I really like these boots but I disagree with the -40 rating on them. I was in 5 degree Fahrenheit temperatures shoveling my mother in laws driveway out in Midway, UT for a couple of hours & my feet definitely got cold. I was very surprised that I was getting cold since I was moving & working so hard shoveling. Once that rubber gets super cold on the lower boot you've got to keep moving, if I wasn't working so hard my feet would have frozen; I wouldn't trust these in 0 or less if you really need to count on them, but I really don't like being out working in that kind of cold, you'll be good in 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but once you're in the negative temps don't count on these being bomb proof against it.

This bottle is the best Sigg option & I recommend it...

...Sigg in my opinion HAS A HORRIBLE DESIGN FLAW THAT THEY WON'T ADDRESS.

They paint the bottle all the way up to the lip, it doesn't make any sense to me, all they need to do is stop the paint job about a 1/4" - 1/2" below the lip so you don't have to worry about paint chipping off etc.

These bottles are way tougher than the aluminum stuff Sigg makes, that's why I like it, but this paint job is an enigma to me!

This bottle is the best Sigg option & I recommend it...

...Sigg in my opinion HAS A HORRIBLE DESIGN FLAW THAT THEY WON'T ADDRESS.

They paint the bottle all the way up to the lip, it doesn't make any sense to me, all they need to do is stop the paint job about a 1/4" - 1/2" below the lip so you don't have to worry about paint chipping off etc.

These bottles are way tougher than the aluminum stuff Sigg makes, that's why I like it, but this paint job is an enigma to me!

I exchanged my BPA lined bottles bought in Switzerland a decade ago & I had a ton of issues with the, "Eco-lined Traveller" bottles I got in return...

...THE PAINT WAS CHIPPING OFF THE LIP INTO MY STOMACH & THERE WAS PAINT CHIPS IN THE THREADS ALSO!!!

I really couldn't believe that Sigg doesn't paint those bottles about a half, quarter or eighth of an inch below the lip but they don't, IN 5 DAYS I HAD PAINT CHIPPING OFF THE LIP & PAINT SPECS FROM THE THREADS COMING OFF AS I WAS DRINKING (couldn't believe they spray that paint in the threads also, WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT?)...

...a super expensive bottle & it chips paint into my system, wow, what a deal!

But the WIDE MOUTH is much better, the ridges on the sides make it much more durable & with 2 different screw tops you can fit a water filter into it (perfect for backpacking) & you can add ice also.

But then you still get the smaller traditional Sigg lid to drink out of or fill up from the faucet (yes, tap water is still good out here in Utah!).

I recommend the Wide Mouth & if Sigg fixes how they paint their bottles I'd say that any Sigg bottle is pretty much copacetic (but I love this one with the ridges because the other Sigg bottles dent quite easily).

So all these fancy colors & designs are not what I want, I exchanged my old BPA lines Sigg bottles for this one (except 1.5 liter version) & after 5 days the paint was chipping off the lip & into my stomach! Awesome, what a deal!!!

There is even paint specs in the liner & those have been coming off (I WONDER WHERE THEY END UP?).

Why don't they paint up to an inch below the lip so you don't get paint in your stomach?

And why do they have paint specs in the thread, do they just spray paint these things?

Not happy & not using Sigg anymore!!!

So all these fancy colors & designs are not what I want, I exchanged my old BPA lined Sigg bottles for this one (except 1.5 liter version) & after 5 days the paint was chipping off the lip & into my stomach! Awesome, what a deal!!!

There is even paint specs in the threading of the liner & those have been coming off (I WONDER WHERE THEY END UP?).

Why don't they paint up to an inch below the lip so you don't get paint in your stomach?

And why do they have paint specs in the thread, do they just spray paint these things?

Not happy & not using Sigg anymore!!!

So all these fancy colors & designs are not what I want, I exchanged my old BPA lines Sigg bottles for this one (except 1.5 liter version) & after 5 days the paint was chipping off the lip & into my stomach! Awesome, what a deal!!!

There is even paint specs in the liner & those have been coming off (I WONDER WHERE THEY END UP?).

Why don't they paint up to an inch below the lip so you don't get paint in your stomach?

And why do they have paint specs in the thread, do they just spray paint these things?

Not happy & not using Sigg anymore!!!

Damn I love these socks, they have saved my hockey skates...a lot of guys like to play with no sock to get that naked foot feel in there but it destroys your skates...these socks allow me to get that naked foot feel while still absorbing some sweat & I like the arch support band also.

These rule for hiking (ESPECIALLY IF YOU BLISTER EASILY)...I highly recommend them & wear them all the time.

When the ladies see me in them they can't resist the Biggity Bleakster!!! Ok, that's not true but the rest is...pinky swear.

The Crazy Creek Hexalite Powerlounger Camp Chair is the best & most comfortable addition I've made to my backpacking gear for some time. I love to read in my tent & this has made reading 10-times more comfortable...I also bring a stool (with no backing) for outside to get me off the ground & I now put my hexalite on top of that for back support! It's awesome, weighs nothing (haven't even noticed I'm carrying it, but it's their!) & I'm 6'2" & anywhere from 230 - 240lbs. & it holds me just fine. BOTTOM LINE: It gives me the comfort & support I so richly deserve...and you deserve it too! Buy it, you'll love it & will be so comfy lounging at basecamp you may decide to just power through that book & hang out for a day (maybe two?). :)

I don't really count my ounces, I was even bringing up some dominoes & a chess set just in case somebody got the itch to play 15 miles from the trailhead! You could almost say I'm not a smart backpacker: I torture myself just to make it to camp (and it takes me longer than those guys with 50lbs. or less, but they always try to bum stuff off me {let's just say the Rocky Mountain Goat tax is not kind}) with a lot of sodas/red bulls/beer (the way home is much better) & I pack a very roomy Marmot Crib tent...it's all about enjoying camp & suffering with the pack for me...but I was using utensils from home that weighed a lot...so I threw away my 4oz. steel spoon & 4oz. steel fork & I now have a .6oz. spoon & spork combo (i.e. spork, why not foon?)!!! I'm actually starting to think I may not need to bring so much crap on every trip...thanks Brunton...your Brunton My-Ti Folding Spork was a backpacking epiphany for me...I mean maybe a 60lb. pack is OK...65-70lbs. hurts too much!!! :)

If you just need a compass to see where you should hide your tent in the trees for the next morning to avoid that hot arse orb that rises every morning in the west then this is perfect for you.....classic look & it has a signal mirror on the other side of the cover, it's cool but if you need more capabilities this isn't the compass for you, if you just want to look knowledgeable in front of the scouts then you'll love it!

People: You won't be dissapointed if you buy the Marmot Hydrogen 30 Degree Down Sleeping Bag, it's so damn comfy that I burned my crappy REI sleeping bag last night...I can't believe the difference, it's the most comfortable sleeping bag I've ever had for backpacking...the last 3 trips have been an absolute pleasure, it packs smaller & lighter then my old bag, more shoulder room, more leg room, makes a great pillow for naps, & it's a Marmot bag (& they are known as the best bags in the outdoor industry)...so take that!!! The extra $ is worth it, just take care of it. :) I don't get cold that easy (usually 2 dogs & hopefully a girl in their with me), but it was 35 degrees when I took a temperature reading & I didn't need to mummy up at all, in fact I had my arms out of the bag...I'm pretty core though, so step off son!

I said what I needed to say in the title...but how can you buy a nice new tent & not the perfect footprint for it?I really love the Marmot gear loft also (fits with every new Marmot tent)!!! :)

I'll admit that many don't want a huge backpacking tent....but I do! If you want roomy but not this roomy then go with the 2-person, but if you're OG & want to make all those Bivy/Pup tent losers jealous then I highly recommend the Marmot Crib 3-person tent. You can easily share this tent with a buddy (one takes the poles, the other takes the tent & fly, and then a beer or coke for humping the exta weight)...I mean we had 3 dogs & 3 dudes playing cards in that thing at the top of Amethyst Basin in the Uintas....sick! :) Besides, when the mosquitoes are at their zenith it is really nice to have a roomy & tall tent...it is a pleasure my friends. All the extra weight will do is add muscles to your body & like I said, just split the thing up between your group...it's way better than having your whole group claustrophobic in their silly lil' bivy's, why not have a party in the crib? I highly recommend the footprint & gear loft also!!! :)

I use the Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp as my backup light for backpacking; I use the Black Diamond Icon Headlamp for night hikes & as my main light but for reading in the tent etc. the Icon can be too bright...so when I want to nerd up in the tent & read about leprechauns, fairies, wizards and such this is the light I use...it weighs nothing so why not bring it as a backup? Or if you're not very core (meaning for you a night hike is 1 mile from the car) this will be perfect as your main light (wimp, go for a real adventure!). :)

I have gone on 3 different backpacking trips with 3 different groups with the Icon & everbody wants one of these now (YES, I SAID EVERYONE, SON)! The Black Diamond Icon Headlamp is the truth, my bro & his girly friend just the other day were way behind us on the trail during a night hike (their lights sucked) & they said they always knew they were close because they could see the damn sun leading them (really it was the Icon) a mile a head of them...it's almost too bright (even on the lowest mode) for reading in the tent etc., but it's great (the best I've used) for night hikes & I use the tiny & light Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp for reading & as a great backup light! YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED, JUST BE SURE NOT TO SHINE THIS LIGHT IN THE FACES OF YOUR FELLOW HIKERS, THEY WILL BE BLINDED FOR A GOOD 30 SECONDS. :)

So I've already recommended that you get a, "Adventure Medical QuikClot Sport Silver Clotting Sponge" (item #AMK0101) & this, "Adventure Medical Ultralight & Watertight .7 First Aid Kit" is even more of a must have in the backcountry! Seriously people, you have room for your candy, rum & green stuff (I meant blueberries)...so how the hell can you look in the mirror before a big backpacking trip when you don't own one of these? You bring a stupid camera along, but no medical kit? What's your problem, it weighs nothing & it could save your life. I was pissed yesterday in the Uintas when I started sneezing a bunch & didn't remember my allergy medication, but guess what? This kit had some antihistamine right there...don't be a douche-canoe, buy one & feel safe (safer, sorry) in the backcountry! :)

I heard about the, "Adventure Medical QuikClot Sport Silver Clotting Sponge" from our backcountry blog & from an article that mentioned the military uses the same thing for quick treatment of wounds (before the medivac arrives)...I've never used them (knock on wood) & hope I never have to use one in the backcountry; but with all the dogs I take with me, and accidents that can happen to the bro's I think with how light it is & the fact that it could save your damn life is a good reason to take at least 2 with you on every backcountry excursion...the ultralight medical kit from Adventure Medical is also a must (it's so light people, if you have room for your treats {rum, candy, green stuff} you have room for 2 quick clot patches & a ultralight medical kit)!!!

The DAKINE Terminal Backpack is sick (did I say that right?)!!! My old pack that I was carrying around was so stuffed when I had my laptop in it that I was crushing papers/folders/books & literally had no room for everything when I had to take all my crap along for work or travel. More than enough room; I have to make excuses to venture into some of the pockets because I already haven't been able to use all of the stash pockets etc. Great pack, but it.....NOW!

Every rider I've ever talked to has said that Burton makes good stuff (and at the very least adequate for the everyday rider); I just read some reviews about how quickly the Triad broke down on someone and I've got to say, "RETURN the item, either Burton (through product warranty) or Backcountry.com will be more than happy to take back your defective binding and replace it (any binding that doesn't last you at least a season would qualify as defective in my opinion, unless you are hammering the stuff yourself).

So don't be a Burton hater, they make good stuff, they honor their products through warranties and you even have another layer of honor by going through backcountry.com......so relax and return your binding, if it falls apart again then I would be more inclined to believe you but you seem to be the only one to say that Burton's gear sucks...most will say it is plenty adequate or that they make top of the line gear, but I've never heard they suck......do you work for DC or something?

This pack is worth the extra money over the pallisades II; if you are a serious backpacker and need your dog to help with his kibble then I highly recommend it. It was really nice to have those water bladders in his pack when I ran out of water on the trail or in camp (he doesn't even drink his tap water when there are so many streams and rivers to drink from) and my dog loves the extra work, he's an Aussie Shepherd so they get really into working. My dog took zero time to adjust, he just saw a new pack next to my backpack, smelled that there was his food in it and was stoked to have me put it on him...herding/working dogs definitely will love having this on (even for a walk around the block).

Yo, I sweat! I'm proud to say this people, I sweat when I sleep, eat and even when I sit (and I'm really not that fat, it's just I sweat); so when I go backpacking or go hiking the sweat factor is even worse. This shirt saves my husky arse when it's too hot & I don't get the armpit sweat stains when I'm just chillaxin' n' stuff. Cotton doesn't work for me, this is a great golf shirt, hiking shirt or even work shirt (if you sweat like me or actually have to physically work I highly recommend it).

For years I've been doing the moleskin, liquid skin, and stop to dry my feet out every 3-6 miles so I don't blister up on my backpacking trips. I'm an extreme sweater & an avid backpacker (I'm even sweating right now & it's the middle of winter and I'm in a 65 degree room!). Even with the right boots and high end socks I still will blister up if I don't get my feet dry every few hours. I've also got a really bad hammer toe that I've always had to tape up so it won't get really ugly quick, but these Injinji socks have literally changed all of that for me! I still like to dry my feet every few hours on the trail (but it's out of comfort now instead of necessity); I haven't gotten a blister (and the toe sock design helps cover up my hammer toe so I don't have to tape it anymore) since I've started wearing these and I've even started using them for hockey games because it feels like a naked foot in my skate (which a lot of players like) but I still get the added padding and sweat absorption of a sock so my skate lasts longer. I LOVE INJINJI, EVEN IF THE LADIES TEASE ME WHEN THEY SEE MY TOE SOCKS!

I simply love Salomon shoes and boots, in my opinion their shoes and boots offer the best arch support on the market and my custom insoles fit great inside. I do question their laces however, my "quick" laces snapped on my XT wings (and I had to relace with normal laces) and my Revo laces snapped on my in the backcountry. It could be my fat cankles and I sweat a ton so I wear things out pretty quickly. No one else I've talked to have had their 3D or XT "quick laces" break on them and the revo's just used standard laces so I can replace those. Despite the lace problems I still love their shoes and boots (their Revo boot is the most comfortable and durable {sans the laces} boots I've ever worn), so I guess it shows how much I love the shoe since I've had some lace issues and I still always buy Salomon. A TON OF PEOPLE AT BACKCOUNTRY.COM WHERE SALOMONS WHEN WORKING IN THE WAREHOUSE AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM CITE THE COMFORT AND SUPPORT (can't be a coincidence that more than half the warehouse is rollin' in Salomons can it?).

I tried the Tubbs 21 Sojourn snowshoes from the gear closet on my hike to the Millcreek canyon yurt last weekend and they worked great on the way up. But on the way down one of the shoes clips broke on me with 3 miles left to hike and I had to hike the rest of the way with no snowshoes!!! It could been the wear and tear of having these come from the gear closet but at least the Tubbs 21 Sojourns looked like something you wouldn't want on a long winter campout. For the prices they look like great deals, but if I wanted something that I couldn't afford to have break on me in the backcountry I would go with a higher end Tubbs product or a higher end snowshoe alltogether.