Contributions by SoggyInSeattle (14)

There aren't too many 4 person backpacking tents out there, and even fewer 4-season tents for under this price, but this is one of them. Fits four, but the person sleeping perpendicular should be on the shorter size. This tent has a nice rain fly, and two vestibles. The vestibles are large enough that we were able to put packs in one, and shoes in the other.

Black Diamond makes another leash for a couple of dollars less that is simpler and, well, it is simpler. This leash makes a lot of sense for an ice tool, but for an axe what it offers is just more cost and a bit more bulk.

I'm only 5'9", but still found the 60cm a bit short. Note that one of ways Black Diamond shaved weight was to make the axe a bit smaller. I'm not chiseling steps, so it doesn't matter to me.

For the most part, these boots are what I was expecting. A fit similar to my Adrenalines, but much more comfortable to tour in. Somewhat surprisingly, the boot becomes reasonably rigid when fully buckled with the power strap fastened. I also have the same complaint with the Mega Rides as the Adrenalines, namely the rivets used to attach the buckle strap to the boot suffers significant damage from the ski edge. It would appear that Garmont chose a soft alloy like aluminum. I've emailed Garmont asking for advice on how to handle, but in the meantime I've covered the rivet head with a small patch of Kevlar.

The Comfort is my first Dynafit binding, and I've only been out once so far on them, but...they tour like a dream, and provide a very firm attachment for the descent. I have been using the Fritchi Freerides, which, according to the literature, may provide a safer release mechanism, but, relatively speaking, they are heavy and clunky to climb in. And while the Fritchi provides an extra heel lift position (four compared to three), I didn't miss it. The only negative to the Dynafit is the lack of toe release when climbing. I'd feel more comfortable knowing my skis would easily release in the event I was buried on the climb up. However, I suspect an avalanche might ignore this binding design limitation and separate my toe from my ski anyway.

The fit isn't the best, requires a bit of force to get it to engage, but I think a few minutes in the shop bending and filing is likely all that is needed to get a good fit.

The installed mantle made the trip in my pack without crumbling, so I've not had to use these spares.

The lantern met my expectations. My only complaint is what I believe is common to all of these single-globe lanterns, namely the limited light output. Rated by the manufacturer as 80W, I'd probably say the actual is 40W.

Given its weight, I don't plan on taking it packing with me. I really wanted one to see what it would be like, but in retrospect I probably could have bought a small camping chair for less to do the same thing.

I've yet to take this bag out on a really cold night, but so far so good. It comes with a nice stuff sack with compression straps, and a larger sack for storage at home. All in all a good value.

Nice upgrade from my older Thermarests. This one folds in half lengthwise and rolls into a small stuff sack (not included).

A small stuff sack made with extremely thin material, which I'm hoping is more durable than it looks. Buy this if you don't want the hassle of having to shop around, otherwise I'd see if I could find something a bit more rugged for less money.

This is my second pair. Best overall ski I've found, excelling in everything but hard pack and ice, which I avoid anyway. Some folks don't like the Rockets. I suspect those that like to go only straight, or who are large framed, might find the ski too flimsy.

I have five days on them so far, three in the backcountry and two in the resorts, and so far so good. My main concern prior to purchasing was talk of there being a fair amount of flex in the rail. The various reviews sometimes touch on the subject, one of which noted that the Naxo had more flex. However, after skiing on them, I have to say that if there is flex I don't notice it. Perhaps if I was spending my time on groomers, especially hardpack, it might be evident, but who wants to ski groomers anyway?