Matthew Forrest

Really like the fit of this hat. Brim is not too big or too small, very functional.

So, I wear a 12and a half shoe. This sucks because nobody makes 12 and a half. Merrel shoes a 12 is too small 13 too big, nike 12 too small 13 too big, new balance I can fit in a twelve in some shoes and cant in others. These run about a one eighth of an inch longer than a pair of size 12 new balances that I can fit into (the ones made in america, I took out the insoles and measured) so if you dont know what size to get hopefully this helps. They fit me perfect. Have not tried them on the trail yet.

So, I wear a 12and a half shoe. This sucks because nobody makes 12 and a half. Merrel shoes a 12 is too small 13 too big, nike 12 too small 13 too big, new balance I can fit in a twelve in some shoes and cant in others. These run about a one eighth of an inch longer than a pair of size 12 new balances that I can fit into (the ones made in america, I took out the insoles and measured) so if you dont know what size to get hopefully this helps. They fit me perfect. Have not tried them on the trail yet.

This jacket is awesome. As far as the sizing goes, if yo u have tried on a theta ar and liked the fit go down a size. I tried the theta ar in xl and the theta sv in l and the fit was pretty much exactly the same ( same length in arms and torso girth MAYBE a half inch shorter in the front length but not really noticeable). Only get your regular size if you want to put some serious layers under it (I know this is what it was designed for). The fabric is very tough and better performing than the ar version (ar only has this fabric in certain places). I am keeping the ar version do to its versatility and the drop hood. The hood on this thing is better for severe weather but overkill for what I do. The drop hood is much more comfortable.

Very nice very very light. I just got it so I can not comment on warmth yet but ill check back once the weather warms up a bit. This Atom has a pertex shell not the lightforce nylon of years past. although it has the same dimensions as the pinnacle and arete bag it is not as roomy. shoulder girth is the same but seems smaller in the elbow area for some reason. Still comfortable though. I am 6 foot 3 225. Packs super small and plan to use it as a bag liner in my pinnacle bag for the rare below zero camping trip, and obviously as my summer bag.

Found the material scatchy. It did strech which was nice but really did not think it added more than 5 degrees. For that amount of warmth I would go with a silk liner which is much more comfortable.

This is a great bag. Super light and warm. I have found that sleeping bags are always too hot to sleep comfortably even venting with the zipper, it can be really hard to dial into a comfy temp. This bag has the widest temperature range I have ever seen with a bag. I have found it comfortable from 60 to 20 degrees. If you only want to buy one bag this is a good choice for all but full on winter camping. I usually sleep warm but froze in this thing at 10-15 degrees (I know it is below its rating). I prefer the pinnacle bag because I found it comfortable at 5 degrees and could have gone well past zero. The pinnacle bag has a better, warmer foot box, a draft collar and a better hood but the same loft through the torso. The foot box, draft collar and hood add some weight but make a BIG difference when it gets in the single digits. I did find the helium to breath better.

Good tent average quality, a good buy at sale price. I looked at this tent because it had one of the longest floors available and I often have trouble fitting length wise into most backpacking tents as I am 6 foot 3. the floor dimensions are either way off or seem much smaller because of the lack of verticle walls. To all the tall people out there dont think this tent will fit just because the floor plan is long. Check out the nemo losi series, msr hubba series or the marmot aura if you are tall.

Non-stick coating works good and is highly recommended. Very versatile setup. Really cool to have your whole kitchen in one little compact setup. I only bring this set for multiple people or to winter camp so I can melt snow. Anything less I just bring the jetboil. Most of the time this is overkill but still cool to have.

This is the best all around headlamp on the market. Has spot, flood, and red light options. Is light, bright and water resistant. The quality of light is exceptional. Keep an eye out for the even brighter 2012 version.

Great material. Breaths really well and is extremely water and wind resistant. Fit above the fore head was weird and puckered but I always wear a hat with this so it doesnt really matter. Best material for a balaclava I have seen. Would be 5 star if not for the fit.

One of the better meals from MH

very comfortable pack. I don't think you could put enough weight in it to make it uncomfortable. Good size for long day hikes or a minimalist summer over-nighter. A true classic and I am glad black diamond did not change it too much when they bought out gregory (unlike the baltoro).

good basic kit. I thought the .9 would be too big but now wish that I got it instead. I like to put other non medical items in the water proof bag so a bigger bag would have been handy for me.

all metal construction makes it very durable (hate the plastic msr pumps). Flame adjustment is the best around. Magnetic cleaning needle is actually very handy. I have burned only white gas and kerosene in this stove and both performed perfectly although kerosene was harder to get lit. I only use this as my snow melter or when cooking for three or more, overkill for solo use.

this thing works great and is super easy to use. Instead of going through the big production of lighting my liquid fuel stove for coffee I light this up and its ready in two minutes. Not for the gourmet chef though, pretty much a one trick pony in that boiling water is its primary function. Would recommend to anyone.

Have not learned how to use all the functions yet but altimeter and thermometer seem accurate. Very light and comfortable. Much more comfortable to wear than a pathfinder.

To someone just starting out this bag appears very attractive, good name, good price and very warm... very warm. To those of you buying your first real sleeping bag and want to prepare for the end of the world, warning this bag is overkill. For winter camping it is great but for anything over 25 degrees totally too much. This thing is also heavy. My suggestion is to get an 800 fill 15 degree bag instead for close to the same price and use a liner if it gets colder.

girl friend loves them.

Great gloves excellent dexterity and warm to about 15 degrees if your not moving lower if you are. Great for skiing but over built for mountaineering. Very durable glove. Oh yeah they are water proof too.

comfy at first but got really uncomfortable once broken in. Totally not waterproof and doesnt breath well at all.

Bad idea to have a non breathable foot box. Collects a lot of condensation even with the storm flap open 100%. Recently got the new 2012 version with a full event top and consider it the greatest bivy ever. Make sure to get the 2012 version.

Mine doesnt bead like it is supposed too for a jacket that costs this much. Fit is great maybe I got a dud. I am 6 foot 3 and 230 and wear xL.

The old baltoro had a better back padding system. It allowed for better airflow. Why do companies always change stuff that is essentially perfect?

Much better fit than MH gaiters. The top strap needs to be a little more durable maybe a metal buckle instead of plastic. Rest of the gaiter is totally bomber.

Syn pad is actually an ounce lighter than the down mat. Super warm pad very comfy. Best construction in is class. Pump is actually very useful and not gimmicy at all.

really is water proof and built very sturdy. Best in class.

Treats everything! Not as fast and light as some but the quality of the water is best in class. The gravity feed option is a joke other than that it is a five star filter.

Very nice very light poles. The locking system is great and has never ever slipped. I am 6 foot 3 230 pounds. Cork grips are the best.

this is the best traditional, cold weather, mummy bag for people with a little wider shoulders. Very warm and is my 4 season bag for Colorado when paired with a warm pad, bivy and silk liner. Water resistance is better than average but would be nice if it would breath a little better, however using this in cold conditions the shells ability to breath has never been an issue but you will sweat in anything over 40.

I have tried every puffy jacket on the market and although very trendy, patagonia makes the best one for tall people. It is a little bulky through the torso (not as bad as first ascent not as good as the north face thunder) but it is cut longer through the torso (unlike marmot zeus)and the sleeves are also longer. I am 6 foot 3 and 230 pounds I wear the xL. Compared to first ascent, the north face, marmot, and outdoor research this was the best fitting. Plenty warm and very light. Pairs nicely with my theta ar. Articulated arms are awesome and will never buy a jacket without them again. Can not attest to durability yet. Face fabric is thin (like every other puffy) pertex shell on the north face thunder jacket seems a little more durable but has not lost a single feather yet (unlike the outdoor research trancendance and first ascent down sweater). I found myself in between sizes in patagonia in the past (l or xL) this one seems to fit better but could still be a little more trim through the torso (like the north face thunder). Overall great puffy.

I really liked this jacket. Compared to others in its class it is higher than average quality and also higher than average warmth. It has a really good (non bulky) fit and uses better face fabrics than most other down jackets in its class. The sleeves were about an inch too short and so was the torso. I am 6 foot 3 and 230 pounds. this would not be a big deal but the arms are not articulated so reaching above my head forces the jacket to rise to about my rib cage and lets out all the warmth. If the north face made this jacket a little longer and articulated the arms it would be the ultimate jacket. The pertex shell is also very durable and breathable.

This tent is awesome. The pole structure is very strong and will take a snow load if needed. The length is long enough for me and I am 6 foot 3. The pawprint they sell for it will fit two 25 inch wide thermarests meaning that it is truly a two person tent. I usually sleep with the fly off and the views are awesome. If I had to pick a negative it would be that it could be a few inches longer as I only have about two inches at my head and two at the foot. But I guess you dont need any more than that. Awesome tent