I don't want to be mean, but I have abused my CamelBak. It has had more air-time than some pilots, and after some very hard landings, it remains ever-vigilant.

I do agree that it should have allowed for more water flow. When you seriously need H2O, you may have to open the top and bypass the Bite Valve.

Most comfortable jacket I've ever owned. Provides plenty of warmth. Wind cuts right through it, so I pack a light-weight non-breathable outer-layer for when the wind picks up. I pack a Montane Featherlight since it is windproof and packs down to half the size of a soda can.

For the most part they do their job. Plyable, well-ventilated, quick drying. There is only one small pocket in the back which is big enough for your house-key. They're fine in the gym, but I wouldn't take 'em trail running.

Clif bars are the best on the market, but sometimes the full sized bar is too much, so I pack some of the MINIs (100 calories) with me for when I'm on the go. I keep the full sized bars for breaks and rest stops.

Keeps me dry on hikes and can double as an undershirt for stressful days in the office. The neckline is rather high, so it is better suited to backpacking in the BC rather than trips to the water cooler.

Lightweight and breathable. Convenient pockets. Not enough support. Lightweight spandex works well under these for added support.

I purchased my Observer in Feb 2007 and have been very pleased overall. The ABC are handy and readily available, though I have noticed the exact values tend to be off by up to 10% against known markers. It is not overwhelming is size or color, so I can wear it to business meetings without recieving strange looks from desk-jockies with the figure of Santa Clause. I have the titanium strap and since I trimmed it to fit my wrist, I have never had a problem since.

However, I do have a complaint about the compass. I understand that each time the battery is replaced, the compass needs to be reset. Unfortunately, I have had to reset it about 10 times, and I have only changed the battery three times. Test your compass before departing on a trip. Checking North doesn't do it. Twice, my North was spot on, East was very close, as was South. West should have ben 270, but instead was around 330. The last 90 degrees read as only 30. Check it prior to departure, but don't trust it beyond a general guide. Pack a standard compass as well. Also, the instructions for resetting the compass are not intuitive, so you may wish to bring a copy of the instructions if you intend on using it in the BC.

I purchased both of these socks and have been very satisfied with both of them. There are some differences I wasn’t aware of before I bought them, so here it goes. I wear a size 8 hiking boot, so I bought size S/M in each.

The Merinos are quite snug, though not tight. I have no additional bunched up fabric to cause blisters. The overall thickness of the sock remains consistent and comparable to most hiking socks. They do retain some heat and moisture, so if your feet sweat on the trail, they’ll stay wet for a while. If dry, they insulate reasonably well.

The Coconas, on the other hand, are loose-fitting. On a few occasions, I have gotten blisters by the toes (where the excess fabric matriculates to). The top of the sock is a very thin, though very durable material, which ventilates air very well. The overall sock feels like a lighter weight material which I would only suggest using in hot environments.

Additionally, while each are ankle high socks, I found the Merinos to be about an inch shorter than the Coconas. If you are wearing a medium hiking boot, the Merinos will come up just over the sides of the boot.

I purchased both of these socks and have been very satisfied with both of them. There are some differences I wasn’t aware of before I bought them, so here it goes. I wear a size 8 hiking boot, so I bought size S/M in each.

The Merinos are quite snug, though not tight. I have no additional bunched up fabric to cause blisters. The overall thickness of the sock remains consistent and comparable to most hiking socks. They do retain some heat and moisture, so if your feet sweat on the trail, they’ll stay wet for a while. If dry, they insulate reasonably well.

The Coconas, on the other hand, are loose-fitting. On a few occasions, I have gotten blisters by the toes (where the excess fabric matriculates to). The top of the sock is a very thin, though very durable material, which ventilates air very well. The overall sock feels like a lighter weight material which I would only suggest using in hot environments.

Additionally, while each are ankle high socks, I found the Merinos to be about an inch shorter than the Coconas. If you are wearing a medium hiking boot, the Merinos will come up just over the sides of the boot.

When using them in the desert, they've been great. Well ventilated, excellent traction, the sole is firm enough so you don't feel every rock and jagged edge you step on. They are waterproof so they are extremely versatile.

However, I made the mistake of wearing them to the office one day. The sole doesn't like marble floors at all. Every step was accompanied by a loud squeaking sound. I'm not sure how they would respond to hard wood floors, linoleum, or anything other than dirt and marble, but I would avoid using them for daily trips to the grocery store.

The quick release for the laces holds up pretty well, but when you really have to move, they tend to loosen up a bit. To compensate for this, you can snip the plastic gripper, add an additional quick release slider, then tie off the two laces.

Overall, these are great. Just keep them outside.

I've been wearing these in the Iraqi Desert for the last several months (in temperatures averaging 115-120). They have excellent ventilation to keep my feel cool and dry. Ankle support is minimal, so I wouldn't recommend carying a pack more than 35/40 pounds. Keen tends to be a bit wide. I usually wear an 8D, and these 8s fit perfectly.