Contributions by Kritios Boy (27)

The bag is not merely for ultralight cranks; I used it on a 5-day early-fall trip in New Hampshire with temps down to approximately 45F. Never cold. The bag was exposed to rain and dirt (never, ever use a tarp) but came through magnificently. The material feels like tissue paper but is very durable. The bag looks new after about a year of use. Loft is incredible; weight savings are great; but the real kicker is the packed size-easily down to Nalgene size. If need be, you could get it to about softball diameter. It starts a chain reaction of smaller (lighter) pack, etc, etc. The Atom is a great bag well worth the money.

The bag is not merely for ultralight cranks; I used it on a 5-day early-fall trip in New Hampshire with temps down to approximately 45F. Never cold. The bag was exposed to rain and dirt (never, ever use a tarp) but came through magnificently. The material feels like tissue paper but is very durable. The bag looks new after about a year of use. Loft is incredible; weight savings are great; but the real kicker is the packed size-easily down to Nalgene size. If need be, you could get it to about softball diameter. It starts a chain reaction of smaller (lighter) pack, etc, etc. The Atom is a great bag well worth the money.

I really like this backpack. I haven't used it hardcore yet, but it's a great design. I have the regular, and am 5'10''. It seems a bit short; in hindsight I'd get the tall. So maybe it runs a bit small. The pelican color is a great blue. The roll top opening is great; waterproof(ish) and easy to use. The backpack itself is tall and lean; it actually holds a fair amount. There’s one pocket, along the back. I wish it had a small top pocket for shades and stuff, and a way to lash jackets on the back. It just has the two hypalon loops for a board. The detailing and suspension seem to be typical Arc’teryx. It's a small daypack with a full suspension and a thin but good hip belt.

These gloves fit very well; a bit on the snug side. The pull tab is nice, the materials are all great. I just wish they had more grip, the leather is pretty slick. I love the high-loft fleece in the back of the knuckles and fingers. The gloves seemed a bit worn when I got them, I really like them, though. Hope they last, they ought to. They are very warm. I went mountain-biking for several hours, temps were probably about 30. Hands were fine.

Great puffy jacket. Ditto everyone but two things: Down moves from elbows, so there's no insulation there, and the 2-way zipper jams a lot. It needs a one-way zipper-length as this coat does not merit a double slider.

Heinously expensive, it's true. And I was shocked, nay, appalled, to see that they're made in Cambodia. I figure they outsourced from the get-go to avoid the controversy when they move from Jackson Hole to wherever. Anyways-I really like the fabric, color, and styling. They are tough and comfortable. Carhartts are stiffer. These seem a bit more polished, seams are noticeably tighter, but mainly they seemed like a cool pair of pants. Which they are. I wish the back pockets buttoned to secure my wallet, but otherwise the design's spot-on. The gusseted crotch is nice, but I can feel the extra bulk of the seams there. They're the kind of pants that you definitely will wear out (because you wear them so much, not cause they're weak), so at least you get a lot of wear for your dollars.

The Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech's virtues have been enumerated endlessly, so here's a few I've noticed: The jacket is not lined with fleece so it slides on and off easily. It's great for layering. It's really lightweight and not too hot, so it's good for spring. I like the Carbon color, as it's close to a Loden green. The sapphire is also very good. The pitzips are a very nice feature. All in all, it is a very desirable jacket.

I've only carried it a few times, but I had about 45 pounds of books and water, and the hip belt was perfect. It's really firm, but shaped just right and the pack fit me very well. I love the features. It's pretty monochromatic, but you can tell it's a top shelf rucksack. I think I'll be using it for everything for years if it doesn't get nicked.

I haven't worn these much, but they kept me dry in rain and a snowstorm. The fit is immaculate. I'm 150lb, 5ft 10in, and they're just tailored. The waist is oddly a bit tight, but otherwise I wouldn't change a thing. I could do with more pockets, but the one is enough. At any rate then pick these up. One note: they do now come with powder cuffs. They are the perfect hardshell pants.

I always liked the look and features of this jacket, so I finally got one. The medium fit very trimly in the store but I got it anyway. Well, the first few days it looked great, but felt uncomfortable. It just fit goofy. But then, all of a sudden, the Alchemy jacket began to fit perfectly. I've never had a jacket that had to be broken in, but this one does. Give it a few days, and it really will somehow 'mold' to you and all the weird feeling and restrictive-ness goes away. Buy your correct size, don't size up. The inside fleece cuffs are sweet, they seal you off. It's got a neck cinch, perfect location hand pockets, and is thicker than the average softshell so you stay warm. I wore it every day all summer in high Colorado. It's never wet through, and has been to 9 fourteener summits. Great mountaineering jacket b/c it blocks the wind and is actually tough enough for the 3rd class stuff where you're scraping along. The Alchemy jacket is a great soft shell.

I always liked the look and features of this jacket, so I finally got one. The medium fit very trimly in the store but I got it anyway. Well, the first few days it looked great, but felt uncomfortable. It just fit goofy. But then, all of a sudden, the Alchemy jacket began to fit perfectly. I've never had a jacket that had to be broken in, but this one does. Give it a few days, and it really will somehow 'mold' to you and all the weird feeling and restrictive-ness goes away. Buy your correct size, don't size up. The inside fleece cuffs are sweet, they seal you off. It's got a neck cinch, perfect location hand pockets, and is thicker than the average softshell so you stay warm. I wore it every day all summer in high Colorado. It's never wet through, and has been to 9 fourteener summits. Great mountaineering jacket b/c it blocks the wind and is actually tough enough for the 3rd class stuff where you're scraping along. The Alchemy jacket is a great soft shell.

I, too, was torn between these and the Makalus. I actually got both, but have worn these on 6 fourteeners so far. They did chew the tops of my outer toes a bit, but I taped them and so no problem. On a 3rd class ridge, they were superb. Edging is phenomenal and they aided my accent in a huge way. They're also waterproof, and don't rub my feet in any meaningful way. They tend to wear quickly, but they perform so well I won't have a problem buying another pair. And now I have the Makalus: these Trangos are so much lighter! For scrambling/mountaineering, get these. Cheers.

I strongly take issue with previous review. My dad bought the Princeton Tec LED light precisely because it had the tilting head and different light settings. Well, after a while of light use, it is nonfunctional. My Petzl Tikka, on the other hand, has worked flawlessly for 3 years on many, many camping trips. Simplicity is best. For any activity it is just perfect. The lack of a big battery box is very nice. It is reliable, cheap, and very bright (with fresh batteries). Highly recommend.

I just used this for a two day, 20 mile hike in humid Missouri. I carried 30 pounds. The pack was comfortable. I had a little soreness on my hips, but overall it was very comfortable even at heavier weights. The size is nice, too. Fit everything nicely with room for maybe a four day. There was a little abrasion on the waterproof zipper. Gregory's zippers are simply not as good as Arc'Teryx's. But the design of Gregory packs, and this one in particular, is simply better than the others. This pack has the awesome front Shovit, and the side zipper, and everything else I want. Weight is right too. For an ultra-light pack there are no sacrifices. I like it.

I've never been really wild about any pairs of shoes, Chacos excepted, but these are different. At first, they were just OK. Then I began to run, more and more, and now I do 25 miles a week. Due to this, I view my shoes with reverence. I have never had a blister. Not one. Ever. Even on a half-marathon. My dad got very similar shoes (the highline) and is similarly enthused. I believe the Hardrocks are easily the best shoes out there. I got horrific blisters from my boots on a 3-day backpacking trip, and plan to wear my Hardrocks on my upcoming 4-day. Why not wear shoes that are always comfortable? They look nondescript, but after you log a hundred miles you will revere them. Absolutely fantastic all-purpose shoes. They even dry fast.

I've never been really wild about any pairs of shoes, Chacos excepted, but these are different. At first, they were just OK. Then I began to run, more and more, and now I do 25 miles a week. Due to this, I view my shoes with reverence. I have never had a blister. Not one. Ever. Even on a half-marathon. My dad got very similar shoes (the highline) and is similarly enthused. I believe the Hardrocks are easily the best shoes out there. I got horrific blisters from my boots on a 3-day backpacking trip, and plan to wear my Hardrocks on my upcoming 4-day. Why not wear shoes that are always comfortable? They look nondescript, but after you log a hundred miles you will revere them. Absolutely fantastic all-purpose shoes. They even dry fast.

I forgot about this cause it's not a big deal, but the other reviewer wasn't wrong about the neck hole size. It is a bit of a squeeze, pretty weird actually. But then it looks neater cause the neck's snug around your collar...but that guy didn't just have a huge head, the neckhole does run pretty small...

I have to absolutely agree w/ everything Merlin Andrew said. I got mine for 350 (long story) and like it mucho. The 'wow dude' factor has worn off a bit, I hate to admit, but it's still way cool. The zippers do sorta expose their inner ness when flexed, but hey it don't matter none nohow. I too have the medium, and it fits me perfectly-long, great coverage for the buttocks, sleeves are PERFECt length, not too big. (I am 69 inches, 155 lbs.) The waterproof zippers are much easier to get at than the ones buried under flaps. One thing: the hood is great, but ya gotta cinch it down ALL THE WAY to get it to fit yor head, cause it's sized for a helmet. It works, just be aware of this. The fabric seems tough. The Gore-tex XCR is the first fabric I would truly call waterproof/breathable. I skiied hardcore for a couple hours, totally sweaty, and yet the jacket was bonedry on the inside. I think it breathes better than a cotton T-shirt. I really do. Marvelous stuff. Would I buy it again? Yeah, for one reason: because I am tired of seeing it and thinking, some day...

I just noticed when trying to put on an ice ax that the little bungee doohickers are impossible to use to secure the ice ax-you first slide it in the loop, then flip it up, but how do you get the bungee over it? Dumb bums.

I actually just got the covert for christmas, but I really like it. I got eclipse, which is a very cool color, not purply a'tall, just tasteful blue. It looks like cashmere, very dressy, but is just thermal pro which of course is quite woot. The pocket on the arm lets the folks know that what you're wearing is actually really cool not just some old man's sweater. The fit is excellent-not baggy in the torso but plenty long in arms and length-almost too much. Layers great under my (also new) Theta AR, which is for the record the beautiffulest shell in the world. But ja, the Covert Crew is great. It's actually very very warm for a sweater, it's more like a midweight fleece jacket, but layers better. Kritios Boy is quite warm.

These are good shoes, but with 2 problems. They are comfortable, waterproof, keep debris out, and are very light. But: they are very hot. I am a sweaty beastie, but these shoes seem very hot. Even w/ XCR. Also: there is just not enough foot protection. My feet were hammered after Mts. Washington and princeton, because it was so rocky. These boots are good for rain and easy hikes. For rocky hikes, you will need heavier boots. But they're great for rain.

I wanted to like these. I had two pair. The first pair didn't keep water out. Neither pair breathed worth a darn. My feet were always hot. It sounds like the perfect shoe, but I was always much happier in leather, non-goretex shoes. Do not buy these as it will be an expensive mistake.

I have had this for years. It's my first pack, but I made the right choice. It carries well, is the perfect size, is tough, well engineered. Good quality. I wish it had a hydration sleeve but the side pockets work fine. It's kinda fat when its full, but it doesn't matter. Far better balance than an E-frame, and much more comfort. I love mine.

Awright. This vest is made of Thermal Pro, which is very shaggy like fur. I got the 03 version, I think they changed it a bit. It is the perfect layering thingee, because it does not bind but is extremely warm for the weight. It weights about nothing, but I can feel the warmth in about a minute when I put it on. It's very comfy as well. It needs a waistcord badly, but otherwise the design is very good. I like this vest a lot. Kritios Boy is warm and comfy now.

This pack is bare-bones, but good. Very tough, comfortable, perfect size, slim profile, great looks. It's great for anything. A couple things, though: the mesh hipbelt is kinda slippery (but its removable, so props for that). The backpanel kinda pops in and out when the stay is not in. The stay, however, is removable, and this feature is smart for air travel. Although once, I forgot, and took it on, and the TSA people didn't even say anything-this is a 2 ft metal rod!! Kinda scary. But I digress. This pack is worth the shekels and then some. Oh yeah: it's a great deal. Kritios Boy likes his pack.

This jacket is one of those rare items that far exceeded expectations. I used it hard for 2 weeks MTBing in CO. It actually does breathe! I got caught in wicked hail, and was worried about holes-nope! Also, I spent about 5 hours in a steady rain wandering around camp trying to forget about my tarp that now had rivers running through it. I didn't really think about it, but I stayed totally dry. That really says it all. For the price, this jacket cannot be beat. It is very light, nearly as small as my old coated nylon one. And it's got pit zips! Hurray! Kritios Boy is cool and dry!

I searched on the internet to find one on sale for over 2 months. Daily. Obsessively. Couldn't do it. There's a good reason they never go on sale. This product actually works as advertised-not of it's hype. I stay comfortably warm in class, then do a freezing blitz on my bike and I'm warm. It is a lot less bulky, too. I couldn't be happer with it. Kritios Boy is warm now. P.S. It looks really, really cool.

I was pleasantly surprised to be able to forget the WICKED ENORMOUS price. These are actually worth it. Very comfortable, sweet looking, awesome tan lines you get from them. The grip is very powerful. They get a lot less slimy than my tevas because they lack the 'anti-microbial' footbed thingee. Overall, they're way comfortable and Colin Fletcher was right-I "wear them 90% of the time there isn't snow on the ground."

The Marmot Pinnacle is a great bag. Beware, though: it is extremely warm and is too much for most conditions. However, you don't ever have to worry about the cold. It is much wider than most bags, so it is more comfortable. Stuffs down reasonably small, but not so much as to elicit a gasp of wonder. The main thing, though, is warmth: it's just so plump and girthy. I got the footbox area pretty dang wet cause I, uh, left the car windows open and it, uh rained. But my feet stayed dry. I was impressed. It's a wicked lot of dough, but worth it. I recommend it most highly. Girthy.

Wore these dang things into the ground. Climbed Mt. Yale plus a load of smaller hikes. Don't do Yale in these--it will kill your achilles. But anyhow, these shoes are perfect for MTBing, hiking, hanging around-tough, comfortable, and not at all flashy. Only issue is the problem w/ foot sliding for'ard-toes jam on steep descents, and the metal eyelet lacing makes tightening up a pain. But overall, they are worth the money and quality is great. Footbeds self-destruct inside a week, but they are not a big problem. These shoes are tough, tough, tough!