Reviews by User: PearlJamPSU (46)

I really don't have anything negative to say about these boots. They have always kept my feet warm and dry, they are stiff enough to allow me to carve easily, and once you get used to them, they are very easy to put on and take off due to the speed lace system. You really can't beat these boots for the price - it makes me curious as to why people shell out $300+ for other boots when these work very well.

Awesome pants. Extremely comfortable, fairly lightweight, and very stretchy. They are adequately breathable for not having vents and the mobility you are afforded is unparalleled. Two downsides: there are no rear pockets and the sizes, at least to me, run small. I'm normally a large waist but the tall large version seemed too snug around my legs - had to get the XL version. Regardless, the parts are so comfortable that the positives far outweigh the negatives.

These things are one those "damned if you do, damned if you don't" deals. They are required in many places so you have to get one, but why they are $79 just baffles me. Do they work? Yes. But in reality, they are a glorified 5 gallon water jug with a lid - although not quite that large. I haven't had a problem with my BV500 but then again, I haven't been fortunate enough to experience a bear trying to open it, yet. I should mention, however, that I use mine in an area (Shenandoah NP) that doesn't require one but could and probably should. It fits perfectly into my Osprey Argon 85 but the outside grooves conveniently allow it to be strapped down as well if space is limited. Being clear is definitely a plus and as was stated earlier, it is strong enough to double as a stool. It does weight in at 2 lbs 9 oz. but I guess I'm glad it's heavier than not for smell insulation purposes. According to the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (www.sierrawildbear.gov), the BV500 is "conditionally approved" but nonetheless, approved.

A solid overall binding. Very adjustable and fairly comfortable with decent response. I know there better bindings that are more comfortable but you can't beat these because of the name and the price. I fit size 14 Burton boots in them perfectly.

I wanted a GPS unit that could work both in the car and on the trail and I couldn't be happier with the 60CSx. An expansion slot in the back allows different maps to be loaded with relative ease and the versatility has allowed me to navigate anywhere I go. The unit takes 2 AA batteries (which last probably 15 to 20 hours) and there is an optional charger for the car (actually there is a Garmin charger or you could save money and simply use a charger with a mini USB male adapter). It doesn't provide voice navigation like standard car GPS units, but it beeps and provides turn-by-turn instructions. It saves plenty of desirable stats (speed, distance, waypoints, routes, etc.) and the software allows you to easily download everything.

Decent bag with a nice size pocket for wax, towels, mini-tools, locks, or whatever else you may need for the day. The pocket is not large enough for boots but DaKine makes a boot locker with the same patterns if you so choose. It has a handle and a strap so it is easy to carry. The only flaw I found is that my 175 bag BARELY fit my Burton Custom 167 wide with bindings attached. In my opinion, I wouldn't trust the bag with the TSA but it is perfect for day trips and outings within driving distance.

A great watch for all your fitness needs. As the description says, it keeps track of speed, distance, average speed, calories, and heartrate and there are options to allow you to put multiple views up on one screen. It has handy features like a pace alarm, virtual partner, and multi-sport options to keep you motivated and the battery seems to last the advertised 10 hours. The bundled software could use an upgrade but I don't use it that much anyway. Overall it is not terribly bulky and it is very easy to use.

A great shoe for doing anything in and around water. I'm not sure of the exact weight specs but they are lightweight, comfortable, and barely noticeable. The drainage system easily allows your feet to dry out without ever having to worry about water logged feet. They stay secured with an adjustable strap and clip system and you'll appreciate the fact that they have full toe protection.

Small, durable, and very useful on the slopes. Easily fits into a pocket and light enough to not know it is there. All the tools (except the goggle squeegee, which is on the outside) fit inside of it and it very easy to open and change out.

Just so you are aware, the picture above is incorrect. The Ultra Sil Stuff Sack does not have a roll top closure but rather a draw cord with a standard small cordlock. In actuality, it looks and feels very similar to the stuff sack that the Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 sleeping pad comes with. Regardless, it's a pretty handy stuff sack. It's very lightweight and it's waterproof - two important characteristics in the backcountry. There is a handle on the bottom (closed) end which is handy for carrying it and it seems pretty durable. I keep my sleeping back in mine and it works perfectly.

I've only worn mine about 10 times but they are very comfortable, they hold a solid grip, and they are well ventilated. I'm very curious as to how durable they will be, but so far, so good. You really can't beat them due to the price.

Quite literally, it's a three-sided allen wrench. However, because it's three sided, it has an ergonomic feel and that allows you to get a decent amount of torque without worrying about losing the grip. Mine has not really shown any signs of wear but I probably don't use it as much as most people. Personally, I'm a fan of Park Tools due to their reliability and this tool is no different.

This is about as simple as you can get for a lightweight jacket that is waterproof yet breathable and still has the TNF name backing it up. The pitzips are convenient and it is definitely lightweight enough to not be a nuisance. Overall, a great jacket, especially if you get one of the discounted colors for a much cheaper price.

Great pants for an excursion out in the snow. They are completely waterproof yet breathable allowing you to stay more comfortable and the fact that they are not insulated gives you the option to use them in the spring. I have the Long version and they are sufficiently long enough for my 6'4" frame. I've beat mine up pretty well while snowshoeing and hiking around the snow and the pants have held up perfectly thanks to the infamous TNF workmanship. Don't forget that these pants are not insulated so if plan to use them on very cold days, I would get one size larger so that you can wear insulating layers underneath.

The L fits my Argon 85 well. It keeps my pack dry and has yet to show any signs of wear and tear after a few uses. $25 - $30 may be a little steep but it's a necessity on the trail if rain is in the forecast.

Holds a pot, stays secure, doesn't slip, and doesn't burn your hands. The little case it comes with is perfect for allowing you to store the lifter inside the pot without having to worry about scratching anything and it also doubles as an improvised oven mit. I don't know what kind of weight it is rated to hold but it has worked for everything I've made.

I found it difficult to justify buying $25 underwear at first but these are definitely worth it and I couldn't be more content. They are extremely comfortable, they stay put, and they stay dry. If there is a perfect set of drawls out there, these are it.

Perfect fleece for a cool, casual day when you want to stay warm and comfortable without much wind. No pit zips means I don't wear mine when I'm doing something more active for it is warm enough to make you uncomfortable when you begin to sweat. The zip-in capability is useful for days when the elements require a wind- or waterproof shell but you don't want too much bulk. All in all, a solid jacket and well worth the pricetag, especially when you can get discontinued colors for 30% off and still get free shipping from Backcountry.

It's a water bottle and it does what it is supposed to do - keeps water without leaking and does not leave an aftertaste. Yes it is expensive for a water bottle but it's very lightweight, it's eco-friendly, and the finger-loop is convenient to hold/strap down/etc. Larger ice cubes won't fit in it but smaller, thinner ones will. The bottle does dent, but the overall integrity is not jeopardized. To clean it, just stick a little dish detergent in it and rinse it out several times. You could also buy cleaning tables and/or a SIGG cleaning brush.

I don't have anything negative to say about my eVent dry sack. It keeps everything dry, it's lightweight, and the compression really saves space. I've beat it up pretty good and there aren't any signs of wear as of yet. I have not submerged mine in water but I have used it in rain and it has held up as advertised. The price may be steep but the piece of mind of having dry stuff is worth it.

I've had my Tikka Plus for a few years now and it is still going strong. It's very lightweight but durable enough to continue to work after being dropped and banged around countless times. It's fairly bright - I won't say it's very bright like some other reviews - but it is definitely sufficient for the backcountry. I have used NiMH rechargeable batteries and they worked well enough to the point that I didn't see the difference between them and alkalines. Perhaps the only thing I wish it had was a battery meter. As it stands, the only way to find out your batteries are dying is the old fashioned way: the light gradually dims. While this is easy to notice most of the time, it's problematic in adverse (rainy, foggy, etc.) conditions and I've actually had my batteries die on my without really even noticing the light was getting dimmer. One thing I'm impresseed with is that the elastic headband has not stretched out yet to the extent it is not useful anymore. I figured after endless usage, the head band would stretch out to the size of my waist but that hasn't been the case at all.

I'm not really sure why there has been a number of negative reviews because I have yet to have a problem with my Solio. It's not going to charge a computer, but what would expect from something so small? It holds a charge very well but you just have to be aware that it's facing the sun when you are trying to recharge it. I cannot really attest to the usefulness of the adapters because I only need the USB and the mini-USB connections. I use my solio to charge my Garmin GPSMap 60CSx, my Blackberry, and the new Energizer duo battery charger which effectively allows my Solio to charge AA and AAA NiMH batteries. Being able to plug it in is also convenient if you want to charge it up quickly. If you are aren't sure if there is an adapter for your phone, go to www.solio.com

I'm not a big fan of the suspension for it doesn't fit my 6'4" frame that well but I must say, this pack has a ton of compartments, straps, and little nuances that make it well worth it. First and foremost, it holds my snowboard vertically with two straps and it is capable of holding skis in a diagonal position. The hydration sleeve is exactly just that - a sleeve - but what makes it cool is that it can be rolled up and tucked away when not in use. Also, to keep the hydration system from freezing, there is a way for the tube to run straight from the hydration sleeve to the padded strap to keep air away from it. Perhaps the best part of the pack is all the pockets because there are so many of them. There is a side pocket for a shovel or water bottle, there is a pocket on the hip-belt for a cellphone, there are two pockets in the lid (one is fleece lined), there are smaller mesh pockets in the main compartment for storing tools and other smaller items, and there are loops on the side for an ice axe. The main compartment can be reached from either the top or from the back which is extremely convenient and it is large enough to stow everything you'll need for an outing. My only complaint is that it is a one size pack so it won't fit taller users as well. Other than that, it does everything a backcountry pack is supposed to do.

This filter has yet to let me down. It's durable, it's easy to use, and the case it comes with is pretty handy for keeping it isolated from your other gear. Just put one end in the water and the other end in the water bottle and start pumping. I did not notice an after-taste and the Nalgene attachment comes in handy. It filters at like one liter per minute to the size of 0.3 microns and I have yet to get sick from using it. Overall, a solid buy.

I've had my WhisperLite for about 4 years and it hasn't let me down yet. Although I prefer the PocketRocket in warmer weather because it's easier and lighter, the WhisperLite is still very durable and fairly easy to operate - just hook it to a fuel bottle, prime it, and then light it. Shaking does clean it, but it is still in your best interest to take it apart and really clean it. As others have stated, it is very quiet and boiling (depending on altitude) doesn't take that long. To make it more efficient, I usually make an improvised windscreen out of aluminum foil and that's all I have to do. Overall, you really can't go wrong with this stove because of its durability and overall ability to handle all climates.

I have the XL in mustard and this pack is seriously the best I have ever used. It has nearly everything you are looking for in a pack - capacity, size, comfort, and style. The suspension is very comfortable and as long as you have your pack/gear strapped down, it's easy to forget you are carrying such a large load. I did not opt for getting the hip belt molded because, in my opinion, it became comfortable enough without it after two short excursions. The ventilation system truly does keep the sweat off your back and the hydration pocket holds my 100 ounce Camelbak Omega reservoir without any problems. The sleeping bag compartment is large enough to easily hold a synthetic North Face long bag and the external pocket can stow rain gear, smelly clothes, and so on without getting anything wet. The pack isn't totally waterproof, but it is water resistant to the extent that your stuff won't get soaked if it's a light rain. I ended up buying the Osprey pack cover in the event I'm in a deluge but haven't dealt with that issue yet. Perhaps the only nuisance is that it is fairly awkward trying to get a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle out of the side pocket because it doesn't have the standard water bottle pocket(s). Other than that, it is expensive, but it sure is worth it.

I have the 100 oz / 3 L verson and I love it. It works in all of my packs and the versatility makes life a lot easier. It's durable, it hasn't leaked, it's easy to fill, and there isn't an after-taste. The tube is long enough so you can improvise your set up if need be and there is a clip on the top near the refill cap so you can hang it upright in your pack. Water only comes out when you bite down on the valve and if you are worried about germs, it is treated with an anti-microbial coating. I would recommend buying the 100 oz. version because you don't always have to completely fill it up is space is limited.

These are a very solid pair of gloves that are reasonably sized and extend to cover your wrists. The removable fleece line helps on cold and windy days while the waterproofing does an adequate job of keeping your hands dry. The goggle wipe is convenient and there are little pockets inside each glove that I would imagine (but haven't personally tried) are used for some sort of small handwarmer. I haven't used them in extremely cold/wet conditions, but they are perfect for a normal wintry day on the slopes.

If you want to keep glasses, cell phones, flashlights/headlamps, and/or other smaller belongings off your tent floor, then a gear loft would suit you just fine. As long as your TNF tents accepts this gear loft, it does exactly what is is designed to do. The clips fit my 4 year old TNF Talus 33 perfectly and it allows me to use my tent's pockets for stuff I don't quite use as much. I've had my gear loft for as long as I have had my tent and I have never had a problem with it. It hasn't ripped, it hasn't torn, and the fact that it has small pockets and is fully adjustable is very convenient. For me, the $15 is worth it for the ability to keep a small flashlight, a toothbrush, a contacts case, and a few other handy items 18 inches above my head.

This kit has everything you need to start tuning and detuning a snowboard. My biggest grievance is that the edging angles are either 0 degrees or 2 degrees on the edge tuner but you can always buy another tuner. As for waxing, it comes with p-tex (one white stick and one black stick), wax, two scrapers, and scotchbrite, but it doesn't include a iron.

This base cleaner works very well on my snowboard. Just shake the can up, press it on the board, and clean away - it's that easy. When you use the included towel, you'll definitely see dirt starting to accumulate on it and proof that it's working.

These boots come as advertised. I wore them in temps around 0 (F) and they fit my snowshoes (Atlas 1035's) very well. My feet stayed warm and dry and the boots were very comfortable. For what it's worth, I wear size 15 shoes but got these boots in a 14. I'm not sure if they run big or small but that is how it worked for me.

No frills - just holds a pair of Atlas snowshoes. I have the large tote along with a pair of 35's and while it is a bit awkward and tight to fit my particular shoes into the tote, it does work and it does the job. The shoulder strap is nice and the picture does not really show it but there is a zipper to allow you to securely hold the snowshoes in the tote.

Great all-around pack that has a lot of convenient features. The bungee cord on the outside is strong enough to hold a shirt or a jacket while the padded back with waist-belt allows a load to remain comfortable. It is made of the normal, durable North Face nylon and has waterproof zippers. There is a laptop compartment but be aware that it is not tremendously padded.

I'm fairly new to snowboarding and I stick to the all-mountain stuff so I don't know the ins-and-outs and all the technical specs of varying board brands, but my 167 Custom wide fits my 6'4", size 14-boot-wearing frame perfectly. It holds an edge very well and I'm very pleased with the overall performance. It's durable, lightweight, stable, and responsive yet still stiff. The only con for me is the fact that top scratches fairly easily but I don't know if that is indicative of the model or of all snowboards in general.

Provided you are only out for a day or you pack very lightly, then this hydration pack is perfect for you. The valve doesn't leak, the main pocket is large enough for a some food and a few articles of clothing, and it's very comfortable and lightweight. The convenience of the magnet for the hydration valve is pretty nice and the bungee cord comes in handy for rain jackets and other layers.

Perfect for around campus or during a hike. Outside mesh pocket can stow wet stuff (rain jacket, gym clothes) while the large inside compartment can hold a laptop (seems to be 15.4" and smaller in the lightly padded laptop pocket) and a few books. The straps are very comfortable, as is the back panel, and the waist belt comes in handy. The smallest pocket can be used for pens/pencils and other smaller items. The trendy Nalgene bottles fit perfectly in the mesh water bottle pockets.

I have my FlatTop 6 mounted on a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it works great. So far I've hauled two snowboards side-by-side with bindings facing up and there hasn't been a problem. Installation probably lasted 15 minutes due to my factory rack and the locking system works fine. I'm a little apprehensive over how the rubber strips will hold up or how long the plastic will last, but it comes with a warranty so we shall see. As expected, there is more wind drag while driving but it doesn't seem terribly bad.

For the simple backpacker, you can't beat the Pocket Rocket due to its size, ease, and weight. It takes any kind of canister fuel and lighting is as simple as screwing in the canister, holding a lit match over the burner, and turning on the gas. I've used it in temps ranging from the 20s to the 100s and it has never given me a problem. When it is super cold or very windy I make an improvised wind shield with aluminum foil to keep the heat in and that is about the extent of the maintenance. Make sure the stove is very level or a pot/pan may slide off and I wouldn't recommend it for a long backpacking trip unless canisters are readily available. Other than that, it is perfect for short excursions and trips where pack space/weight is an issue and/or you don't want to mess with a white gas stove.

Decent pair of goggles for the price. Slight tendency to fog, but a little anti-fog spray takes care of that. Works well with a helmet and does everything a pair of snow goggles are supposed to do.

This jacket does the job for half the price of other jackets. It's definitely lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. I haven't used it while in a storm for more than a few hours but it has held up in everything else. Excellent outer shell in a winter rain storm while the pit zips and lightweight construction help in the summer. It can even be packed into its own pocket.

Very light and compact but thick enough to give you a comfortable night's sleep. Helped keep me warm in temps in the teens. Very easy and fast self-inflation means you only have to blow into it for a minute or two and you won't have to drag a pump around. Comes with a stuff sack and to pack it up it is as easy as unscrewing the mouth adapter and rolling it up. It may be more expensive than other brands, but it is definitely worth it.

A great 3+ season bag for the price. I am 6'4" and the long version suited me just fine. I don't know why anyone else had problems with it but it keep me warm in 15 degree (F) temps in the dead of winter in mountains of Western Maryland and all I was wearing was boxers. Of course there are warmer and lighter bags but this bag does exactly what it is intended to do with the TNF name and a reasonable price.

There is a reason the Nite Ize Figure 9 tightener won a Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice award a few years back. They are very easy to use, very convenient, perfect for everything from camping to tying stuff down on a roof rack. Whether it is the Figure 9 biner or the rope tightener, they are definitely worth it. No more knots.

I'm 6'4", 230 lbs so I had to get the 35's and they work very well. I haven't gone on a backpacking trip in them yet but on one day excursions, they perform perfectly. They are very easy to put on and take off and the strapping system is very easy to use even with gloves on. They are lightweight enough to not become a nuisance and they remain flexible even after a day-long outing. Perhaps the only downside, and maybe it's because I have size 15 feet, is that bulky or very wide boots do not fit too well in the bindings therefore snowboard boots or very bulky winter boots may not work.

The standard among fleece jackets. Can be worn as a jacket or as an insulating layer and is versatile enough to go from campus to the mountain. Durable, warm, and even blocks wind.