Chris

UPDATE:

I got the 2010 version in black and the functionality is as great as it is on my old one, but it is much softer and doesn't itch any more.

So now: 5 Stars
-------------------- End update

I wore it in the deserts of Utah and in the could autumn in the Appalachian mountains and at home it always did a great job.

Upsides:
- great wicking
- excellent temperature management
- great quality
- I could not get it to stink, and I tried hard
- dries much faster than wool alone

Downside:
- only four stars because it itches if you have sensitive skin due to the wool part in it (even more than an icebreaker merino)

Info:
If fits rather large. I have an 2009 model and I do fit in a L nicely (220 lbs. 5.9") an I usually need XL from Patagonia and XXL from Icebreaker.

Excellent hiking or trekking companion. One of the best grips I ever held, super slip proof when wet, excellent no slip thumb rest on the back of the blade.A can do everything knife, from woodcutting to cooking hey you can even shave with it if you hone the edge regularly. It has an excellent sheath with front pocket for a honing stone or multitool. Super light weight.

The only downside is the hollow grind of the blade i prefer a straight grind because that gives a more rigid edge. But as it will not be used as a wood chopping knife because of its size anyway, it is still one of my favorite knifes.

Strong full tang fixed blade design, good edge holding capability, no nonsense straight grind edge (not the hollow grind edge which may be sharper at the beginning, but may easily get damaged when used for chopping firewood at the camp side).

Comfortable handle material which is still rather slip proof when wet.

The handle could be a little thicker and the sheath leaves something to be desired it could hold the knife better (that is why I am deducting one star), but hey it is a big well made knife for less than 50 $.

I bought the compressor as a backup insulation for hiking in the White Mountains in October '10.

I testet it for two weeks and I am extremely pleased with the jacket. It packs extremely small, weights next to nothing (XL: 453 grams (exactly 1 lb) including an ultralight 3.5 liter stuff sack). I weighted it myself, the weight in the Backcountry specs is far to high.

Especially the insulation impresses me. I was wet of sweat, when I reached the peak of a hike, which was an exposed spot at around 4000 feet elevation, exposed to wind and temperatures in the mid 30's, I just got the compressor out of the backpack and was toasty warm in literally seconds.

I am so pleased, that the compressor is now my favorite backup isolation. It replaces my fleece layer, as it is warmer, lighter and far more compressible.

Tip: Get a lightweight stuff sack for it 3 to 4 liter will fit great.

For me the Gamma is the perfect soft-shell. As I tend to sweat a lot breathability is my main concern and in this respect this jacket is perfect. Additionally the Power Shield offers very good wind protection and repels a light shower very well (if it really rains hard and long you want a different shell). The lining is "just right" it is thin enough for not being to warm but still provides good heat retention on cool to cold days. Especially when you are active you can wear it down to freezing temperature. It also wears well as an inner layer of an hardshell on cold and rainy days. Another big plus is that the material stretches and so offers a excellent movability especially together with the great cut of the jacket.

Additionally it does not look to casual, so I wear it when I go to the office as well (unless I have to wear a suit on special occasions).

Bottom line: Most perfect jacket ever. nearly wear it all the time. If I do not wear it it is to hot to need a jacket at all or very cold and rainy.

PS. I own an old version which is made in Canada (without the hood) and a new version which is made in China. Beside the difference caused by the evolution of the Power Shield material (the old one has a rougher outside) there is no difference and the quality is the same.

To be quite honest I am addicted to multi-tools, so I own a few and I looked into some more.

Actually I am regularly using 3 different multi-tools,

The Leatherman Charge AL which is my preferred outdoor tool, it is rather light has one hand opening blades and is the most complete multi-tool I know (even with scissors).

The Victorinox SWISS TOOL which is my preferred tool when I really need to replace full size tools. Of all multi-tools I know it the the best one to replace full size tools. It has the feeling of being indestructible and it absorbs a hell of hard use and abuse. As an additional plus all tools are accessible without opening the pliers. A small minus is that one needs two hands to open the blade. So whenever I work around the house, on the car or motorbike the SWISS tool is my 1st choice. The downside is that it is rather heavy so I stays at home for outdoor use.

The Leatherman Skeletool CX is my everyday companion it is very small and light so that it can stay in my pocket all the time. It contains all the essentials for city survival like pliers, screwdrivers and a good blade. The absence of a saw, can opener renders it unsuitable for outdoor use.

Bottom line: The best multi-tool ever is very much dependent on what you would like to do with it. With the reight application in mind all of the above mentioned tools are perfect.

Have Fun

Chris

To be quite honest I am addicted to multi-tools, so I own a few and I looked into some more.

Actually I am regularly using 3 different multi-tools,

The Leatherman Charge AL which is my preferred outdoor tool, it is rather light has one hand opening blades and is the most complete multi-tool I know (even with scissors).

The Victorinox SWISS TOOL which is my preferred tool when I really need to replace full size tools. Of all multi-tools I know it the the best one to replace full size tools. It has the feeling of being indestructible and it absorbs a hell of hard use and abuse. As an additional plus all tools are accessible without opening the pliers. A small minus is that one needs two hands to open the blade. So whenever I work around the house, on the car or motorbike the SWISS tool is my 1st choice. The downside is that it is rather heavy so I stays at home for outdoor use.

The Leatherman Skeletool CX is my everyday companion it is very small and light so that it can stay in my pocket all the time. It contains all the essentials for city survival like pliers, screwdrivers and a good blade. The absence of a saw, can opener renders it unsuitable for outdoor use.

Bottom line: The best multi-tool ever is very much dependent on what you would like to do with it. With the reight application in mind all of the above mentioned tools are perfect.

Have Fun

Chris