for fine tuning. This bag is recommended highly.

I have a previous model of the same series, and they are still going strong. The framework is very durable, the strap system works great even with gloves on and decent inclines can be climbed with no problem. If youre packing in for a few days with substaintial gear, you will want a larger series or the backcountry version, but for your everyday outing these shoes are great.

I researched many different bags before buying this one. I needed a bag for winter/snow camping for the Central Oregon Cascades. This one met all the criteria in needed; down insulation for warmth and loft retention, draft collar, suprisingly ample room and ease of movement, and sufficent water reppeling ability. But as with any down bag, laying out in the rain or snow is not a good idea. Tent or Bivy is always recommended. Marmot hit a home run with this bag. For any winter camping, this will always accompany me. Loft retention is great, lots of room (especially in the foot box), all-around great bag for cold camping.

As with all MSR products, you cant really go wrong with any of thier stoves. This stove packs very small, burns very hot and clean with Superfuel (thats all it will burn), fairly adjustable burner, and really quick to boil, especially with the MSR Titan Kettle. The only reason I couldnt give it a 5 star rating is the lighting procedure. The instructions say to prime the stove unitl you see the fuel around the burner, light, and a "soccer ball" size flame will burn. Um, if you prime just a smidge too much fuel, youll end up with a medicine ball size flame. Do not ever light this in your tent, or youll be sleeping outside. If you can master the lighting procedure, this stove will be perfect.

I was debating between this pad and the Toughskin. Unless youre camping outdoors with no tent or bivy, this is the pad to get. The Toughskin is pretty large, this one is a pound less. Its R-Value is only .2 less. Yes, comparitivley, its a heavy pad for packing. But to have a kickin sleeping pad that is very comfortable and warm is worth the little bit of extra weight. Especially for winter camping.