ROBERT BETHKE

Best filter ever. Just got back from a backpacking trip in southeastern Utah. Not much water around, have to plan your camps near various springs. Normally I would pump using the MSR MiniWorks with a reliable field serviceable ceramic filter cartridge due to potentially nasty water I would have to use deep in the desert. I took the MiniWorks along (1 lb) since I had not used the Autoflow Gravity Filter (14 oz) yet and wasn't sure about the filter clogging up. I thought it may last for a few days and then I would be pumping ...and pumping. But NO! I filled the red bag up with approx 5L of life giving "water" and started filling up my 1L Nalgene which took only 2 mins 10 secs. My buddy was psyched now that we basically had a water faucet, totally convenient. We would filter approx 8 liters a day and the flow rate was maintained until about the 25 liter point, when it took 2 mins 30 secs ....bummer! We felt like we were cheating! It was so easy we would just guzzle and cook with the 0.2 micron filtered gold whenever we wanted, no more pumping! No shoulder muscle pain after 5 days! It worked the entire trip (6 days) with no filter clog issues! Almost made me wonder if it was really filtering. Sure, I had to figure out the removal of bubbles around the filter, the backflow process too. No stress mon. Get it ...best gear upgrade I have had in years. And don't bring your MiniWorks as a backup ....ya don't need it.

The shirt was a nice look but the sizing is way off, more than any shirt I have ever purchased. Since I am 5' 11" 200 lbs, I am typically an XL in shirts and after washing this shirt shrunk down to a Med to Large size (no kidding). If you are a Large, go with an XL. If you are an XL, go with a XXL.

The shirt was a nice look but the sizing is way off, more than any shirt I have ever purchased. Since I am 5' 11" 200 lbs, I am typically an XL in shirts and after washing this shirt shrunk down to a Med to Large size (no kidding). If you are a Large, go with an XL. If you are an XL, go with a XXL.

It tasted good but there was something in it that gave me the worst intestinal gas pains ever! I was backpacking in Zion Park, ate this the night before, started hiking thru Hop Valley and started to hear a concert of sounds coming from my gut. Explosive diarrhea then hit about every 5 mins all along my all day hike. I typically like most Mtn House food but this one was horrific. I understand the culprit might be some kind of soy based noodle ingredient. I will never again eat this one .....ever! Hated it! Stay away .....

The whole left/right sock thing is kinda different but they placed an easy to see "L" and "R" on the top of each sock that is easy to figure out when you are tired or completely drunk! The performance was excellent as they did not create blisters on the heel area. We were on a backpacking trip in Zion Nat'l Park and we had both cold and warm days, no issues either way. Get em.

Good stuff, reliable for energy restoration. Not hard on the stomach. It is a 2 Serving size ...but we all know this is perfect for one hungry person after a long hard day on the trail. Lots of sodium but I needed it on my hike-thru backpacking trip in Zion Nat'l Park, the desert can take it out of ya. You might want to bring along a french bread baguette, break it up into bite size chunks and throw it in the bag a few minutes after you add the hot water. It really adds to the meal. Enjoy!

I have owned a pair of these for quite some time so after they started to wear a little thin I had to get another pair. They are great for backpacking, day hiking, or whatever ....mostly I wear them around the home at night. The zipper pocket is nice so my cash doesn't fall out. I am a size 34 waist and the large size fits me perfectly. They expand a little and have a draw string. Get em, you will luv them. These are a MUST for anyone that likes comfort in the backcountry!

My six year old luvs these, we were sledding in very cold and snowy conditions for hours and his feet were warm and toasty. Easy to put on, the velcro-like strap at the ankle helps keep them on tight. He can sinch up the top with the easy to grab draw cord, even with his gloves on, to keep the snow from entering in from the top keeping him dry which is half the battle. Come on ...it's your kid, their comfort and happiness is worth the price of these great boots. Sorel is the best brand for warm and dry in winter.

Works great for my kid, large enough for his 1st grade papers, folders, binders, and such. The little pocket on the top lid fits the little things he likes to bring with him. The emergency whistle was not on the pack for some reason, something my son was bummed about so he put his own whistle on it. He puts his gloves in the side mesh pocket but it would hold a little water bottle nicely too. I'm sure we will go hiking with this pack too. Love the green color (aka - "moss"). What are you waiting for? Your kid will luv it.

Tested this great new jacket while backcountry skiing in Big Cottonwood Cyn. It was a warmer day so I went with my merino wool base layer and this STOIC jacket. Perfect combo, I did not overheat as it breathes nicely but when a little wind hit on the ridge it kept me comfortable. Looking forward to using this jacket for mtn biking (rainy or colder days), trail running, or just hiking in the mtns. Very functional piece of gear that will for sure make you happy! Go for it! You will keep this item for years and use it all the time. Peace.

First of all this shoes has no laces! I hate those frickin things. Three velcro type straps made custom adjustments easy and made the fit comfortable. Seemed really light yet very sturdy to me. I'm 200 lbs and they have been on about ten rides so far, everything is holding up well no unusual wear. Seems like these will last me for quite some time. I am going to get an insert to replace the one it comes with. Do this for sure.

I love the shorts, they are sturdy and light but still look cool. Functional pockets all over, some with hook and loop closures. The liner works great, the chamois seems to be doing its job too. I will wear these shorts at work, or play, it's not going to matter. I wear a size 34 waist, so I purchased the large size and they seem to fit about right, maybe a little big in the shorts but I use a belt and they are perfect. They are great shorts.

Ya gotta wear them for a while to fully appreciate why Chacos are the best! They fit great, no hot spots, easy on/off, durable, cool, just everything you need for a casual sandal. But the great thing is you can wear them hiking with a backpack and cruise thru the desert canyons, thru creeks or whatever. The sole is bomber. These will last you for years! Get em, you will totally be psyched about them. Make sure you get fit for the right size though first, then go online and buy them, this will insure you get exactly what you want.

After a long desert haul, it was great to set up the tent and make the pad into the chair. After dinner and drinks, it was time to hit the tent for some sleep, taking the pad out of the chair was easy. This pad allows for a great night's rest with plenty of support and comfort. I was ready to go the next day. That is worth a lot to a 43 year old guy that works in a cubical all week. I retired my older Thermarest and saved a pound or two, making it an easier load overall. Get the stuff sack and the chair, they are worth it. A little pricey but this stuff is made to last you many years to come. An investment but it pays off. Happy backs make for much nicer backpacking trips.

Get it and relax! It's worth the money, it's worth the weight. A must have for the backpacking trip. Rolls up small and fits on the outside of your pack. Easy to use and saves your back big time around the kitchen zone. Go for it ...your back will thank you.

After a long day of trekkin around in the desert, it was great to come back to camp and set up the chair around the kitchen zone and start cooking dinner and making coffee drinks. My back was well supported and the butt was comfy sitting in this awesome chair. The straps and buckles are beefy enough to last, the material is tough enough to protect the sleeping pad. Yep, it adds a little weight but it is so worth it. I used to just sit on a log or the ground but no more, this is the way to go. The extra weight is not a big deal and it rolls up nicely to attach to the outside of my pack on the side easily. If you want a well rested back for the next day, get this gear!

I used this on a multi-day backpacking trip into the SE Utah desert. It packed well in my backpack (flexible) and it seemed to be able to take a crushing without any damage. The screen is micro enough that I didn't get any coffee grains in my brew. I placed two TBSP of grounds into it and set it into my mug, with the wings resting perfectly on the edges of the mug, then poured the hot water into the mug thru the filter until full. Covered the filter with the little cap included and let er rest for a few minutes. Pulled the filter out and had a perfect cup of coffee. No messy paper filters, just grounds that I left out to dry during the day and then put into my trash later. All my friends loved it and I ended up making coffee for all of them over the subsequent days since this filter was so easy and quick to use. The only thing I can think of that would improve this filter is if the little black cap was somehow attached to the filter itself, this would create less of a chance of loosing the cap. I will probably rig it somehow with some kind of leash. Overall, I was very satisfied with this filter and will be using this for many years to come.

Follow up review ....this is a great shower option but do not expect the typical solar shower experience. The walls are solid black with no clear side to allow the solar radiation to heat the water (like a typical old school sun shower). But I filled it up and hung it in a tree, allowing the sun to hit it all day. Then after a long day of trekking around the desert canyons, I arrived back at camp and showered off with air temp water. Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect. Who wants to shower with hot water after a day of hot desert hiking?? The twist head that allows the water to flow thru the shower head worked well. After my shower I was able to let three other people shower with the water left over. Amazing capacity for such a small packable item. Go for it.

I used these on a desert backpacking trip, they held up well. No blisters or badly placed seams that create hot spots. They are not too tall and not too short. I was wearing low-top Montrail Vitesse shoes and Chaco sandals during the trip and they were fabulous! I got four pairs and am thinking about getting more. I have since used these socks for other hikes and several Mtn Bike adventures, they are awesome.

Plenty of room for flexibility, lots of pockets, nice fly zipper to drain the snake, belt loops and dual Velcro-brand fastener waist tightener system, waterproof breathable fabric (Toray Entrant-Dermizax EV), a little lift ticket attachment thingy, two button snaps to keep em on, slightly flared at cuffs to go over the boot easy, gaiters keep the snow out, and a nice fit overall. I am 5' 11" and 200 lbs (34 waist in Levi's), size large fits great. The inner thigh vents go from the knee to the crotch, while not as good as full side zips these work fine as you climb. Lifetime warranty makes this purchase a no-brainer. Spyder is going after the backcountry skier in style. I like these pants.

Works great for the backcountry. Easy to use. Comfortable on the body, hardly notice it. I am an old Pieps user, so the easy directional finder was so easy to practice with and find another beacon quickly. Make sure you practice with it though! VERY IMPORTANT. After you get the hang of it, it is a fine beacon. The only one I think that might be easier to operate is the DTS Tracker. Very happy with this purchase.