Matt

This is a great pad. Packs small, is lightweight (for me, at least), and didn't cost $129.95 ;). You definitely need some lung power and patience, but it's totally worth it! Also, it seems to hold air really well, only needing a couple blows before bedtime after being out all day.

Recently used this on a camping trip to Bear Head Lake in MN. Performed well, though I do prefer a smooth texture on my eating utensils. This one has a somewhat rough texture. I'd definitely buy one again if I had to, though!

I'm always very hesitant to purchase clothes online, mostly because of my weird body proportions, haha. I'm about a 34x30, and the large/short size fits me PERFECT. On top of that, they are extremely comfortable and forgiving in the waist (stretchy band) if I gain a couple pounds over the holidays. I would have to disagree that the fabric isn't functional. I didn't own a pair of the originals, but I hardly want a stiff pair of pants when I'm hiking on a trail. Now I'm not one to slide around on rocks or run through a thorny patch of bushes (that's what my grouse hunting pants are for), but these breathe and allow for more unrestricted movement. I'm definitely going to buy at least one more pair.

I picked up one of these bars just a few days ago at my local REI. I have been a huge Clif Bar fan for the past few years, and these might be my second favorite. I picked up the lemon flavor, and while I didn't really expect it to be brown, it was still quite tasty. If I ever saw these go on sale I wouldn't hesitate picking up a case.

Just got this multi-tool yesterday after ordering it on S&C for about $40. It seems absolutely awesome so far. I can almost open it like a butterfly blade the action is so smooth, and the mechanics of the pliers are fantastic. One of the other things I enjoy is that I can order additional tools (e.g., saw, scissors, etc...) off of their website for only $10 each, on average. The only downside I have noticed is the weight. This is obviously heavier than other options, but you won't find the same quality anywhere.

Simply based on wearing it once around the house, I can tell I'm really going to like this shirt. It is pretty thin, so I'm thinking it would be suitable for early fall runs here in MN, or as a great base layer for other cool weather activities. I'm about 5'11", 200lb, wear a 32/33 slim fit dress shirt with a 17.5" neck and the large fits me fairly loose. Not sure I'd return it for a medium. Hope this helps!

I love this watch. I purchased it off of the Nixon website a few years back and has served me well ever since. I have camped with it, climbed with it (that might have been a bad choice, haha), fly fished with it, and swam with it. In all fairness, it probably should have fallen apart a while ago. But it hasn't, it just "keeps on tickin'"! Another nice thing is that unlike many other Nixon watches, the face isn't HUGE. It's a very nice size and it only calls attention to itself based on how nice it is, not its size. All-in-all, when/if this one ever goes, I'm picking up another.

Snagged this up on S&C for a great price (funny thing is, it was sitting in my BC cart for about a week, ready to buy full-price, haha). In any case, here are some +'s and -'s:

+ Affordable
+ Gear loft included
+ Footprint included
+ 2 doors
+ Seam sealed above the ground

- Unless you're a lean or small person, 2 people in this will be snug. It's more like a 1.5.
- Takes a bit of muscling to get the poles into their pockets. Not sure my GF would have been able to do it (though this was on first set up, perhaps it will limber up a bit).

Overall, IMHO, it was EASILY worth the money if you find it on S&C one day. Heck, I probably would have bought it full-price if I hadn't stumbled across it. So if you're looking for an affordable tent that performs, pull the trigger on this guy.

OK, so I probably wouldn't waste these headphones by pumping Technotronic through them, but I just got these today and so far so GREAT! They are absolutely amazing on the low end, and when I listen to more, how do I put it, "delicate" music, they do not disappoint. I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I can recognize when my headphones are really showing me the full depth of the music I'm listening to, and these do that and then some. As far as fit goes, I have a pretty big gourd and while these are snug, they are not uncomfortable by any means. I picked up the black ones, and they DO attract fingerprints; fortunately, they included a microfiber cloth just for that! Overall, I would say these are the best headphones I have ever owned.

Update: Don't forget to turn these off when you're done using them otherwise the batteries will die and render them useless.

This jacket is nearly perfect. After using thick shells for a while with a couple layers on underneath, I was hesitant at first to go back to a 1 piece jacket. Gotta say, I am not disappointed. It's warm without fryin' your ace off, but still roomy enough to add a couple layers for the days when it dips way below zero (like it tends to do here in MN).

The pockets are nice and in good positions, but the media pocket is kinda weak. Seriously, who makes a pocket like this with only 1 magnet to hold down the flap? It's also nice that the hand warmer pockets are lined.

Overall, this jacket rocks. I haven't had time to test it in any technical arenas, but I am sure it will not disappoint.

This is the classic fleece zip-up. I remember stealing this from my Dad when I was younger because it was so comfy, even though it was a few sizes too large. I wouldn't use it for anything too technical, except for maybe using it as a thick layer during a cold day on the mountain. Definitely pricey, though, so I would either wait for it to go on sale or find some coupons.

Man I love these gloves, and I'm really peeved I can't find them right now to reminisce on the good times we've had. I've used these at Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, and Bridger Bowl in MT. Aside from picking up more moisture than a synthetic glove will, these are my favorite gloves that I take with me to the mountain. Warm, flexible, durable, and long-lasting are all great adjectives to describe these gloves.

Addition: Only one downfall. Every time I wear these people ask why I am wearing work gloves (natural brown/black color). I imagine it's because of the color of the leather, but just a style point to keep in mind.

Definitely a light shell. I thought it would be more beefy for the price.

I would have used this as a rain jacket before I even thought about bringing it to the mountains. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it would have been durable enough, but multiple layers would have been necessary and that's not really my thing. I've been wearing an Oakley shell for a while and it is much more heavy duty than this guy.

I am about 5' 11", 200lb, athletic build, and large fit me okay with room for multiple (2 or 3) THIN layers.

I'd say if you're looking to wear a shell, long sleeve t-shirt, and a t-shirt when you layer, you will be cold if you used this as a shell.