Reviews by User: candor (7)

The new 1225 snowshoe is a huge improvement over previous 12 and 10 series models. They are light, stable and very manueverable. The new rail geometry causes the snowshoe to track perfectly straight with little or no stepping on the inside rails. The new crampon design results in outstanding traction on steep ascents and in any snow condition including ice. Traction comes with a price: the snowshoe is very unforgiving during decents on firm snow. If you're spacing out and the crampons bite, you're eating snow. Traction is also outstanding on steep traverses on firm snow, but in soft snow it's a bit dicey. The binding is easy to use, fits plastic mountaineering boots and holds the heel perfectly straight. In short, the 12 series snowshoes are an excellent backcountry tool.

Because I use both the MSR LA and new Atlas 12 snowshoes, I thought a review to allow comparison of the two might be useful. Both are backcountry or approach models and not for the casual user. The MSR has a unique feel because of the cookiecutter like action of its vertical rails. It excels on soft to firm snow and is very stable on a soft snow traverse. Overstepping the inside rails can be perilous because the serrated rails do not easily slide off one another. On hard snow to ice, traction falls off somewhat because you cannot kick a firm step as you can with typical underfoot crampons. The MSR has excellent flotation for a 25" shoe, it is light and packs very flat. My only criticism is that the binding is old- school and allows the boot to creep forward over distance, causing the heel to move off center. Otherwise, the MSR is a good backcountry choice.

Because of its thickness the Enduro Sole is best suited for double boots or boots in which full foot shims have been added to take up volume. The nylon backed arch is high but after heating it will adjust to a more moderate or medium arch. You may need to try more than one size of insole to find the length that perfectly positions its arch with respect to your foot. The increased thickness of the heat moldable foam layer enables a deep forefoot impression, resulting in exceptional stability, control and comfort. As long as care is taken to properly fit and heat mold the insoles, they may well be the best product on the market and are every bit as good as my $200 custom insoles.

Because I use both the MSR LA and new Atlas 12 snowshoes, I thought a review to allow comparison of the two might be useful. Both are backcountry or approach models and not for the casual user. The MSR has a unique feel because of the cookiecutter like action of its vertical rails. It excels on soft to firm snow and is very stable on a soft snow traverse. Overstepping the inside rails can be perilous because the serrated rails do not easily slide off one another. On hard snow to ice, traction falls off somewhat because you cannot kick a firm step as you can with typical underfoot crampons. The MSR has excellent flotation for a 25" shoe, it is light and packs very flat. My only criticism is that the binding is old- school and allows the boot to creep forward over distance, causing the heel to move off center. Otherwise, the MSR is a good backcountry choice.

The new 1225 snowshoe is a huge improvement over previous 12 and 10 series models. They are light, stable and very manueverable. The new rail geometry causes the snowshoe to track perfectly straight with little or no stepping on the inside rails. The new crampon design results in outstanding traction on steep ascents and in any snow condition including ice. Traction comes with a price: the snowshoe is very unforgiving during decents on firm snow. If you're spacing out and the crampons bite, you're eating snow. Traction is also outstanding on steep traverses on firm snow, but in soft snow it's a bit dicey. The binding is easy to use, fits plastic mountaineering boots and holds the heel perfectly straight. In short, the 12 series snowshoes are an excellent backcountry tool.

An exceptional technical pant for skiing, mountaineering and all backcountry activities that is set apart by its trim, athletic cut. No bags, sags or bulges here. It fits true to size but unlike the display photo and description, it is a mid-level bib with suspenders that can be detached in front but not removed. On a recent wet snow outing it proved to be completely weather proof and very breathable. The well tailored cuff and its drawstring eliminate the need for an external gaiter under most circumstances. Minor issues: the fly needs zipper pulls and the stretch back panel does not fit smoothly against your back.

The Mentor shell is beautifully tailored with an athletic fit and lower than typical drop hem. The new Gore-Tex Pro fabric is very light and at least in its first season, just as durable as its heavier precursor. The shell's side zips are useful during rope work if you don't want to wear it under your climbing harness. The hood is large even with a helmet: without one it is in your eyes and thus in serious need of a back cinch cord. Notwithstanding, the OR may well be the best value among all of the technical shells.

I've heard of German engineering but this is ridiculous. The Futura Pro 42 pack is so well designed and crafted that you fully expect it to carry you up the mountain and then serve you a cold beer at the summit. The pack has pockets everywhere and all of the essential features in a trim and lightweight package. The shoulder harness and hipbelt are perfectly padded and actually appear to have been designed with real human anatomy in mind. The load remains centered on your back and the suspension provides total weight transfer to your hips. If you are typically difficult (or easy) to fit, this pack will work where others fail. After using the Pro 42, I bought the Pro 34 SL for my wife and she now thinks it's the best extended day pack she has ever owned. And the price is too good to be true. (I find myself wishing I could find something to criticize about the pack.)

The Rain Shadow fits true to size but it is cut with a stylish, relaxed fit that is ideal for layering and minimizing condensation. The fabric is relatively quiet and does not hinder movement. The high quality tailoring has a low drop hem for shedding water and puts zips and cinch cords in all the right places. Patagonia has not cut any corners with this product. Having used a number of light weight rainshells and after looking at frequent claims of water penetration in nearly all models, it appears that many of us have forgotten the intended purpose of this product. It is not to protect us from a North Sea squall but it is designed to provide us with moderately breathable, waterproof protection from intermittant storms while in the backcountry. All of the plastic membrane fabrics when used with taped seams and waterproof zippers will do this. It is only when the DWR finish is compromised and breathability becomes limited, that the jacket interior can become wet due to excessive condensation. So don't be put off by misleading claims for any model. If it fits you and your needs, go for it!