Contributions by Craig Shelley (4)

So many people like the merino wool base layers, that I decided to check it out. In my opinion, Lightweight Patagonia Capilene is far superior. It is somewhat lighter than microweight. The big advantage is it wears much better. The microweight merino wool is far too delicate of an item.

I'm not impressed. It is probably the first time I've bought an Integral Designs product that is not especially good. It works as intended but it is very bulky. Less durable but more comfortable is to use a grocery store produce department bag.

I use these shoes with the North Face gators that attach to them for backpacking and hiking. I've used them on trails and off trail travel in the desert. This shoe allows more sand/dirt to get to my sock (through the mesh) than other shoes but I don't get sticks, stones, etc when I use the gaiters that are made to attach to them. Overall, I really like these lightweight shoes (a size 11 men’s weigh 401 grams for a pair). You do need to watch where you step or cactus needles will quickly penetrate them - the main disadvantage, especially for off trail travel.

I like the way the Big Agnes Air Core Mummy mattress slips into the bottom. I also like the sleeve to hold soft clothes for a pillow. I also like the extra girth - it makes it easier to wear extra clothing to bed to use the bag in colder temperatures. It isn't a very warm bag relative to the weight. I bought two bags and both weighed more than the manufacturer's stated weight. Overall, I think they are a good value.

I like the way the Big Agnes Air Core Mummy mattress slips into the bottom. I also like the sleeve to hold soft clothes for a pillow. I also like the extra girth - it makes it easier to wear extra clothing to bed to use the bag in colder temperatures. It isn't a very warm bag relative to the weight. I bought two bags and both weighed more than the manufacturer's stated weight. Overall, I think they are a good value.