Contributions by TANSTAAFL (3)

I got these before the Switchback came out and now wish I had waited, although I do like the way they ski downhill. On the plus side, the free pivot really works, the extra height hasn't been a problem, and the ski crampons are easy to fit and remove. However, the switch frequently/usually clogs with snow to a greater or lesser extent, making getting into ski mode challenging, and meaning that I don't bother switching modes as often as I'd like. Note that I have not had the bindings freeze solid, rather the problem is that small ice/snow particles get into the mechanism and prevent the lever from moving. This is made worse by the stiffness of the detents, and the lack of leverage from the short lever. I've had no problems with the heel lifter - apart from the fact that there's only one height. G3 could do a better job of explaining that the Ascent climbing wires don't add a second height, they just make the lifter taller. Swapping them in and out requires ski removal and tools, and so isn't practical to do whilst out skiing. Given the jamming and the reported breakages, I am somewhat dubious about taking these too far from a ski shop, so I suspect that Switchbacks will be on my skis when I go to India next year. I really wanted to like them too... :-(

Got a set of these with my Zoid 1 tent, and have been pleasantly surprised by how easy they have been to get into the ground - and that I haven't been able to bend any yet. So far, better than any steel or aluminum wire pegs I've ever used, and work in any normal ground. Apart from snow pegs these are all that's needed.

Have had the tent since late 2004, and have used it for extended backpacking in Tasmania and mainland Australia, plus cycle touring. Have been tempted to try it out for overnight XC skiing, but haven't done so yet. Before I bought the Zoid I looked at everything I could find, and it was the only solo tent I saw that was well-made, easy to set up and pitched tight. The tent has withstood torrential rain, snow, and extremely high winds. There's just enough room inside for one person plus gear, and enough room in the vestibule for pack/panniers plus footwear, etc. IMO, it's just about perfect. My only quibble would be that it's a bit cool inside the tent when it's snowing and windy due to all the mesh, but that's not unreasonable. :-)