Reviews by User: Tim Holt (6)

As with all MSR products, you cant really go wrong with any of thier stoves. This stove packs very small, burns very hot and clean with Superfuel (thats all it will burn), fairly adjustable burner, and really quick to boil, especially with the MSR Titan Kettle. The only reason I couldnt give it a 5 star rating is the lighting procedure. The instructions say to prime the stove unitl you see the fuel around the burner, light, and a "soccer ball" size flame will burn. Um, if you prime just a smidge too much fuel, youll end up with a medicine ball size flame. Do not ever light this in your tent, or youll be sleeping outside. If you can master the lighting procedure, this stove will be perfect.

I researched many different bags before buying this one. I needed a bag for winter/snow camping for the Central Oregon Cascades. This one met all the criteria in needed; down insulation for warmth and loft retention, draft collar, suprisingly ample room and ease of movement, and sufficent water reppeling ability. But as with any down bag, laying out in the rain or snow is not a good idea. Tent or Bivy is always recommended. Marmot hit a home run with this bag. For any winter camping, this will always accompany me. Loft retention is great, lots of room (especially in the foot box), all-around great bag for cold camping.

You could take the kitchen sink with this pack. I have had this is freezing snow storms to extended summer hikes and it endures it all. This pack has excellent durability and weather resistance. The room in this pack is great plus all the available loops and attatchments on the exterior. The fit is good and comfortable even with big loads. It will take some getting used to though, at least it did for me. Check www.arcteryx.com in their pack fit guide section for fine tuning. This bag is recommended highly.

I have a previous model of the same series, and they are still going strong. The framework is very durable, the strap system works great even with gloves on and decent inclines can be climbed with no problem. If youre packing in for a few days with substaintial gear, you will want a larger series or the backcountry version, but for your everyday outing these shoes are great.

I was debating between this pad and the Toughskin. Unless youre camping outdoors with no tent or bivy, this is the pad to get. The Toughskin is pretty large, this one is a pound less. Its R-Value is only .2 less. Yes, comparitivley, its a heavy pad for packing. But to have a kickin sleeping pad that is very comfortable and warm is worth the little bit of extra weight. Especially for winter camping.