Hodges

Unfortunately most pragmatists don't care about warm hands--myself included. Pockets are awkward, and this jacket does not insulate very well. However, it stops the wind like crazy so it enhances the insulation capabilities of your other garments--making it by far the most versatile jacket I have ever used. It's seen most of Central and Eastern Europe--from 60 degree sunny Prague afternoons to low teens snow Bavarian nights. I've yet to see anything nearly as adaptable as this jacket.

If I camped in the backcountry as much as I wanted to, I would spring for a lighter tent. However, I do more base camping and day hiking, and this tent is rugged, easy to assemble and comfortable. I am 6'4, 250, and I have no problem sharing this tent with my 5'11 girlfriend with a bit of room to spare. Easily my best camping investment.

No frills, easy packing and rugged. This has been through 5 countries and many trips on the trail and it has handled everything I have thrown at it. If you're a minimalist like me it will handle anything you can throw at it.

If I camped in the backcountry as much as I wanted to, I would spring for a lighter tent. However, I do more base camping and day hiking, and this tent is rugged, easy to assemble and comfortable. I am 6'4, 250, and I have no problem sharing this tent with my 5'11 girlfriend with a bit of room to spare. Easily my best camping investment.

Weird sizing, but when you figure them out, WOW. Greatest pants ever. Most comfortable. Gusseted crotch makes a huge difference in usability. Tetons fit different than other cuts, so be careful. They are truer to regular sizes than the mountain pants or alpine utility. Most versatile pants I own.