Contributions by MikeSF (9)

I almost sent it back at first because the reservoir is difficult to remove and re-install for cleaning, it is secured with 5 bottons that are hard to access and the bag will hold little else with the reservoir filled. I took the reservoir out and use a 1 liter bottle in a bottle pouch attached to the side. This leaves room in the bag for rain gear or a light windbreaker. The padded sleeves inside the pouch are great for a cell phone, GPS, compass or MP3 player if you don't want solitude. The outside flaps work well for energy bars. It has a great suspension system that keeps your back cool and is solid and comfortable on the hips. The bag is made really well and I am glad that I was able to adapt it for the 1/2 day mountain hikes that I enjoy. If you are a runner and use it for the inner hydration bag, energy bars and MP3 player it is very stable.

This is my first stretch sleeping bag and I am very pleased with it. The baffle system keeps the down where you need it and the stretch keeps it close to your body without feeling confining. The material is like silk to the touch. I have only used it twice so far where it was in the very low 30s and slept warm in a light base layer. It certainly must meet its' cold rating. Packs up super small and light.

I bought this bivy for winter use where minimal pack weight and dependability are needed. I am 5'11" and 190 lbs and am surprised at the spaciousness for a bivy. The headroom under the canopy is very adequate and when staked out it keeps weight off my sleeping bag all the way to my feet. It sets up quickly, is meant as a bombproof sleeping shelter and is a better choice for me than a one man tent.

I ordered the 55 and liked it so well that I also ordered the 35 for day trips. The packs are built no nonsense tough and lightweight with gear loops and a carry system that can't be beat for alpine climbing. Best ones out there as far as I am concerned.

I spend a lot of time in the mountains at 9 to 12 thousand feet snowshoeing and climbing. This jacket works great over a mid-weight base layer, closes tight when the wind whips up and vents well when needed. Free movement without bulk is a must for me and this jacket delivers. I prefer it to a lined jacket that is hard to regulate when working hard. I always pack a down jacket and hardshell for the times when the weather can go downhill in a hurry.

They work for me. I use them in a wide temp range, snow-shoeing and winter hiking with or without layering....lightweight, warm & windproof.

I use the Gamma Salopette for climbing, snow-shoeing and anytime a softshell pant is needed. I spend a lot of time in the mountains above 10 thousand feet and was at first concerned about layering as the upper is also insulated but found that the zip front gave all the ventilation control I needed with a mid weight upper underneath in a near 0 to 35 degree range with a softshell jacket. Light weight bottoms were all I needed and the side zips work great to control temp when I am working full out on snow-shoes or a steep ascent. It is great to have really free movement without bunching or pressure at the waist. I now only use my old softshell pants to walk the dog.

Warm boot, easy on, easy off, but the cable lacing has to be either tightened to the point where there is no ankle flex or if I loosened it enough to walk in on an approach in reasonable comfort they became too sloppy with heel lift and foot movement. There isn't a way to lace lock the lower tight and loosen the upper slightly. Might be a good tech ice climbing boot but definitely not a mixed climbing boot.