I used the filter this last weekend as a backup water supplier. Unfortunately, our GPS unit failed and we got lost in Southern Utah. This filter saved us. We were in a little slot canyon in Escalante and got a little nervous when our water ran out. The only water we could find was in cesspools that wreaked and were covered in a nasty little film and filled with bugs. Of course, the water didn't taste great, but none of us ended up getting sick. I was very pleased with it. Plus, the Nalgene attachment is kinda cool and convenient. It pumps water pretty efficiently as long as you clean it after every use. Oh, and it's way simple to clean. I couldn't have asked for more.

I just started climbing and don't know a ton about the gear, but this has all you need to get started. The harness is super comfortable and simple and you can't beat the deal. I took a good fall lead climbing with the harness and didn't experience any discomfort. It's nice with the adjustable harness, because it can be used when you have multiple layers of clothing on (for example, if you want to use it for ice climbing). Everything else is pretty basic and works well, but I'm very satisfied with the quality of Black Diamond.

I had the EG1's for a long time and really liked them, but they were a little big. The EG5's don't give you as much visibility, but are not as huge and awkward. They took quite a beating before I had to retire them and they are very sturdy. The orange chrome lens is a little more orange than it looks on the site. It's a pretty good mid-range lens. Good for bright days, but a little dark for cloudy, stormy days. But they give you a sweet pink lens that comes with it, so that's cool. But I wouldn't recommend changing the lenses a lot, because you start getting humidity inside the goggles.

I love the look and sturdiness of this watch. The face is a lot smaller than most altimeters. It has held up really well with lots of banging it around, which I can't say for most watches. But the altimeter, compass, and especially the thermometer don't work as well or accurate as I would have hoped for.

I just got back from a canyoneering trip down in southern Utah. The bag was a little uncomfortable at first and I wasn't sure whether I liked it. But as I broke it in a little, it was super comfortable. I did a lot of swimming and had no moisture get in (except for a little condensation). I tossed the bag around quite a bit, and it held up really well. I couldn't expect any more for such a competitive price.

I just got back from a trip down to Neon Canyon in Escalante, UT. We had studied topo maps on the internet and were all set to go. Unfortunately, we didn't save all the information right on the GPS, so the coordinates were lost. But to make a long story short, this unit probably saved our lives. We went about 9 miles out and realized we had taken the wrong canyon. It took a while to find 3 satellites to bounce off of, but that's true with all GPS units. I would highly recommend this over some of the less-expensive models. I just got a different model for my dad for Father’s Day. The color screen is great and it has more battery life. It also seems to be more accurate. I would strongly recommend buying the topo maps to go with it.

Unfortunately, it took me a long time to find these shoes. But they are way comfortable for climbing shoes. I got them a 1/2 size small, and would probably have gotten them a full size small if I had known they would stretch this much. But they are a great sport climbing shoe. I started climbing not too long ago, and they seem to work really well for a beginner to intermediate shoe. But I also have very experienced friends who still climb in them.

I love the traction on the Terreno sole, especially for hiking. However, if you’re not doing a lot of wear and tear on them, I would suggest the Colorado sole. The soles are just a little too thick and heavy for everyday use for me. But they awesome on the trail. I actually found that they ran a half size small for me, which is odd compared to what other people experienced.

These are the best sandals on the market. The footbed is super comfortable and the thinner sole on the Colorado make them perfect for everyday use. The Z/1's allow for more movement and I personally like them better without the extra toe loop.

No real big technical features, but the stuff sack is the only way to go. It makes it super compactable in your pack. I haven't had any problems with tears or fraying.

The Swallow, although very compact and lightweight is big enough for 3 maybe 4 people if you push it. The double doors make it way convenient for 2 person camping. This year, Marmot has gone even farther by reducing the weight of the tent by almost 2 pounds. I love it!

The footprint not only protects the floor of the tent, but I find it way convenient that it makes a quick rain shelter, if you need it. Not sure what else to say, except don't buy the tent without a footprint. I've made that mistake before.

These are the most comfortable day hiking shoes I've owned. They're perfect for getting wet and dirty. I spent a week in Alaska, wearing them almost every day. It only took a day or so to wear them in.

The Phantom is way compactable and warm. I spent a couple weeks in Alaska with it and it was plenty of insulation, but I also love it in warmer weather in Utah. Great versatility. The only problem I have with it is the 3/4 zip. It makes the bag a little annoying to get in and out. Other than that, it's a great bag.

I love these shoes. They are perfect for both short and longer day hiking trips. They seem to be a little narrow, but overall run pretty true to size. They provide great support for the arches. Just an overall amazing shoe...as long as your feet aren't real wide.

I looked everywhere for a comfy pair of polarized sunglasses. These glasses are super comfortable with the nose and ear pads. They don't have any problem staying on your head. The brown polarized lenses give everything a surreal green look. It's like you’re in your own little world, man! No, I really love them.

I like to do a lot of short backpacking trips, so I was looking for a super lightweight tent that would still fit me (I'm 6'4"). This tent is way simple and super easy to set up. It only takes a couple minutes, and it's roomy enough to make it comfortable. Plus the weight can't be beat for a good affordable double wall tent.

This is by far the nicest sleeping pad I've owned. It does a great job at providing insulation in cold weather, especially for how compact and lightweight it is. My dad still has a Therm-a-Rest from the 70's and it still going strong. So if you want to make a good investment, BUY IT!

Although I hate weight and like to save space, I have always taken a pillow on every backpacking trip. This little thing is a miracle. The small size is big enough for comfort and small enough to fit in any pack.