Reviews by User: Mark L (20)

I own the Losi 2p, but assume that the 3p is comparable with more square footage. We just had it out last night in an all-night storm (39 degrees with 40mph winds and rain) and it proved beastly. We were bone dry, including everything under the vestibule. The two-person fit my wife and I plus our two dogs comfortably. Extremely easy to put up, easy to take down. The footprint is a must, as the tent bottom is fairly thin - and the pawprint is a nice feature (sold separately) as you can slide your pads in the slots to keep them in place. Design allows for good air flow and minimal condensation. Listed as a 4 season tent, but would get chilly under 35 degrees due to the air flow. All clips and poles assemble quickly and easily and it was roomier than I expected, as well as light for the size. I researched many tents before narrowing down to three finalists, and I couldn't be happier that I chose a Nemo. My new favorite piece of gear

I'm severely disappointed that Vasque chose long ago to move production of this boot from Italy to China. I owned a pair of the Italian-made sundowners and they were great. In the day of the sundowner and the skywalk, Vasque was THE boot to have. Sundowners are a legendary name on the trail and I think anyone purchasing a pair now will feel disappointed, to say the least. You can tell the difference between the old and new by simply looking at them. I give them two stars only for the memories I have of the better days. I now own a pair of Sundowner MX2's (made in Italy) and I am once again in love!

I had already reviewed this tent under the Losi 3p tent (I believe that the 2 person was sold out at the time), but I feel compelled to place a review here in case someone might only be looking at only 2 person tents...We had it out in an all-night storm (39 degrees with 40mph winds and rain) and it proved beastly. We were bone dry, including everything under the vestibule. The two-person fit my wife and I plus our two dogs comfortably. Extremely easy to put up, easy to take down. The footprint is a must, as the tent bottom is fairly thin - and the pawprint is a nice feature (sold separately) as you can slide your pads in the slots to keep them in place. Design allows for good air flow and minimal condensation. Listed as a 4 season tent, but would get chilly under 35 degrees due to the air flow. All clips and poles assemble quickly and easily and it was roomier than I expected, as well as light for the size. Plenty of guy line attachments on the tent fly. I'm glad we had it properly staked out -it never budged - but it would have been a few counties away without them. I researched many tents before narrowing down to three finalists, and I couldn't be happier that I chose a Nemo. My new favorite piece of gear

This jacket fits WONDERFULLY! The arms are adequately long and the torso isn't cut super short like some MH jackets. The first jacket I've ever found that felt so loose and comfortable while still looking sleek and form fitting. Great range of motion. Will update after getting it outdoors more...until then it gets 5 just for the cut (5'9" 160lbs medium fits perfectly).

Plenty of length in the leg so you won't end up with high-waters after washing. Soft waistband and fly. Chose smartwool because of the supreme softness - even compared to capilene. Not to mention the fact that they do a much better job of cooling (seems counterintuitive being wool) than synthetics. I am converting to smartwool for all of my baselayer needs from now on, not only for the comfort and performance, but for their sustainability practices. Highly recommended

Reading the manual front to back upon receiving the Vector is highly recommended. Like anything else, becoming familiar with it will greatly increase the ease of use. It is extremely lightweight, which is nice in any outdoor endeavor. I have personally had no problems with it leaking underwater. I have worn it snorkeling during my honeymoon in the caribbean as well as during a marine biology research trip in which it was frequently submerged. Many useful functions. The altimeter is "accurate to within 100 feet" an associate told me. This has proven true in most cases. Beware that the altimeter is based on barometric pressure readings, so if the weather is changing, the altitude measurement becomes inaccurate. It is easy to tell if you can rely on your altitude measurements by using the barometer's difference mode to check changing conditions (sounds complicated but is like second nature after a few weeks). Face of the watch can scratch and is very large, so take care. The compass bearing mode is a great feature, as well as the barometric trend monitor. Common sense is to use the traditional tools in the backcountry such as a topo map, compass, etc. This should not replace such items, but is useful in a pinch. Easy to calibrate, easy to read, lightweight, durable.

Durable AND comfortable. Teva does not make a product that can hold a flame to the Chaco line. The new unaweep sole design cuts on the weight a bit, which is nice, but the weight goes unnoticed because of the supreme comfort of these sandals. I routinely compare them to Birkenstock in the comfort category. Can be re-soled, re-webbed, and Chaco customer service is the best I've ever dealt with, hands down. They are courteous, efficient and eager to help, and they stand by their product. Try on a pair and see why everyone loves them.

I had this jacket about 4 years ago, until someone hijacked it from me. This was, and still is, one of the best all-around pieces I've ever owned. Efficient at cutting the wind, durable, and (for me) very warm. This is one of MH's first pieces and looks as though it has stayed relatively unchanged. Where else on backcountry.com have you seen something that has 130 reviews and still has 5 stars??? It's for a reason. When I have some extra cash I'll get one again.

I cannot give this glove an entirely negative review (I realize that two stars isn't exactly positive), but I will impart my own experience with it. I bought this glove and was happy with it until the second time I wore it. While tightening the wrist cinch, the rubber grip sewn to the webbing ripped right off. I paid retail for them, so I was more than disappointed that something broke so soon. The problem lies in the design: the rubber grip is sewn at the most apical portion of the webbing and is not reinforced with so much more than a single-stitch line. This is minor, I realize (unless you are attempting to cinch down with a gloved hand - inevitable on at least one glove!), but I returned them because at that price, this should not happen. They were warm, indeed, but I couldn't grab the webbing (sans grip) with a gloved hand. I then purchased an old model Patagonia Stretch Element glove (removable liner and eerily similar features with better articulation) at a discounted price and couldn't be happier with them. Disappointing, because Marmot has always been good to me.

My favorite socks. Will buy more in the future - not that I need them.

Worked at a camp that provided the Ecrin Roc for kids ranging from 3rd grade through high school. It was the helmet of choice because it was easy enough for the kids to fit quickly, as well as reliable and safe enough to warrant its use when liability was an issue. Easy to adjust while it is on the head. The wheels are a simple but well thought out feature. Can't go wrong with it.

Best to learn on, hands down. A classic piece that needs no improvement. Also lighter and takes up less room than a grigri

If you're looking for PreCip functionality with a little more feminine cut, this is it. I Bought this jacket for my wife. Cut long enough to keep the thighs dry - my own PreCip would soak my legs (due to 'runoff' from the upper body) if I was wearing jeans in a downpour. I would be curious to see how this jacket fares on the trail - it is tight-cut and tight-fitting and I fear it might rip or tear as it does not have much wiggle room. Overall, does what it says. Only gets 4 stars b/c it's a city jacket

Figured it'd be useful to review these separate from the alpine utility pant by MK. If you're looking for a more burly pant, go with the Alpine Utility. They are heavier, but the reinforced knees and seat are solid. Probably better used in harsh and rigorous activities. Not that the Original Mountain pant isn't durable. As in the review on the Alpine Utility pant...MKs are sturdily constructed, and yes - pricey. But, like all other gear are an investment. That being said, I love MKs. Have bouldered and hiked in them and I know plenty of people who routinely climb, travel, kayak, and backpack in them. I have multiple pairs, which brings me to my only qualm... MK seems to have a quality control issue with their sizing (as one can see from previous reviews). Each pair of my 30x32 pants fits differently. I highly recommend buying them IN store rather than online, unless you can readily return them if they do not fit properly. Love the product, but they need to improve upon this one fault.

I owned this harness before selling it (I boulder mostly and just needed one for a summer job at a camp)(and had no trouble finding takers for it) and it is a nice novice harness. It is comfortable and light, nice padding, fitted legs are snug, and does the job for a low price. You don't need all the bells and whistles if you're not using them.

Unlike most burly waterproof hiking shoes, this shoe is fairly quick to break in and doesn't feel like a wooden clog when off the trail and on the pavement. I haven't tested mine out a great deal yet, but have thus far proven waterproof and comfortable. Fits wide feet, which is nice, but size up by half a shoe size. Mine are a little snug in the toe (my fault for not reordering a larger size).

Does what it's supposed to. Haven't tried a lot of different chalks, but this is my choice of those that I have tried. Great for bouldering

Great shoe for bouldering and gym use. Very aggressive downturned shape makes it good for pulling with toes. Heel has never slipped on me and elastic is a nice feature. Toe box is rather narrow and if you have a wide foot your toes can be smashed together. Wish I'd have ordered a larger size simply for my toes' sake!

I've never owned another rain jacket, mostly because I haven't needed to retire the PreCip yet. I don't know if this makes this review less reputable or more significant - you decide. Mine is going on five years' use and still holding up. I must say that I'm surprised - it seems so lightweight and delicate. It has never leaked, never ripped, never lost its capability. The first summer I purchased it while instructing at a camp (outdoors every day of the week) and it rained nearly three times a week on average. This summer I did notice that the seam taping along the back of the neck (base of the hood) was peeling, so it may be nearing its end, but I am still staying dry. Like all rain jackets, if you are wearing short sleeves, it can feel slightly clammy against your skin (I think a lot of reviewers have the misconception that this is precipitation leaking through when, in fact, it is perspiration), but the gigantic pit zips can remedy this quickly. It is plenty roomy for base layers,fleece, etc without feeling loose and sloppy. I hate to think that someday I will have to part with this jacket...

MKs are sturdily constructed, and yes - pricy. But, like all other gear are an investment. That being said, I love MKs. Have bouldered and hiked in them and I know plenty of people who routinely climb, travel, and backpack in them. I have multiple pairs, which brings me to my only qualm... MK seems to have a quality control issue with their sizing (as one can see from previous reviews). Each pair of my 30x32 pants fits differently. I highly recommend buying them IN store rather than online, unless you can readily return them if they do not fit properly. Love the product, but they need to improve upon this one fault.