Nicholas Geyer

As I was searching for a quick summer backpack stove I was set to buy the cheaper PocketRocket from MSR, until I came upon the Microrocket. This is in many ways the upgraded version of the trusty and reliable PocketRocket. Just think of this: less bulk, wider base, more stable frame than the Pocketrocket. It operates exactly how the Pocketrocket is operated: simple and quick. I was highly impressed with its fuel usage (nearly identical to its older brother) and fuel compatibility (uses any isopro fuel canister). If you are looking for a sturdy, light, and retooled version of the Pocketrocket look no further than this stove.

I got blown over the side of a steep hill recently and actually had my BD Raven out at the time. Self-arrest was quick, especially with 120 mph wind gusts blasting me down the hill further. Never made a better investment for ice safety, held up great!.

This is the first pair of snowshoes I ever used and boy did it treat me! Looking at the basic design, these are your plastic frame snowshoe. They take a beating in the snow, but their flexibility and give make traveling over rocky areas a breeze. You do not have to worry about rips or tares with these. The binding was a little questionable. It's one solid step in binding, with a heel strap and an arch strap. I thought it would be flimsy, but I was wrong and held firm. Another concern would be balling around the binding, but this didn't truly happen either. The crampons were solid carbon steel which made the entire shoe a little heavy, but grip on a couple of frozen lakes was superb. There was no heel support with this model like you may see on a similar MSR brand for this price, but I was actually passing people up hill with the grip I had on these. All in all, very well built.

Like the other reviewers, the Momentum AL by BD is a fantastic and affordable harness for your rock/ice climbing needs. I've found that its pretty darn durable and very light (didn't notice it while climbing some of the Flat Irons in Boulder). I've had little problems putting it on or off and it can become rather compact for a trek, if you so choose. Honestly, I've trusted the value I get from Black Diamond for years now and bottom line: this harness didn't disappoint me.

Over the years, I've learned Black Diamond tends to put lots most affordable and comfortable gear at low prices (relatively). That being said, when I started using my Half Dome I was a bit wary of how it would field considering it is possibly one of the more inexpensive of the climbing helmets. Boy was I wrong! This helmet is light enough that I do not feel it on my head and it fits perfectly (I've got a rather big head). Looking at its safety, I've used this from rock climbing in the Front Range of Colorado, to mountaineering the mighty 14ers, to ice climbing and still this gear takes and takes abuse. I would like to note that the interior is a bicycle like safety foam, which I'm alright with, but for some more avid enthusiast looking for a more "climbing inspired" helmet the Petzl Elios might work a bit better. The ventilation is a little closed for my liking, but it gets the job done. All in all, for the price, comfortableness, and safety the Half Dome is a great investment for the beginner or intermediate climber.

After having these for a year and doing some serious trekking along the way, I believe these are some of the best sunglasses for an active outdoor enthusiast. The design is very sleek and relaxed into your face. For me, it was fitting and comfortable from the moment I put them on. The rhyno tuff frame can take a beating and if the frame does happen to break the warranty is fantastic and LIFETIME. In comparison to other rival companies, Native, in my humble opinion, has one of the best track records and customer service provision you will find. Great investment, will buy more in the future

When I was in Alaska last summer, I had one of these bivy sacks on my person during a hike in the Brooks Range. Its light, compressible, and able to be repacked all the while being warm. It's worth the cheap price for survival.

I love this knife. It is one of two that I usually take on a trek. The lock blade is great for utility; and the blade itself is extremely sharp. The weight makes it nimble and not cumbersome so even for an ultralight packer its worth the price.

I've learned anything from Gerber is quality. This knife is a fixed full tang (meaning the steel to make the blade extends to the hilt) giving it a much stronger and durable design. The blade does not dull easily and can cut through ample sized wood. The price does not break the bank and your paying for a lifetime warranty. Great buy.

My first major pack was of the Kelty Red Cloud variety (5600 cu in). This pack offers benefits of any expedition-type pack with the comfort level that I have come to know of Kelty. First, its simple. You get pockets (5), four of which are outside. Plenty of space in the interior compartment and a space for your sleeping bag. Secondly, the weight distribution is excellent. The pack, once fitted, sits comfortably on your hips and the distribution flows straight through the legs. Straps and buckling system make even the novice work the distribution of weight with ease. The fabric is polyester, but can take a beating like the best ripstop nylon and even if it does rip you have a lifetime warranty from Kelty. I currently use a Kelty Durango (5900 cu in.), but anyone looking for a great buy and a durable pack look no further than Red Cloud from Kelty