I would like to explain the situation surrounding the Bear Vault cannisters and their clear inadequacy in the High Peaks Region of Adirondack Park in NY State. What I am about to say was posted in a forum by a representative of the Bear Vault company, and they themselves do not recommend using their 2008 or earlier models in this region, and here's why...

Rangers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have concluded there is a bear active within the Marcy Dam area and the John's Brook Valley (i.e. the High Peaks Region) that has a clear genetic attribute which allows it to bite these containers open at the lid. The plastic locking points do not hold up against this specific bear's jaw, and there are several reports of this cannister failing in this region, including one which I know about first-hand (I've seen the cannister, teeth marks and all). This bear ripped it open and ate all the food with relative ease.

AGAIN...I want to stress that this is literally the ONLY place where the Bear Vault cannister has failed during tests...even ones conducted by the Bear Vault company. It is certified basically everywhere else, as noted in other posts, so if you are NOT venturing into the Adirondack High Peaks Region, go ahead and buy this cannister (unless it doesn't fit your fancy).

I just think it's funny that all of this commotion is being caused, they think, by one single bear.

If you want a pack that's comfortable, compact, top-loading, and can carry virtually all the winter gear you'd need in a day, this is the pack for you. For anyone wondering, this pack will fit a pair of 10x36" snowshoes on the back with relative ease. My only gripe is that there's no water bottle pockets, though I see the reasoning since it's a winter pack. Carabiner those nalgenes in the OR water bottle parka on the outside and you're good to go. I would even argue for this pack's use in the summer. It's versatile enough to get the job done.

Wore these along with the 1/4 zip top (not sold here, unfortunately) during a mid-October weekend in the Adirondack High Peaks region. Under a pair of hiking pants, these will be all you need in fair weather and temperatures ranging from the low 50s to right down around freezing. While active, the top is all you need for similar weather. My only gripe is that the size I got (medium) were a bit short on me in length. If you're around 5'10" and about 145-160ish, consider ordering a size up. Other than that, the material is very lightweight, extremely breathable, and dries very quickly - everything you ask for in a lightweight base layer.

In terms of what you'd want in a belt for your hiking pants, this is exactly what you'd be looking for. Its simple, and synthetic which means if you sweat, it will dry quickly and won't stain your pants like leather. Unfortunately, when you're carrying a full pack, the polyester webbing can cause a lot of friction when pressure is applied by your pack's hipbelt; enough to cut the skin. I suggest you wear your pants lower than your hipbelt level to avoid this from happening, as it can be quite annoying and painful at times.

Despite the fact that the collar is huge, and the fact that venting gussets substitute for pitzips, this jacket is phenomenal at both casual and performance wearage. I believe I have the Spring '08 model, sized medium. At 5'10"/150ish, this jacket fits me perfectly. There's even enough room for a base layer and a light, form-fitting fleece jacket underneath. I've worn it outside in fall temperatures just walking around, and it does the job. I've also worn it while hiking in the mountains in near-freezing temperatures, and it does the job. When you sweat, it doesn't build up too much, and it dries very quickly. I zipped the hood right out of mine and really don't plan on using it unless absolutely necessary, but the roominess in the collar does not bother me at all. Pitzips would be nice, but again the material is so breathable and dries so fast that the gussets aren't a bad substitute. Plus, you can't go wrong with WINDSTOPPER...that stuff does what it says.

I'm 5'10" and about 160 lbs. and bought these in a medium, and I have to say they fit fairly well for a hard shell designed to go over multiple layers. However, if you decide to wear only a light base layer underneath them, pick up a pair of the suspenders while you're here. The built-in belt only tightens to a point, and Outdoor Research, for whatever reason, manufactures their garments too big for the respective size. They need to reconfigure their sizing chart.

I've been eyeing this jacket for a while, and it seems to be a good mix of Paclite and Pro. Depending on your style and what you prefer, you may want to consider the sizing options. I have a large, and this jacket fits more like a parka, which is good if you wear thicker layers (like me). At 5'10" and about 160, I probably could've fit into a medium perfectly, but as I said I prefer a looser fit on my outer layer. I have yet to fully test all the abilities of this jacket, but so far my opinion is good. I'm sure it will hold up fine in all 4 seasons.

I've had these boots for over a year, and I've punished them to say the least. I've taken them on the FLT in New York, as well as in the Adirondack High Peaks. Overall, these boots perform best in light-duty hiking, and should be paired up with heavyily cushioned socks to aid in comfort. As for waterproofness...well let's just say they hold up under short-term wet conditions, but in an all-day downpour, you'll have to change socks. They offer great support for rocky trails and summits, but comfort can become an issue if your socks aren't up to snuff. I would suggest SmartWool Trekking and Mountaineering socks for these (or any) boots. As far as backpacking goes...look elsewhere. If you're on a weekend excursion they might hold up, but for extended trips with a full pack I would look elsewhere. You'll need much more comfort within the boot than the sock can account for, and better shock absorbtion will be necessary for carrying heavy loads.