There are very few touring packs that make the grade but this one comes close. The design is excellent and it carries it's load perfectly and the construction is bomber. This is the first pack with a diagonal ski carry option that actually works except...

The only flaw this pack has is it's biggest demise. NONE of the straps are long enough! Especially the strap(s) that secures the diagonal ski! The rest of the straps are just barley useable with golves on in cold winter conditions, I could not imagine even attempting to use the strap features while on technical terrain in conditions that do not warrent removing your gloves. This is a completely in-excusable design flaw. I don't know what the reason is for this except for saving weight but that ideology of saving grams over functionality removes this pack as a contender for anything but powder touring below timberline. For a hardcore performing mountaineering pack I highly reccommend the BCA Stash Alps 40 (or 55), straps are long enough for gloved hands and it has an excellent webbing system to boot.

I have a 2005 model that I am still using today. It doesnt look like they changed the pack much at all, except for eliminating the diagonal ski carry which didnt work anyways. This pack is versital for powder touring, to technical climbing and functions well in all. The construction is bomber, I have had no malfunctions or repairs on my pack and have abused it well.

I purchased one of these for summer of 08 and have been very happy with it's fit and performance. It holds the weight well and balanced and was very comfortable to wear for a full day of hiking on a multi day wilderness tour. For 2 or 3 day expeditions I highly reccommend this pack

Finally, my feet have found a new home. having been used to my old Scarpa Denali's, this boot is a blessing to find better ski performance and lighter weight. The weight saving alone was it's biggest improvement, but I was very pleased with the ski performance in all conditions.

even with all the new options out there (like jetboil etc.) I will always own one of these stoves as it is the most versital stove I have seen and put to use. I have had mine for over 10 years of regular use and have not even needed to rebuild the stove yet. It's a little finiky to get started to fires up every time and you need to adjust the control knob very slowly when you adjust the flame.
Even after years of use, I dont see a need to buy a new stove. The new jetboils are tempting, but I do not like the newer disposable fuel cells littering up my pack on multi day trips... plus you can never tell how much fuel is left in those things. 1 large MSR Fuel bottle is all you need for most 2-3 day trips with the wisperlite!

this is a good temt, but I find the vestibules are not quite roomy enough for the gear you want to store outside. Also, the vestibules are not quite adequate for cooking from if the weather is not ideal.
I think there are lighter weight options out there for this tents size, just barely enough room for 2 adults.

That said, the tent is easy to set up, comfortable to use and is holding up well. ...a good choice for an easy weekend pack trip in summer or fair conditions.

I never have any problems with BD skins. Even the skins for my 10 yr old skis are still going strong.

had these boots for 2 months or so and they are a terrible fit. Way too narrow in the middle. It looks like there are other reviews with the same problem. I had them fit, tried inserting custome footbeds nothing worked, the blisters on the sides of my feet were the worst I have even seen and in fact ended one of my tours from just the ski up/approach.

other than the poor fit, they did ski great (if you could take the blister pain) they were a pretty responsive boot skiing.

I sold mine after that final trip. worthless becasue of the poor fit design.

Great skins that climb in most all conditions. Was suprised how well the skin worked with no tail clip but after a year of hard use I wound up installing a BD tail clip after the glue on the edges near the tail wore out a tiny bit. Was a pain to put on the tail clip, just get the STS or clipfix skins and save time in the long run.

diagonal ski attachment sucks. They leave the skis loose to wobble around as you hike/climb and there is no way to cinch them down.

wont leave home without one. These are a bit overpriced but worth it. essential for any steep climb or traverse in sketch conditions.

I have had great luck with this product. It's a messy job though, but if you do it right this stuff works great. Don't use the iron on sheets, waste of time.