Reviews by User: Ben Cook (109)

I love the Jetboil. The small fuel canisters are the only way to go. They fit into the stove’s cup to make a completely self-contained system. The efficiency of the Jetboil is so great that the small canisters will net you more boiled water than the larger canisters will when used with other stoves. So with the Jetboil and the jet power fuel, basically you get more fuel(due to great efficiency) and less weight (due to smaller canister). On my first trip with the Jetboil, I brought three cans of fuel to be safe and for three guys on a 26 mile, 3-day trip. We used to Jetboil for breakfast and dinner. We used the same can of fuel for the entire trip and had some left over.

I have an old Camelbak that came with the old, narrow-mouth design. I decided to upgrade to this one because I was tired of the ten minute ritual of cleaning and drying the bladder after each use. I am not sorry about my choice. I can get in there to clean and dry it better. I can put ice in more than a cube at a time. The best part is the handle. It makes filling easy. I have had my old bladder for six-plus years, and it was still going strong. I expect similar service from this one.

These poles are great. I have used poles for years without the positive angle and my wrists would sometimes hurt after a long day on the trail. Not with these poles. The positive angle on the grip allows for a much more natural wrist position particularly when going down hill. The anti-shock can be turned off if you want as well. I always leave it on but it is nice to have the option. There is a bit of a learning curve to hiking with poles, but once you get the hang of it you'll always want them with you.

I used my Pinnacle last night for the first time. This is a quality bag. The fit and finish of the construction is perfect. The collar around your face is hook-and-loop free and is very comfortable. There is plenty of squirm space in this bag which I like. The footbox is super warm. I can't say enough good about this bag. Fully satisfied with the purchase and with this site. I explained what I wanted to one of their Gearheads, and he nailed it when recommending this bag. Thanks.

I used my Pinnacle last night for the first time. This is a quality bag. The fit and finish of the construction is perfect. The collar around your face is hook-and-loop free and is very comfortable. There is plenty of squirm space in this bag which I like. The footbox is super warm. I can't say enough good about this bag. Fully satisfied with the purchase and with this site. I explained what I wanted to one of their Gearheads, and he nailed it when recommending this bag. Thanks.

I love the modular hauler system. I have the cubes organized by their contents on some shelves in my basement. First Aid and hydration in one, Cooking gear in another, Winter clothes in another, Winter gear in another, and so on. Depending on the planned activity I grab the cubes I need put them in the hauler and away I go. I put table of contents in the clear lids to identify contents. The cubes are different colors so it is easy to organize with them. Blue for winter, red for first aid etc. They also help in packing for a backpacking trip and make it easy to put things away when you get home. The cubes are the best part of the system and you get more bang for your buck when purchased in the system. The hauler is handy too.

I have had a Thermarest Base camp for three years now. It is the only mattress I use for winter camping and car camping. It insulates from the ground better than most mattresses of the same weight. I am 6' even and the large fits better than just right. I have used other mats in snow caves and been cold. Not with the base camp. The materials used are top notch. This thing has and will last for me I am sure.

I like this bag a lot. I was reluctant to try the Big Agnes style of sleep, not insulation on the bottom and all. Talk about thinking outside the box. I was already sold on the Big Agnes Insulated aircore pad. I guess the bag was naturally the next step. I was concerned about the pad being attached to the bag because I thought side sleeping would be difficult. The bag is cut to allow side sleeping. Also another thing is this is very roomy. Lots of wiggle space. Great design. Great constrution. Great Bag.

This lantern works well. Don't expect the output of a big two mantle lantern. It works good enough to cook by. Great if you don't want to light a fire to get light. Make sure you bring extra mantles. Each time you pack it the mantle will need to be replaced. Everyone will be glad you brought it on your trip just remember the mantles. Very fuel efficient.

This is a great sock for a great value. Two pairs for the price of one pair of wool socks. I have had two pairs for the last six months. I wear thick socks because I am on my feet all day at work. They still look new. These socks are the first ones out of the sock drawer. They are great for hiking as well.

The Rumba is a great carrier. My son loved it. It is very plush for the passenger. The driver also has it pretty good as well. The harness is adjustable with the pack on, including torso length. The payload is huge. My wife carried the three sleeping bags and the tent in her pack, and I carried everything else we needed for an overnight backpack trip in the Rumba. I carried 65 pounds including my son, and it felt great on my back. This is the best design I have seen in a kid carrier.

This bag is very versatile. I typically like to have some "move around room" in a sleeping bag. When winter camping, I am willing to sacrifice room for warmth. In the early spring unzip the expander and you get more room and an around 15F rated bag. I am 6' and I got the long. It’s great for me, but I like to have room. Great bag.

I like this bag a lot. I was reluctant to try the Big Agnes style of sleep, not insulation on the bottom and all. Talk about thinking outside the box. I was already sold on the Big Agnes Insulated aircore pad. I guess the bag was naturally the next step. I was concerned about the pad being attached to the bag because I thought side sleeping would be difficult. The bag is cut to allow side sleeping. Also another thing is this is very roomy. Lots of wiggle space. Great design. Great constrution. Great Bag.

I have been wanting the Tikka XP ever since I saw my buddies in use on a trip this past summer. The Tac part of the TacTikka is for the 4 different colors of diffusers that it comes with. White, Red, Blue, Green. It even comes with a little holder for a spare diffuser that mounts on the headband. One goes in the light the other in the holder. I like the red. Super cool. The Adapt part is pretty cool as well. It is a modular system that allows different mountings for your lamp. It comes with a headband attachment, a helmet attachment, and a belt/jacket clip attachment as well. Very much increases the utility of this already useful tool. Great thinking Petzl!

These give you the best of both worlds as far as shoes and sandals go. They are super comfortable. I was looking for a cooler shoe than my Gore-Tex ones. I may have gone overboard with the Taos. Very cool as you can see with all the holes. The soles have deep traction lugs that really hook up. I have an 11.5 EE sized foot and the 11.5 fit perfectly. If my feet weren't so wide I may have go for an 11, but I am happy with the fit I have. As for smell mentioned by another reviewer, I haven't had a problem, at least no one has said I do. They have an anti-stink coating or something to fix that. Also when I got them I was pleased to learn they are made with specially treated leather that makes them machine washable.

I have had a Camelbak Blowfish for 4 years now. It is far and away the most used piece of gear I own. It looks like they have made some improvements to the one that I own. Like the air director panel and the better reservoir. One of my favorite features is still there and that is the expandable big pocket. That is so handy. I use it mountain biking, hiking, going to the park, sporting events, and many other ways. Having the expandable pocket allows for customization depending on the use and the logistics of that use. I open it up to add rain gear or food depending on my activities. You won't be disappointed with the blowfish.

These are a very well thought out pair of pants. I used them on a 28-mile backpack trip this past weekend. I didn't break out the clean pair I intended to change into mid-trip because I liked them so much. The pockets are a great size. On one leg my GPS fits in a pocket and there is another pocket beside it that is the same size. The other leg had room for my camera and a map and the back pocket is zippered. I used that to hold my trash and trash I found along the trail. I haven't found uses for the other pockets yet but I am sure I will. I am going to get another pair so I don't have to settle for anything less on my next trip. These are really great pants.

Very comfortable kicks. The traction is amazing. The siping is why. If you don't know what siping is it is little slits in the sole and when you don't need as much traction they stay shut for longer wear. When the sole is under pressure the slits split a bit and create hundreds of biting edges holding on really tight. Pretty cool. These are super comfortable and the lacing gets them fit to your foot so you get great support. Think comfort of Crocs with a killer sole and support. They also have a shank in the sole so you don't have sharp rocks poking up into your foot. Very unique looking and that is a good thing. I love mine.

I have one of these that is 10 years old. The only problem I have ever had is the O ring cracked and started to break. Even with the cracking it never leaked. I replaced it and it is as good as new. I do like the newer bottles for their superior top. Bottom line is you can't go wrong with this fuel bottle

I have one of these that is 10 years old. The only problem I have ever had is the O ring cracked and started to break. Even with the cracking it never leaked. I replaced it and it is as good as new. I do like the newer bottles for their superior top. Bottom line is you can't go wrong with this fuel bottle

The Rumba is a great carrier. My son loved it. It is very plush for the passenger. The driver also has it pretty good as well. The harness is adjustable with the pack on, including torso length. The payload is huge. My wife carried the three sleeping bags and the tent in her pack, and I carried everything else we needed for an overnight backpack trip in the Rumba. I carried 65 pounds including my son, and it felt great on my back. This is the best design I have seen in a kid carrier.

I have had a Camelbak Blowfish for 4 years now. It is far and away the most used piece of gear I own. It looks like they have made some improvements to the one that I own. Like the air director panel and the better reservoir. One of my favorite features is still there and that is the expandable big pocket. That is so handy. I use it mountain biking, hiking, going to the park, sporting events, and many other ways. Having the expandable pocket allows for customization depending on the use and the logistics of that use. I open it up to add rain gear or food depending on my activities. You won't be disappointed with the blowfish.

What has been said about "right out of the box" is absolutely true. I have owned them for about one month and they have been comfortable since day one. This past weekend I did 26+ miles in these boots with a 40lb backpack. My feet felt great during and after the trip. I have wide feet and these boots worked well. I have high arches, so I changed out the insoles for ones with more support, but I do that with all my shoes. I highly recommend these boots.

This is a great fit for me. I have a medium to large head and they fit great. They are light and the interchangeable lenses are too cool. I have some other Smiths and they have the True Color Grey polarized lenses(the grey lenses offered on some of these glasses). I like the grey for the unaltered world view. I tried the brown lenses with these glasses and they really sharpen things up. They filter out blue light and while they do alter they way things look they help to show contrast and sharpen up vision. Depending upon your activity you should pick the lens for you but you really can't go wrong with these sunglasses.

Being organized is very easy with this pack. There are 5 pockets. Hydration compatible. Load-bearing waist belt. Airlift shoulder straps. It holds a ton. Fill the back first to get the compression straps to do their job. It is a little heavy but the comfort level is well worth the weight.

I bought one of these hoodies and I really enjoyed it for about a week. My wife stole it and wouldn't give it back. I plan on buying me another when the weather starts to turn cold. Very comfortable.

I bought these socks based on my great experience with buying Salomon products. I have never been unhappy with a Salomon product. These socks are soft and well designed. They do run big. I am going to try to shrink my size large pair a bit so it offers more support for my 11.5 sized foot. I like my socks quite tight. There may be a reason by design that these have a looser fit. Great socks for me if they were tighter. If you like them tight try a size smaller, if you like them loose get your size.

I bought this for my wife after I bought the Men's version. She liked mine so much that she claimed it for her own. I liked it so much that I bought her this one so I could have mine back. The Woman's is a formed, short waist, fit. The Thermatics material is very windproof and is nice to the touch.

This item was a great purchase. I love the material that is it made from. I get comments everytime I wear it about how nice it is. It is very warm. I have put away my winter jacket and wear this as a substitute. It is hard to expain how nice this is. You almost have to touch it to see. I took a gamble and I am glad I did. You, and everyone that sees you in it will like it.

When I am backpacking with friends, we usually get lots of different kinds of food and then share to taste the different foods. The Potatoes and Cheddar comes with us on every trip. We use it as a side dish for the main meal. This is a good one.

This watch is great. For all the functions you get with this watch for the money spent, it is a great value. I do wish the thermometer worked while it was on your wrist. The temp is accurate within 15 minutes of taking the watch off. It is very easily read due to the large display. The size of the watch is comparable to watches similarly equipped. The altitude accumulation function is my favorite function. The compass is super accurate. I think you will like it.

This tent was purchased for two reasons. 1. Car camping with my wife and son. 2. Backpacking with my wife and son. It is spacious enough that we can feel like we don't need anything bigger car camping, but it’s light and compact enough to backpack with. I plan to use it this summer on a trip with my dad and brothers. One person carries the tent (around 3lb). The second carries the fly (around 3 lb). The third person carries the poles, stakes, and footprint (around 3lb). The forth (my dad) doesn't need to carry anything. We all can fit in the tent and all gear fits in the vestibules. I would highly recommend that you purchase a footprint. They are an essential part of a high quality tent like this. Also it comes with a very useful gear loft as well.

This tent was purchased for two reasons. 1. Car camping with my wife and son. 2. Backpacking with my wife and son. It is spacious enough that we can feel like we don't need anything bigger car camping, but it’s light and compact enough to backpack with. I plan to use it this summer on a trip with my dad and brothers. One person carries the tent (around 3lb). The second carries the fly (around 3 lb). The third person carries the poles, stakes, and footprint (around 3lb). The forth (my dad) doesn't need to carry anything. We all can fit in the tent and all gear fits in the vestibules. I would highly recommend that you purchase a footprint. They are an essential part of a high quality tent like this. Also it comes with a very useful gear loft as well.

I love this thing. This is going with me on all my trips. I have had it for about a week and between lounging around the yard and camping I have probably logged 8+ hours in the thing. I weighs the same or less as any chair and is much much more comfortable. Very good construction. Seams are triple stitched.

Just add some clothes and you get a really nice pillow. I bring a synthetic jacket on all my trips. I put it in the case and for the small extra weight of the pillow case My jacket becomes a pillow. This is a great solution to the pillow or no pillow decision.

I usually eat a two serving meal by myself. This meal had me thinking twice. Good tasting and very filling. Will buy again for sure.

I have seen this lantern in action a few times and I am really impressed. The other reviews are correct in that it doesn't have 360 degree visibility and that it can be tricky to get going. While there is a bit of a learning curve in getting it fired up, with a little bit of patience it gets easier. The more focused light output is acutally a good thing in my opinion. This lantern puts more light where you want it instead of everywhere else. The price is high but never having to buy mantles may be worth it. I hope this helps. I plan on making a purchase soon.

This is among the good ones. The lasagna is one of my favorites. You can't go wrong with mountain house.

I bought this for my parents in law to put in their 72 hour survival kit. They love it. I also loved it. I plan on getting one with my next order. Very functional in a smart easy to use package. The switch is super simple yet can't be accidentally turned on. Very well thought out in its design. Each mode is not wowing in its performance but having all of these in one package makes for an unmatched lighting tool.

The straps make it easy to set the hammock up and they are tree friendly. The hammock won't slide down the tree at all with these straps. Also they extend your reach from tree to tree. They only weigh a few ounces so they are worth it.

I love these things. I usually struggle to stand the stink of myself after a few days. These are great. The solution on them is better than ordinary baby wipes at removing the grime you get from being outdoors for days. They are also bigger too. Bring along a pack for you and your tent mate. It makes for a much more enjoyable trip for everyone.

I bought these shorts somewhat concerned about the "tight fit" advertised. These shorts fit great. I have big legs and don't like tight pants. These are form fitting around the waist but big in the legs. These shorts are super lightweight and the nylon feels like cotton. If these can fit me they will fit you. They don't have an elastic waist as advertised but for me that is not a bad thing.

This is by far that smallest, most complete survival pack I have seen. The survival instructions are great. This fits perfectly in my Adventure Medical Kits Weekender first aid kit. With both of these I am ready for just about anything. It even comes with a scalpel blade. Pretty sweet.

This is one of those things that improves upon perfection. The kit stores inside the cookset so it remains self contained. The stability support will work with large and small fuel canisters as well. Now I don't have to bring my Brunton Raptor stove to cook fish on the trail. Leaving the Raptor saves me almost 4 ounces on my trips. The flame is not as even as the Raptor, but with my aluminum cookset it isn't too much of a problem. I tried it with my stainless set and I had some scorching problems. Stainless is kind of that way anyway. Overall, a great addition to the already great Jetboil.

This is most definitely designed for the adventurer. The items in this kit are a step above anything I have seen in traditional first aid kit. It is organized very well. The first aid book that comes with the kit is amazing. It has so much information specific to medical needs in the outdoors. I take it with me on all my trips.

This is simply the best filter out there. After seeing the Hiker in action last summer, I had to get one. I went with the Hiker Pro for the added features. The hydration adapter works great. I take the bite valve off my CamelBak and the fitting plugs in and I can backfill it while it is still in my pack. This filter is super easy to use and maintain.

I just got back from trip and this stove worked great. The efficiency is amazing. One canister lasted three people three days breakfast and dinner including clean up. Including this trip and the testing (playing around) I did when I got it, I boiled over 45 cups of water on that canister. I didn't really have the problems that the other reviewer had as far as safety. Just don't overfill it and follow the instructions that come with the unit and you will be fine. The Jetboil is a great invention. I am looking forward to the next time I can get away to use it.

I haven't had this out in the field yet, but I have tried it because of previous posted experience. I had no problems with the filter or bag. The Base Camp has amazing output volume. I have tried other gravity filters and add-on kits and they just drip. This FLOWS!