Reviews
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Marmot Power Stretch Half Zip Top
This marriage of Polartec’s technologically advanced Power Stretch fabric and Marmot’s legendary quality results in just exactly what you…
reviewed by Richard Proulx
August 21, 2013
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Outdoor Research HighCamp Gloves
The Outdoor Research Highcamp Gloves are comfortable Primaloft lined winter gloves designed for moderately cold and wet winter weather. The…
reviewed by Richard Proulx
August 20, 2013
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Patagonia R1 Pullover
The Patagonia R1 is the ultimate mountain shirt. It is great as an insulating piece in cold weather and a great stand-alone fleece in cool weather.
reviewed by Ashleigh
August 19, 2013
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5 comments
Ultimate Survival Technologies Sparkie
Ultimate Survival Technologies' Sparkie is a decent flint-steel emergency backup for starting a fire. At 1 ounce and $8, it's an easy addition…
reviewed by G00SE
August 13, 2013
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4 comments
Mountain House Turkey Tetrazzini
Tasty, nutritious, filling. Good textrure. One of the dehydrated meals I bought to feed a couple of clients on a week-long trip to the Canadian…
reviewed by Peter1955
August 11, 2013
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2 comments
ZPacks Hexamid Solo-Plus
Awesome ultralight shelter for one person, or two people if they're really cozy. Easily usable as a 3-season shelter, with proper sleeping gear… 
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1 comment
Black Diamond Firstlight
Great tent as long as you're USING IT AS INTENDED. Great tent as long as you're USING IT AS INTENDED. This is NOT a backpacking tent, this is… 
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Big Agnes Scout UL2
I'm loving the tent and have had several friends that I camp with already decide that it is one they would like to purchase. I plan to use this… 
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Katadyn Pocket
Bombproof filter that creates safe drinking water without any nasty side effects. Effectiveness: This filter is rated to a minimum particulate…
reviewed by Alex Redington
August 4, 2013
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4 comments
Backpacker's Pantry Santa Fe Chicken
A meal that'll make better friends with your appetite than your tentmate(s). Backpacker's Pantry offers up a spicy combination of chicken, chiles,…
reviewed by Eric Labanauskas
August 4, 2013
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MSR Folding Spoon
Short enough to nest inside a cookset. Long enough to hit the bottom of your freeze-dried meal. MSR's folding spoon solves both these problems,…
reviewed by Eric Labanauskas
August 4, 2013
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A3 Honey Graham S'mores Bar
Don't expect to spear this with a stick and roast it over the campfire. While "s'mores" flavored, this is an energy bar and is more about nutrition…
reviewed by Eric Labanauskas
July 26, 2013
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1 comment
Kind Fruit & Nut Bar
In two words? Freakin' delicious. In more words than that? A fruit and nut bar that is exactly that: sizable and fresh-tasting fruits and nuts.
reviewed by Eric Labanauskas
July 26, 2013
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1 comment
Osprey Xenith 75
I've tested and used this pack over many miles on several backpacking trips and it did not disappoint. The 75 is part of the newly redesigned…
reviewed by TNHiker70
July 17, 2013
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3 comments
Dutchware Ridgeline Biners
Dutchware is a cottage manufacturer providing incredibly well-made equipment primarily used for hammock camping, but with other applications…
reviewed by G00SE
July 10, 2013
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6 comments
Mountain Hardwear Way2Cool Arms
The Way2Cool sleeves are a rather unique product designed to help keep you cool. They are made with a fabric that Mountain Hardwear calls Cool…
reviewed by trouthunter
June 20, 2013
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1 comment
Osprey Talon 44
Relatively lightweight internal frame pack that is much heavier than other frameless ultralight options, but does not provide the stability/suspension…
reviewed by Danny Wang
June 18, 2013
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Bahco Laplander Folding Saw
A great, lightweight handsaw to toss in your pack. It works well at cutting wood for a fire as well as clearing smaller sized blowdown from…
reviewed by PNW_John
June 13, 2013
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Pillow
This pillow is a lightweight product that follows the theme of the very popular NeoAir mattress line. It is compact when rolled up, comes with…
reviewed by PNW_John
June 11, 2013
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MSR Groundhog Tent Stake
Lightweight, strong tent stake with good holding power. A tent stake is a low-key, basic item that just needs to work. These do. A tent stake…
reviewed by gazedrop
June 11, 2013
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2 comments
Trangia 27-8 UL/HA
An ideal, reasonably lightweight cooking system for those who are willing to carry a bit of extra weight in order to have everything, but the…
reviewed by G00SE
June 9, 2013
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Trangia 27-5 UL
A complete cook system that is quiet and efficient. Always a pleasure to be around. I'm an "Outdoor Professional" having worked as an Outward… 
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Jetboil Personal Cooking System (PCS)
If you often travel solo and are looking to cut your pack weight, the Jetboil PCS is the obvious choice. Its diminutive size and miserly fuel…
reviewed by Dave MacLeay
January 17, 2007
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A3 Honey Graham S'mores Bar
A nice little crispy snack bar, good s'mores flavor. A3 Action Snax Honey Graham & S’mores I like S’mores. Anything s’mores flavored…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
May 17, 2013
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5 comments
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir
Light, comfortable, packs up small. Basically, there are three different types of backpacking mattresses, the familiar blue or yellow closed-cell…
reviewed by Peter1955
May 15, 2013
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5 comments
Soul Poles original soul :: trek
Soul Poles tried to take their existing ski poles, and market them as a trekking pole. The result was a disaster. I was excited to receive a…
reviewed by Arson
May 14, 2013
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4 comments
Scarpa Rapid LT
A real challenger. Lightweight with minimalist comfort, and modern design. An excellent light trail shoe with good traction and good foot protection.
reviewed by Peter1955
May 10, 2013
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5 comments
Rab Infinity Jacket
The Infinity jacket by Rab is designed to be super-light, yet very warm. This 850 European down jacket weighs only 18 oz and even has a hood.
reviewed by TNHiker70
May 7, 2013
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2 comments
Outdoor Research Drycomp Ridge Sack
A well built summit pack that is able to carry the essentials and tools when bagging peaks from a base camp. I sought out this pack to fill…
reviewed by Jim51111
May 6, 2013
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2 comments
Patagonia Baggies Shorts
Patagonia's Baggies are my go-to, do it all shorts. They are lightweight, breathable, packable, abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, quick drying…
reviewed by Ashleigh
May 3, 2013
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1 comment
Solo Stove
A no-brainer stove. With abundant wood availability, this is my go-to backpacking stove. This is an excellent stove, with a few important limitations. … 
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7 comments
Westcomb Apoc Jacket
The Holy Grail is Found: After using Gore-Tex Pro Shell, Performance Shell, and Paclite products for many years, and never having been very…
reviewed by Richard Proulx
April 19, 2013
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GSI Infinity Insulated Mug
The GSI Infinity Insulated Mug is my go-to backpacking cup. It is lightweight, sturdy, insulated, and has a lid. I use it for hot chocolate,…
reviewed by Ashleigh
April 14, 2013
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1 comment
CritterMap Backcountry Navigator for Android
Topo map GPS navigation program for Android phones. Download maps in advance from various map sources, or custom source and use them in realtime…
reviewed by OldCodgerMe
April 9, 2013
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2 comments
Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest
It exceeded my expectations. I like the compactness. When I saw this at the flea market, I immediately snatched it up. I had been seeing these…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
April 4, 2013
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SolHuma VitalGrill Survival Stove
The Vital Stove is a good quality, compact twig stove that uses a tiny battery powered fan to burn twigs and ground litter completely and cleanly.
reviewed by PineMartyn
March 29, 2013
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CamelBak All Clear
I am saying goodbye to iodine. I have been using iodine tablets to purify water ever since I learned that not all clear, flowing water is drinkable…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
March 26, 2013
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2 comments
Optimus Vega Stove
The Optimus Vega is a small, lightweight remote canister stove billed as a high performance four-season stove because of its ability to easily…
reviewed by JimDoss
March 24, 2013
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Exped SynMat 7 Pump
Save your lungs! The Exped SynMat 7 Pump takes the strain out of sleeping soundly. As my user name might imply, I'm a big guy. Sleeping on…
reviewed by bigger al
March 24, 2013
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MSR Groundhog Tent Stake
The MSR Groundhog Tent Stake is a lightweight, reliable stake that holds in all, but the softest of soils. It has held my hammock tarp in extremely…
reviewed by G00SE
March 15, 2013
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1 comment
Feathered Friends Snow Goose
This is the mother of all high quality goose down sleeping bags. It is overbuilt in every regard. This bag will go to most any place on the… 
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3 comments
Gibbs Smith 98.6 Degrees - The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive!
Best survival book ever. It's a must-read for any outdoorsman. I would and have recommended this book to anyone in search of outdoor survival.
reviewed by shenora1116
February 5, 2013
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5 comments
Galibier Super Guide
These are by far the best mountain boots ever conceived. The boots are of a very heavy leather that will last for better than a quarter century… 
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Warbonnet RidgeRunner
A hammock you can lay on your stomach in? It's true. I am a devoted stomach sleeper and find this hammock to be my answer to a comfortable night's… 
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MSR WhisperLite
Simply the THE BEST compact camp stove I've ever used! I've had mine for 20+ years and still have not found anything better for canoe trips… 
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Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
The Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket is a an ultralight, breathable, and compressible rain/wind shell. The shell is made of 2.5-layer 30D Pertex…
reviewed by Devil Dog
January 15, 2013
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1 comment
Platypus plusBottle
A water bottle that stores flat or rolled up, takes up virtually no space, is durable, and weighs just .8 oz. What's not to love!? I decided…
reviewed by TheRambler
January 9, 2013
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Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 2
I have had this tent for a month and could not be more impressed. The Light Path Two is a semi lightweight, two-pole tent that requires four…
reviewed by Gavin Clarke
January 8, 2013
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1 comment
Big Agnes Lynx Pass 1
Good tent for a good price. This is a great tent! I have been using Big Agnes Lynx Pass 1 for two years with no complaints. It is quick…
reviewed by Tretyak Volodymir
December 22, 2012
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Princeton Tec Remix
A very bright headlamp with multiple settings, but it didn't hold up to the humidity in South Florida. I have been through two of these. The…
reviewed by Lah
December 7, 2012
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Petzl Zipka Plus 2
A quality and innovative headlamp with both red and white light settings as well as a low-battery indicator. I have owned many headlamps but…
reviewed by Lah
December 7, 2012
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Petzl e+LITE
A brilliant design..even the barrel tie serves a double funtion as a whistle. I have owned many headlamps by now, but all the best and longest-lasting…
reviewed by Lah
December 7, 2012
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2 comments
The North Face Eat My Dust Skirt
The North Face Eat My Dust Skirt is a great skirt for trail running or hiking! I have used it on multiple hiking trips and it has performed…
reviewed by Ashleigh
November 30, 2012
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2 comments
Nikon AW100
Rock hard, waterproof camera that is packable and loaded with features. Hello fellow trail enthusiast, If you are like me, you love to get the…
reviewed by mntman911
November 26, 2012
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HammockGear Incubator 40°
Hammock under quilt that is well made and has a realistic temperature rating. I have switched to a hammock as my primary shelter after many… 
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2 comments
Bare Boxer Contender
The Bare Boxer Contender is a budget bear canister that is light and more importantly, approved by IGBC and SIBBG for use in both Grizzly and…
reviewed by mangus7175
November 12, 2012
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Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15°
If you are like me, a bigger guy, who likes to sleep on his side, yet stay warm and be comfy all night, then you will love the Big Agnes Lost… 
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2 comments
Cold Cold World Chernobyl
Great no frills 1-2 day alpine pack. So I love to try out small business gear and off brand stuff. I decided after hearing about CCW online… 
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2 comments
Trailspace Trail Runner Cap
Lightweight, breathable, and offers good coverage. Before receiving this hat, I was using a cotton based visor that I typically paired with…
reviewed by mangus7175
October 9, 2012
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Six Moon Designs Starlite
I recommend the SMD Starlite for a through hiker or a person who starts trips with heavy loads. It is better at carrying heavy loads than other…
reviewed by Pika
October 3, 2012
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Optimus Heat Insulation Pouch
Top quality with pockets to keep hands warm while eating. Works very well indeed. Well to start with, I have made all my pot cozies using silver…
reviewed by john261
October 3, 2012
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1 comment
SteriPEN Classic
Terrific when it works, query battery cost and reliability long term. We have had our Steripen for two years and generally we think it is great…
reviewed by Donna
September 13, 2012
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2 comments
Kifaru KU3700
This is a 3700 cubic inch light backpack built by a long time U.S. manufacturer normally associated with hunting and military personnel. With… 
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7 comments
InstaFire
InstaFire is an easy-to-use granulated firestarting material and fuel which lights readily with a match or lighter, burns cleanly, and doesn’t…
reviewed by pillowthread
August 31, 2012
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Warbonnet Blackbird Double Layer 1.7
Great camping hammock! Very comfortable. Doesn't come with a tarp but you can purchase one separately. Set up for the Blackbird is pretty simple. 
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2 comments
MSR Snow Fluke
I found the MSR fluke to have some interesting and potentially significant improvements over older designs. This extension of their venture…
reviewed by Bill S
August 8, 2012
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7 comments
Stansport Star-Lite 2
Low cost mesh covered, bathtub bottom, 2-man tent with fly. Same design as the Kelty Salida 2 but bigger, and only weighs one pound more. After… 
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1 comment
ALPS Mountaineering Extreme 3 Outfitter
This tent is a bit heavier that the Extreme 3 having a thicker floor and wider zippers. These are an added bonus adding weather protection in… 
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1 comment
WrightSock CoolMesh II Lo Quarter Sock
These socks were comfortable for about 25 miles of hiking. Then the two layers of material started moving independently, causing the outer layer…
reviewed by bheiser1
July 13, 2012
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1 comment
Marmot Zion Jacket
Lighter and better-fitting than I expected, I look forward to cold weather. This started as a preliminary review about fit and features. I am…
reviewed by andrew f.
June 19, 2012
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Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP
Ok, this stuff is the deal. This stuff was invented by a North Idaho forest fire fighter. That's where I was and what I was doing when I discovered…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
June 4, 2012
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Van Gorkom Custom Hiking Boots
These boots are NOT suited to significant backpacking or really anything other than day hikes over even terrain. While comfortable on the flat,… 
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Big Agnes Q-Core
Very comfortable, very warm. Lighter than any self inflating pad, heavier than most air pads. I used the long/wide Big Agnes Q-Core pad on an… 
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McHale Super Critical Mass II
When I was on the market for an expedition backpack, a co-worker suggested that I check out McHale's packs. After looking at his website, I…
reviewed by Tamerlin
January 25, 2012
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1 comment
SmartWool Microweight Crew
This microweight long-sleeve crew, made from SmartWool's NTS (next to skin) 150 g/sq m merino wool, can be used for days without building a…
reviewed by pillowthread
February 23, 2012
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Warbonnet Superfly
The Superfly Tarp is a 132" x 120" 'four season' tarp. A four season tarp is a tarp with doors so that the tarp can be completely closed off…
reviewed by TheRambler
November 30, 2011
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The North Face Ecwt
This Ecwt was manufactured by The North Face Company for use by the military in extreme cold weather (ECWS) conditions. Now made by Eureka.
reviewed by Sumflow
November 28, 2011
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Rossignol BC 125 Positrack
I live in Alaska and bought the BC 125s to get away from the lift lines and crowds. I put Voile Switchback bindings on them and use the Scarpa… 
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Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym
I got to spend a few weeks with this hammock on loan from a friend. Here's my thought on it.
reviewed by Arson
November 12, 2011
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Exped SynMat 7 Pump
I just received this inflatable pad in the mail today. It seems like a really nice pad. Appears to be put together really well. I bought the…
reviewed by rob5073
October 14, 2011
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Asolo FSN 95 GTX
I found the boots very comfortable and stable. I have a wide foot and these worked great for me on some pretty steep and rocky terrain. HOWEVER,… 
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Osprey Talon 22
The Talon 22 was exactly was I was looking for in a pack. I needed a lightweight pack for 3 purposes: 1. Day hikes - I have a laptop pack already…
reviewed by humble_67
June 26, 2011
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Leki Micro Stick
The Leki Micro Stick is a departure from the standard, telescopic trekking pole design. Instead, it's a three-section, folding pole, much like…
reviewed by trouthunter
June 15, 2011
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Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap
Size-Large Color-Khaki I have two of these wonderful hats. I personally cannot rave enough about them. I have worn them in very warm temps (95+)…
reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
April 6, 2011
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Kelty Trekker 3900
Well, I just joined Trailspace and saw that no one has reviewed the K3900. I’ve had this pack for several years now and it’s the only pack…
reviewed by Patman
March 3, 2011
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Black Diamond Cyborg
Last winter I lost a crampons while leading ice and had to buy a new pair for this season. I was looking at what is easily available to us…
reviewed by Louis-Alexis
December 20, 2010
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LightHeart Gear Solo
This is a great double wall tent. I have used other tents like the MSR Hubba Hubba that weighed way too much. Over the past few years I have… 
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1 comment
Mountainsmith Dog Pack
I love this pack!!! This thing has made it through hell and back and keeps goin. I sprayed a little silicone waterproof on and it can handle… 
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2 comments
Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker Asym
I purchased this hammock for my 2008 Southbound thru hike on the Appalachian Trail. I liked the price. Not sure what to expect but in hindsight…
reviewed by Bearwalker
September 16, 2010
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Sea to Summit iPood Pocket Trowel
I got this little trowel to replace a military-type entrenching tool. A lot of what I use the e-tool for is digging cat holes. Sometimes I use… 
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NEMO Meta 2P
I have the Meta 2P. I recieved it on July 27th, and have slept in it every night since then. I LOVE this tent, it is by far the best tent I…
reviewed by TheRambler
August 1, 2010
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ULA Equipment Catalyst
This pack is absolutely cavernous. It swallowed all my gear without using the extension collar space. The bellowed side pockets allowed larger…
reviewed by Chris C
July 13, 2010
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Scarpa SL M3
In the past 3 years I have worn these boots in a multitude of conditions and temperatures from the Cascade Range to the Appalachian Mountains… 
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Primus EtaPower EF
This is hands down the most efficient stove I've ever owned. Proof? 5 weeks on the trail with one big can of gas. Used for coffee in the morning,… 
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REI Flash 65 Pack
I have put a couple hundred miles on this pack in the north Georgia mountains. This pack has compression straps in all the right places making…
reviewed by Keith M
February 14, 2010
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Eagles Nest Outfitters Ember Underquilt
Here's my review of Eagles Nest Outfitters "Ember" underquilt.
Part I:
Part II:
Enjoy!
reviewed by Arson
February 1, 2010
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MSR E-Wing
When a buddy of mine first bought an E-Wing I laughed in his face. "Who needs a tarp? Just wear a rain coat." That's what I said. Well the next…
reviewed by mluna785
October 22, 2009
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JanSport Carson 80
I used a Trailwise ext. frame backpack from 1972 through 2006. It finally just wore out. I had seen a lot of internal frame packs during that…
reviewed by Brerarnold
August 28, 2009
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Primus OmniFuel
The downsides to this stove are well-known, it's loud and it's heavy. I read a lot about the various models on the market before settling for…
reviewed by Tomas
August 19, 2009
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Jacks 'R' Better No Sniveller Quilt
To begin, the No Sniveller is a true multi-use piece of gear. Weighing in at only 21 ounces, it lofts to about 2.5 inches of 800 fill down insulation. 
