Contributions by Mazz (4)

It seemed the right time to go lighter on a few standard items in my backpack, so I ordered a 4 liter MSR Dromlite Bag to replace my standard blue 4 liter MSR Dromedary Bag. Lo and behold, when I weighed the two sans caps & hoses, I found that my older bag was .65 ounces lighter. I'm guessing that the addition of the "low-profile handle" to the Dromlite adds weight.While the weight differential is minimal, it wasn't worth it to me to shell out $26 or so for a new bag. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the MSR hydration system and always carry an extra bite valve just in case.

the legs are simply too narrrow, the ankle zipper too short to allow these pants to slip over a normal size hiking boot

Though the pants had good breathability and waterproofness, the full length zippers are overkill and repeatedly got stuck in the underlying flap of material during the course of one year's wear in the backcountry. Made quick on/ off difficult, a true must for the Montana Rockies.

The boots are very waterproof. A 7 mile day of post-holing in Yellowstone National Park along rescue creek accompanied by a pair of Gore-Tex gaiters left my feet warm and dry. At less than 3 lbs./ per pair, these boots are a great combo of structural support, comfort and lightness of weight.