This is a fantastic bag in terms of its weight, compactability, and warmth. Can be used with a bivy for a full winter system (I've had cold weather comfort with Outdoor Research's 11 oz. winter bivy). CONS: It loses a LOT of fill, and my sleep site sometimes looks like a chicken coop in the morning. If this is a no-no in your mummmy world, try Marmot's line of similar lightweight down bags, which keep their innards to themselves.
Verdict: The original. Small enough to put in a daypack with your soda can stove and compass to get you going where the trail ends and the fun begins.

San Clemente Island, CA was the proving ground for these kicks. These shoes were reliable for six months (20 days per month), hiking volcanic canyons and steep terraces. Cons: jagged rocks and cactus penetrate mesh, causing damage.

Happy Stumbling, folks.

Once, I hiked 600 miles on the AT with this pack, from Katahdin to Massachusetts. Soon after the 100 Mile Wilderness, where I carried 10 days' supply, I mailed home the removable daypack on top. The Shasta is a bit too heavy for my liking, but practically bomb proof, without lotsa straps and such. For large packs, I prefer GoLite, which give you cubic inches while cutting down on one of your heaviest items, the pack. Notably, the top compartment has proven to be one of my most reliable daypacks, tested in the Northwoods, Utah's high deserts and the Mayan Mountains of Belize. A worthy investment, indeed.

So, I was camping for a while in Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest. We stayed near the town of Remer, which happens to be spelled the same forward as it does backwards. One night I ventured too close to the fire, which melted my brand new Windshirt. I was bummed, because it was oh-so-rad. I mailed back the Windshirt to the supplier, and explained my problems. Melted gear definitely compromised my workday, which consisted of capturing newborn white tailed deer. A few bogs later, I was surprised to receive a new Windshirt, which survived all future Minnesotan backcountry jaunts.

Moral of the review: do not burn your favorite gear, for not all gear companies are created equal.

I tested this Windshirt in two place.

First, I took it out to New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest, just as the monsoon season rolled in. It was a good addition to my pack, due to its TINY packability, when rain and hail was spotty. As long as I kept moving, as ultralight hikers do, this Go Lite product kept me fairly warm and dry. I am not sure I'd use it in continuous rain without a backup.

Second, I used this product extensively in my workplace, San Clemente Island, a cholla covered rock off the coast of San Diego. Works great in the continuous moisture of the marine layer. Makes a great option to taking out my traditional raingear, the Marmot Precip or the Marmot DriClimb.

Pros: Weight (obviously), compactability.

Cons: Waist elastic is annoying and it rides up when wearing a pack. This compromises total wind protection. Its seemingly flimsy construction. I am worried about cactus snags. Could use at least one front pocket for energy treats. Price is a little steep for how much product is received.

Verdict: This product is for specialized needs. I feel that the best way to utilize the wind shirt would be as a fall-winter base layer, in combination with a fleece. Runs small, order a size larger than usual.

Happy hiking!