It is light weight with vents on the side that keep my head from overheating, and I get very uncomfortable in hats that make my head sweat. A few things not listed about it: 1) it is UPF 30, 2) there is a drawcord in the back to get a precise fit to your head and also to hang it on your pack with a biner, 3) it is NOT waterproof or resistant (not recommended as a rain hat). I like to use it for hiking.

This stove works great. Folds down so small and fits under the canister inside my cookset (Optimus Weekendeder). The "stuff sack" it comes with does not nestle inside my cookset, so I just keep it form bouncing around with a microfiber camp towel. It will boil a liter of water in 3-4 minutes, and I got 6 boils out of a 220g canister in moderate temperature, 60F, with little wind. I can blow it out myself, so I would recommend a wind screen if you will be relying on this stove for all your cooking. Temperature control works well for me and I am able to cook fresh eggs for breakfast without any burning. The folding arms do tend to become harder to open/close after their slight warping during normal use, but I actually prefer this since they wouldn't stay closed during transportation before it was used. The Optimus Crux does boil water faster than the Frigidaire appliance I have sitting in my kitchen at home. I highly recommend this stove.

I have the 8" and it is perfect for 1-2 people. I can easily cook up some bacon and egg breakfast sandwiches in the backcountry. And I mean real eggs and bacon. It distributes heat evenly and didn't burn my eggs (cooked with Optimus Crux) and is truly non-stick, washing up easily with Dr. Bronners. I recommend this as a luxury item, as it is a bit weighty and bulky.

I have used this salt and pepper shaker on a few trips. This shaker does not have a good connection between the lid and case, it keeps falling off and spilling the contents. Also, there is no seal between the lid and case and moisture builds up inside. I have switched to the "Light My Fire Spice Box" I purchased at Fontana in Madison, WI (backcountry.com should carry this item!!!).

Used it with GSI extreme fry pan and it melted on a medium heat with the Optimus Crux stove. After each use, the front edge would melt and curl up more and more. Makes it very hard to clean food out of it in the backcountry.

Very nice backpacking plate. Tends to get bent, but that is the price you pay for less weight.

Excellent spoon. No need to spend the extra money on the Snow Peak.

Just a perfectly good nalgene bottle made even better with the Goat Logo

Very nice sock that kept me warm. And they do not smell. I still prefer the Merino Wool though, the Cocona sock tends to collapse on the footbed, loosing the nice cushiony loft.

I've enjoyed this stuff ever since I was a little kid, and I continue to enjoy it today. The sweetness goes so well after a long day on the trail and a hot meal. And on top of that, you never have to wait for it to cook or set up. Does have a little bit of a buttery taste, but I think that is what I love.

This is the worst shoe I have ever worn. First off, there was in issue with either the preservative in the materials or the GTX. I could smell it even while hiking in the shoes, it just wouldn't go away. The shoes also fit terrible. The right shoe was slightly shorter (assume that is an isolated problem) than the left, and there was absolutely no padding under the heal. I broke them in for two months and could still barely wear them. Hurt my heals to just stand. I would not recommend these shoes for hiking/backpacking. I wouldn't even recommend these shoes for everyday use. The quality of Merrell seems to have greatly downhill since my old pair of Pulses.

They look nice, and pack very easy. I only use them for backpacking and they tend to be a little snug in the front (especially around the quads) which makes for uncomfortable hiking when you stride forward and for sitting. The seams are also weak and wear out quickly. The quality of the paramount pants seems to have dipped. I would recommend the Columbia Silver Ridge II over the TNF Paramount.

These potatoes were very good. Perfect side for just about any backcountry meal. Definitely much better than Backpackers Pantry Bacon and Cheese mashers.

A little heavier than expected. It is very stiff and makes a capable base for my stove, but that stiffness makes it difficult to pack well.

This shirt is perfect for working out or a base layer. Not too tight to creep out the girls at the gym, but not too lose that it gets bunched under my other layers when skiing or late season camping. Wish it came in more colors so it doesn't look like I am wearing the same shirt everyday.

Love the not cotton material. It works well as a base layer without getting soaked with sweat. I only wear this blend as my base layer for skiing now.