Reviews by User: Matthew Brown (Olympia, WA) (5)

For years I used a closed-cell foam pad or a self-inflating pad. I finally decided to get an InsulMat Max-Thermo to see if would make a difference. Wow, I never knew how much sleep I was losing. A good night's sleep means I have more energy on the trail and a more enjoyable hike if I’m out there for a several days. It's a bit narrower than I was hoping but I have no complaints. It stuffs to about the size of a small loaf of bread and weighs far less than my self-inflating pad. Inflating it only takes a few min which I make up for by sleeping all night.

It has been a particularly wet winter this year in the North West, and I bought these primarily so I could continue biking to work. At about 1/3 of the price of some, I am very pleased with the performance of these rain pants. I have had no problems keeping dry in even the wettest conditions. When it stops raining, they come with a stuff sack about the size of a soda can, which makes hiding them in your pack easy. When the legs are unzipped, the sheath makes taking them off/on while wearing shoes more difficult. However, considering the price, it is something I can live with.

I got by with a plastic poncho until I got caught in a 3-day rain storm on ONP's wilderness coast this year. The wind made my poncho useless. I needed a light-weight, compact rain-shell that didn't cost $200. I couldn't be happier with Sierra Designs' Hurricane LT. You can vent under the arms and through unzipped pockets to keep cool. The short hem keeps the jacket out-of-the-way while climbing rocks or on more difficult trails. The hood could use a stiff brim and the fabric could breathe a little better, but for the money, it's a great coat.

I like the loose fit and the super-soft fabric on the El Cap. It works great as a lone piece during those cool summer mornings here in the Northwest.

This is a great baselayer. It works equally well alone or under a jacket. It fits close to your body so you never know it's there.