Reviews by User: Jordan K (16)

The bladder is nice, strong, bacteria-resistant, and lightweight. However, the cap is really annoying. It's nice that it’s very large (for easy cleaning and adding things like ice), but it is extremely difficult to tighten correctly. You have to really crank down on it so it doesn't leak, but then it is really hard to loosen again. Not fun when your fingers are cold, I can tell you. It's hard to twist because of the way it is recessed, so you have to use your fingertips instead of your palm.

These snowshoes are super light...you barely feel 'em on your feet. They also provide excellent traction on both loose snow as well as stiff snow or ice (think crampons). The bindings are easy to take on and off and secure. I wonder a little bit about the durability of the rubber in the bindings as well as the platform, but one thing I do know is that MSR stands behinds their products, so I don't worry too much about it!

These snowshoes are super light...you barely feel 'em on your feet. They also provide excellent traction on both loose snow as well as stiff snow or ice (think crampons). The bindings are easy to take on and off and secure. I wonder a little bit about the durability of the rubber in the bindings as well as the platform, but one thing I do know is that MSR stands behinds their products, so I don't worry too much about it!

These are pretty nice mitts -- very warm, seam taped and nice construction. I haven't had them too long, but they seem built to last too. A couple of complaints: they don't provide much dexterity (even for mitts, which I don't expect to have much). This was especially the case with the included liner, but I had better luck using thinner liner gloves (which is nice with these -- you can use any kind of liner you want). But with the included liners I could barely do anything with them on! The other thing is that this might improve as they break in and the materials get softer and more flexible with time. My other major complaint is that the gauntlet part of the mitt is a bit small and it was quite difficult to stuff the cuff of my bulky winter jacket into the glove for a good seal. This is especially hard because once one glove is on, it is nearly impossible to adjust the second one due to the reduced dexterity! A low bulk jacket will be fine, but not for a heavy insulated parka (which is generally what you'd be wearing if you've got these mitts on!) Bonus: warm as hell and well made

This is another beautiful piece by Arc'teryx. Pricey? You bet, but worth it. This is the perfect layer for cool weather hiking with a light wicking layer underneath. Decent wind blocking protection and excellent light weight insulation keep you comfortable in a wide variety of conditions. The perfect layer.

A great deal for a quality bag. It kept me toasty in the snowy Sierras with no trouble. It’s not too heavy, compressible, and very comfortable.

These are very nice gaiters. They kept snow out of my boots and are easy to take on and off. I'm not crazy about the nylon webbing and clasp used to tighten the top though. It's definitely a two-hand operation to tighten the strap. The stitching between the upper and lower fabric pieces came undone after only about ten days of use (granted, probably due to repeated rubbing with my snowshoe while walking). But since OR has an excellent warranty and stands behind their products, I just get a new pair with no hassle at all.

This is a great stove and I would only buy an MSR stove for any kind of serious backcountry usage. The stove doesn't simmer in the sense of your kitchen stove (at all), but it's not too bad compare to the torch-like power of other MSR stoves (good tip from SandyBeach to use low pressure). But great for all conditions, boils water FAST and still can cook normal food on it too. Very light, field maintainable and you can be sure that MSR stands behind it's products -- I've got lots of their gear and have only good things to say about their products and customer service! And no, I don't work for them... just a big fan! Great stove!

This tent is great. I've used it in desert summer heat, sat out howling thunder storms, and gotten a foot of snow dump on it. It's not very roomy inside, but perfectly comfortable for two people as long as you’re not both changing clothes at once. There are big windows for ventilation, great vents on tarp, and ultimate protection from the elements. This is a great year-round backpacking tent for two.

Wouldn't dream of using anything else!

This is a great base for snow camping or for other unstable surfaces like sand, etc. It's pretty light and easy to set up and locks into most of the MSR stoves (also works with the canister-based "WindPro" model by the way). Little pricey for what it is...

Wouldn't dream of using anything else!

This bag is big and great for group bouldering with friends, especially at the gym. It feels great to dip your hands into this monster, and if your hands sweat like mine, you'll appreciate the complete coverage you get. Kinda big though (size of say, a can of paint)... but I guess that's the point!

Great stuff...

This is a nice device, although I have to agree with caleb that it's really ideal for ropes below 10.5 mm (great for twins or doubles). With beefier or stiffer ropes, it's really hard to dole out lot of rope quickly to a leader as he/she tries to clip gear for instance. For skinny ropes, it's great. For belaying directly off gear in guide mode it works very nicely as well. I tied a short loop of cord through the small hole and that way I can easily clip a 'biner and sling to it to give me the extra leverage to unlock the device to lower the second.

I thought these would be a little heavier when I bought them, but they turned out to be surprisingly warm for how thin they are. They are great for winter aerobic activities, like snowshoeing or x-country skiing, and when it gets really cold, I just use them as liners and throw on a pair of Gore-Tex mitt shells over the top... works great even when the mercury drops into the teens. Alone they're really great for keeping those digits warm without sacrificing dexterity.

These are great for draws: they are stiff, the right length, and the little rubber doodad that's included keeps your ‘biners both oriented correctly and makes those long clips that much easier.

This is a great, light, tough and hot little stove. It burns both hot for fast boiling and simmers well. It's light, has a simple construction and easy to use. I'd have to agree, I did get mine to work well below freezing to melt snow, but barely. For winter trips, liquid fuels worth the small extra hassle of pumping/priming.