Reviews by User: jdstrong (20)

I bought this shoe as an alternative to a hiking boot and have used it for extended day hikes (12+ miles) and for trail running. The comfort of the shoe is amazing and the XCR tends to flex with any foot movement. The traction is incredible and has saved me many times on steep rock slopes. The shoes are very breathable and the full gusset prevents most of the rocks and water from getting in. Expensive shoes, but well worth it.

Look past the high cost and you will see all of the benefits. This set is light (1/2 the weight of stainless), durable, does not react with foods (like aluminum), does not have a coating that can be sratched, and does not rust. Due to the thickness, the heat transfer is excellent, the surface is easy to clean and the size is sufficient for 3 or even a 4 person meal. Kudos to MSR.

Even though this tent is not an ultralight, it has every other feature you would need in a 3 season. This tent is ideal for weekend backpacking, camping and adventure travel. Leave the fly off and enjoy the best view in a tent or put the fly on for bad mountain weather. The best mid-weight tent out there!

I have taken these pants on hikes to the Oregon coast, muggy rain forests and up several mountains. The full length waterproof zippers are a real help in keeping out the water when pouring rain or allow ventilation when open. The 3/4 length zippers sit comfortably out of the way of a harness or backpack. I am extremely happy with the quality and durability of all my Arc’teryx gear.

This cup holds any beverage at a piping hot temperature. The 600 is quite large, so I got the 450 model. It is extremely lightweight and durable - put it anywhere in your pack and it will survive without a dent. One warning- it is such a great insulator, the outside of the cup will be cold, but the liquid will burn your mouth.

Filtering water in the backcountry is expensive and heavy, but it can reclaim and purify water in almost any environment. Why choose this filter? This filter is very efficient, field maintainable, and protects from all concerns of bacteria. Compared to the Miniworks, if the main filter is not properly cared for, bacteria can grow in the fiter contaminating all fitered water. As a backup fiter, the PES Membrane will assure that all contamination is removed. The safest bet when traveling or going to areas where any water source may be vital. NOTE: Viruses will still remain after filtering - use iodine to kill the viruses and the taste will be removed by the carbon core in the main filter.

Confused by the choice between non-water resistant leather or hard plastic boots? This boot is an excellent middle ground. The boot is made of a thick fabric surrounded by a flexible plastic, combined with a quick lacing system and excellent in-step crampon compatible soles. It takes some breaking in and as usual TRY BEFORE YOU BUY with any boot. I wear two sets of socks (main and liner) to prevent blisters and fill the boots and they fit perfectly. Also, these are mountaineering boots and will not serve well for extended hiking (there is a full shank preventing sole flexation).

I use these glasses for driving, hiking and mountain climbing. It comes in a hard case that protects when packing, has removable side shields, straight ear frames allow taking on and off while wearing a helmet easy, and changes the tint darkness depending on the conditions. What really sells these glasses? They are comfortable. Try on a pair of these and the search will be over.

As an EMT, I have chosen this kit for both a group sized contingency and for my home first aid kit. This kit is an excellent balance of necessary gear vs. too much weight.

I have used this pack on many climbs in the Gorge. The 100 oz water capacity is large enough for all but the warmest days, but you can also put two water bottles in the side pouches if more is needed. The hydration pouch has excellent insulation and can keep water cold for more than 6 hours in 90 degree weather! The support system is excellent and fully adjustable and the pack performs well with trail running. The 700 cubic in of space is more than enough for a aid kit, camera, food, soft shell, and a book.

I purchased this stove due to the small weight, size and ease of use. It requires much less hassle (maintenance, priming, cleaning, pressurizing) than a liquid stove. Since I primarily go on weekend hikes, this fit the bill perfectly. This setup is excellent for short (1-2) night backpacking trips in above freezing areas. WARNING: Fuel canisters will not work below freezing. Even fuels labeled for cold weather (80/20 iso blend) require that you put the canister in 1-2in of water during use to avoid freezing. Also, there is no good indicator for the fuel level for these canisters - Brunton makes a "Gas Gauge" that can read the amount, but at a buck a piece and single use only, just buy a new canister if unsure.

The information about this bag is both wrong and vague. This is a DOWN (775 fill) sleeping bag and the shell is Dryloft. The dryloft shell helps protect the bag from moisture, but is not seam sealed. The bag is very well designed with a foot box, excellent head insulation and down draft tube. I have used this bag in conditions where the windchill was around 20 degrees and never felt cold. If you want an excellent down bag with some moisture insurance, this is it.

This jacket is excellent for warmth and wind protection, but becomes wet very easily. Even though it is lighter and more compressible than the original R4, it still takes up as much room as my tent in my pack. The fit is very specific, so try on before thinking about a size. I now use it as an expensive city jacket, but wish it was more versatile.

I chose this bag after a great deal of research. I liked the pack size as well as the weight. You can get a lighter bag, but not with a full zipper (which is crucial for warmer nights). The pack size is wrong on both the men's and women's models. Both pack to around 14" x 8" (450 in3) and can be made smaller if necessary. Most people will not need additional compression. The fill weight and comfort of the bag are excellent with enough room to move and even store a Nalgene bottle in the foot box. I only wish Backcountry.com sold the dryloft version, but I would normally use a vapor barrier just in case.

This headlamp is excellent for backpacking and mountaineering. The xenon bulb gives an excellent beam for up to 100m ahead and the LED's save battery life when hiking or at base camp. I use the LED's much more than expected and have often left my candle or butane lantern at home. Excellent choice.

This cord is about half the size of the standard cord that comes with TNF tents and provides a better knot hold. The reflection is useful but does not appear like a "lazer" beam as I had read somewhere (can't believe everything on the internet). Overall, I am very satisfied.

I have used this jacket and the pants on multiple trips in the Oregon Cascades. From multi-day backpacking to mountain climbing, these are always in my pack. My only warning is that the fit is VERY important. Try on with the base layers you will be using and if it is too small or large, get something else. I am 5'10 and 190lb and these fit under my shell layers perfectly.

I have taken this mattress on several trips into the backcountry and up mountains. It is extremely light, small and comfortable. I have even taken this mattress to sleep when visiting friends (vs. futon or air bed). It really is great!

I purchased the ABS plates, but are not needed in every situation. For wet or powdery snow, they work excellent, but are not really needed on ice or well packed snow. In the end, I leave them attached because installation is too much trouble compared to the extra weight.

I have used these crampons on solid ice, loose pack snow and on 70-degree packed snow/ice without any concern (except for my sanity). Make sure you take care of them, and they will take care of you...