Evan Tougas

I have an old alps mountaineering extreme 3, and I much prefer it to the new ones. Ive had it for years and it's still running strong, however the clear window in the rain fly is beginning to crack and wear through now. The tent itself hasn't changed much, Only colors and decorations. The difference lies in the rain fly. The new one is significantly larger than the old, allowing for more gear but its so large that the wind catches it easily. Even staked down the larger rain fly can be pulled up in a decent wind storm. This issue never occurred with the old tent. This tent can handle more than 3 seasons however, I've use it in the dead of winter and it's had no problems staying up, and it breathes very well while also being warm. Note, for added durability look to the "Outfitter" version sold on the alps website.

This pack got Backpacker magazine's "best all arounder" for a reason, Osprey killed it with the Atmos 65. It's light, durable, comfortable, and it carries like a dream. the pack hardly moves when it's strapped on, and it doesn't really feel like there is anything there, even with 40 or more lbs in it. It's perfect for everything from weekends to multi week treks, assuming you know how to pack. It's versatility allow it to handle climbing trips and urban environments like a champ as well, all without the weight of the Aether or Argon. Definitely the winner.

I have one harness for all conditions, sport, indoor, outdoor and ice. It's light, burly and most all comfortable. The gear loops allow a lot of options for tools or biners. I wear a 31-32 pant and opted for the size one. It's a solid fit and it allows plenty of room for layers when ice climbing. I've taken falls with this harness and it's a lot more supportive than many, certainly a good investment for any climber

Used this bivy last night in the middle of a semi frozen mud/ice field. No other protection, temperatures dipped to 0 with 20-30 mile an hour winds and snow. This thing held up and kept me warm and dry. Used with a Sherpa Adventure Gear Tenzing -40 bag (which has a center zip) and it fit perfectly. A little condensation in the morning but it wasn't more than what to expect in a tent. Overall a great alternative to bringing a tent for 4 season adventures.

I hit pretty hard for a kid who is 5'5" and weighs 150 lbs... hard enough to break several pairs of salomon bindings. These bindings offer the best rotational hold ever, won't just snap out liker other race of free ride bindings. I have the 115 brakes on my Volkl Chopsticks (128 mm underfoot) and I hardly had to bend them. I have my din on 10 and I've only popped out when I definitely should have. these bindings are among the most popular free ride bindings ever for a reason, they work.

These pants are sick, nearly carhartt tough and with way more freedom of motion. The gusseted crotch is super convenient. Perfect for rock climbing on those days were pants are essential, or just kickin' back around town.

800 fill down is quality and warm, this jacket works great as a stand alone in moderate temperatures (15-30ish degrees), works even better as a mid layer under a shell. The hand pockets do not zip, and can get caught on things if you're not careful. Material is a little thin, and should be used under a shell for anything but hanging out around camp. The fit definitely athletic, and look to the Patagonia down sweater for a roomier fit. Definitely a good investment. Packs down super small too

First off, the color shown is wrong. The real color is more like blaze orange and neon green. Which is way better. Next, these things are so dope. The membrane keeps your feet nice and dry, the tread is monster, and the lacing system provides for a perfect fit every time. I sized a half size down and these fit perfectly, even with my wide feet, So responsive and awesome, I think I like them more than my La Sportive Raptors.

It's good if you want it, otherwise it's a pain in the butt. I have one of these on one of my bottles and a regular cap on the other. Anyone know where to buy the regular ones?

I own a three liter hydromedary and a four liter dromlite. They are both very durable and much better than the other bags out there. The four liter dromlite is too small to use as a base camp water source, as it has to be refilled multiple times when used in a group setting.(Almost always). Definitely looking to get another in a larger size.

I hated this shoe so much that I switched brands. I loved vasque, the velocity was a great shoe, and although short lived my breeze boots were very good. But I hated this shoe. It ripped out within three months, I started losing tread blocks in a month. Absolutely not what I had expected from such a respected name.

I wore these shoes until every last tread was gone, and the mesh was completely ripped out. I absolutely loved them, however I would not recommend them as a trail shoe. They are more of a light hiking shoe or go to shoe for ANYTHING outdoors. They held up a lot better than my La Sportiva Raptors.

I love these things, I'm pretty sure if they weren't so expensive I would eat them daily. I've only had apple cinnamon and berry banana buzz but they were both delicious. I practically lived off of these for a few weeks. They give you great energy without making you feel weighted down like probars do. All organic goodness

By far the the most delicious energy food out there, they provide a ton of quick energy and are so good you actually want to eat them! Mainly eaten during skiing and backpacking.

These things are soo good! They don't have the not so good taste of an energy bar, plus it's organic and doesn't leave you feeling bogged down!

Brought the twelve foot version on a two week trip in Northern New Mexico. Over that period, we say everything from well over 100 degree days to 40 degree days with hail and awesome downpour. It was covered in mud, sand and whatever else we dragged it through. It never leaked, and never tore. We used two trekking poles and it worked just fine. Definitely going to by my own nine footer.

I freaking love these socks. I'm VT born and raised, and will not touch a pair of socks if they are not darn tough. I have several pairs of smartwools that all take second place to my darn toughs. Ankle, crew, knee high any darn tough sock is well worth it. I've never had a pair of these socks wear through, and I've never had any problems with blisters or rubbing in these socks. Absolutely perfect

This thing is great if you make real food in the back country, if you don't, then it's overkill. The foons sucks, replace them with a light my fire spork or similar utensil. The set itself is very light weight, and the bowls work perfect with the set or without it.

I have two of these guys, and I'm in love. First thing, take off the junk carabiners and throw on some camp nano 23s. They are perfect. Don't be fooled, the doublenest is perfect for one person, the added space allows for maximum chill. Hanging these puppies is a since when pared with the slap strap pro, highly recommended that you buy them.

I own one pair of these, and I love them. I just wore them on a multiweek backpacking trip in New Mexico, and they held up beautifully. Not a single sign of wear, which is unreal if compared to the rest of my gear. Super light, quick drying, very comfortable. Will be looking to pick up another pair.

These things are by far the most comfortable pants I own, and they're mad tough. Perfect for work, school, camping, whatever. I use them for everything except backpacking, because they are without a doubt some of the heaviest pants out there.

Let's first say that with any rain gear, you will not get good breathability. Next, I need to say that I've had these for about four years, and only used them maybe 10 times. However, every time I used them I was thoroughly impressed. Very waterproof and durable.

It does the job, it does a fantastic job of filtering. It's the cleanest water I have ever had using a variety of filters. But it's so darn slow. I wish you could actually get one liter per minute out of it. If there were a way to speed it up, it would make the perfect filter.

Slap straps make chillin in the hammock so much easier. Way lighter than carrying ropes, more reliable than making your own. I've never had a problem with them, although the threads start to pull with two people in it. Definitely the best option for single person hammocking!

I absolutely love these things, super comfy, grippy and breathable. So much better than the Vasque Blur Sl Gtx that I used to use. They perform amazingly. You can really stop on a dime with these shoes. Just don't wear them inside, or you WILL screw over the soles. Only complaint, they need to be more durable.

First, let me say I have these on all of my quickdraws, and I love them. I use them on the rope side. They are super lite and perfect. I have them on everything from my car keys to the daisy chain on my pack. I use them with my eno doublenest hammock too. So many uses for these things!

Let's see, my way of testing these boots. First outing- Backpacking tour through Northern New Mexico. Well over 80 miles later, they're still kicking. Performance- one blister, and it was well deserved. the comfort and performance was superb and unmatched by any other. Definitely a backpacking boot, they thrive with heavy loads, but will work just fine without. I definitely see another pair in my future.

Well let's see. It holds water, or any other liquid. It handles all temperatures from freezing to boiling. It's indestructible within reason, and if the stupid little loop thingy breaks, you can buy a new one. No excuse for you not to be hydrated.

I own three of these bags. (all 15 liter) and three sea to summit dry bags, of varying sizes. Of these, I use the three OR bags religiously and will only touch my 35 liter sea to summit bag, and my compression eVent bag. The other is garbage. These bags are thick, durable and truly waterproof. I've left them outside in the rain all night to test them, and had them completely submerged. I've never had any of the contents get wet. I trust this for my down sleeping bag in the Northeast, where weather changes every ten minutes.

I have to say that these are far better than any soles that come with boots. I have these in my Asolo 520 GV wide. They completely changed the fit of my boot, in a better way. They have virtually no break in time. Not as good as my aline's though.. but definitely not a bad buy.

I picked this up in an XS(6x14) for my Western Mountaineering Megalite. I was skeptical about it's ability to compress, thoroughly impressed! It packs down believably small. The eVent works so great, and weighs virtually nothing. Looking forward to picking up more of them!

A great all around jacket. Function on the trail and mountain, pretty water resistant. Can take on some good sized rain and snow storms. It covers a wide range of temperatures, plus looks good for around town!

Let's get real. I'm 16 and a guy, therefore I'm pretty rough on gear. This bladder has been through it's paces. Biking, skiing, hiking, Everything. It's been dropped, thrown and everything else. It's durable. The best part is the threads, being the same as a nalgene they fit most all water pumps. A perfect with with my MSR Miniworks.Cleaning is easier than my camelbak bladder. The mouth piece works better too! Definitely a good investment.