Reviews by User: SpriteMV (33)

After being a loyal fan of both Reef and Teva Mush flip flops, I found a pair of Chaco Flip on sale and decided to give them a shot. Overall, I've concluded that while the Chaco Flip is not as comfortable as the Reefs and Tevas, they are much more durable. I'll start with the soles. In the past I've easily worn through at least one pair of Tevas/Reefs each summer. The Chacos, on the other hand, sport Vibram soles and are very durable. They seem as though they will last for many years. Unfortunately, this durability comes at the expense of comfort and weight. In contrast to the the soft, squishy, light (3.4 oz) foam sandals I have worn in the past, the Chaco soles have a rough, hard, heavy (10.4 oz) design. At 3 times the weight of my old sandals, I am still adjusting to them. In addition to the durability of the soles, they have a better ergonomic fit and become grippier when wet which is a plus if you plan on wearing them in wet conditions. I've found that foam sandals get very slick when wet and provide little or no support. The strap is not as soft as the strap on Reefs and Tevas, but it is well made and fits well. I found no need to size up or down. Lastly, the sandals are more expensive than the foam variety, but this is warranted as they are likely to last much longer. All in all, these are very stylish and well-made sandals. If you are used to heavier shoes you will have no problem with them and will love the legendary Chaco durability and quality. However, if you like the squishy, soft feeling of lightweight foam flip flops (ala Teva Mush), I would suggest trying them on before pulling out your credit card.

If you like to go ultra-light, the RPM is your pack. Typically, when you go ultra-light you lose many features found in heavier packs. However, this isn't the case with the RPM. The has an exterior compression cord for quickly stowing things to the pack and it doubles in functionality to compress the contents of the pack. The backpack sits very close to your body to minimize its effect on your agility. But beware, while it's good for your balance, the packs narrow profile is not so great for carrying books to class. The pack also has pockets for hydration bladders and water bottles, things that are missing in many similar packs. Also, the material is surprisingly durable for how light it is. If you are looking for a backpack for long hikes or to haul your climbing gear between crags, I've found nothing better than the Black Diamond RPM.

I've had my Marmot Oracle for a few years now, and it has kept me dry more times than I can count. I wear it while commuting by bike in heavy rain (on trips no more than 10 minutes long) and during short rainfalls while canoing and backpacking. I love how light and packable it is - I can throw it in my backpack or messenger bag when it isn't needed and completely forget about it. I wish it could stuff into one of its own pockets, but I've ended up using a separate stuff sack and have had no problems. I will finally be upgrading from the Oracle due to an unpleasant experience I had last summer. While backpacking in the Smokies, the heavens opened up and we faced a complete downpour during an 8-mile exit hike. This is the only time the Oracle failed to keep me dry, but was by far the longest I had tested it in heavy rain. I think for my next jacket I will look for something with a Gore-Tex membrane to keep me dry. If you are on a somewhat restricted budget and aren't planning on being in rainstorms for hours on end, this jacket will treat you well. However, if you are like me, and prefer a bit more protection, I'd recommend spending a little more dough and hopping on the Gore-Tex bandwagon.

There are a lot of things to like about the Blurr Meta Pant. First off, they look very stylish. The durable, yet lightweight material has a very cool look to it, owing to the ripstop construction (small, crosshatched texture is visible throughout the pants reminding me of the crosshatching in Gore-Tex PacLight material). Unfortunately, the material does not stretch, but the gusseted crotch gives some extra room making up for this somewhat. The main problem I have with these pants is with the fit. They look and feel great from the knees up, but they are a bit more tapered than I'd like toward the ankles. This hasn't been much of a problem for me when climbing as I usually roll the bottoms of my pants up a few times, but it definitely prevents me from wearing these around town. The ST system seems to work fine for keeping the pants on my waist, and is great when wearing a climbing harness as it eliminates the need for a belt. However, the pants lack belt loops so make sure not to order them too big as the ST system may not be sufficient to keep them around your waist. In sum, like most Blurr products, these are great pants. However, if you prefer a somewhat baggy or boot-cut fit around the ankles, you may want to try them on first.

As one of the more affordable jackets in the Arc'teryx line-up, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the Epsilon AR. However, after giving it a few trial runs I can assure you I'm not disappointed! First off, the jacket looks stylish. Not only do I wear it for outdoor activities like climbing and trail running, but I love wearing it as a casual piece around town as well. The cut is great. At 6'2", 185 lbs (athletic build), I have found the Large has a slim, active fit. The sleeves are plenty long, but be warned, the bottom hem rises up in the front and barely covers my belt buckle (presumably to stay out of the way of a climbing harness). This is the only gripe I have with the jacket. Overall I do wish it had a bit more length in the front, but I've gotten used to this - just be prepare to have longer shirts hang out the front. The jacket drops down in the back - great for keeping you covered when ripping up the trails on your mountain bike or just when bending over. The material of the jacket is thin and lightweight. If this was the first technical jacket I had ever purchased, I might think the material seemed cheap, but I assure you it is not. The high-tech materials used in this jacket are water resistant, yet highly breathable and are not hard and crinkly like a hardshell rain jacket. While it is surprisingly warm for its weight, I would not recommend this jacket for cold temps. Also, if you wish to layer heavier fleeces under the jacket, I would size up, as the Large I have only allows for a light long-sleeved shirt underneath. The jacket is neither windproof nor waterproof, but it has kept me dry in a light rain and seems to break the wind fairly well while cycling. I have yet to test it in a downpour. Overall, if you're looking for a sweet and stylish Arc'teryx softshell and don't want to shell out $$$ for a high-end model, I highly recommend the Epsilon AR. It's still not cheap, but it lives up to the Arc'teryx name in both quality and performance. If you can find it on sale, it makes the deal even sweeter.

The Marmot Atom is hands-down the best 40 degree bag out there. I purchased it to replace my 25 degree bag during warm weather camping and could not be happier. Before purchasing the Atom, I used to overheat and often ended up sleeping on top of my bag. Those days are long gone! Even in considerably warm temps, I have found this bag regulates my temperature well and breathes phenomenally - I have yet to even hang a leg out of the zipper. Speaking of which, the zipper does not extend all the way to the bottom of the bag, so if you are one of the leg-hangers out there, this may be something to think about. The shell material is absolutely amazing. It is incredibly light and it feels like silk! It also does a decent job of shedding water from the bag to preserve the outstanding loft of the down. As an ultralight junkie, my favorite thing about the bag has to be its packed size and weight. I easily compress it to the size of a cantaloupe, but it could be forced even smaller without much effort given the right compression sack. Marmot does include a stuff sack, but unfortunately it does not have any compression straps. To really take advantage of this bags packability, you will need to find an extra-small compression sack elsewhere. Search around for the smallest one you can find, because this bag _will_ fit in it. I admit, this sleeping bag is a bit pricey, but it is currently the best 40 degree bag money can buy. If you can afford it and are sick of sleeping on top of your overkill sleeping bag during summer backpacking trips, the Atom is a must!

The Operative is my absolute favorite T-shirt. After falling in love with the first one I purchased, I actual bought two more in different colors. I'll admit, I probably wear these shirts more than I should, but they're just so comfortable! The material is light and breathable and has a substantial ability to stretch due to the included spandex. The fit is relaxed, rather than the typical Arc'teryx slim and short athletic cut so don't size up. Remember, with 96% cotton, the Operative is definitely intended more for the casual scene than the backcountry. Before you buy this T-shirt, make sure you have a good storage place for your other tees, because they will never see the light of another day.

I can't believe how bright the Tikka XP is for its size. It is incredibly small and lightweight yet when using boost mode it manages to outshine many of the larger headlamps with annoying battery packs that hang behind the head. I also love the sliding diffuser which makes the light softer and more widespread for close-ranged lighting rather as opposed to distance spotting. I was originally a bit skeptical at how well it would work, but I have to say, I am quite impressed. This is my favorite headlamp by far and has completely replaced my old halogen lamp, even for spotting things in the distance. By the Tikka XP and you'll never be left in the dark again!

The Katadyn Hiker Microfilter is a godsend in the backcountry. No more packing in water - drink ice-cold mountain water to your heart's content with this gadget. I've used this microfilter to pull water from sources ranging from crystal clear mountain streams to muddy-brown rivers and have had nothing but good results. The water coming out of the Hiker tastes better than my tap water at home, and the Nalgene/Camelbak hose adapters make pumping water a 1-man chore. The replacement filters are expensive, so I'd recommend hand-rinsing your filter in the sink after each trip.

Every time I pull this stove out of my backpack, it amazes those who haven't seen it. It is so light and small, it is almost unbelievable how hot it gets. While you do have some control over the flame intensity, I've found it's difficult to achieve lower temperatures with the GigaPower stove. Also, its small footprint offers plenty of stability for my smaller cooksets, but I have tried larger frying pans on it while making fish and pancakes and things get a little wobbly.

You won't be disappointed with The North Face Nuptse vest. It is warm, versatile, and it conveniently stuffs into its own pocket, making it very packable. I took it on my last high-altitude backpacking trip and while I was not wearing the vest, it made the most luxurious backcountry pillow I have ever used! One thing I dislike is that the inside of the neck doesn't have a soft lining. The oil from my skin has slowly turned the material darker here, which looks a little funny. I believe I've seen models in stores this winter that do have the lining, so maybe it's something they are putting on new models. However, I don't think anyone but me will notice. The other downside is that you look like just another The North Face yuppy when wearing it around town. Regardless, with a fit better than the down vests of any other make (I've tried most of them on), some things can't be helped.

I picked up the Core Skin two years ago and couldn't be happier with it. It is my go to jacket for temps between 20 and 50 F. I wouldn't recommend wearing it in temps much higher than this or you may overheat. It is made of a heavier material and has a lining of Polartec fleece so unlike a lot of the lighter softshells out there, I don't have to layer nearly as much underneath. I often get by with a single 200 weight long sleeved base layer underneath occasionally adding a 260 weight if it's especially chilly out. I love the fit and rarely get clammy underneath when snowshoeing or cross country skiing. I've worn the jacket in both light rain and heavy snow and remained bone dry thanks to the DWR finish and water-repellent zippers. The pockets have an interior made of mesh and I often leave them unzipped for additional ventilation. The jacket is a great piece and I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a cool weather softshell.

I love my monkey man jacket! It's incredibly soft and fuzzy - people will be asking to pet you everywhere you go. The long-fiber fleece makes the jacket stand out from the crowd and functionally it adds greatly to the warmth of the jacket without adding much weight. I've also found that the jacket compresses quite nicely in a compression sack making it great for backpacking trips. As stated in the product description, this jacket has absolutely no wind-proofing. The plus side to this is that it's extremely breathable and great for layering under a shell on windier days - the main reason I purchased the piece. My only other gripe is that the long fiber fleece gets matted in places of wear, especially under the elbows where I am often leaning on things. The fleece fluffs back out after being washed, it just looks a little funny when it's matted down. All in all, the monkey man is a great piece and is available at a price that won't break your bank. As long as you have a shell to throw over it or a separate jacket altogether for windy days, I'd highly recommend picking one up!

I'm the kind of guy who wears a pair of sunglasses every time I step out the door whether it's sunny or not. The interchangeable lenses on these babies make this much more manageable. The RC30 lenses are my favorite as they work wonders on both cloudy and sunny days. I have a pair of polarized brown lenses that I pop in when it's particularly sunny out, or to cut glare when I'm going to be on the water. I also wear these sporty shades when cycling and have found the clear lenses are great for keeping the wind from drying out your eyes on night rides. My only complaint is that the earpieces don't grip the sides of my head as firmly as other sunglasses. If I jerk my head down, the sunglasses slip down my nose. They have yet to slide completely off my face when I'm actually wearing them, but I have been worried about it when leaning over a railing to look down a cliff or when peering over the side of a boat. When the sunglasses are not on my face, I prop them on top of my head and due to the loose fit, they do completely fall off my head occasionally. Other than that, I love the Smith District II sunglasses. These are my go-to shades in my large collection and are great for every situation from outdoor sports to casual style. I paid full price for them and am happy with the purchase. If you can find them on sale now that they are an older model, go for it!

This shirt is very light and breathable. Like most merino wool garments, it is quite soft (though I find organic cotton and some synthetics to be softer). I really like the fit of the shirt - it has plenty of length to keep me covered while bending over. Like the previous reviewer said, it runs a tad on the large size. I find this is great for comfort, but if you want it to be rather tight for layering purposes, you may wish to size down.

The Wicked Tech shirt is one of the best wicking and most breathable shirts in my closet. The fit is fairly baggy and loose, so if you are often between sizes, I'd recommend getting the smaller size. The fabric is soft and has a nice ability to stretch. While the shirt owes its amazing breathability and wicking ability to its construction, it has a tendency to catch on things easily resulting in small snags hanging off. Because of this, I would not recommend it for any activity in which the shirt will make contact with rough surfaces such as rock climbing. However, if you don't mind snags hanging off your shirt or are inclined to be extra careful when wearing it, this is a great shirt for the price.

These sandals are fashionable and the orientation of the straps results in a very secure fit. I prefer the Z/1 over the Z/2 as the lack of a toe loop allows one to wear them with a pair of cozy socks after crawling out of the tent on a cool morning. The footbed has ergonomic curves which will keep your feet happy and also keep your foot from sliding around. The back of the sole has a ridge on both sides which keeps your heel in place, but feels strange if you are used to relatively flat-soled sandals. While fit and style makes these sandals great for wearing on less technical ventures, I cannot recommend them for longer treks, especially if you are an ounce counter like myself. A size 12 sandal weighs 16.4 oz - that's 32.8 oz per pair! You can actually find light hiking shoes that weigh less than this. Bottom line: If you are in to fashion and looking for a cool pair of outdoorsy sandals, Chacos offer supreme fit and durability. However, if you are a weight-conscious hiker, you can find a much lighter sandal and may want to look around a bit more.

I just finished testing my new Beta SL in its first major rain storm and couldn't be more impressed. I remained completely dry and comfortable throughout the experience. I was especially impressed with how the water beaded up on the surface of the fabric allowing me to easily shake it off once I stepped out of the rain. I've found that lower quality materials simply get coated with water and while they often are sufficient to keep me dry, the water must be dried off them with a towel or allowed to evaporate over time once I step inside which can be a real inconvenience. With Gore-Tex XCR on the shoulders and elbows and laminated zippers, this jacket looks very cool and I am also very happy with how well it packs down. I am easily able to cram it in a 9" x 4" stuff sack without the aid of compression straps - something most Gore-Tex jackets would have trouble doing. I also enjoy the inclusion of hand pockets which seems to be a feature many ultra-light jackets lack. The fit is both athletic and trim. I am 6'2" with an athletic build, and the Large fits me well. The sleeves are plenty long, but keep in mind that Arc'teryx typically cuts their garments short at the waist for added mobility. I wouldn't want the jacket to be any shorter in front - if you are taller than me or prefer longer jackets, you may want to try one on in person before buying. Using the hood's draw cords, I am able to achieve a perfect custom fit which is something I couldn't quite achieve with my old Marmot Oracle. The hood manages to offer excellent protection while being snug to your head. This allows it to move with you when you turn your head to the side - no more restricted vision! The jacket is a little on the expensive side, but after getting wet through my last non-Gore jacket in an extended downpour, I would highly recommend spending the extra cash to upgrade to a jacket of this caliber.

I've been searching for goggles all winter, trying on dozens of pairs from Spy, Oakley, and Smith. The problem I ran into every time is that they stuck out too far from my face making me look like SCUBA Steve. Nobody wants to look like SCUBA Steve on the slopes! I fell in love with these the instant I put them on. They are the slimmest fitting goggles I have tried on all year and they look stunning. The view is crystal clear, and once you go polarized you never go back! If you don't want to look like you belong 10,000 leagues under the sea, these are the goggles for you!

The Patagonia Marsupial is an incredibly warm and comfy casual piece. The fit is more relaxed and a bit baggy for comfort. I would not recommend it as a technical layering piece due to this, and I don't think Patagonia intended it to fill that role. The large pocket gives you the hand-warming capabilities of a hoody while retaining the softness of a fleece. The Marsupial is not wind-proof in the least, but this makes it more breathable. Who needs to cut the wind when you're lounging around the cabin anyway? If you're an outdoor nut, you'll probably also appreciate that this article is made mostly from recycled materials using environmentally friendly techniques. You can also recycle the shirt when you finally wear it out!

These flip flops are extremely comfortable, and unlike most of my sandal collection, they look classy enough to wear to a semi-formal event. The leather band is soft and fits securely. The soles are relatively light, comfy, and mold to your foot. They also have a pretty decent arch support for a flip flop. I've found they run true to size - no need to size up or down. If you're in the market for a pair of decent leather flips, these will treat you well.

The ProLite series is the creme of the crop when it comes to compact sleeping pads. What's not to love about an ultra-light, super-packable sleeping pad that self-inflates and has a lifetime warranty? It's the size of a Nalgene when rolled up. If your are obsessed with packing as small as possible, I'd recommend getting the stuff sack for the short length ProLite 3 rather than the regular length as Therm-a-Rest's stuff sacks tend to run a bit large. It is a tight fit, but with careful rolling it works great to keep the pad rolled as tightly as possible. I should also mention that while this pad is the ultimate for those of us who are weight and size conscious, it may not be thick enough for individuals who sleep on their side, set up camp on particularly hard ground, or just plain prefer luxurious sleeping conditions. Spend the money on this pad - as a 1-time purchase, you won't be sorry!

There's no other way to put it, I'm addicted to my narrow-mouthed Nalgene. There are few things worse than trying to drink from a wide-mouthed Nalgene while driving or walking when a wave of water splashes all over your face and shirt. With the narrow-mouthed Nalgene, this can be a thing of the past. However, recent research has me questioning whether it's time to retire my old faithful. Bisphenol A, anybody?

I've had a previous model of this cookset for years, but after seeing the new features in this year's model I had to upgrade. The clear lid allows you to check if the water is boiling without lifting the lid and losing heat. The plastic-coated handle prevents the handle from becoming too hot too handle (a problem with the old model). These things a super light and I love how they nest inside each other while perfectly fitting a fuel canister and my backpacking stove inside. For this price, there is no reason to buy titanium over the GSI Halulite Double Boiler.

I really like the looks of this beanie, although the "reversible" side is just a plain color and I doubt I will ever wear it facing out. Like most woven hats, the Thermal Reversible Beanie is not windproof. However, due to its moderate thickness, it is still adequately warm for most temps. BEWARE, this thing fits small. I am a male with a medium sized head and even after stretching it as much as I can, it barely covers my ears. Best to try one on in person if you are unsure or you may find you have just purchased a hip new prAna Yarmulke.

I use this bag every day when commuting on my bike. My absolute favorite thing about it is something I have seen in no other messenger bags - the strap has a quick release cinch allowing you to hike the bag way up on your back while riding, and let it back down to your waist when you arrive so you don't look like a wannabe hipster. The ballistic nylon is ultra-durable. I don't think it will EVER wear out. Additionally, the bag has a completely waterproof lining allowing you to wear it in absolute downpours while keeping the contents dry (which I have on many occasions) as long as the cover flap is situated appropriately. I like the organizer pockets on the inside and the brightly colored key ring is a bonus. The only thing that gets a little annoying is that the Velcro fastener that fastens the top closed is a bit excessive. Don't expect to discretely open your bag if you sneak into lecture late... RRRIIIIIIIP!! However, it's no longer a problem for me - there's nothing a little duct tape can't fix.

I've been searching for goggles all winter, trying on dozens of pairs from Spy, Oakley, and Smith. The problem I ran into every time is that they stuck out too far from my face making me look like SCUBA Steve. Nobody wants to look like SCUBA Steve on the slopes! I fell in love with these the instant I put them on. They are the slimmest fitting goggles I have tried on all year and they look stunning. The view is crystal clear, and once you go polarized you never go back! If you don't want to look like you belong 10,000 leagues under the sea, these are the goggles for you!

I own two pairs of shades. One is a sporty pair of Smiths, while the other is the Oakley Why 8.1. First, I should note that these things look classy and fit great! The moment I tried them on I new I had to have them. The frame is both light and strong, and offers a firm yet comfortable grip. I've compared them with even more expensive Oakleys, but the Why 8.1 still remains my favorite. The polarized lenses are vividly clear. Now that I've had polarized sunglasses, I absolutely can't go back to non-polarized. They cut a huge amount of glare, especially if you spend time on the water or in the snow. These are sweet shades. If you are going for more style than sport and have a deep enough wallet, get yourself a pair!

This watch is great! I like the display with extra large numbers - the time is much more visible than my previous watch. I also like how you can choose what is displayed above the time on the main screen (either temperature, altitude, or barometric pressure). As with all watches with a built-in thermometer, be aware that you must take the watch off and allow it to sit for ~5 minutes to get an accurate reading as your body heat with throw it off. One unique feature that seems handy if you spend a lot of time in the mountains is an alarm that will beep when you reach a certain preset height. I actually have yet to use the feature for a practical application, but it still seems pretty neat. I really like the looks of the watch, but make sure you don't mind the large face. I can't really hold this against the Aerial because all alt/bar/thermo watches are at least this big (my last one was even larger). Also, I occasionally wish the watch had a built-in compass. However, if you really need one, you can get this watch's cousin, the TerraTech, which does have a compass at the expense of a slightly larger face. Overall, I really like this watch and wear it nearly every day. It was a big step up from my last alt/bar/thermo watch in both style and function.

What can I say, Blurr is taking over my closet! I've been a big fan of Blurr products for a while now, but this was my first pair of Blurr shorts so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I initially picked them up for climbing, but have ended up wearing them casually as well! With all the subtle details Blurr has added, these shorts look great! I love the material which looks classy, but has a slight stretch to it - great for activities requiring flexibility. As usual, I'm always concerned about how baggy shorts made by outdoor companies will be, but I've found these to be just right - a fairly baggy fit, yet they don't feel like parachutes hanging off my legs. The length hits just below my knees, perfect! Blurr's ST system replaces the need for a belt which is a godsend when wearing a harness or the waistbelt of a heavy backpack. However, because there are no belt loops, make sure you don't get a size too big for you or the relatively short ST strap won't hold suffice and you'll end up wearing the Repo around your ankles. Whether you are looking for something casual to kick back in or a cool new get-up for your next bouldering trip, I give the Blurr Repo short two thumps way up!

I have to admit these are my favorite pair of pants for nearly every outdoor activity (minus situations when quickdry materials are preferable). I wear them snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and rock climbing. They have a great fit and the leg doesn't taper toward the ankle like many outdoor pants. The material is amazing! It reminds me of some thinner softshell materials I have felt. It is durable, yet light and the stretchiness is great for activities that require flexibility such as climbing. While I certainly wouldn't wear them alone in any real precipitation, I've found they are slightly water resistant making them great for winter activities where you may have snow flipped up on your pants repeatedly, such as snowshoeing. The ST waist system is great for eliminating the bulk of a belt which is awesome when wearing a harness or backpack with a heavy waist strap. Also, Blurr has included many classy details which I have fallen in love with over time. If you don't need quickdry material and you hate clothing that restricts your movements, these are your pants!

I bought a pair of these last summer and loved them so much I bought another pair in a different color about a month later. They are so comfortable! The foam sole is mushy, soft, and extremely light (one of my size 12 sandals weighs 3.4 oz). It also is thick enough that you don't feel things poking through the bottom (like you do with cheap thinner-soled flips). The cloth strap is among the softest and most comfortable I've ever felt on a sandal and it is very good looking. Lastly, the sandals are reasonably priced. There are, however, two faults with the Mush sandals. First, the soles get very slick when wet. If you plan on wearing them in lakes, streams, or around water, make sure you have good balance. The other kicker is while the sole is comfortable, it lacks the durability of harder, heavier soles (ala Chaco Flip). Granted, I'm not real gentle on these guys (185 lbs), but if you wear these a lot like I do you can easily wear through the sole in a summer. Still, at only $20 a pair (or cheaper if you can find last year's model on sale), you can afford to buy a pair or two of these ultra-comfy flops every year. Highly recommended!