Reviews by User: ErkMD (28)

Great overall pants, ideal for hiking or just hanging around. They dry in no time flat and are very comfortable. There is plenty of room in the legs to allow for gear in pockets, breathability, and hidden leg strappings (knives etc...). The zippers are quick to come off when the going gets hot, and almost as fast to zip back on when terrain or weather changes. Pockets are large enough to stow most anything, and with the handy loops on the waist you can add a knife, light, compass, phone, or whatever you see fit. Great versatility with these pants, a must have for the avid camper/hiker/outdoorsman or just awesome pants in general if you don't demand performance on a daily basis you'll always have them if you need them. If there was a 10 star rating these would be worthy of such a distinction.

Great pants! They are very light and roomy, do not buy a larger size to accomadate your gear, Arcteryx all ready did that for you. So I am 5'8 about a 32 waist and shorter legs than most, The medium was plenty roomy and I was debating a large good call w/medium. Waterproof = yes 100% I crossed a stream in these bad boys, not a drop in my boot or anywhere else, the water was cold so I thought I was soaking wet, buy not the case. A must have for the avid outdoorsman and any job when weather is involved, pricey but worth it a perfect score.

If you hate bulk and weight and need performance you can go ahead and add to cart. The Pounder Plus 25 is excedingly light and packs up tight for maximum portability. I have used this bag in various conditions since last year and it has not dissapointed. Temperatures from about 20s up to 50s and I have not been uncomfortable at any point. If you have a tent and this bag you should be very pleased with your nights sleep. For 20s you may need some layering depending on individual preference. Overall a solid choice and cool looking bag, I honestly think you can't go wrong selecting this bag.

This jacket is awesome. I have owned many jackets from hard shell to soft shell over the years and this thing is beast. Comfortable, breathable, and definitely element proof. I have been snowed on, rained on, and been in gail force winds in this bad boy. Although you will need some additional layering in some conditions, this jacket is ideal for looking cool whether headed to your favorite coffe shop, hitting the gym, going for a brisk run, or just hanging at the bar, look no further. I was truly impressed with the quality of the jacket, and the fit seems custom tailored for me, I'm 5'8 155 lean build. I also get comments from guys and girls, from fellow gear junkies to naive friends. Truly a great jacket to have in your arsenal, in fact I bought this originally for specific activities and fell in love with it, and now its all I wear. Ok, I could keep praising the jacket but you get the point - money jacket.

This is a must for the spring and summer. Think about all those times either during the day when you stop for a minute on the trail and a horde of flies and bugs finally launches their attck. Or at night when you have the headlamp on and you attract large moths and other massively annoying insects. This net is crucial, you put it on (careful one time I was being assaulted and put this on quickly but managed to trap one of the moths inside the net!) and the bugs just keep coming but they dont bother you a bit. It is amazing my buddies were so jealous when i pulled it out of my bag. The net itself is great it has a draw string at the bottom to make sure the arthropods cant sneak in!. Durable to pretty strong netting, a must!

I am a flashlight connoisseur. I collect high-end expensive illumination tools, way beyond the scope of this type of light, also far more expensive. That said this light is ideal for someone who needs a sturdy, long-lasting, reliable camping light. For its size and low price it does provide decent light output probably around 20 bulb lumens. It is not much of a thrower (long reaching beam), but the beam is tight and focused. Within a few feet the LED is brilliant white ad looks like a surgical light, but over long distances > 20 feet get a LED/Incandescent light with more watts. The lantern feature is what sold me originally, however as many have listed the output on lantern mode is negligible. The feature is a great idea, but reflectors are needed to generate any serious glow. This light is ideal for the minimalist, who is not a flashaholic.

I bought my Borealis primarily for graduate school, books that is. I bought a separate laptop bag and used it once or twice and then tried the laptop compartment in the Borealis. Well the laptop bag was a total waste of money, this pack is awesome for carrying your laptop. I have a 14in widescreen HP notebook and it fits great secure and snug. The padding on the pack is awesome and the waist belt tucks away unless your're carrying some heavy loads. I have used it for day hikes and its just as awesome for hiking as it is toting around textbooks and my laptop at the same time. Durable too, I have used it literally 5/7 days a week for nearly 2 years and it looks pretty mcuh new. Additionally, the organizer compartent is great for whatever you need to put in, its nicely organized. Overall amazing pack, I promise you will not be dissapointed.

Well I usually give rave reviews to products I write about, but this one just does not cut it. I bought mine for a great price (new) only $330 about a year ago, but I have sent it back for repair twice. First the GPS did not work properly with incredible inaccuracy, then I got a replacement and the face literally separated from band! The glue had melted away, now that is some shotty construction on a watch retailing for over $500. Under ideal conditions the GPS fix takes forever! If you want to go out and run with this thing you had better set it up about 15 minutes and leave it still somewhere if you want a chance at the GPS fixing, otherwise youve got one badass stopwatch for your trip. Now lets say that actually worked, make sure you stear clear of any trees! The signal goes away easily and will leave you baffled about either your super human speed according to GPS, or the opposite where you ran say 7 miles and it says you only did 4. I could go on about the shortcomings of this watch but I think you get the point. To say something positive.. it is great as a digital compass, and barometer (just cool feature, looking at the sky gives you pretty much same info), and thermometer, however if youre wearing it the reading is never accurate due to body heat! The altimeter is highly inaccuarate too, there I go again I tried to say something nice and I got sidetracked by more negative stuff. Bottom line, this is not useful device for anything other than playing around. A very awesome toy for grown-ups, but dont count on it saving your life or accurately giving you any information other than the time, date, barometer, and compass readings.

If you're knowledgeable about lights then you can relate to this great headlamp. First, it is incredibly light on the head with the external battery pack mountable where you see fit. Second, battery life is great even at full power, and a nice step down if you happen to be using full power for hours. Third my favorite, it is blindingly bright, uses a K2 Luxeon 5 watt LED (no headlamps to date uses a 5 watt LED except this one), slightly outdated LED technology, but because of thermal regulations and size this is the perfect choice. The light boasts over 100 lumens = very bright, and can be used as a thrower (term for a light that has tight-far projecting beam). Usually LED's are not capable of throwing like incandescents (halogen, xenon, etc...), not the case with a 5 watt LED. Typically, LED's are good for providing diffuse light with a very short range, but the Brunton L5 does both. It comes with a diffuser that easily slides over the light and you have great flood spread for working at night. Take off the diffuser and blow away your friends or anyone who has a flashlight, they will likely feel ripped off because your headlamp is much brighter. A fantastic headlamp 5 stars. -Eric

Incredibly warm. I wear them around the house on cold days on the wood floors, and to grab the mail or take out the trash. Excellent for stuffing in your pack for winter treks and walking around frozen ground. They are very very warm I cant wear them long in normal temps, but perfect for cold days. Camping accessory you will love if it is a winter night. You can even sleep in them to stay toasty. A solid buy and not that expensive!

I just received these a few days ago and they are impressive. I wore them for 8 hours straight and they felt great. I went to the gym, hit the bike, then hit the trail (in the rain). They are amazing. They have a very strong toe box to protect you from the accidental root stump and have a snug fit in the middle of the foot, but not cramped in the toe box at all. They are also very sturdy, and could be used for light hiking with a moderate to light pack. These are absolutely solid considering the great price I got them on SteepnCheep. Even not on sale I think they're worth the price.

Great style with this hat, no issue there at all. Sizing however is a little questionable. Granted I have a small head but I accounted for that, and this hat although looks badass is made for those endowed with larger than average melons. If you have a big head buy this it is awesome looking and very subtle. Even the smallest size offered is too big for this head, although I sometimes sill wear it for poker night, can't beat the coolness of the logo!

This is crucial/essential gear without a doubt. You can buy multiple waterproof items and stuff sacks etc.. but of course not everything is waterproof and nobody likes soaking wet clothes and poteintial electronics getting wet. The answer, just make sure you have this and before it starts downpouring you will have nothing to worry about. It packs into a small ball for maximal portability, and easily fits over your pack (with approprite sizes). Well worth the money and will really make your day when you reach camp and ALL your stuff is dry not just the waterproof stuff.

You have to add this to your gear list. How many times after you have set up your tent and gotten settled, then you realize sitting down would be awesome, but there is no surface or place to sit? Well it happend to me one to many times and bought this chair and it is crucial gear now, would not go camping without it. It folds up very well to a skinny pole (also incredibly light) that you can slide inside your pack or attach on the outside. Either way it unfolds and snaps into position around your sleeping pad and is suprisingly comfortable and very strong. You can lean back and you don't have to worry about it collapsing, very sturdy comfy and overall very well designed. Trust me, when the time comes and you want to sit around the fire, take a load off, or contemplate existance overlooking the majestic mountains this chair will make the experience even better.

If you're wondering about a perfect pad for all seasons you have just found it. The pad is very light and packs down into a tight stuff sack. Additionally, the material is very durable and very comfortable, once fully inflated, it stays firm and retains shape as you snooze. It does take some time to inflate if you have it compressed for a long time, but if you manually blow into the valve it works great. However, in freezing conditions do not manually inflate, if the temperatures are cold enough the moisture from your breath can condense inside, which can damage the pad (must be VERY cold). This goes for all sleeping pads, and bottom line this is a fantastic pad worth the money for sure. If you're still using a large foam roll pad, you will be blown away by switching the Prolite 4 in comfort up, weight down, packability up, temperature management up, and you can read the other 100 reviews if I haven't convinced you.

A good blend of breathability and warmth. I recently purchased this shirt and I have logged in several runs in varying conditions. Overall a very nice choice, it has some venting over the shoulder that you cannot see in the picture that really cools you off when you need it most. Additionally, the vaporwick system I believe it is 100% polyster (so nothing too revolutionary) but it does what its supposed to, and the stank factor has been non-existant thus far. The style is a little bit looser than I anticiapted but not bad. It is certainly not UA type next to skin. I am 5'8 150 athletic build and the medium is great, fits nice even on my short arms! Neck is good too not too tight and not loose and falling down the shoulder, stays high and tight where it should. Overall great gear piece for running, cycling, well heck anything outdoors in moderate temperatures.

I cannot believe I haven't reviewed these sooner! I bought these from BC about a year ago. They have fantastic construction from the sealemd seams, to the measurement and sizing. I am 5'8 150 athletic build, waist 32 and the M was perfect. In fact Arc'teryx desgined these pants to be big enough in your normal size that accomadates for putting these over another layer. So I recommend sticking with whatever normal size you wear. Performance wise I used these in a tropical storm with high winds heavy-sideways rain and was dry as a bone. I also used these in about 8 inches of snow as my outer layer because I lost my insulated ski pants, but with some base layering, these pants were amazing, again dry as a bone, I sat in the snow and rolled around too, I was impressed. Lastly, if you're not convinced yet, I used these to cross a river in the Shenandoah Park, granted it was about 2-3 feet deep (thigh high), but I put these on and made sure my boots were ready too and headed across, again bone dry, I felt the cold of the fall water through them but no water made it through anywhere. Overall, buy on sale if you can I did about $130, but they are worth every penny, a must have in your outdoor arsenal!

Very light, like others said it almost feels like you're shirtless. Breathes exceptionally well and dries incredibly fast. Ideal for hiking or fishing or anything outside really. If it gets rainy and you forgot your dry gear the good news is you'll be dry in no time. Sizing wise it seems accurate, but the cut is a loose fit so you make look a little boxier than you would expect but its a cool look for any activity you're up too. Overall a great versatile shirt to add to the aresnal

Well let me start off, I am guy, and I bought this hat when it was marketted as unisex. I think rightyl so it is now womens. That aside it is a great hat, keeps the sun off most of the neck and face and keeps moderate bug activity to a minimum around the face. Additionally, it is perfect if you put on a mosquito net fits just right. Oh and the ability to adjust this hat is amazing, you get the perfect fit even if your size initially is not exact. Solid hat on the trail or in the front yard tending to the shrubs.

Warm and soft these socks keep the heat in if you need it and breath in warmer conditions. I have used these in snow and on the AT during the summer. A good balance and great cushioning. Also keep the stank out fairly well. Overall, a great sock for multiple uses, really can't go wrong here.

Well I have been on the search for a good fitting stylish hat seemingly forever. There is always something not quite right whether it be fit to brim to style etc... The list of imperfections is endless. I have a tiny head for a guy not obvious to the casual observer, but when it comes to sunglasses and hats, forget it I need some personalized gear. This hat fits perfectly (I have the small!). The small brim is perfect too, it is a good balance so you dont get the beak look many other caps. Material is light fairly breathable. Oh and it folds up without ruining the brim it is designed for that, and allows you to carry it in your jean pocket on those nights at the bar when you suddenly think damn I kinda wish I had a hat right now. No one will even know its in your pocket, and slip it on and instant style points.. Overall a great hat, and an added bonus buy some waterproofing spray and then it becomes even more functional!

The shirt is awesome, material is a little rough at first but loosens up, look is cool, but buy a size up! I have been hitting the gym but not juicing! I usually wear mediums, but this medium is next to skin tight, embarassingly tight. I am 5'8 150. A cannot imagine a small! The next one will be a large for sure otherwise badass shirt

I bought these over the summer, and they are the lighteset poles in existance! Well if they are not they are close, hence the price. Everything you want from your trekking poles, they are extremely light, seriously light, and very strong. The locking mechanism works well, once you adjust to your personal size, you simply twist and the poles are set to trek up mountains or for a little extra levarage on strenous walks. Overall fabulous, my suggestion is to try to get them on sale. I see these bad boys on sale time to time, my only regret was not getting a better price, but definitely worth 2 benjamins.

Reliability has been questionable. I have used this cool gadget on two weekend backcountry trips. When it works properly it is an amazing product, however sometimes, and more often than not on my last trip, the unit would not engage properly. The light would flash on and then "frown" from LCD would appear, and yes the batteries are new a yes the water was making complete contact with the sensors. I cannnot explain why this happened, very frustrating, It may be an air bubble issue over the contacts when inserted into the Nalgene bottle. Just be mindful of this situation. Overall a cool gadget but if I was alone in the woods with only this as my lone water filter for over a couple of days I might be concerned.

Great hat, very stylish. It is very tall! I have a tiny head so I bought the S/M, it fits around the head great, but as I said it is very tall, and the back half of the hat makes contact with my head but the front sticks up quite a bit. Still cool just not ideal for us tiny-headed people, but I still rock it, and you probably will too.

Stylish and comfy, what more could you want. It says yes I'm sophisticated yet also a chill outdoor guy. When chillin at the bar with your buddies or the ladies it is perfectly acceptable. The quality is superb, and the feel is excellent, nice and soft. It is heavy enough to be comfy and not weighted down to feel bulky. Overal a solid hoody without a doubt. Careful, the ladies will try to borrow/steal this hoodie. Just wanted to update... as I mentioned a few months ago girls will try to steal it... well one succeeded. I am now without my trusted hoodie.