Tyler Perkins

I love this jacket, period. I've tried a ton of different jackets from many brands, but never really got one that I loved as much as this one. Now, for me, I was looking for a minimalist yet rugged jacket for severe weather. I dont ski, so I didnt want a powder skirt, and I dont climb often, so I didnt need a big hood like the Alpha SV. I wanted something that I could wear when standing out in the rain, sleet, or snow for hours on end without getting wet, or hiking through dense brush without tearing apart. There isnt a single thing I dont like about this jacket except for two things; One, I personally prefer napolean pockets like on the Alpha SV, for phones, knives, ect, as opposed to the hand pocket type. Two, I wish you could cinch the actual collar tighter when the hood isnt up. Other than that, the pit zips are great length, the hood works great, its not too bulky, and its comfortable even in hot, humid weather, unless I'm in the sun since mine is black. In even the worst weather, I wear a wool baselayer, an Arc'Teryx Atom, and this on top, and am comfortable down into low single digits.

Also, while it is not made in the USA, I'm happy to see it's made in Canada at least. I'm sure a little of the extra cost is attributable to this, which I dont mind at all.

First, I'll mention that I happened to get two pairs of these for about $20 apeice, which is a steal. I really like them as a mix between an everyday wear item and a rough-and-tough outdoor pant. They're very comfortable, and made of cotton canvas, double layered in spots (Description isnt too accurate), and very articulate. They're almost like wearing jeans, except they're gusseted and articulated, and come in different colors. Now, at least for the pair I have, the description is also off when talking about the pockets. Mine have two rear flap pockets, two front pockets (one with a quarter pocket), and one on the back of the right thigh that is good for a cell phone, pocket knife, leatherman. Be careful with that pocket though, as there is no flap or closure to secure it, but I dont think it would be a big problem.

Just got then today, been wearing them this afternoon; I really like the feel, they also have a great number of pockets. The zippers for the short zips are small, and can get caught somewhat easily, but most all covertible pants are like that, and it's only a minor inconvience since you are only zipping them on/off a couple times every day at most. For the money though, they are a great choice, cant beat the price for the ones on sale. I bought this primarily for canoing/kayaking, wearing stoic boxers underneath, they are very comfortable and quick drying. I'll update the review after my trip next weekend.

Normally, I wouldnt buy wool because I'm on a tight budget, but reading the reviews I couldnt pass this up with the sale price. Its a great shirt, I bought it mainly for use in my sleeping bag and around camp, and havent yet used it as a base layer, yet I expect greatness. The only thing I dont like about it is the faux v-neck, I would have preferred a regular neck, but I'm happy with this purchase. It does run slim, so size up if you dont want it to hug your skin. Some people prefer this for it's wicking advantages, but I feel restricted in it. It's personal opinion. Great shirt at a great price.

Well, I've kind of been switching over from cotton to synthetics/wools the last few years, but I always stuck with my cotton boxers, and just delt with it when they got wet or rolled over. Then I read all the reviews on these, and decided to try them since they were on sale for only $12. I'm so glad I ordered 2 pairs, I love them. I'm kind of in-between a Med and a Large, so I'm going to order two larges since the medium sold out. Cant beat the sale price; I'll be honest and say I probably wouldnt have ordered them if they werent on sale, and I'm glad I did. Also picked up a Backcountry Wall merino t-shirt on the ~50% off price, which goes great with these boxers for sleeping and as a base layer.

I love it. Contrary to some, I prefer it's smaller size, at least for backpacking. It is small enough you could use it over a stove if you are careful, but not big enough to be a nusiance. I dont plan on eating a huge meal with like ten servings on my plate. It is extremley lightweight yet durable. I love the narrow sides, i hated carrying my other steel high-sided plate/frying pan. This easily slides in the side pocket of my Kifaru along with annodized aluminum fork/spoon/knife and my PocketRocket and fuel in a little nylon bag. Great setup, and is also good for cooking over coals with, albeit not as good as a dedicated pan. Just make sure you find a way to take it out of the fire, as you dont want to with your hands.

I love this little stove. It's lightweight, compact, and works great. I usually use it for heating water in my Snow Peak titanium cup/mug, and it's a great combo. It also has some modifications you can make/buy for it such as windscreens along with, suprisngly, a remote canister line so it becomes a lot more stable. It also works GREAT for heating up food in cans. The lip of the can (normal soup can type) fits right in the grooves in the supports. For the sheer minimal weight, this rides in my truck's bail out bag, along with a fuel canister for heating water for food and dehydrated meals.

I really like this shirt, I bought it elsewhere on clearance for $50, as they had only medium and in grey. I really like it, the left chest map pocket is great, and I like the roll up sleeves and how you can stand up the collar for sun protection (there is a semi-stiff insert in the collar than helps it stand up, but is unnoticeable when worn normally). I like the ventilation, however my shirt does not have upper back mesh, only sides, which may be why it was on clearance if it's an older version. I really like this shirt though, wore it a lot on a 3800 mile roadtrip to the black hills, yellowstone, and the big horn mountains. Great for keeping the sun off your arms while driving and any other activities. Saved me from the one arm tan on the drive there hah. Also very lightweight and packable.

I went around to a few stores looking to try this jacket, and tring the Marmot Precip (disliked) and the Patagonia Torrentshell, but couldnt find the Epic, and I didnt like how the MH Typhoon fit. I love the light weight, pit zips, and the 3 pockets. I especially like that the chest pocket is a welded in and waterproofed zipper. My one and only dislike about this jacket is that when you roll the hood up, the laminated hood makes the rolled-up hood try to straighten out. Now, I suppose it's worth this to have the laminated hood, but i wish they could have found a way to roll it up differently. I will definetley be keeping it, because it is a thousand times better than the $15 field & stream raincoat I am replacing, that is also a size too large and is annoying in high winds. All in all, it is a great jacket, especially if you can get it at the sale price of ~$70 that it used to go for. I used the online web chat with Backcountry, and they were really great and helpful with a lot of questions. I'm pretty sure this just became my go-to website for any outdoor items I purchase online. Shipping is very reasonable and fast, I wanted my gear quick and 3-Day Air was only $3 more than ground ship, which was only $8 to start. Quick note also, I did like the Torrentshell when trying it on in a store, but I just preferred the MH, but if you dont want a laminated brim, and a collar that will roll up without the above mentioned downsides, check the torrentshell out.

Also, when the Epic gets some epic action, I will be back with pictures of the Cyprus color.