Contributions by dweeb (14)

These little boogers are simply handy. Those of you that struggle to find the perfect gift for somebody that has EVERYTHING else...here ya go. Inexpensive, too. Suitable for gear organization; don't try hanging your own stupid-self from one.

I purchased this set to include in my emergency pack. You know, in case I encounter a natural disaster and have to flee quickly. I figured this combo would be adequate to fend off fallen trees, competitive badgers, and incompetent FEMA employees. The hardware looks up to all three tasks.

I just can't get Mountain Hardwear pants to fit me. I am 150lbs, 5'8", inseam 29/30. The waist on the mediums was too small; the inseam too long. Not the pants' fault, but MH doesn't seem to fit my build. Too bad - great detailing on the pants. The North Face plays the game better for me in the pant department.

Think that the best way to stay cool in the desert is to strip down to bare skin? I did. Luckily we sometimes get smarter with age. Staying shaded from the sun in this shirt is counter-intuitive, but affective for staying cool. An added bonus is that you don't BBQ your stupid self while trekking around half-nekked. Mountain Hardwear has carried this piece for a number of years because it works. The fabric is light, comfortable and durable. The venting does a marvelous job of moving sweat off of you - kind of like built in evaporative cooling. I would recommend the light color, as reflecting sun is good too. "Pussywillow" will not depreciate your manliness (you don't even have to tell anyone what color it is, you can just say "gray")

I wear these tops year around; in the house, skiing, running, hiking, sleeping. They feel great, manage sweat, and wash up great. If you are hesitant about the price, get one. You will quickly find that you can't live without another as your ONLY Cap 1 is in the wash basket. I can't accept cotton against my skin anymore.

OK, so you gotta wear pants to work and school. Too bad, but that's the social mandate. These pants have replaced many of my past purchases due to comfort. They are light, very soft, and roomy without being baggy-assed. Being cotton, they will not be your first choice on hikes or trekking, but I find myself reaching for these in lieu of jeans and slacks. Good value, nice cut.

I wore this jacket all through the Great Basin winter. It is a very flexible shell, at home whether downhill skiing, riding the scooter to work, or just doing errands around town. It has that special ability to seem toasty in a wide variety of conditions. I layer a minimalist down sweater under this jacket on the nastiest days. I like the fit, build quality, and color (I would call it "paprika"). I have not climbed in it, body- surfed concrete, or hunted with the Vice President, so I cannot speak for its performance in those extreme conditions. If you are shopping for a soft shell, this bad boy should be on your short list.

For those of you owned the old Patagonia expedition weight capaline, the El Cap is now the heir apparent. Worn as a layer, or on its own as a shirt, it is a must own in my inventory for both outdoor use and surviving sensible settings of the winter home thermostat. The new styling gives the El Cap a bit more flair, perfect for both hiking and a night at the opera.

My admiration for this pack is ever growing. I say that, because I have had it for almost two months, and just got to actually hike with it. The detailing makes it obvious that it was designed by folks that used it and tweaked it. The AirCore suspension ensures a comfortable fit with lots of air space between you and the pack. The ErgoPull hip belt is ingenious; you buckle, then tighten two straps toward your center, comfortably cinching the pack to your waist. The support rods and shoulder harness effectively move the load from your upper body to you hips, where the mass belongs. The detailing and thought put into this pack are astounding. I heartily recommend it, and include it with those few products that are just simply a pleasure to own. Get one!

These shorts from Outdoor Research are not likely to make any Editor's Choice lists, but they are a well-balanced offering from OR. They are light, comfortable, and well cut. There are plenty of unobtrusive zippered pockets, and the integrated belt fits well under a pack hip-pad. All in all a solid choice.

I have plenty of wicking Tee's, but none with a zipper. This short-sleeve shirt from North Face moves moisture effectively and gives you the option of exposing more flesh when appropriate. A good choice for hiking and running.

I love my Mountain Hardwear pack shorts. I believe that Mountain Hardwear is no longer making those, so I tried the Cordillera thinking it was the replacement model. Although beautifully constructed, as is typical of Mountain Hardwear products, it is not your father's pack short. I found the fit awkward on my 48 year old, rather squarish frame. I also felt that it fits more in the apes-hike category (BBQ, anyone?) than in the canyon assault inventory. I returned them in order for someone else to love them.

I am not a fan of boxer shorts, until now. Patagonia's silk weight tops are the best, and that material lends itself well to this application. I decided to try the boxers, and I am glad that I did. Other products have ridden-up under my pants, and/or given me a wedgie. The construction of these shorts prevents that (gusseted seat). The fly is also functional rather than problematic. Try a pair; the price is hefty, but you get what you pay for here.