Isaac Rogers

I'll start off by saying that this is a very well constructed pack. Far better build quality than high end brands like Arcteryx. However, this extreme attention to details and use of only the sturdiest materials makes the backpack quite hefty for its size. A pack this heavy should at least be water resistant and this one is not. The pack is clearly built for ski touring. The pocket that is visible on the front of the backpack is filled with excess TPU coated webbing, which is a very cool material but unless you are hauling skis the outer pocket filled with the webbing and the haul point are virtually useless. The osprey kode packs have a much simpler, lighter, and more effective haul system for skis so if you want a ski touring pack I do not suggest this one. Also I wish this pack had a pack cover since it is not waterproof and snow and rain will easily leak into the pack and stay there since there are no drainage points. Despite this criticism I definitely respect peak performance for their attention to detail and fine craftsmanship. The backpack is quite comfy, rides very well, and carries a bunch of gear.

The thermarest prolite plus was the first pad I ever used on a weeklong trek. The pad is relatively comfortable and very warm for the weight. However, the pad got a puncture wound on the 5th day of the trek. After that I switched to exped and never looked back.

This is hands down the warmest, lightest, comfiest pad in its weight class. Sure the downmat 9 is much warmer, but it also weighs more than twice as much. The valves are well made and the fabric of the pad is durable for the weight. The thickness of this air mattress seems too good to be true when considering the weight and it packs down smaller than any full length pad. This pad is magical and works for everything but winter camping.

For the majority of situations this bag works perfectly. The fill makes it comfortable in all but the coldest winter weather and the shell sheds condensation like no other bag in its class. It's not fully waterproof and that is a good thing because fully waterproof bags are much heavier and when the only water you are trying to shed is condensation it works perfectly. I used to have the non EQ helium and the shell was much thinner and condensation would ruin the loft on long treks. The EQ version fixes both of these problems and is all around a more sturdy feeling bag. Definitely worth the extra cash over the original.

There really is no reason why this shouldn't be the first tent you grab for. This tent is very roomy for two people and can squeeze three people. Even as a one person it works very well because it is so lite. The primary benefit of this tent is that it is a freestanding double walled three person at the weight of a single walled three person and even some single walled 2 person tents. The materials are thin but hold up well in the rain and for a tent this lite it is conveniently freestanding. The poles are well designed; however, the tent is clearly no built for high winds.

These are the best pants I have ever tried. However, keep in mind that they are a very athletic fit, if you want them to be a bit looser size up. They fit close to the skin but are extremely comfortable, I forget I am wearing them when I have them on. They are conveniently water resistant and extremely breathable and sweat wicking. I haven't tested them in high speed winds but they are resistant to mild winds and don't blow around and billow out because they fit so well. The reinforcement around the knees and ankles is well thought out and will surely increase the life of the pant. The pockets are terry cloth lined and are perfect for hand warming. The waist is very adjustable with elastic, a belt, and a velcro snap and zipper. Overall this is a perfect pant for most any activity from lounging to high output adventure sports and climbing.

This layer is perfect for skiing and other cold weather activities that require face and neck protection and breathability. This is much better than a balaclava since it can be zipped down the chin when full protection is not needed. The material is typical powerstretch with an interesting blend of nylon. The fit is very slim, this is the only garment that I had to size up in. Overall I can not imagine a better midlayer than this one here.

I must say the last review was pretty accurate. I got the black color in a small and it fits perfectly, I am 5'11", 30" waiste, 37" chest. I really love all the features on this synthetic, in fact I returned the arcteryx atom sv for this jacket. In addition to being $150 cheaper, this jacket is just as warm, fits better, has more convenient pockets, and the hood is just as nice. As said by the previous reviewer, this jacket is super warm and the insulation is very strong and lofty. This is my go to jacket for most of the year, it is super wind resistant and warm without being large or puffy. There is a large net stash pocket on the inside, two hand warmer pockets that are terry lined, and an inner and outer chest pocket. This jacket can store everything you need! The fit is better than all other synth jackets that i have tried. Get this!

This shirt is just as nice as shirts that cost much more. It is very light and you can hardly feel it on your body when wearing it. It is made of the same synthetic as exofficio's underwear which are very nice as well. I would say that the fit is not slim. I sized up since the description said it was slim, i will be returning it for a smaller size. Keep in mind that this is no whimpy v-neck, this is a deep v-neck and shows a bit of chest.

These truly are the absolute pinnacle of summer shoes. They are my go to for summer next to my flipflops and salomon amphibs. I really like the uber light feel of them on my feet and the canvas makes them super cool (not sweaty). The sole is super durable and long lasting. Very stylish for sure. I suggest sizing down a whole size if you wish to go sockless, but that may just be me.

For the last few years I have been on a mad search for the perfect shell for absolutely everything. I bought the best of arcteryx hardshells and softshells as well as other brands including mountain hardware, marmot, and nau. I have to say that I have finally landed on the jackpot with this jacket, I have looked into various other paclite jackets, but this one is exactly what I was looking for. The fit is something I can only describe as perfection, I don't need to use any cords to adjust the hem, it just fits right. Not to mention the color of the jacket is beautiful and I try to wear it whenever it rains because of all the complements I get. The jacket is beautifully seam taped to the level of arcteryx perfection and is completely waterproof and breathable. The arms are the perfect length for me, they have a big enough opening for gloves but can be cinched down. The jacket offers an amazingly good fit for how well I can move in it. The hood is another perfect ten, it is big enough for my melon head and a helmet but not huge like the arcteryx hoods, it has proper adjustments as well. the pockets and chin are terry cloth lined which is a pleasant addition. The jacket is very minimalist which I like since it cuts down on weight, but I feel like pit zips could have been added although I rarely use them.

These headphones are hands down the best looking headphone ever made. I feel like I could match the color to a suit shirt and wear them to an event. I dress very preppy and they look perfect in every way. I got the brown color and it matches my hair perfectly and I get many complements on them. If I had the money I would get a few brighter colors but i suggest a natural tone for your first pair. Now on to the sound, these cans are quite nicely balanced with a little exaggeration on the upper bass. Although somewhat balanced I feel that the sound is a little to analytic for real pleasure listening. They are a bit harsh and sibilant in the upper range and do best with rock and acoustic. I feel like they are becoming less sibilant as they burn in. The mid range on these headphones is lacking as it does with most all headphones in this price range. The main reason I gave this headphone three stars is the comfort. They are quite uncomfortable in general and I usually can't wear them longer than 45 minutes without some pain or annoyance to my outer ear, and my ears are not sensitive. The main problem is that the cans do not rotate to conform to the shape of your ear like most headphones in this price range do. Thus, the only way to increase the comfort is to stretch them out. This could have been avoided if the cups rotated.

I used to have the two person version of this tent, but this model appears to have the exact same problem. The rain fly door opening is directly over the netted tent thus you are trapped inside the tent if it begins to rain. Since as soon as you open the door the rain comes straight down into the tent. I replaced this tent with the BA fly creek ul3 which effectively fixes this problem. Other than this problem the tent is perfect in durability and speedy set up and tear down time. Also the small overhead loft is super nice and has a headlamp diffuser which I miss dearly.

I bought two of these shirts buy one get one free about four years ago and they still look just as great as the day I bought them even after hundreds of times through the wash. The fabric is the best available as far as breathability and is nearly transluscent due to how light but durable the fabric is. This is my favorite shirt for everything including lounging, working out, running, backpacking, climbing, and anything in super warm weather. I believe the shirt fits true to size and if anything it is a bit short.

I have owned three sets of poles now, all were made from carbon fiber and this is by far the best of the three. The first set was a komperdell with a twist lock mechanism, I soon learned that this mechanism was not the most reliable since it would collapse when excess force was exerted. So, i replaced these with a Black Diamond Alpine Light Cork. These were nice since they had a snap locking system, but this system, although better, still would collapse when the screws loosened over time. So I moved on to the z-pole, this pole was the logical step since it features no adjustment and thus no collapsing. They do not collapse and are far lighter than the competition. They are very high quality with a well made wristband and opening/closing mechanism. The pole feels like a katana or something when you open it. It works very smoothly and seems durable. I don't feel like reiterating everyhting the previous reviewer stated so I will cut this short. If you have had problems with collapsing poles, get these.

This boot is lightweight but performs much like a heavier more stable boot. The construction is solid and the tread is perfect. It is very comfortable and structured through the entire boot. It cups the heels and stabalizes the arch. The boot a bit narrow in the toe but nothing extreme.

These boots have no break in period, they are very comfy straight out of the box. For experienced packers this may put up a few red flags. I myself believe that a boot should be rigid out of the box and that it should have a break in period. However, I decided to give this pair a shot since I have come to love the salomon line of shoes. The boot is EVA which means that it is more a kin to a running shoe than a mountaineering boot which is constructed with a poly urethane sole. Unlike the keen boots I previously owned these EVA boots have not lost their rigidity. I will state that I have only had the chance to do a little over 50 miles on these boots and I did replace the insoles with superfeet. Regardless, the boots have held up remarkably well for a comfy boot. They are waterproof and actually quite warm in the winter months. The lacing system is genius with nicely placed locking hooks that keep your heel in place.

This new model of the Camelbak reservoir is far better than the previous models. I even experimented with platypus after having been dissapointed in the lack of new innovation in camelbak. However, this reservoir is a huge improvement, in fact they solved all the problems that I have had with previous reservoirs. The number one improvement is the detachable hose; when backpacking, taking the hose out along with the reservoir is a huge hassle. Camelbak has ingeniusly fixed this problem with a release valve. Another great improvement is the simple baffle to ensure that the reservoir is not overfilled, and that it can fit in the small reservoir pocket in ones backpack. Overall this has become the perfect reservoir.

I have had this exact pack in the 70L version as well as packs from osprey, arcteryx, deuter, and lowe alpine. After going through all these packs I am right back to the baltoro. The pack is simply the most comfy load hauler available. Comfort is very important to me and I strongly believe that the AFS system is the best available. Both the arms and the hipbelt rotate and constantly adjust for better comfort and the silicone on the lumbar keeps the pack in place. As for the rest of the pack, the organization is steller due to the various pockets as well as a seperate sleeping bag chamber. I also have noticed that gregory has changed some things for better in this pack. Things like an easier access to the hydration portal, a pocket on the underside of the lid, a pull tab water bottle holder, far better zippers, and more structure in the hipbelt and backpanel. The one thing that really annoys me is the awkward pull tabs, they are like nothing I have seen before, and are in my opinion far inferior to the classics. They require two hands to open.

This really is the best casual everyday completely waterproof jacket. It is the only truly soft hardshell I have ever seen. However the fact that this is built to be an urban/bike jacket is quite apparent. The fit is quite slim for aerodynamics so size up if you want to layer underneath it. Also the cuffs have an interesting sip closure system that seems less apt for other activities. Also keep in mind that this jacket is as heavy as most softshells but quite a bit thinner and thus will need to be layered for warmth.

I have had about three pairs of these over the years and they are the most versatile shoe for me. I have very sweaty feet and these are the only shoe I can wear without socks. Also the fact that the heel collapses turning the shoe into a clog is unbelievably useful. They are easy to tighten and loosen efficiently thaks to the pull tab lace system and adjustable heel. The sole is grippy and they work great as water shoes.

This pant is extremely durable and water resistant. The fit is not slim to my standards and I wish it were slimmer, I like slim pants if I am going to climb in pants. However, these pants are very high quality none the less with a nice stretch and DWR finish.

I have had this backpack since it was released about a year and half ago. I really liked the pack initially but I have a few gripes now after using it for long treks in harsh conditions. Let me begin with the positive aspects. This pack is built better than any other pack that I have used, it is a tank and can take very big loads. The suspension is on par with other load hauling packs and seems to support as much weight as you can put in it. The pack is all around more water resistant in comparison to the ospreys and gregorys that I have used. I left the pack out in a torrential rain one night and all the things in the pack were dry the next morning, I was quite impressed. The feature set is very nice with zippers that allow the bag to be opened like a duffle, also there are three compartments on the lid of the pack wich come in handy. The stuff pocket on the back is huge and fully zippered. Okay now for the downsides. The packs rotating hipbelt does not work as it should. It rotates to far clockwise but hardly rotates counter clockwise without popping off. Also the hipbelt has no framing to it like the gregorys do, it is simply a peice of thermoformed foam. The hipbelt tends to squeak even when it is lubricated, and dirt collects in the ac2 hipbelt disks. The shoulder pads are nice and can be customized but they could have been stuffed more for greater comfort. Also the mesh material that makes up the water bottle pockets has holes in it now, clearly this should be made of a more durable material. Once dirt get into the facric or coating of the fabric, it is nearly impossible to get out, making the pack hard to clean. Overall I feel like useless features like the compression wings and multitude of zippers on the duffle opening could have been removed and that removed weight could have gone into improving the comfort of the pack with a better hipbelt and more cushion. Overall I feel that for the price this pack should meet my every standard. I suggest the much cheaper option of the gregory baltoro.

Much like the tights that are the bottom to this top, these are made for active use. It is not the warmest pullover, but the fit is built for high output activity in subzero temps. Much like the tight there is a different fabric on the inside of the elbow that improves movement and makes the pullover feel lighter. However, I have to agree with the previous reviewer, I returned this because the price is simply to high.

I have to disagree with the previous reviewer. These tights are better for active use on frigid days but are not nearly as warm, stretchy, or soft as the RHO AR. They are built anatomically and fit very tight with nice highly permiable fabric on the back of the knee to make movement easier.

This shirt fits really well and is anatomically fitted. The fabric mimics cotton in its soft texture but is made of a durable polyester. This is my favorite technical shirt.

This is probably the best jacket for anything that requires full protection with no fuss, just function. The design is quite simple but very anatomical and easy to move in. Of course this jacket makes a ton of noise just like every other hardshell jacket; this is why I don't wear hardshells except for in the most severe conditions. The seam taping is absolutely the best I have ever seen and the waist adjustment is quite nice and in my opinion a necessity. I prefer the drop hood to the attached hood featured on the sv, it is huge with a strong brim just like every other arcteryx shell. Dont expect this to be an everyday rain jacket, if that is what you are looking for pick up something like the nau rebound (that's what I use on rainy days), but if you are looking for full protection this is the way to go. I suggest sizing down unless you plan on fitting a subzero down as a midlayer.

I have had this bib for a few years now and have used it in many severe weather situations. I have found that it works perfectly as a ski pant, rain pant, sailing bib, and all around tough pant. The only beef i have with this particular design is the excessive use of zippers, I know that this is built for intense ice climbing, but this is also the only high enough arcteryx bib to work for ocean sailing. The zippers are far from waterproof, even though they are laminated they still leak quite a bit when in contact with driving water or rain. This is a big problem since zippers run all the way down both legs and down the crotch and up the butt(this zipper looks very funny and will get alot of awkward remarks).

This is the best as far as uber light insulation goes. So by that I mean it is perfect for people who are so weak that they can't carry a peice that will actually keep them warm when it gets cold. This thing only weighs 8 ounces so don't expect more than 8 onces of performance, and by that I mean that this is not some magical insulation that insulates better than down without the puff or the weight. This thing insulates about as well as a wind resistant sweater, and that is exactly what is supposed to do, just don't get your hopes up thinking it is magical. By the way I do not suggest sizing up since the warmth will escape from the nonadjustable cuffs and waist, and keep in mind you will be told you look like a trashbag if you wear this around town with your friends. Despite the criticism I have owned this jacket in grey for three years now and still use it very often.

These really are the perfect pair of gloves, they are very warm and very breathable. They do shed water and have a polartec lining. The fit is a little fat in the fingers and the slim in the palm which makes the fit a little odd. However, as perfect as these gloves are, they are simply not worth $120. I had to return them because I could not justify the price tag since I do not use gloves enough.

This really is a great softshell, probably one of the best as far as the feature set and finish goes. However, the fit is this jackets downfall. I spend the extra cash to buy Arcteryx because they usually boast a superior fit, but with this jacket the fit is simply wrong. The back hem of the jacket is nice and long; however the difference between the front hem and back hem is inexplicable. The front is cut rediculously high, above the button on my pant and the back covers the butt pockets just as a rain jacket should. This is not a rain jacket, but that is not the problem, the problem is the rediculously short front hem, when wearing a slim fitting technical shirt of the same size, the front hem of the shirt reaches lower than the front hem of the venta sv, this is just wrong.

I have had three pairs of these over the years, the older ones seemed to be better, but even my most recent pair was purchased five years ago so I cant camment as to the quality of the new ones. However, these are simply the best shorts ever made. They are perfect for absolutely every activity. When I get home I put them on to lounge around. When I am hiking they feel perfectly light and agile. When I am trekking they are the only option with the stretch waistbelt witch prevents your backpacks hipbelt from pushing in on the more commonly found belted shorts and chafing your hips (if that makes any sense). When I am climbing in the gym or on the granite, either way I forget I am wearing anything. On a hot day they are amazingly light and work perfectly as a swim short. There is not a single negative thing to say about these shorts, they last forever! (I am wearing them right now)

This is the best synthetic insulation jacket I have ever owned and I have owned quite a few. Everything has been thought of with this, Arcteryx knows what the customer wants as far as fit and design. The design is great other than one small thing, the cuffs are made of synthetic stretch material that when you first receive the jacket is tight and stretchy, but after wearing it just a few times the cuffs continue to expand until you loose the seal around the wrists. This is quite annoying. However, I must add that after a couple weeks the cuffs stop stretching. This has become my go to jacket for everything, it repels water nicely with a strong outer shell which is unique in a light weight sythetic. It also blocks wind as well as any hardshell. The hood is a great addition and fits perfectly with the right amount of adjustment it is a necessary addition when the temperture drops below thirty. The handwarmer pockets provide instantaneous warmth and are terry cloth lined.

These polartec pants are really as warm as it gets before going into insulated pants. They are nice because they fit like a comfortable man tight. I usually wear a small but ordered a medium and they fit how I wanted them to, tight enough to fit under any pant but loose enough to wear stand alone. Also the polartec material is so soft and comfy.

I really think these are nice boxers, the material breathes amazingly well and does not smell even after multiple days of wearing in the backcountry. However the fit is really not worth the 35$ price tag. I usually buy a medium in arcteryx lower body since I have a much bulkier/more muscular lower body. I purchased both the medium and the small, the small definately fit much better but even the small wasn't quite tight enough around the quad area. Maybe the mateerial isn't quite as stretchy as the exofficios that I came from. However I did decide to keep them becouse they hold your junk remarkably well.