Reviews by User: Donner Party (29)

I am a proponent of Keen footwear in general, but this mid-hiker is something special even by Keen standards. I have tough to fit feet and have suffered heel blisters and lost toenails with several different types, sizes, and brands of boot despite strenuous efforts to get a good fit. In desperation I grabbed a pair of these on my way out of town for a tough 2-nighter. Out of the box, with no break-in, I hit the trail and hoped for the best. Although these are classified as hiking shoes, not backpacking boots, I carried a 40 lb. pack over 12 miles of steep, rough trail with not a hot spot, bashed toenail, or any discomfort; I thought I was dreaming. Backpacking without foot pain, who knew such a thing was possible? We bagged a "12-er" on this trip and the boots kicked butt over talus, scree, mud, slickrock, the works. Versatile, durable, supportive, and oh-so comfortable. The Keens hung tough and came back for more. NOTE that they tend to run small, so sizing up is generally a good idea.

You have to evaluate this jacket purely for its versatility and functionality for backpacking use; it can serve as an insulating softshell and a rain shell, basically a do-anything technical backcountry jacket, for a pound of weight. On that basis it's quite unique. If you're hoping to get some around-town wear out of it, however, think again. The hood stowing system isn't particularly functional and looks sloppy, best to just leave the hood out all the time. Also, the collar is very high and squared off at the zipper, so it tends to poke you in the chin and neck constantly unless you unzip the jacket most of the way (which looks sloppy) or zip it all the way up (in which case half your face is covered). Hard to wear comfortably and fashionably around town, but for a technical piece of gear to shave weight from your load it's an absolutely unique, supremely versatile jacket.

I've had a soft spot for this tent ever since a buddy and I took a late season Sierra high country trip. He was bragging on his ultralight tarp shelter and mocking my "heavy" tent all the way in. He was hatefully smug about it until that night when, at 10,000 feet, a storm hit bringing very cold temps, high winds, and SNOW! While he fumbled for nearly an hour, wet and freezing, trying to rig his pathetic tarp (so he could cower under it in his wet down bag in his wet clothes on bare WET ground...ultralight indeed), I changed into warm dry clothes, brewed a hot cup of tea, and sat it out in total comfort in my Tadpole, singing along loudly to my iPod to maximize the revenge factor. It's a perfect shoulder-season tent precisely for this type of scenario (I use a single-wall solo tent or bivy sack during the summer). It's easy to solo-pitch and the 3-pole design and multiple guy-out points make it a very strong tent indeed, as my envious and thoroughly humbled friend learned that cold wet October night. The weight is very low for such a full-featured, well-made double-wall. The vestibule is plenty big for one person's gear and cooking space. On sub-freezing nights keep a towel handy for morning condensation; the mesh ceiling does let some dripping water in from the fly but it's manageable. I concur with other reviews that this is actually a roomy 1-person tent, two people would be crammed as would their gear in the vestibule. Also, watch the length; I'm 6'3" and am absolutely maxed out in this tent, not an inch of extra head/foot room but a price I'm willing to pay for the weight. To top it all off, I got it on sale for $150 bucks. Life is good....

This is such a nice zip pullover, similar to the Rock Zip in terms of weight and features but the collar is more in the alpine style and the tailoring comes off looking a bit more dressy/less technical than some other Icebreaker midlayers. One thing to look for, though; I had to exchange mine because it had seam separation along both sleeves. The Coronet has stripes on the sleeves; these are separate panels that are sewn to the other sleeve material in a rather complicated overlapping style. I had multiple thread pulls along both sleeves resulting in very small but noticeable gaps in the overlap stitching. I have several Icebreaker garments and this is the first time I've ever seen this, normally their quality is very good. The manufacturer assured me that it was very rare and that I needn't worry about it being a chronic problem with this particular garment (or any Icebreaker clothing for that matter). We'll see...I'm still waiting on the replacement.

Good capacity + reasonable load-bearing ability + very light weight, it's the trifecta. Some people think this pack accommodates more gear than it can comfortably carry, making it impractical (or downright fallacious) but I haven't found that to be the case. The suspension was surprisingly sturdy; the hip belt doesn't look like much but it's well-made and bears up good under 30+ lbs. It's the perfect short-trip and/or summer trip pack; when you don't need to carry heavier, bulky shoulder-season necessities like sturdier tent, more clothing, heavier sleeping bag, etc., you can haul a surprising amount of stuff a long way in comfort with this pack.

Don't let relatively low price fool you...these are SOLID pants w/ solid features specific to mountaineering applications. Cuffs aren't really set up for alpine ski boots but climbing boots are dialed in. A bit warmer/heavier than many softshells but not overly so. Suspender/belt loops for versatility, comfortable fit true to size...no down side here, check 'em out.

Chaco Z/1s are serious sandals, without a doubt; the soles are burly, great traction, pretty comfortable, etc. However, I question the whole concept of this sandal. First and foremost they are HEAVY, surprisingly so for a pair of "sandals." My size 12s weigh 2.41 lbs, which is more than my Keen Newport sandals (2.23 lbs) and even more than my Keen Targhee II hiking shoes (2.19 lbs)! You hear about people using these on strenuous day-hikes and even backpacking trips, but I question the wisdom of having my bare feet, especially toes, exposed and vulnerable to everything a backcountry trail has to offer (rocks, roots, holes, critters, UV rays, who knows what). The straps can chafe on extended walks so these sandals haven't cornered the market on comfort, either. Thus, I can't quite get the point; they are too heavy to carry just for camp shoes and too unprotective, unsupportive, and uncomfortable for serious hiking and/or backpacking...so where do they fit in? Even if you're an ultralight fanatic why wouldn't you wear a very nice light hiking shoe (like the Keen Targhee II) that actually weighs less, covers your whole foot, has an equally high-performing sole, and offers no less (arguably more) support and comfort? Hmmmm....if I'm missing something someone please educate me.

As stated in other reviews the big issue with these shoes is fit. If you have one foot larger than the other (as I and many people do), definitely size to the bigger foot (like hiking/backpacking boots). My left foot feels strangled in this shoe, and I couldn't use them for any trail work without my toes getting trashed. Very narrow as well, so if you got wide dogs steer clear.

First off, quality or no quality (and Arc'teryx does make top-quality stuff) paying full retail for this jacket would be a bad buy in my opinion. I found it for $170 so figured what the heck. As with most Arc'teryx stuff the characteristic quality (often subtly manifested) is there, but it can't compete with other high-end softshells, most notably Mountain Hardwear Alchemy. Sigma AR fits very close to the body and feels rather insubstantial; flimsy might be too harsh a word, but it doesn't have the beefy, tough feel of the Alchemy. As observed in other reviews the sleeve cuffs are rather wide and no closure straps or other weatherproofing means are available. The pit-zips are very nice, but they do not have internal linings and this can be uncomfortable particularly when you have only a light baselayer underneath. The hem is also on the short side, causing shirttails to stick out and easily riding up over the waist. I'm sure it's very "technical," but for the money you can do better; this just doesn't look or feel like a $300 jacket, Arc'teryx or not.

Like most all Icebreaker stuff this shirt would earn a "5" based on its superior quality, materials, fit, function, etc. The one thing to note, however, is the pocket on this shirt. There's a small zip pocket on the left side at the hem. You can't really tuck this shirt in without this pocket bulging out very prominently above the waistline, looks ridiculous. The pocket is very small and wouldn't hold much anyway, not too functional; the shirt would be a lot sleeker and better fitting without it. Beyond that, its a very nice shirt as you'd expect from Icebreaker.

Splendid minimalism! No zipper, no pockets, nothing that adds weight unnecessarily. This jacket exists for one reason: to provide the efficient insulation of down at an absolutely bare minimum of weight. My XL in stuff sack (which it comes with, a nice touch) weighs precisely 7.4 oz and compresses down much smaller than a Nalgene bottle. I'm aware of nothing on the market with a superior warmth to weight ratio as this jacket, period. This piece of gear goes on EVERY trip, any length, any season.

Had much success with the Tikka Plus, upgraded to the XP and glad I did. When balancing weight, functionality and versatility for backpacking lights this is as good as it gets. The many lighting options are nice, the diffuser does make a big difference for certain applications (like reading), but the feature I really like is the adjustable beam; the whole light housing is on a ratcheting hinge that allows you to fix the light in various positions, very securely. This is a big improvement over the Tikka Plus and is my favorite feature of the XP, brilliant.

You have to appreciate a truly unique, functional, and innovative product when it comes along. I was quite happy with my SnowPeak GigaPower canister stove and titanium cook pot but once I tried the JetBoil I was hooked. I am all about fast and easy backcountry cooking, so I lean heavily toward freeze-dried foods prepared in-pouch; not a big fan of full-blown cooked meals requiring extensive clean-up. If you like cooking from scratch, pan-frying, etc., the pot support and stabilizer kits are essential; they add tremendous versatility to your stove. Some of the "safety issues" mentioned in other reviews can be avoided simply by following instructions; it clearly states that the cup should be removed before ignition (although it is tempting to cheat, I admit) and there is a line in the cup denoting max safe water level (not max safe water-plus-pack-of-noodles level). Heed those guidelines and it's quite safe and trouble-free. The only very minor criticism is that the cup is not super-easy to detach/attach to the burner, especially when it is lit (which is why it's tempting to cheat by attaching it prior to igniting). Like all canisters not great for very high altitude, very cold conditions, but I've used mine at 10,000+ feet in late October with excellent results. Have fun with your JetBoil; another cup of tea anyone?

Anything with "Marmot" on it can't be bad, and this jacket is appropriately priced for what it offers. It has no special features; no pit-zips, no slick cuffs, no neck draw-cord, no fancy tailoring. It does look and feel very nice, perfectly functional in terms of wind- and water-resistance, and is zip-in compatible with Marmot hardshells (which is the main reason I got it). If you have a Marmot zip-in compatible shell (i.e., Tamarack, Typhoon, etc.) and you want a thinner, more versatile zip-in layer than a fleece piece, this is the perfect option.

This is such a nice zip pullover, similar to the Rock Zip in terms of weight and features but the collar is more in the alpine style and the tailoring comes off looking a bit more dressy/less technical than some other Icebreaker midlayers. One thing to look for, though; I had to exchange mine because it had seam separation along both sleeves. The Coronet has stripes on the sleeves; these are separate panels that are sewn to the other sleeve material in a rather complicated overlapping style. I had multiple thread pulls along both sleeves resulting in very small but noticeable gaps in the overlap stitching. I have several Icebreaker garments and this is the first time I've ever seen this, normally their quality is very good. The manufacturer assured me that it was very rare and that I needn't worry about it being a chronic problem with this particular garment (or any Icebreaker clothing for that matter). We'll see...I'm still waiting on the replacement.

Bottom line, this jacket rocks long and hard; absolutely love it. Sheds moisture, eats wind alive, decent thermal performance even on calm but COLD days (not all softshells can claim this). Sizing generous; plenty of room for layers if needed. Good venting, well-made; don't let price scare you, if you got the scratch its well worth the spend. It's nice to have nice gear....

A nice, inexpensive, helpful tool for your CamelBak arsenal IF all your packs have 1/2" webbing on the shoulder straps. Unfortunately every single pack I own with one exception, from day packs to full-on backcountry packs, have 3/4" webbing on the straps. Thus, the Tube Trap doesn't fit completely. You can still slide them on, but the clip doesn't close completely around the wider webbing, which can lead to problems in the field. Why wouldn't they make it to fit 3/4" webbing, which would also accommodate the smaller 1/2"? Makes sense...but they don't. Too bad, a good idea not taken to its logical conclusion.

Not wild about this shirt, mainly because of the color which I find too flamboyant for my taste (much brighter than it appears on the website). Also, the fabric is pretty run-of-the-mill, the zipper doesn't look too cool...not a shirt I reach for when heading to the gym or hitting the trail. But hey, I needed it to fulfill minimum order amount so as to get free shipping...in hindsight I should've paid shipping or found another item!

This jacket is superb; comfortable, supple, highly abrasion-resistant and water-resistant, breathes well, looks sweet. Technically the only feature it lacks is pit-zips; other comparable high-end softshells (Arc'teryx Sigma AR for instance) has them, and they are a nice thing to have. Barring that there is no chink it this jacket's armor. The cuffs are REALLY nice, unique design that I've never seen on another jacket, snug, soft, and weathertight. NOTE that most Mountain Hardwear softshell outerwear, pants and jackets alike, tend to have a very "athletic" (i.e., unforgiving) cut to them. I would not call my XL Alchemy tight but it's definitely snug; I'd be hard-pressed to have a substantial insulating midlayer underneath it without compromising range of motion and comfort. Bluntly, if you have a slim waist and muscular athletic build the jacket looks REALLY good; if you're a bit soft in the middle, steer clear of this jacket as it's cut will not flatter...at all.

The Helium was the first Marmot bag I bought, but not the last. I was so impressed with it that I rounded out my bag arsenal with the Atom for summer work and the Col EQ for extreme cold applications. Nobody does sleeping bags better than Marmot in my opinion, well worth the investment. Helium is VERY warm, I find its 15-degree rating conservative (but I do sleep warm). Great features, top-quality workmanship, best materials available. Compresses down to a ridiculously small size, lofts back up in no time, the Pertex Quantum shell sheds light moisture without a problem and dries fast. The weight is unbelievable; my Long weighs precisely 2.23 lbs in a small compression stuff sack. People often complain about the stuff sacks Marmot includes with their bags. They are a bit average; a good-quality compression stuff sack is my preferred method, easier on the hands and the bag.

This jacket is superb; comfortable, supple, highly abrasion-resistant and water-resistant, breathes well, looks sweet. Technically the only feature it lacks is pit-zips; other comparable high-end softshells (Arc'teryx Sigma AR for instance) has them, and they are a nice thing to have. Barring that there is no chink it this jacket's armor. The cuffs are REALLY nice, unique design that I've never seen on another jacket, snug, soft, and weathertight. NOTE that most Mountain Hardwear softshell outerwear, pants and jackets alike, tend to have a very "athletic" (i.e., unforgiving) cut to them. I would not call my XL Alchemy tight but it's definitely snug; I'd be hard-pressed to have a substantial insulating midlayer underneath it without compromising range of motion and comfort. Bluntly, if you have a slim waist and muscular athletic build the jacket looks REALLY good; if you're a bit soft in the middle, steer clear of this jacket as it's cut will not flatter...at all.

These are great pants; look sharp, very versatile, nice fit true to size. One oddity is the double pockets; both front pockets have sort of a double-flap, essentially creating two pockets on each side. So, you drop your keys in your pocket, then go to grab them...and invariably reach into the wrong section of the pocket and come up empty! It's a minor annoyance, but I can't quite get the point. Other than that they're great.

Unlike some other GoLite jackets I've reviewed I can give this unequivocal praise. An amazingly light piece of clothing that does its job well. My XL weighs all of 2.75 oz, just ridiculous. Scrunches down to nothing, basically a "free" (in terms of weight and space) layer, no reason not to have it with you everywhere you go. And finally, a GoLite jacket that isn't priced far in excess of its competitors feature-for-feature; this is priced correctly for what it offers, unlike some of their other gear. It's a winner.

Ultralight, robust, functional, and versatile stove. No complaints at all, but I wish I'd not gotten the manual ignition version. Subsequently retrofitted the Piezo ignition to mine, just save yourself the trouble and go auto from the get-go; plenty of reasons to do it, no reason not to.

For those who know....

For the money this jacket can't be beat, most comparable down jackets go for over $200. The reinforced shoulders and arms are a great feature, it's made for carrying a pack in cold weather. Hem draw-cord is OK, though it rides up sometimes. The elastic/hook and loop cuffs are comfy and snug, really nice. The stuff sack is cool, too. My XL weighs precisely 1.85lbs in the stuff sack, a lot of warmth for not a lot of weight (or dollars). A fleece chin-guard would be nice, but that's a minor deficiency; all in all it's a winner.

It's a nice jacket; versatile, able to wear for active as well as casual activities, looks real stylish, trim fit, etc. It's taken awhile to warm up to Arc'teryx in general; at first glance their prices seem way out vs. comparable gear/apparel. Quality is there, though; some of those extra dollars go toward better materials, better workmanship, and so forth. You can get a fleece jacket for a lot less money that's perfectly functional, though, so decide if the extra $$ are worth it for the label and a difference in quality that is subtle enough to be lost on less discriminating people.

OK, my first review keeps getting panned (my mom is the only "helpful" vote...) so let me try again. The tongue-in-cheek point I was trying to make, unsuccessfully apparently, is that these poles are ridiculously expensive compared to virtually any other ski pole I've ever seen. They are definitely MUCH stronger and MUCH higher-performance than the notorious "$15 crapper poles" but then again you'd have to break about 10 pairs of them before you lost money on the deal vs. the Kerma poles. One feature that I like on these are the break-away wrist straps; they have a legitimate benefit and work as you would want them to. The poles are very light, very strong, and very sexy looking. I doubt there is a better pole on the market...but they STILL won't make you a better skier! Ha. Was that any more helpful?? :)

This particular garment is stellar. Can be worn as a baselayer or midlayer; technical enough for high-output activity but stylish enough for around-town wear. Nice cut, hem/sleeve lengths plenty long, superbly comfortable...I've really gotten hooked on Icebreaker gear lately, every piece I have is first-rate, check this out.

If you want the nicest-looking, lightest, and all-around sweetest poles on this hill, then buy these. Do they make you ski better than $15 aluminum crapper poles? No. Do they make you look like someone who appreciates (and can afford) the best gear available? Absolutely. I love 'em.