Contributions by bckcntry bandit (6)

The Hiker is a great filter that will give you years of reliability and efficiency. The system is light and very compact. I don't like the pump system as much as the MSR Miniworks but overall it has better features than the MSR. You won't break the filter if you drop it like the ceramic MSR one's and the quick disconnects are nice which allow you too backfill your bladder. The hiker doesn't clog very easily either.(I used the MSR in Yellowstones water's and I had to scrub it every 1 or 2 fills) You can't go wrong with the Hiker Pro because of its reliability, efficiency, weight, and compactness when stored.

I'd actually give it a 3.5 rating. The Pocket Rocket is a nice little stove that gets the job done in all conditions except altitude, cold, and lots of wind as expected from canister stoves. It boils really fast and weighs almost nothing. The pot supports could be a little sturdier and wider but this is how they save weight I suppose. It is also a little tricky to find a level spot on rocky terrain but I guess that is to be expected as well. All in all a nice little stove that gets the job done in all conditions except the ones mentioned.

This is a great little way to make a chair in the backcountry. Who knew such a thing would be such a luxury. I like to keep it simple when backpacking but my back really, really enjoys the backrest of a chair. Thermarest got it right by combining ligthweight and sturdiness with this little baby. No more sitting on logs with no backrest!

I'd actually give it a 3.5 rating. The Pocket Rocket is a nice little stove that gets the job done in all conditions except altitude, cold, and lots of wind as expected from canister stoves. It boils really fast and weighs almost nothing. The pot supports could be a little sturdier and wider but this is how they save weight I suppose. It is also a little tricky to find a level spot on rocky terrain but I guess that is to be expected as well. All in all a nice little stove that gets the job done in all conditions except the ones mentioned.

This is a great bag for the price! I like to sleep a little on the cool side so this bag is plenty warm enough for me with a 25 deg. rating. I've used the bag all over the intermountain west and it has done me proud. I've tested it in about 20-25 deg. and I have stayed plenty warm, but that doesn't mean you will... depending upon how you sleep (cold or hot?) It's light and packs really small (with a compression sack). The foot vent is really nice when you do get a little overheated as well. The hood fits great and traps lots of heat which is usually to much for my taste. This bag is a great buy over any high-end bag if your on a budget. Sure I would like a 900-fill bag that weighs almost nothing...but not for the price they cost.

I love these shirts! I spent a week in Yellowstone during late August and temps were in the low 30's during the night and early morning. I wore the t-shirt version of this and the long sleeve together with a light rain jacket and it was perfect (this was how I got around bringing a softshell). The fit is really nice for me. It is has a slightly athletic cut but not too tight either. I'm kind of on the skinny side, so I don't like a lot of extra fabric. I find it is all I need on crisp mornings with my t-shirt underneath. Love the zippered front and lining on the collar too. I can't ever find similar shirts from mountain hardwear, arc'teryx, or whoever that can match a price like this and performance. I'm on a budget so I can't spend $50 or $60 bucks for a shirt. You won't be disappointed with this shirt!

The tadpole is a very storm-worthy tent with simple features and nothing you don't need. Tested it in numerous places from Idaho, Yellowstone, to Gr. Canyon. Held up perfectly in Idaho wind and sleet. Experienced some condensation inside the tent but it rolled off nicely right down the sides of the fly onto the ground. Lots of mesh which doesn't do so well with blowing sand but is nice for breathability. Footprint doesn't fit so well, could do w/o it. Interior space is adequate. I'm 6'3" & used with my 6' buddy with NO elbow room but plenty of length. Only real complaint is interior height, but otherwise a solid, simple, easily setup, and well built tent.

What can I say about this pad that hasn't been said already. This is a great pad for a number of reasons. Very light, packs down to about the size of a football and super comfy for a 1.5in pad. I've used the ridge rest line of pads, Cabelas self-inflating, air mattresses, and this beats everyone hands down. The comfort to weight ratio is great. You can find lighter pads but they won't be as comfortable and give as good as nights rest as this.