Right now, go get rid of every towel you have ever used, rip them up, burn them, bury them. Then buy some of these, it is the last and only towel you will ever need.

I was really surprised and impressed when I purchased 3 of these towels, small, medium and extra larged. It is really an understatement to say that these towels are absorbant, they are REALLY absorbant, can be run out and used again almost instantly.

The XL is the size of a full size towel and whether at the beach or kayaking has been used by 3 soaked people to fully dry off. The smaller ones are great for dishes, handtowels..etc.

The Towels are really light, pack very small, dry fast, absorb everything. I'm not going to lie, I even have one in my bathroom in the home now, after using this towel, I've never felt dryer.

I love this seat in my pack. There are so many things I have ended up using it for, extra spare pillow, seat on rocky terrain, shelf to set things on to keep them off ground, insulating seat on snow.

Best uses are probably protecting your butt from really rocky terrain or really cold terrain (sitting on snow).

Self inflating so no fuss there. Sometimes I actually pack it inflated to use it as a blocker in my pack to aid in sorting. I always take it with me.

This pad truly is amazing. I converted to it from a 1.5 self inflating REI pad, that while warm, was the traditional 18inx7in size that those types of pads are. Getting a NeoAir was the best choice I've ever made in regards to sleeping on the mountains.

Size, small...really small, it's not joking about the 1 liter bottle size, before rolling I actually suck whatever air I can back out, then close the valve to make sure I can get it as small as it's intended to go. While it doesn't come with a stuff sack, you probably won't need one, it's small enough to fit into any free crevase in your bag.

Weight, less that a lb, you won't feel it. This is a pretty big weight loss on the bag if you are moving from a self inflating like I did, as those are usually around the 2lb mark.

Durability, I've had it in the tent, I've had it in the sand in korea, the rock banks of the arkansas river in colorado, the bare peaks of the san isabel range, no holes to speak of so far, 2 years and around 40 camps, pad looks great.

Warmth, most will agree the pad is warm to freezing 32F, but there is some controversy in reviews on the 0-30F range. So I can only put my experience.
I personally have been comfortable on this pad in -5F, that was with the pad full inflated, in a -20 down bag, inside a Nemo Moki (expedition) tent. I was perfectly toasty. The coldest I've had the pad on the bare ground the temp was around 30F and I was in a 20F bag and I was warm. Keep in mind if you are the kind of personal to slightly underinflate the bag so it comforms more to your body then you are losing insulation as you are decreasing the distance between yourself and the ground. Best tip, if it's cold, have it fully inflated, and have a bag rated 15-30 degree below the air temp. Everything after that is trial and your own personal taste.

I don't mind blowing it up, it only takes me about 20 second of hyperventilation or 1-2 minutes of casual breathing.

Best pad I've ever had, and I doubt I'll move on to anything else anytime soon.

By never, I mean NEVER. I organize and sort everything in my packs with these. The different colors and sizes makes organization a breeze. Bags have been in the water several times (I kayak the arkansas in colorado, and deep water solo in korea) I've never had any leak like some other reviews.

I take keeping my things organized and dry seriously, and these have never let me down. 20L is great for a down sleeping bag or clothes, smaller ones for food items, or toiletries. I especially like having extra ones for separating wet clothing items once packed.

The Sea to Summit titanium utensils are just great, I mean REALLY really great. They are super light, extremely durable, easy to pack. I can't think of anything I would ever have to complain about. I am hooked for life on these. One small way to turn a camp meal into luxury. Spork tips stab well enough to eat hobo meals (steamed veggies from the fire).

I thought nothing could get better that the normal sea to summit ti spork, and then BAM, a FOLDING ONE, even lighter, even smaller, still feeds my face.

The Sea to Summit titanium utensils are just great, I mean REALLY really great. They are super light, extremely durable, easy to pack. I can't think of anything I would ever have to complain about. I am hooked for life on these. One small way to turn a camp meal into luxury.

This long spoon is an excellent stirring utensil, also great for rotating aluminum filled with veggies on the fire.

The Sea to Summit titanium utensils are just great, I mean REALLY really great. They are super light, extremely durable, easy to pack. I can't think of anything I would ever have to complain about. I am hooked for life on these. One small way to turn a camp meal into luxury. Spork tips stab well enough to eat hobo meals (steamed veggies from the fire).

Just keep in mind the titanium long spoon is better that this spork if you want a good stirring utensil.

All reviews are pretty much dead on when saying that these shoes are great for slab. Except that they don't tell you the truth. These shoes are THEBESTFREAKINSHOESONTHEPLANETFORSLAB!!!! The 5.10 Rubber is amazing, and these shoes genuinely have made me feel like I could walk on a wall. You'll be able to confidently stand on stuff so small you can barely see it's there. And when time comes for cracks with serious edging or crazy smears, the shoes will be there for you.

Small pockets aren't so good with this shoe, I would say 2 fingers or less is a hassle simply because the toe box is so square. This has a huge advantage on 3in or wider crack though as the shoe shape allows some serious grip on the inside and outside rubber. Some cracks I don't even have to edge against anymore, I can just kick my foot in and walk up it.

If you like slab, cracks on slab, or overhang. Buy these.

Another note, the top rubber does tend to flake quickly, but it hasn't affected the performance of the shoe in any noticeable way. Where it flakes is more of an aesthetic part of the shoe instead of a functional area.

I have used the Arrakis 40 and 65 extensively. Other Arcteryx packs used is a Bora, I was somewhat hesitant at first at changing to the unconventional pack design, but I am so glad I did.

For a full idea of pack size, the 40 is perfect for day trips, and single day snowboard or cross country ski trips, while the 65 is more of an expedition pack, that I have thus far crammed 1 week of supplies and sustinance into.

This pack does not have a side zipper like the larger models, this makes it a TRUE drybag, so for full submersion activites, ie, deep water soloing, kayaking/rafting..etc this is the backpack of choice. The side zip on larger models will not leak during downpours, (tested in the monsoons of southeast asia), it will slow drip in full submersion.

Material is tough, and I mean, REALLY tough. I take very good care of my gear but have never had any inhibitions or worries when tossing this bag around. My Arrakis 65 has been tossed of small cliffs, dragged in the water, left in the snow overnight, for 2 years now, and still looks brand new. Also the material is very easy to clean.

Pack Design, originally my main worry, now I can't imagine having ever used a different pack, while most hiking packs have a stacked design with the pack space becoming narrow at the bottom, the arrakis is slightly wider at the bottom and allows the pack to be organized in such a manner that you can pull items from the bottom without unpacking the bag. This is very convenient.

The pack does not have compression straps, nor could it really, the material wouldn't compress much. The pack design inhibits the flopping around a normal pack would have if underpacked and not compressed. And the "3D" molding design of the pack makes the pack pretty much sit and look the same regardless of what's in it.

The rotating hip waistband is everything arcteryx claims it to be, wonderful. It moves with your body like a latin dancer. From a past of everything in packs from jansport to northface to marmot, it's the comfort that keeps me wearing arcteryx on long hikes.

Straps are sufficient, I only say this because I personally added some more and sometimes tend to strap too much to the outside of my pack. But for the normal person, the 40 accomodates a snowboard or ski's wonderfully along with a mountaineering axe or other small accessories. Or if you climb it's easy to strap a rope to the outside.

Hop on the Arcteryx site for the detailed size charts, everyone I know (including myself) that has followed the chart has been happy with the outcome.

Great pack, you'll love owning one, in any size.

The North Face Water Shoe Review

TNF Padda - TNF Padda with Boa - TNF Padda 2

I personally still rock my original padda's, while 2 of my friends have the padda with the boa wire
system and the new padda 2's with the drawstring/lock style lace system. The new padda 2's represent the progression of functionality and input as my original padda's laces will come untied in long term water usage and the boa lock style tended to over time get some sand and dirt that could inhibit function, so the drawstring (or quickpull lace lock) is a great addition.

Functionwise these shoes all perform and feel the same, so on to the review.

Understand I put these shoes through much more than probably intended, so some people may not have a need for this much information, but I believe an informed decision helps. Also my reviews are not aesthetic if you are interested whether or not the rubber will make your feet smell or how comfortable these would be for a night on the town I frankly don't know, as I've never used them for those purposes.

Main testing ground, Gyeokpo South Korea, cliff/coastal hiking, terrain everything from smooth algae covered granite to volcanic rock, to vertical shale and barnacle's. Average distant covered 7-10km, shoes worn for 7-10 hours.

Second testing ground, Arkansas River Colorado, worn as paddling shoes in rivers and creeks.

Grip, first of all let me say that ALL shoes to some degree will slip, ultimately it's the amount of
slippage that warrants a good or bad water shoe. The Rubber on these shoes is solid, the reduced tread keep maximum amount of shoe/ground contact, while not reduced to the point that it's flat as to cause "hydroplaning" on a very smooth slick surface.

Tactile/Padding, very little, I actually like this, walking in these shoes is like walking barefoot with
a VERY tough foot, you will feel every bump/pebble/rock on the terrain, which for the sea cliff hiking I love, simply because knowing what is under me gives me a better sense of balance and connection to the hike. For those with very sensition feet, or to people that don't go barefoot often, there will be an adaption period.

Comfort, fit like a glove, I buy the same size as every other TNF shoe, some recommend going a half size smaller. I didn't want a fit that snug because I like to be able to fit a neoprene sock under them for cold water. So keep that in mind.

Swimming, I had to cover it, most of my coastal hikes require it now and again, everyone at some point has had to swim in tennis shoes and feel their feet bogged down and dragged behind them. Not with these,the shoes shed water so fast you can swim as if you aren't even wearing them.

Durability, excellent so far, over 1 year old, 2 dozen hikes and little to no signs of wear. Impressive
considering the barnacles/volcanic rock usually shreds rubber like razor blades do paper.

Support, none. If you need ankle support these this might be a deal breaker, view these as a barefoot experience except your feet are armored.

Picture is of original Padda and Padda with Boa, Padda 2 picture up soon.

Edit (I also paddle quite a lot, creek/river performance is same as above comments, superb)

The North Face Water Shoe Review

TNF Padda - TNF Padda with Boa - TNF Padda 2

I personally still rock my original padda's, while 2 of my friends have the padda with the boa wire
system and the new padda 2's with the drawstring/lock style lace system. The new padda 2's represent
the progression of functionality and input as my original padda's laces will come untied in long term
water usage and the boa lock style tended to over time get some sand and dirt that could inhibit
function, so the drawstring (or quickpull lace lock) is a great addition.

Functionwise these shoes all perform and feel the same, so on to the review.

Understand I put these shoes through much more than probably intended, so some people may not have a need
for this much information, but I believe an informed decision helps. Also my reviews are not aesthetic
if you are interested whether or not the rubber will make your feet smell or how comfortable these would
be for a night on the town I frankly don't know, as I've never used them for those purposes.

Main testing ground, Gyeokpo South Korea, cliff/coastal hiking, terrain everything from smooth algae covered
granite to volcanic rock, to vertical shale and barnacle's. Average distant covered 7-10km, shoes worn
for 7-10 hours.

Grip, first of all let me say that ALL shoes to some degree will slip, ultimately it's the amount of
slippage that warrants a good or bad water shoe. The Rubber on these shoes is solid, the reduced tread
keep maximum amount of shoe/ground contact, while not reduced to the point that it's flat as to cause
"hydroplaning" on a very smooth slick surface.

Tactile/Padding, very little, I actually like this, walking in these shoes is like walking barefoot with
a VERY tough foot, you will feel every bump/pebble/rock on the terrain, which for the sea cliff hiking I
love, simply because knowing what is under me gives me a better sense of balance and connection to the
hike. For those with very sensition feet, or to people that don't go barefoot often, there will be
an adaption period.

Comfort, fit like a glove, I buy the same size as every other TNF shoe, some recommend going a half size
smaller. I didn't want a fit that snug because I like to be able to fit a neoprene sock under them for
cold water. So keep that in mind.

Swimming, I had to cover it, most of my coastal hikes require it now and again, everyone at come point
has had to swim in tennis shoes and feel their feet bogged down and dragged behind them. Not with these,
the shoes shed water so fast you can swim as if you aren't even wearing them.

Durability, excellent so far, over 1 year old, 2 dozen hikes and little to no signs of wear. Impressive
considering the barnacles/volcanic rock usually shreds rubber like razor blades do paper.

Support, none. If you need ankle support these this might be a deal breaker, view these as a barefoot
experience expect your feet are armored.

Picture is of original Padda and Padda with Boa, Padda 2 picture up soon.

The other reviews are accurate as to sizing, and warmth. Ignore the ones that falted it for being ugly, if you are the type that buys nice outdoor clothing to look cool you shouldn't be shopping here anyway.

The down is awesome, have worn it as a mid layer above merino wool base and below an oakley mystic shell in -8 F and stayed toasty. Went for a walk last night in 20 F wearing it alone and stayed warm. Best, and smartest feature, inside of the pockets have fleece on the outside, so the heat tranfers from your body through the thin layer then gets trapped in the pocket by the fleece then down, amazing, had bear hands in the pockets in 10 F and they were warm.

If you are of the type that lives, eats and breaths the outdoors and need another solid down midlayer, this is it.

Bought this pack for stowing my climbing gear for bouldering on some islands. Required some swims between the rocks. I only bought the 30L as we at most would sleep the night on the sand and needed little. The bag never leaked, I've used it for this purpose probably 2 dozen times or more now, always being dragged behind me while I swim. Or used as a buoy for a break on a long swim.

My only thought is that the material appears like it may wear thin and eventually develop holes on the corners of the folds. Grant it there aren't any holes and this isn't a proven fact. The material there is just the only place that seems to be wearing faster.

EDIT--It's been over a year since I've had this bag, my worries of the material wearing at the folds haven't been justified. With 40-50 swims the bag still keeps everything bone dry and has taken some minor abuse of being dragged/dropped on rocks without any damage.

I bought these shoes because I can been using my northface trail shoes hiking on the coast. The jagged rocks and coral was shredding my trail shoes quickly and the grip was very bad. Finally decided I would buy a pair of shoes more purposed for the task. Was I ever happy.

The grip on wet surfaces is excellent, everything from jagged coral, smooth stone, slippery seaweed and sharp barnacle covered rocks. I've even done a hike up a creek bed and was also pleased. Grant it your feet do get soaked so only for warm conditions. I wear these barefoot as I believe they are intended but when water gets a little too cold for the toes I match them with a pair of NRS neoprene socks.

Excellent shoe from TNF.