All around excellent binding. Works great in all conditions, from backcountry to park. The only thing I don't like is the toe straps with the "cup" thing. They kept popping up over the top of my boot, no matter how hard I cinched them down. I actually took my bindings to the Burton factory and swapped these out for the old school toe-straps. They kind of looked at me funny--because everyone else likes that style--but they hooked me up with what I was looking for. So now I have custom Customs. Everyone else raves about the toe-cup style straps though, so let it ride.Pray for Snow!

I've been on Burton boards for going on 18 years, and I'm on my 3rd Burton Custom. It really revolutionized snowboarding when it came out in '95, and they've been enhancing it every year since. It really is the "quiver of one": Backcountry, woods, pipe, park, POWDER. You can find boards that specialize in each of these areas, but only a few can perform excellently in all of them. The Custom is the way to go.

Now all I can think about is pulling Methods. Pray for Snow!

This little guy is something else. Super bright, Super light, long lasting battery life, and a dimmer (which is extremely useful, because sometimes this thing is almost too bright for your tent!). I also love the 2 folding hook-attachments on the top. You can latch this baby anywhere!

My dad likes to rip around on his motorcycle all summer long, and I figured getting him a Camelbak would be a good idea. Turns out it was a great idea. He absolutely loves it, and credits his all-day awareness and alertness to being fully hydrated. He takes it on track-days, and just cruizing with his buddies. As a son, I feel better knowing he's at the top of his game with a fully loaded Camelbak.

I use this guy every single day--whether I'm on the mountain, headin to the gym, or just packing a lunch and heading to work. When hiking, the insulated hydration chamber keeps water cold ALL DAY. Throw a few ice cubes in there, and we're talking fridgid. You can strap a raincoat or small sleeping pad/sleeping bag to the back with the elastic cord, it carries weight very well-even without the removeable waist strap (which I almost never use with this). It also has a good amount of volume compared to other camelbaks, (1590 cu.in) so you can push it and go overnight, or just fully prepare yourself for a great day. Kinda heavy but it's not like you're gonna thru-hike with this thing.Lots of other well-thought out features too (sunglass pocket, "Air Director" backpanel padding, elastics to keep the Camelbak hose handy, anotomical straps, very adjustable).

If you just need a bag for your board, and aren't worried about damaging your board at all, this will work for you. But if you want to throw your boots or any snowgear in there, forget about it--just not enough room. If you're using this to fly, I would definitely recommend spending a few more bucks and getting something that offers protection and storage. Ski sales are coming!

If you've ever gone to slug your wide mouth bottle and ended up with a soaking wet shirt, you know it can be a real pain. With the narrow mouth bottle, your problem is solved. Also, many water filters are designed to fit this size (the Kataydn Hiker filter for example). I carry mine to work every day, to the gym, and everywhere in between (it's on my desk next to me right now). Great bottle!

This is a truly great backpack. I'm 5'8", about 180 lbs and I use the medium, which fits perfectly. I've loaded it up to 40 lbs, and done 15 miles comfortably. I bought this to replace a much heavier Gregory Pallisade which I've had for years, because my knees aren't what they used to be, and I'm trying to cut down on the weight. I opted for the Atmos 65 because it has the sleeping bag compartment, but if that's not important to you, you can save a few ounces and go for the Atmos 50, which doesn't have the sleeping bag compartment and is slightly smaller/lighter.

Suspension: Super comfy Air-Speed mesh backpanel, for max air flow. Soft but suprisingly rugged waffle-foam for the shoulder and waist straps. The frame does cut slightly into the pack, but this is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the 2008 model. The 2008 model had a 3" thick air space, and the 2009 has a 1.5" space. The result is much more internal pack space. If I have a full load, I usually hang my 100 oz. camelbak inside the air space (the pack comes equipped with special clip designed for this purpose, and can be used to hang items inside the main pack, or in the air space). Keeping the water in the main pack takes up space, whereas keeping it floating in the air space 1) means you can pack what you need without worrying about a bulky hydration bladder, and 2) keeps the weight closer to your back (easier on back and knees). The air space is also great for stashing dirty clothes if you have too.

All of the other features are extremely well thought out, durable, and pretty damn cool. Love the zippered waist stash spots, the backpanel access points, and I've even used the trekking pole elastic cinch on numerous rock scrambles, and once when I snapped a pole. Plus, I've used it as a carry-on to Italy and Seattle...and this baby looks good everywhere!

Bottom line: Awesome pack.

The Large weighs 2.7 ounces, and the Small weighs 2.0 ounces (according to the thermarest website). It's got a lightweight but tough Cordura side, and a really nice fleecy soft side. You almost feel guilty getting one...But then you wake up at camp alert and refreshed...aaahhhh! It's light, durable, and very, very, comfy. Pure genius.

I've used the Petzl Tikka Plus for about 10 years now, and it basically never leaves my side. I finally realized a few years ago that these make THE ultimate gift. In the last 2 years, I've (spent way too much money and) bought about 8 of these for family and friends. If you camp, if you walk a dog at night, if you want an emergency light to have in your car--basically if you ever leave home--you should have one of these beauties.

Ultralight never tasted to good! I use a 1 liter Platypus and a 3 Liter Camelbak for pretty much all of my overnight hiking (which is more water than I really need) and I have to say, the Platy is phenomenal. On a trip to the Smokies last spring, I showed up to a cabin with the Platy filled with some red wine, and instantly made friends with a group of thirsty thru-hikers. I know they make a special version of the Platy designed especially for wine, but I've used my regular version on several occasions and it's never let me down.

Hydration is key...but wine is fine!

I love everything about these socks. Where they particularly excel is on long descents. If you've trudged down a rocky 2 mile staircase with 30+ lbs on your back, you know that after a while, your toes start to take a beating. Even on gradual descents, blisters can show up and ruin your day (week, month, trek). That's not the case with these beauties. I've worn mine multiple days without washing, doing 10-20 mile days, and they still hold up.

Also highly breathable, ultra comfy, SUPER durable. Only downside...my girlfriend keeps stealing them from me.

Truly worth every penny!

This are some rock solid poles. I used to have foam grip poles that were constantly slimy as soon as I broke a sweat. When I snapped one and had to find some replacements, I settled on the Ergo Corks. They are negligibly heavier than some aluminum pokes, particularly because of the foam chokers below the cork. I've choked up and used the foam once or twice on some steep grades, and thought they were pretty handy. Though slightly heavier than some, they are extremely well balanced, and the sturdy construction gives you a real peace of mind.

Pros: Rugged construction, super quick and easy FlickLocks, comfy/slime-free grips, plush straps, slightly tilted angle, awesome balance

Cons: Slightly heavy