Reviews by User: Backcountry Reviewer - Jay (16)

I have camped, car or backpack, for years. Usually I have a small easy to carry tent. I had the opportunity to use this tent for a river rafting trip. I chose to go for it since I would most likely be changing from wet to dry clothing; I wanted plenty of room for this activity. This tent was a dream for me. Never have I been in a tent, other than those big military tents, where I couldn't touch the top. I didn't use the air mattress sleeves, but they look useful. The gear loft in the top is the best I have ever seen, and easy to install - clips in. Having outside access under the windows was cool too. Several times I forgot something in the tent and didn't want to take my shoes off to get the items, and it is great to stick your head out while brushing your teeth. The ventilation is incredible. There is so much room in this thing. My wife packs too much on trips, to the point that there is no reason to lock the house since it is all with us. Often the tent is crammed with junk. Even with all our stuff we still had tons of room. I used a 10 by 20 tarp and folded it in half for a ground cloth. On top of all the grandeur of this tent one of the best selling points to me is how easy it is to set up. I did it myself in maybe five minutes. It is actually easier for me to set it up on my own than have someone help. The only downsides are, the sheer height doesn't go easily under trees and the size of the bag when packed is big - it is not annoying but you gotta remember my little sedan can only hold so much, and my wife already had it stacked.

I am incredibly picky about shoes. I have tried on hundreds of boots, and rarely buy due to various reasons. The Torre GTX is one I did buy. It met certain requirements, a tight yet flexible fit, an immensely stable heel and strong toe box. It is a good fit across the top of the foot also. It did require 4-5 weeks of daily use to break in...a little longer than I wanted, but it is worth it. There was no blistering, just a tight fit down around the joints on the last couple of toes. I did have to double loop the knot to keep them from coming untied, but it is inconsequential to me. Have not taken them into heavy dew areas so I can't speak about how they fair in water; I don't have reservations about their performance there since all other areas have been pleasing.

This is by far the greatest jacket I have ever worn. I was known for the quantity of jackets I owned, now I'm down to just the Precip. I wear this jacket through extreme temp. ranges. Throw on a fleece with this over top for winter, and by itself for spring and fall. This jacket has been with me from sitting in stadiums and riding my motorcycle, to walking with my children to serious hiking. I'm planning on taking it on several summits over the next few weeks. I wish I had this when I lived in the Northwest. Everyone from San Franscico to Forks, Washington needs one of these. Only two complaints: the hood doesn't hide away, and the pit zips don't go down as quick as I want - walking in crowds requires a "pit" stop. The only other problem is, my wife found out how perfect a jacket this is and took mine...so I bought another.

Love the pocket set up. Stylish enough for mellow times, yet can handle the rough action that we all tell our friends about.

Super comfortable, nice cut, a bit hard to iron with the side seams "turning" in. I would buy your true size. I bought another Oakley item, some shorts, in my size and they seemed tight. I went up a size on these and they wont stay up with out a belt.

I use my Lobo to mow lawns and ride my dirtbike. I looked at most of the Camelbak line up and choose the Lobo because of the size. I plan to put it under my coat for skiing, it seems slim enought to fit without problems. The few pockets are enough to carry keys, sunflower seeds and several other small items.

I looked at these shoes for six months before I bought them; I wasn't sure how they would work out for me. I took a chance and have been pleasantly surprised. The first thing I noticed was you can feel the air passing through the vents as you walk. I typically wear big beefy hiking boots since I work in a warehouse; sandals are what we want to wear but due to regulations they are not allowed. This shoe walks that line between shoe and sandal. Offers enough to be a shoe, but breaths like a sandal. I have trail run in them, maybe that is pushing what you can really do - the sole is pliable which doesn't lend too well to rocks on the trail, none the less I have done it and not wearing sock either. Used them on rafting trips; two things were difficult on that trip - the shoe didn't want to slide around on the rubber raft so getting a foot hold is more of an inch worm deal, and the silt kick up while getting out of the river would find a resting spot under the insole - easily cleaned though. My pair had a manufacturer’s defect and some stitching came undone on both heel pieces. Easily exchanged. I love the collapsible heel, getting the morning paper or the garbage to the curb is quick.

I jumped on these right when I saw them. I have worn massive beefy hiking boots and decided to get into something more comfortable. These fit right out of the box and have been terrific since day one. I haven't been out on the trails yet, but I anticipate they will be great.

They are nice all around - fit, style and those bitchin' pockets. I have worn these to about ever occasion work, hike, play and out on the town.

I liked the first one so much I bought another. Nice feel to the weight, good all around fit. Nice price too.

I love these jeans. I have the taupe color and man they are good looking. An awesome cut too. The utility pocket has a velcro closure making it difficult to open, and I don't like how it feels when I have some thing in the front pocket, but I have some unreasonable standards on clothing. So when I dig an item it means some thing.

This new style is revolutionary. One of my biggest complaints about boots is how hard it is to get off. My old boots almost bring me to tears to get off, this boot almost slides off without effort. Simplicity without the sacrifice of quality. It is a stiff boot which is what I want, but with a unique system for "lacing up". The new ability to move buckle position is awesome. The slight adjustment provides a completely different fit. I have learned the best way to use the lace system is to buckle the boot up as you would normally, then use the laces to make it just right. I tried using the laces first but it made things just hurt.

This jacket has to be my favorite softshell. I own some others which are nice, but this jacket is in a league of its own. Everyone I know has one or wants one.

I really love the Fives, most sunglass companies make some crazy shaped frames, the Fives is contemporary. It fits well and stays on during high level activity. I chose Rootbeer, which was the last one I tried on. The crystal framed ones seemed to amplify the sun, counter productive in my opinion. The Gold Iridium lens makes color vibrant. The fall colors are awesome.

I have been looking for a nice fitting, comfortable and useful pant - I found it with the Mountain Jean. They have been with me at Church-ish meetings to bushwacking trail breaking. When hiking I have always worn shorts; last time out I happened to be wearing these jeans - I was sure glad too. We were following a rarely used trail with lots of overgrowth. It was no problem for my legs, where as all the rest with me were crying from the blood letting. I like these so much that I bought three pairs...and more on the horizon.

I have worn these shorts for several months now, and have no complaints. The length is right, ends at the knee. Their gusseted crotch is perfect...makes scrambling a lot easier. The material is comfortable also. I take these shorts every where, and they are stylish enough to not feel lame at nicer establishments. I own a few pair, and watch for new colors all the time. Do realize that Gramicci changes colors every year, so Carbon one year is grey, then is a dark green the next. The color (shade) also varies from dye lot to dye lot.