Reviews by User: Badger (21)

Had this pack for almost 3 years now. Never used it mtn biking - strictly hiking. Great for long day hikes. Plenty of capacity, very durable, and secures weight very well so that the pack and its contents don't shuffle around on you even on very strenuous hikes/scrambling.

I've tried a number of other types of camping pillows and this one is the best. When you first look at it, it doesn't seem to have much loft. You just have to puff it up for a minute then let it sit a bit and it gets super puffy. Great for car camping and compresses small enough to use for backpacking if space isn't too tight.

The size, shape, style is all nice, but it just doesn't do the job - keep things hot. I tried pre-heating it once with boiling water - 2 1/2 hours later my coffee was luke-warm. It doesn't make sense that there are 3 little holes in the top of the plastic cap that are plugged by a little rubber stopper (which is easy to lose down the drain). Even with the stopper in you can feel the heat being lost through the plastic cap and through the metal cap on top. Just not a good design.

Bought one of these on SAC and loved it. I'm 5'11" with an average build and the medium fit great as a base layer. Very soft and comfy, but not too great at wicking moisture as compared to smartwool or icebreaker. I still lided it enough to buy a second one when it came up on SAC again. However, the second one seemed to be made different. The material was nowhere near as soft and even after 3-4 washings feels a little rough. The cut also is a little different - its definitely tighter around the neck and I find myself constantly adjusting it. Ok for the price if SAC or on sale, but at full price I don't think it compares to smartwool or IB.

Newer to XC skiing - only second season and first pair of boots (other than rentals). As others have indicated, the tongue design isn't great and makes it hard to really tighten over the top of the foot. The tongue underneath and above also seems a little flimsy -hope it holds up. Normally wear a 42 - had to get a 41 in these and still find them plenty wide and long. Had the same problem as another reviewer - bending in the forefoot created a crease over the toes that produced significant rubbing especially on the big toe. However, after a few hour to hour and a half break-ins the boots softened up and I have no problem with this anymore. Have gone out as long as 3 hours and feet are comfy and warm. Paired well with Rottefella BC bindings and Rossi BC70 skis. I chose these because it was tough to find a BC boot that wasn't too stiff - I didn't want all that extra support since I don't take downhills in them - just rolling terrain, a lot of trail breaking, and I want to kick and glide on the flats when I can. Overall, I'm happy with them after breaking them in.

Yes, yes, its super-uber light and packs up incredibly small. I was just worried about how warm it would be. Well, its also super-uber warm. I started wearing this everywhere to see how well it worked - going to work, walking the dog, light hikes, strenuous hikes. With a couple light-midweight layers underneath it kept me warm and regulated temperature great. On anything but the easiest walk I found myself unzipping it because it was so toasty. Found its cold limit one night on a walk at about 15 degrees with two layers underneath. Great for stuffing in a pack in case you need it when out hiking, snowshoeing, skiing. Easily fits under any jacket/shell for layering. I'm 5'11" with an average build and the Large fits perfect for layering underneath and/or over. Minor cons: no zipped pockets, no drawstring waist Bottom line: Warmth you'd expect from a down vest but because of how thin and light it is, its incredibly versitile.

Have worn these about a year now. Extremely durable - should last forever no matter what you put them through. Can't imagine them wearing thin or ripping short of taking a chainsaw to them. That being said, they are a bit heavy for my taste. Certainly good if you're going to be scaping against rock scrambling, bouldering or climbing, but they are a bit warmer. I use them for shorter hikes in cooler weather. I personally prefer the Kavu Chilli Lite short - same thing just lighter weight. These also fit a little big in the waist. I still ordered my usual size - just have to cinch the belt a bit more. Also, one the belt is worn in one position for a while, it becomes hard to adjust the webbing through the buckle.

This is a great shirt for hot weather. Very lite and breathable. It doesn't look it but it is very soft and comfortable.

Just bought my second pair of these. The first lasted me about 5 years of constant use (still use the old pair for more casual walking and work). Extremely comfortable and sturdy shoe. No break in required - wore this new pair for the first time on a 10 mile, hilly, rocky, sandy hike and they were great. Perfect for hiking in hot conditions like the desert southwest. If you don't need the waterproof Goretex, these shoes will keep your feet cool and comfy. When they do get wet, they dry quickly. Had to buy a half size smaller.

This is my first good multi-tool. I got tired of using smaller ones that sometimes couldn't get the job done. I was surprised at how heavy it is - not in a bad way - feels very solid and you know you have something that will last. Of course it has a ton of nice features and the pliers are super strong. The hinge design seems pretty well thought out. It opens smoothly and easily - one handed if needs be. I use it in dusty, sandy, southern UT so it can get really filled up with grit, but I found that the whole thing cleans up very easily. The locking mechanism for all the tools in the handle works great - you know that nothing is going to close on you accidentally. The only minor flaw I can see are the covers on the handles. They do provide for a nice comfortable grip no matter how hard you are squeezing the pliers. However, they are not necessary for locking the tools out and create an extra step in flipping out and folding away the tools. It seems they could have saved some weight and added some convenience by just rounding or coating the outer edges of the handles for comfort (Leatherman does this on some models). Still it is an all around great tool that should last forever.

I got a pair of these on SAC. I'm a 32x32 and was worried about the length given the sizing however the waist and the length of the medium were just fine. They are definitely a lighter/thinner softshell but they block the wind very well. For colder temps in the winter I'll put a baselayer underneath. The fit is comfortable and nice and stretchy. Good for strenuous hiking/scrambling or anything where you want good freedom of movement. Nice # of pockets and a couple with zippers. Only functional complaints: I prefer an integrated belt and it would be nice to have adjustable cuffs on the legs for use in the snow. However, my biggest problem with them is the color. I usually don't care much about looks or fashion, but these will not go with anything in your wardrobe. The color and look of the fabric make them look like they belong with a bad 70's polyester suit. I wear them walking the dogs pre-dawn and in the backcountry, but not where anyone will see me.

This is a fantastic top. I have used it so far as a base layer while snowboarding and XC skiing with a midweight on top of it. Breaths well, keeps you dry and warm. Use it day after day and it just dries and never smells. Should also work great as a single layer for aerobic activities on warm to cool days. I'm 5'11" with an average/athletic build and the medium fits perfect. I would call it an "athletic fit" - snug but not tight.

From TNF and for the price I expected these to be much warmer. Only used these for resort skiing and they just did not keep my hands warm. Maybe they can't hold up in the wind as another reviewer suggested. Also got a significant rip (along the stitching where the thumb meets the palm) after about 6-8 uses. Got some Burton Mittens and have been happy with them so far.

I'm a beginner/intermediate XC skier (2nd season). Rented the 1st season, tried on friends skis, shopped around, and decided on these. Very happy with them. Use them monstly on rolling ungroomed trails (lots of powder here in UT). After using traditional skis, I love the curve and metal edges on these - great for turning and control on those downgrades. Good float in the heavy powder, light skis, handles icy tracks well. Not super-fast but kick and glide well. When I first got them I had some trouble getting good grip for climbing. I think it was becasue they were new and still a little stiff - wouldn't flatten well to get good grip with the scales. However, they seem to have broken in nicely and flex well now to give great grip. Highly recommend. Have them pared with Rottafela BC bindings and Alpina 1550 boots.

These are my new favorite shorts. After wearing them a few times I bought a second pair. Just like the description says - durability of canvas without the weight. Bought them for climbing - durable against the rock (should hold up for years), great freedom of movement, and light. Because of the lighter material they are very comfortable and fit better, "sit" better, and look better IMHO than the Chilliwack short. Great for hiking and look nice enough to wear anywhere. They run a little big in the waist, but I get the same size as usual for me and cinch the belt a bit. As others have mentioned, they run a little shorter than most shorts. I wouldn't call them short-shorts, but don't expect them to come down to your knees. This is a reason NOT to drop down to a smaller waist size - then they would be even shorter down the legs. I like the length as it gives good freedom of movement in climbing. Last - the webbing belt seems to get fitted to where you place it in the buckle and is hard to adjust later. My advice: fit the belt where you want it then don't gain or lose any weight - these shorts are worth it.

I have the large size. Even when not packed full it compresses well. Found it to be very durable and water-resistent. Its gone through the airport a number of times and cam out just fine. Drag it, drop it, 4 years and still no signs of wear. Backpack straps are very nice, but take a bit of fidgeting to remove. Only real complaint is that it does not come with a shoulder stap - even though there are clips/rings for one.

Good all around bag. Great foot space, nice collar and hood that keeps in heat well, yet is still comfortable. Keeps loft very well. I use it for backpacking. Would recommend buying a compression sac for it - the stuff sac that comes with it does not compress it nearly as much as possible - with a good compression sac you can get it to half the size of the stuff sac for easier packing and it regains its loft just fine.

Plenty light for backpacking and very comfortable for its weight. Should include the stuff sac - why sell separately? Still a good price. As other reviewers have said - self inflates just fine if you store it properly (inflated). Even so, to inflate it yourself takes all of 30 sec.

I have two of these sacs and have used them on multiday rafting trips. Keep stuff absolutely dry. Had doubts about the durability of the outer layer of the bags, but they are definitely more durable than they appear - plenty of tossing and throwing onto rocks unloading the boat and no signs of wear on the bags. The daisy chain is a smart, useful add-on.

Use it strictly for sport climbing. VERY comfortable, Very adjustable. Basically don't even notice that I have it on, but feels super secure and comfy in a fall. Great price for a quality harness. Couldn't be happier with it.

Purchased this pack for 15-20 miles/day, 3-4 overnighters max. Extremely comfortable pack. Very lightweight for its capacity yet truly study enough to load it up. Because of its simple/minimalist and tall design you do have to be good about packing it properly or the weight will throw you a bit. Used it once before I had the belt "heat-fitted" - was just fine and didn't feel that the "fitting" made much difference. Only downers - 1. wish it had some extra pockets on the front for better organization of small stuff (Osprey does have some nice add-ons); 2. wish it had a divided sleeping bag compartment with separate opening. These are the only reasons I didn't give it 5 out of 5. I still chose this pack over others that had those and have no regrets.