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ratherbe

Camper/Hiker // Ocean Kayaker // Snowshoer // Biker // Mountain Biker // Hiker

ratherbe: #2,585 of 166,954 More Information

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    The Cascades Washington and BC Coast

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Kayland Vertigo High Backpacking Boot - Men's

September 4, 2011

Hi Garrett. I have both the Vertigo High and the Kayland Contact, which is the earlier version of the Rev. The lasts are different with the Contact being broader and rounder. The heel cup seems similar on both however. The Contact is slightly heavier, but also a bit more supportive. I use the Vertigo High for rough hikes, scrambling and light backpacking, and the Contact for stuff thats a bit rougher and when I'm carrying a heavier load. The tread on the Contact is only a little bit different from the Vertigo High; I can't speak to the Rev in this respect. If I had to pick between the two I slightly prefer the Vertigo High as it's good for a greater variety of uses. The VH would be a better choice if you like to go more fast and light (but don't want to use trail shoes, etc), while the Contact is more oriented to traditional backpacking, although it's only a little bit heavier than the VH. Both are comfortable right away if they fit. I hope that's of some use.

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Best bang for the buck

Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent: 2-Person 4-Season

Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent: 2-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 5 August 14, 2011

Great tent, especially for the price. I would comfortably compare this with big-name tents costing a good deal more. I use this as as a solo, for which it's not the lightest, but very sturdy and packs fairly small. About the best venting I've seen in any sturdy tent (better than most 3-4 convertibles) allows it to be comfortably used in almost any weather. I might not use it on Denali or summer on the Sahara, but it should work for pretty much anything else. The set up is unusual, but easy enough once you've done it once. The only downsides I can think of are that it has only one door/vestibule and is a little compact for two large people. 4.5 stars

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Solid, but....

Asolo Power Matic 500 GV Backpacking Boot - Men's

Asolo Power Matic 500 GV Backpacking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 January 22, 2011

These boots are built tough and high quality,with thick supportive leather uppers.However, break-in can be a bit unpleasant, like leather boots from the past, so much so that I decided to trade them in (and up I would say in most ways) for a pair of La Sportiva Karakorum.Also, the Asolo is a heavy boot for these days and the sole doesn't match the tank-like tops, in that the tread is quite shallow, and in my view not for the sort of more extreme terrain the uppers would suggest.However, if you don't mind the weight and the tread is okay for the terrain you have in mind, then these are beautiful boots that should provide long service.

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Best big-load bag made

Arc'teryx Bora 95 Backpack - 5250-6040cu in

Arc'teryx Bora 95 Backpack - 5250-6040cu in

Rating for this product: 5 October 11, 2010

I bought this pack the second year they came out in Canada and just retired it last year.I have used most brands of large packs made (with the exception of Dana Designs) and have never seen its equal. The old model was very sturdy, while the newer ones are lighter material, so possibly not as durable. I tried a new model on recently and the fit is the same.Can carry anything you could need or want for a week or more. Enough options in size that almost anyone can dial in a great fit. Load transfer to a very supportive hip belt is amazing. The belt is so simple but comfy that I have even used in on other packs from different makers. The back panel is very comfortable but a bit sweaty in warmer climates given its material (molded foam) and structure.

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Best light hooded softshell

Norrøna Falketind Flex1 Jacket - Men's

Norrøna Falketind Flex1 Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 10, 2010

As with all Norrona products I have tried the fit is slim, however this jacket allows you to size up without issue due to the wrist velcro. Excellent breathability; good water resistance and very lightweight. I have not had any doubts about durability yet. In my opinion Norrona products are hard to beat for quality of build and are also well thought out in terms of design.This makes a great cycling jacket as well as for hiking/backpacking, climbing. Best hood with wire brim I have seen in a softshell.

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Kayland Vertigo: light comfy scramblers

Kayland Vertigo High Backpacking Boot - Men's

Kayland Vertigo High Backpacking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 3, 2010

First off, the comfort is instant if the shape works for you. A little slim in the forefoot for some; you may have to go up a half size. I have the previous year's model which seems pretty similar.
Seems w/p and pretty durable. The sole is very grippy on rock; with the trim profile these boots make great mountain scramblers.
Underfoot cushioning is okay, ankle support likewise. in my opinion these excel at scrambling and light-weight backpacking, and not so much for rough, heavy loads where you may want a little more support and perhaps cushioning..

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La Sportiva Karakorum Mountaineering Boot - Men's

October 3, 2010

The Karakorum upper feels more sturdy than the Glacier, although the cutouts allow great fore ankle flexing for walking uphill. The Karakorum also has a slightly more pronounced rocker making it a better boot for heavy backpacking in my opinion. It also has a quite trim forefoot making it good for scrambling and climbing, although perhaps not quite as good for snow and crampon use. I tried on both boots and bought the Karokorum with no regrets. Excellent quality. I have heard reports that the Glacier upper softens a lot after use, in fact too much, although can't speak to that first hand.

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Outdoor Research Mithril Softshell Jacket - Men's

October 2, 2010

Warm, comfortable, essentially waterproof, and built to last. Arguably the most bang for your buck you can find in a softshell. However, it does not have pit-zips and the Ventia fabric does not vent as well as Powershield or similar. It is made for what it says: activities in cold, wet weather. I would take this cold weather backpacking, particularly in the mountains.

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Deuter EH Guide Backpack

June 7, 2010

Anyone know the back fit range of this pack? I assume it's not adjustable.

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Norrøna Bitihorn Lightweight Short - Men's

May 22, 2010

I'm almost the same size as you, and have tried both L and XL in Norrona. They are European fit, so if your legs are slim L might work. XL may be somewhat big in the waist, but perhaps a better fit elsewhere. I wasn't able to keep the Norrona pants since I am right betweeen L and XL. I did keep a Norrona softshell, and went for an XL; I would never have been be able to get the L on. Great products otherwise.

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Norrona Softshell

Norrøna Falketind Softshell Jacket - Men's

Norrøna Falketind Softshell Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 19, 2010

Lightweight shell with a very trim fit. You will likely need to size up, but if it fits you this is a nice piece of work. Not for the most extreme conditions perhaps as the material is very thin. Breathes well, and seems durable. Some great design features, like the hood which is easy to adjust and has a stiff brim-very cool, and the pit-zips which are the easiest to operate of any jacket of any type I have ever owned. Note the BC description noting no core venting is incorrect. I bought it on sale and am very happy with it at the price I paid. I might be a little reluctant to pay full price perhaps. I am using it mostly for hiking and backpacking, although the intended use is climbing etc.

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nice pants if they fit

Norrøna Bitihorn Flex1 Zip-Off Pant - Men's

Norrøna Bitihorn Flex1 Zip-Off Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 9, 2010

I tried both the L and the XL and ended up feeling like Goldilocks. A slightly odd fit in an otherwise very nice pair of zip-offs. Stretchy, shorts are knee-long and comfortable. However for me the thighs were tight on the L and the waist way too big if I sized up.Definitely would have been keepers but for the sizing issue.

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Columbia Single Track Softshell Jacket - Men's

December 2, 2009

This jacket is very warm for a softshell, almost a light, trim parka. Lots of features/great bang for the buck, good construction quality, and looks good. Water-resistant, not fully waterproof, since it is a soft shell, not a full-on rain jacket. Heavier, bulkier than a standard soft shell.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Gregory Denali Pro 105 Backpack - 6100-7000cu in

October 14, 2009

Hi Jesse

Although I haven't used the Lowe you mention I have used the Gregory Denali Pro. While it is a solid pack which can carry a lot, I am not sure it is necessarily the best big load pack around. For example, I have used the Arcteryx Bora 95 (which in Tall is as big as the Denali) and think that is a more comfortable carry. Another little point, the sleeping bag access is small, particularly if you're trying to get a winter bag in (not a deal breaker since you can load this from the top if necessary, but mildly annoying).
Another small thing is they have a reputation for being a bit noisy (mine developed a squeek after a couple of trips). Well built however with some good attributes and should last well.

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Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket - Men's

April 9, 2009

How about the Patagonia Das Parka? Very warm and great quality with a thicker shell material than the Micro Puff. The latter is a terrific jacket however.

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Let there be light

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern

Rating for this product: 5 July 7, 2008

Finally someone has made a useful lantern small and light enough to take backpacking. After years of candle lanterns, fragile globes and mantles, and feeble light something that is easy to use, durable and which provides ample light for reading or any camp activity. Light quality is excellent: both strong and diffused equally. I am so thrilled with this thing I dare not offer any criticism (okay, maybe someday they can make it a touch smaller with improvements in battery technology).

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Canadian made quality and great (US) design

Backcountry.com Shift Softshell Jacket - Men's Customer Appreciation

Backcountry.com Shift Softshell Jacket - Men's Customer Appreciation

Rating for this product: 5 December 18, 2007

This is one nicely made jacket. Suberb craftsmanship and looks great: the compliments just roll in. And of course Powershield is the best softshell material for use in the mountains; cuts wind and light to moderate rain beads up nicely.
The fit is not quite as snug as I feared, somewhat similar to MEC softshells and looser than Ibexwear. I usually wear L, and sometimes XL; the XL fits me with sufficient room to use this for casual wear as well as in the hills.
The sleeve pocket is not something I will likley use often, but others might find it handy. I can't think of anything negative to say.
Great gear Ibex!

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Rock solid

Montrail Comp XCR Hiking Boot - Men's

Montrail Comp XCR Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 December 18, 2007

These things are made to last: both the sole and uppers may outlive you.
These make good casual or work use boots, but I don't like them as much for hiking or similar activities as they are a touch "clunky" and it's difficult to get a snug fit as the boot is fairly high volume. A different lacing system might help snug them down better as well.
As someone mentioned there is not a great deal of arch support in these, but this can be improved with a replacement insole, which can also help you fine-tune the fit.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Not the Michelin Man

Cloudveil Enclosure Insulated Jacket - Men's

Cloudveil Enclosure Insulated Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 17, 2007

As mentioned, not too puffy but warm. Great Cloudveil quality. Nice design and style; can use in town in winter as well. If you have a long back you may find it a bit short.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Instant Comfort

Scarpa ZG 10 GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Scarpa ZG 10 GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 16, 2006

The ZG line means no more break in time. On my first use, returned after 18 rough, rocky kms with no blisters or hot spots. Fairly wide forefoot and snugger heel. Lightweight, blocky secure tread, and fairly thick leather with rand. The softer leather means this is a boot better suited for heavy day Qhiking or easy-moderate trail backpacking as ankle support is only fair.

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Marmot quality

Marmot ATV Pant - Men's

Marmot ATV Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 16, 2006

These are great pants. Lightweight, not too warm yet providing protection, shedding snow and light rain well. Suited for snowshoeing, mountain hiking, or fall/winter hanging. Good fit and sensible design- enough features but not overdone. I have the version from a couple of year's ago, and it shows no wear to speak of.

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