Contributions by Mark W (10)

We used a friend's last summer, in a group of 4. It simply kicked butt. This filter cranks out so fast with little handle pressure. I have a Hiker (also had the older PUR Hiker) and I'm getting a Guide Pro because: The Guide pumps 1.5 liters pm while the hiker does 1 lpm (50% FASTER!). The Guide needs way less handle pressure than the Hiker. The Hiker is better than any MSR I've used and the Guide is so much better than the Hiker. Small negative is you gain 3 oz (11 vs 14) with the Guide. I'll carry the 3 oz extra any day when faced with 8 or more Nalgenes and a camp bladder bag to fill up. Best filter yet!

I was looking for a light, Bivy/Bag Cover mainly for emergencies but functional as a bag cover for wet nights out, or in a snow cave/shelter etc...Pros: simple, light, cheap$. Cons: Hard to get into and out of, strange/dorky zipper, not seam sealed, seemed cheaply designed and assembled. I also tried the Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL which was small (I'm 6'/200lb) and heavy. I returned both of them. I got/love/highly recommend the MontBell UL Wide/Long Gore-Tex, seam sealed Bag Cover. Just what I was looking for, and mine weighs in at only 8.25oz including stuff sack.

As you age, this stuff gets more important. From nothing, to foam, ensolite, thermarest foam, UL thermarest 3/4 lentgh,...at 46 years old, I want the thickest pad with a reasonable weight, otherwise you don't sleep well and your trip sucks. I got a reg pro lite 4 and it works great. No complaints. My wife also uses and loves the womens version. If your 18, buck up and sleep on the ground, 35 plus...get this pad!

There is not a more usable headlamp out there. This has three settings, plus turbo boost. The diffuser works great and it has a long battery life. This is lightweight, and it’s five times better than my old Petzel Micro or Zoom. I also compared to a couple others. Unless you like blue tinted light, or you just need a spotlight, get the Tikka XP". All I can add is.....a 6th star!

I've had mine for about 6 years, although mine are 2 piece with more adjustment that these. Sweet! The swing weight is perfect with the resort baskets, a little off with the powder baskets, but still nice. My wife and nephew have a set and they love them too. I also still have a set of the old aluminum LL avalanche, decent but nothing like the composites. When switching baskets, make sure that basket is snapped in all the way before you take off, or you'll lose one like I did.

Disclaimer: I'm totally Marmot biased due to their continued focus on the highest quality, design, and great customer service. I own or have owned Marmot, Sierra Designs, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, etc...If you want the best warmth to weight ratio bag out there for most 3 season conditions, this is it. Yes, it is a little tight, but not too bad. My only 2 complaints (prefer longer zipper and/or foot ventilation) would take away from the weight trade off. Mine measured in at 1.65 lbs with stuff sack. (it's the long model). Great bag!

Pros: This bivy is light and simple, minimal design. Cons: Small, tough to get into and out of, poor quality. I tried the Black dimamond and the Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL, sent them both back and got the Mont Bell UL Gore Tex Wide and Long (8.25 oz including stuff sack). Love the Mont Bell.

Bombproof. Reliable. The best for melting snow. The Trillium stand helps stability if you don't mind the extra weight. One gripe is you have to stay on it in order to simmer. Tip, get the maintenance kit, and keep an eye on the fuel bottle O rings. They should be changed about every other year. Great stove.

Good bivy, especially if you have a Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag that zips to it. A little heavy if you want the minimum. I'm 6', and it was too short. Also, when I put it over my old Marmot Snow Goose Sleeping Bag, it got way too compressed. I sent it back.

There is not a more usable headlamp out there. This has three settings, plus turbo boost. The diffuser works great and it has a long battery life. This is lightweight, and it’s five times better than my old Petzel Micro or Zoom. I also compared to a couple others. Unless you like blue tinted light, or you just need a spotlight, get the Tikka XP.