Contributions by Tim Watson (4)

This pack is perfection all around. The pack is very comfortable with loads up to 65 pounds, but on an overly ambitous snow shoe trip, I found out 75 pounds was over the limit for this pack, not to mention 99% of the backpacking community. Arc'teryx has exeeded expectations on this pack from the development of the hip belt, to the suspension, to the water proofing. If you are trying to choose between the Gregory Denali or the Arc'teryx Bora 95, I would put my money down on the Arc'teryx. Both are excellent packs; I just happen to prefer this pack. You cannot go wrong with this pack and will not regret it!

Due the the light weight and compactness of this jacket I always have it packed. This jacket is very comfortable and versatile. It has kept me warm in everything from rock climbing to hunkering down in the snow when the temp is -5 degrees F with gusts up to 50mph. Excellent jacket all the way around. If this jacket is a necessity for you, I would also highly recommend the Chugach pants.

If you are looking for a pair of pants which are comfortable, but will take a beating...look no further! Not sure how Mountain Hardware did it, but these pants are awesome. I was snowshoeing with a friend, when we decided it would be faster to bag the peak (San Jacinto) without snow shoes. As I was walking past the top of 10 foot boulder peaking through the top of the snow, I broke though the snow at the edge of the bolder and my leg ground into the weather worn granite. When I pulled my leg out the pants did not show any signs of damage, but when I pulled the pant leg up, complete chunks of flesh were missing above my shin bone. From the desert to the mountains, these are the pants you want!

I have owned these boots for a couple years, and they have seen me through many hikes ranging from the desert to the Sierras. I have been very happy with these boots. They have been very comfortable and offered good support under the load of 60lb packs. I rated the boots a 4 due to the fact the sole on the right boot split completely across the ball of the foot, and a hole developed in the leather at the edge of the rubber that covers the toe of the boot. Overall it is an excellent boot that I have recommended to friends and colleagues.