ale4014566

Got this for 50$ at REI, and I recommend it to all new climbers. Compared to other harnesses, very inexpensive, but also very bomber. Very comfortable in just about any use including hanging belays, well made gear loops (the design makes clipping gear into it very easy), and all the components you would expect from a good harness. As subjective as this is, it just FEELS burly, but isn't bulky either. You cannot beat this harness for the price.

Bottom line: unsure of what harness to buy? pick this one.

They had these on SAC for $4 a pop so I bought 4 of them. Good action, non-snag keylock design, large gate clearance. However, I am a fanatic when it comes to cutting weight, especially when leading, and these guys are HEAVY. It comes in a 39 g, compared to my Camp Nanos (23 g), and Metolius FS minis (25 g). I use these are general purpose biners, or just to store things.

Bottom line: Solid, well designed carabiner, but much too heavy for my taste.

Got this on SAC for $16, which was a steal considering how awesome this jacket is. I have worn it in rain, light snow, and 60 MPH gusts throughout the Sierra and Red Rock, and tested the water proofing in the shower. You will stay dry, and it cuts the bite from the wind. It is very light, and with the included stuff sack it packs up very tight, smaller than two soda cans side by side. It's my main shell backpacking shell during the warmer months, and I love it. If the forecast calls for some serious weather, I would pack something more substantial, but as an "oh-crap, its raining" piece, it can't be beat.

Bottom Line: Need a summer backpacking rainjacket? buy it

Got this on SAC for $80 and I well worth the value. Have used this stove down to around 30 degrees at 8500' with no problems. The piezo igniter works very well, and I seem to get a great deal of use out of the smaller canisters. Did not come with a windscreen, so I jerry-rigged one from the MSR generic windscreen. (be sure to rig it to deflect heat AWAY from the canister, or you might blow yourself up)It held up in 50 MPH gusts near Red Rocks. This stove is very small, and somewhat unstable with a 1L pot on it. This is minimalist stove, and probably inappropriate if cooking for more than a couple people.

Bottom line: if you are looking for a very light stove, this one works well.

Purchased this on SAC for $44, and well worth the bargain. Have used it as a general light hiker and approach shoe throughout the Sierras in 3- season conditions and Red Rocks in the early spring. Normally wear a size 9 shoe and have these guys in 42.5. Fit is a little loose, but works well for hiking. Shoe is very comfortable even on longer hikes, and grips well even on grade 4 scrambles. The shoe is very well ventilated, but the Red Rock dust found it's way inside rather quickly. In wet, rainy, or snowy conditions your feet will soak, save these shoes for the summer.

Bottom line: If you need a summer light hiker or approach shoe, this is an excellent option.