mtnsole

When I bought the Prolite 4 and the stuff sack I wasn't sure what kind of quality to expect, especially from the stuff sack. Typically the stuff sacks are an after thought and I wasn't sure I wanted to part with $12.95 of my hard earned cash. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised after a thorough inspection. This is as good as a stuff sack as I have every owned! The seems are tight and finished well and there is a grommet that allows the cord to be secured very easy. I have paid double for silnylon stuff sacks that have not been as good. I have, on occasion, returned items that were under warranty back to Cascade Designs who have responded very quickly (which is what the first reviewer should do).

I have used my MSR Hydromedary on several backpacking trips and in my Camelback on mountain bike rides with no leaks yet. I love the wide opening that allows for easy cleaning and the Nalgene wide mouth size threads for my MSR Miniworks (they make a great team). The material is more abrasion resistant as well, avoiding easy cuts that can occur inside a pack. This contrasts to my horrible experience with the Camelback reservoir that leaked all over inside my backpack when I finally discovered the tube had seperated from the connector (soaking sleeping bag... aargh!). I would recommend the MSR Hydromedary 2 liter and 2.5 liter to anyone.

After using the tent for the first time I am sold! I spent 2 cold, rainy nights in Rocky Mtn National Park and stayed very dry throughout the night. There was a tiny bit of condensation in the morning, but found that it was the same as my double wall tents I've used in the past. The wind was crazy but having made sure it was staked out as best as possible with the super strong needle stakes, it was solid as a rock. Because of all the cubic feet I was able to drag everything inside the pack (except my food which was hanging in a tree). The best tent I have ever bought and the easiest to put up. Get it, you won't regret it!

I absolutely love my new Thermarest Dreamtime pad! Unlike the previous post I looked into what the pad consisted of. It has a Mega Rest 2" pad and a layer of posterpedic foam that apparently is very expensive to give it a super nice pillow softness. I sleep on it every night and have never been more comfortable. It is the best car camping type pad money can buy. Highly recommended!