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Reviews by User: Murphout (9)

 
Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL Bivy    Read other reviews of this product
 
Jury is Still Out   12-11-07   

I've owned this product for over year and still can't make up my mind if it was a good purchase. I got it to use as an extra layer of protection from light snow and condensation during winter camping in tents and shelters. On several occasions in the Adirondacks on 15-20 degree nights have found it to actually cause my sleeping bag to get damper on the outer surfaces than when I used nothing. Recently I've used it to sleep out sans tent in 30 degree nights through light rain/snow and it performed well. My sleeping bag and I remained dry. My theory is that in a confined space such as a tent or shelter (in this case a 3 walled AT stye shelter with a tarp across the front to block wind) the air itself becomes moist from the people inhabiting that space. This prevents efficient moisture transfer through the Conduit SL material. However, when used outside in open air the Conduit SL material does not appear to have this issue. I haven't used it in warmer temperatures or in a true wet/rainy situation so I can't comment on that. I'd recommend it for tarp or open air campers only.


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Patagonia Capilene 4 Bottom - Men's    Read other reviews of this product
 
Not as warm as I thought   01-23-07   

Fit: 6-4; 235; 36 inch waist. 35/36 inch inseam. XL fit pretty well. A little looser than I wanted, but I have a feeling the small would've been too tight in the thighs and butt. Performance: Not as absolutely warm during periods of inactivity as I was hoping for. My first experience with Capilene. Seems better suited to active pursuits. I wore it beneath a pair of shorts for a run on a 30 degree morning and was fine - warm and dry. I wore it beneath a heavy overalls and jeans on a few 15 degree nights where it was stop and go at work and froze when I wasn't laboring.


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Patagonia Capilene 4 Zip-Neck - Long-Sleeve - Men's    Read other reviews of this product
 
Not as warm as I thought   01-23-07   

Fit: 6-4; 235; 46-47" Chest; 37/38" sleeve. Fit well in the body, not too tight. Sleeves were too short - could've used another 3 inches or so. Performance: Not as absolutely warm during periods of inactivity as I was hoping for. My first experience with Capilene. Seems better suited to active pursuits. I wore it alone as a top for a run on a 30 degree morning and was fine - warm and dry. I wore it beneath a heavy work coat and The North Face Magic softshell on a few 15 degree nights where it was stop and go at work and froze when I wasn't laboring.


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Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp    This product is no longer available
 
Small and bright   12-07-07   

This light is a good buy. I've found the battery life to be excellent. It isn't bulky and doesn't get in the way. So far it's been plenty bright for nighttime hiking and setting up camp. It would be nicer if there was a band coming over the top of the head to prevent it from falling down when running.


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Mountain Hardwear Synchro Softshell Jacket - Men's    Read other reviews of this product
 
Great Jacket   12-11-07   

Fit: 6'4" 235 lbs. 36/37 sleeve. I ordered a size XL and am happy with the fit. The sleeves are plenty long. I'd prefer if the torso was a bit longer. It comes to the top of my hips. Some may like a shorter jacket, but I'd prefer a bit longer. The jacket is not excessively loose or baggy by any means, but I can comfortably wear a light fleece or sweat shirt beneath it. Performance: I haven't owned this jacket very long so I can't speak on durability. I've worn this softshell for a week and a half backpacking in Europe and it handled rain, wind, and cold temps with ease. As an added bonus it seemed to shrug off the odors of SMOKEY German bars. Lately I wear it all around to work, to run, and camping and find it to be a very versatile fall jacket during temps into the lower 30's. I also wish it had pit zips - I find that my armpits feel especially clammy when I wear this jacket with a warm layer beneath.


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SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Sock    This product is no longer available
 
Really good   12-03-08   

These are my favorite pair(s) of socks for everything in the spring through fall. They are comfortable in a pair of work boots as well as hiking boots and running shoes. I have 13's and the XL's fit good - not maxed out, but don't bunch up or stretch out to cause blisters.


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Patagonia Lightweight Everyday Sock    This product is no longer available
 
Good, but small-ish   12-03-08   

Although I work in an office, I frequently have to rush out to get things done on construction sites. I was looking for something that would fit the 'business casual' office environment, but also provide some cushion and blister control in my work boots. These work well in this role in spring through fall. I ordered the XL for my 13's and they seem to be maxed out, also very tight on my ankles (and I have skinny legs).


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Brunton SolarRoll Solar Panel    This product is no longer available
 
Works well for small stuff   12-03-08   

I've used this on sunny days using the 'car adapter' to re-charge AA and AAA baterries (using separate battery charger) as well as my cell phone. It works good as long as the sun is bright, a brief cloud passing overhead shut it down. Does not roll up very tightly - I was hoping to roll it up into a cigar sized diameter, but could only manage to get it down to a water bottle size as mentioned by others.


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The North Face Apex Magic Jacket - Men's    This product is no longer available
 
Pretty Good All Around Softshell   01-23-07   

Fit: I'm 6-4; 235; 46-47" Chest; 37/38" Sleeve. I have the XL and could use another two inches or so in the sleeve. It's a tight fit around the chest and upper arms too. Can't layer much beneath, but that also allows it to be layered beneath a rainshell or heavier jacket without seeming too bulky. Performance: Not as warm as I was expecting. The material is stretchy and comfortable even with the snug fit, and breathes well. I used it for some 20 degree hiking in the Adirondacks with Under Armour coldgear beneath and was warm on the move, but got cold when stopped. Didn't see much precipitation yet, but it held up well against snow and mist. Good against the wind too.


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