Griffin Post

The Gitter Down Jacket gives you the warmth you'd expect from a puffy without feeling like a marshmellow. It's well insulated, but not over the top. That said, it's still a down, and if you hike a bunch you'll be sweating a bunch as well.

However, on really cold and stormy days when you're just riding lifts, I say it can't be beat. Plus, it's at a price point way lower than most other downs.

I always stash an extra pair of I/O lenses in my cargo pocket of my pants. Usually I forget I even have them but I'm sure happy when I need them in a pinch. It's like always carrying an extra pair of goggles. Plus, they're super easy to change- even on a stormy chairlift. If you're serious about riding in adverse conditions, you're crazy not to have a backup pair of lenses!

I accidentally ordered this and was wondering what to do with it because it was so much smaller than I expected. Turns out it's a great shaving kit- perfect size. It has a top pocket that's perfect for stashing your passport discretely on international trips. Plus, it's stylish as far as bathroom kits go (if you're worried about that type of thing).

I loved Hue G, after i shrunk it to get it to the right size. Mine was a bit floppy at first, but a quick trip in the drier fixed that.

This is my go to for leisure camping, town, or just generally being outside in the fall. The insulation provides enough warmth to keep you warm during cooler fall days. Plus it's tough enough to not get snagged on tree limbs when camping, cutting wood, or other fall activities. And it's stylish to boot!

This is a great item to have in a pinch. It provides reasonable protection against moisture, bugs, and adds a couple extra degrees of warmth. However, I wouldn't rely on this to handle seriously adverse weather conditions. It's no substitute for a tent or a gore-tex bivy. It is light, and packs down incredibly small, so it's a nice back up for pretty much any backcountry situation.

Of all things in your backcountry kit, your beacon is the last thing you want to have any questions about. After getting familiar with the S1, you wont have any doubts about how easy it is to use. The display system is far more straightforward and two-dimensional than competitors, and the multi-search function easily allows you to hone in on different burials. The one drawback might be that it doesn't automatically turn on when you clip the waist strap, like old Ortovox beacons. Therefore, it's possible to put it on and forget to turn it on. But everybody always does beacon checks before heading out so this shouldn't be a problem!

Of all the Mountain House meals I've had the privilege (or punishment) of eating, this is my favorite. It's tasty enough that you might actually forget you're eating freeze dried food. As with most freeze dried food, the serving size is deceiving. I mean 12g of protein and 310 calories, for dinner? On a hiking trip? There's no way that keeps you going. I usually eat one to myself, or bring some instant rice and beans to stretch the meal for two people.

Chili Mac and Beef is super tasty and user friendly, but it's definitely a stretch calling it a meal for two people. If you plan on doing anything active during the day there's no way this is enough fuel for two adults. If space and cost are that much of a concern, I suggest bringing some instant rice or, better yet, rice and beans (more protein) to stretch out the meal a bit.

The flash is about as idiot-proof as backcountry cooking gets. There's no guess work lighting, no spilling, and it's fast and efficient. Honestly, it's difficult to imagine a way that they could improve on it. It's that simple and easy to use. I've heard of people cooking while touring (without stopping), in their car, and various other places that you wouldn't dare use other stoves.

This shovel is a solid as they come- it will get through snow, ice, and dirt (hopefully there's more snow than that though). The major drawback is it's compactness, or lack there of. It folds in half, but doesn't fully break down like most avy shovels. So, you really have to work around it if you're trying to fit a lot in your pack.

In the cliched world of fashion vs function, it seems that nobody ever gets it right, until now. The Bizzo offers the quality and high performance you've come to expect from TNF, without loosing out on any style categories. It's nice to have equipment that's technically durable, without having to look like you're on your way to Everest.

The lace up version of the Chukka is a good shoe, but after wearing the slip on version I prefer that one. Essentially they have the same features- and are both super comfortable- but taking this Chukka on and off is a bit difficult because of the egg-crate foam in the bottom and higher rise. The slip on is far more user friendly, has similar support/features, and is a little cheaper.

I just got a pair of these and don't think you should limit wearing them to camping. They're super comfy, have descent traction and are light enough to throw in your pack as an afterthought. I also rock them a bit around town on spring mornings when it's a little to chilly for flip flops.

This is my go to binding- great for everything but touring. I've never had them pre-release, as opposed to Jesters, which I've had pre-release several times in precarious spots. I ride with the forward pressure one turn in from flush. They are heavy though, so if weight is a major concern for your setup take note.

If you're on a budget and need a warm bag, look no further than this guy (or maybe the Dark Star). It's great for almost all winter exploits, and most spring exploits. Even on warmer spring trips it's nice to have this bag as it doesn't get too hot, and can come in handy in a rescue scenario when you're trying to keep someone warm for an extended period of time. Obviously the biggest draw back is the stuff size compared to down, but I've cranked on my compression sack enough to get it into about a 10 x 12 ball.

Great pack for an extended mission in the backcountry. Enough space for skins, first aid, and some light climbing eqiupment. Although I was skeptical of the ski carry system at first (because it has no clips, just hooks) it's never failed me and is by far the easiest and fastest ski carry system i've come across.

As someone already noted, the biggest shortcoming is that it has a zip top as opposed to a top flap- so carrying around a full length of rope isn't as much of a no-brainer.

If you're looking for a glove that doesn't have a bulky cuff yet is still warm look no further than the Seth. It has the warmth without the bulkiness or limitations of similar gloves with bigger cuffs or mittens. They may be a little stiff at first, by in my experience they break in pretty quickly. Also, I think the wrist leashes are awesome- let's you fiddle around with your pack/camera/phone/etc. without worrying about the gloves blowing away or getting filled with snow. Yes, they're not totally necessary but still a nice little addition.

Contrary to what other people have found, I thought these boots broke in quickly and maintained their water proofing quite well. Yes, when they get soaked (if you step in something deeper than the cuff and things get wet from the inside out) they take a little while to dry- which can be a problem if you're camping with no heat source (like a fire). Take the footbeds out and leave them upside down in the sun- mine would generally dry out, or at least become wearable, in a few hours.

People may complain about a few extra breaths this pad takes to blow up, but, in the end it doesn't matter when you're sleeping comfortably. It's the most durable and comfortable pad I've ever had, and packs tight and light. Although, it can be a bit of a pain in the butt getting it back into the stuff sack, but once you develop a technique it isn't so bad. It's main function (comfortable sleep) is second to none, so it's not a big deal dealing with some of its idiosyncrasies.

The VE 25 is my go to tent- for any outing. Not only is it rock solid in wind, snow, and rain, it's virtually mindless to set up. I've loaned this out to countless friends with little explanation on how to use it. Although the description is for 3 people, I've slept four with no problem (as long as you put most of your gear in the vestibules). I've heard of emergency situations when 6 people have hunkered down in it. Yeah, it's more expensive than other 3-man, 4-season tents, but if you want something that you can trust for the next decade, come up with the extra loot for the best.

The suction cup is pretty sweet- let's you capture great time lapses and action where otherwise you wouldn't be able to. But, although I believe it stayed on the F1000 race care, it's not a sure thing. On bumpier rides it can definitely work itself loose. Also, I've experimented with it a bit as a ski or snowboard mount, and it can't hang in that environment. So, as long as it's in a place where it can be recovered when it falls off (i.e., not a boat) go for it.

Although it's titled the surf mount, it's far more versatile than that. It's a far better mount for skis or a snowboard than the standard GoPro mount that's just the traditional mount with a sticky back. On bigger airs, those standard mounts don't have the surface area to stay stuck to your ski board. By using this mount, you have better chances of not losing your camera (and getting the shot).

These booties are awesome! They're comfortable and warm, and reasonably durable. I regularly wear them camping, or just cruising around the house in the morning. Obviously they don't have the best ankle support, so be careful walking around on uneven ground. The soles are durable, I've never had a problem puncturing them- even on the most rugged terrain. Plus, they're super compact, taking up very little space in your pack. Throw them in for a backpacking trip, and you'll be thankful when you can cruise around your campsite in comfort, giving your feet a break from your hiking boots.

This bag is super compact, light, and reasonably warm- making it ideal for spring, summer, fall, and warmer winter excursions. If you're bivying in a snow cave, I'd probably opt for a little bit better insulated bag, but if you're snow camping in a tent, it's generally pretty warm. I usually carry this bag, plus a bivy sac to add a few extra degrees of warmth. If you're regularly snow camping with ski boots, kick down for the extra long one so you can keep your liners in the bottom- allowing them to dry out a bit while you snooze.

I spend a lot of time on the road, and this is my go-to duffel. It's tough, it's light weight, and it's versatile. Sure, it doesn't have wheels, but in my experience wheeled bags are heavy to begin with, meaning you can't bring as much gear. Plus, how much time do you really spend wheeling your bags on a trip? A couple hundred yards to and from the airport parking. It's well worth the extra five to ten pounds you can carry with this bag as opposed to others.