Unfortunately, my experience was not so great with this product. At $275, I expected an insulated mid layer that would keep me warm and be able to take a beating; that is not what I got. The jacket is comfortable and seems more of a wear around town layer than a backcountry jacket. 

The fabric tears easily, exposing the synthetic insulation...

No drawstrings on the hood, so the wind can push it right off your head...

Sides are composed of a breathable fabric, but in cold gusty winds, it blows...

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It's unlikely that I'll buy any product from Arc'teryx again. 

This shell has been good to me. It's made from 100% recycled material which is pretty cool. Water-repellent fabric with a waterproof/breathable membrane. When the waterproofing starts to wear out you just wash it with Nikwax products and it's good to go. 

Spork = The best of both worlds! 

Uber light, durable and affordable. 

Comfortable, cost effective, warm and semi-compactable. This mattress takes up a bit more space than I'd like, but comfort has its cost. It's well built and easy to inflate and deflate. 

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We are contemplating bringing the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol instead. The last thing you want to come across after a month of 15-20 mile days, is a hole in your mattress!

At only 6oz this is one heavy duty cookset. i've cooked over a hundred meals in the pot, and it's as good as new. We are able to cook a meal for two in it, and it's easy to clean. I bought this for solo hikes; it would probably be nice to have a pot that is a bit larger but we will make due. Fuel canisters nest neatly inside!

I purchased this tent new about a year ago in anticipation of a trip to Plumas National Forest with Katie. It's not a large tent, but it fits both of us with our packs at the foot comfortably. 

*All seams are double stitched & taped 

*Headroom is 40 inches at the peak and 38 at 23 inches from there

*Two D Shaped Doors/Two Vestibules. 

*Color Coded "Easy Pitch" Clips and Poles

* 3lbs 8oz

*Bathtub floor to keep rain out

The Osprey Kestrel 58 was my very first backpack. During the four years that I've owned it, It has acompanied me through dozens of countries and countless miles in the wilderness. This pack is rock solid, extreamly comfortable and has everything I've ever needed in a pack. Sadly it is neer the end of its life. Depending on funds, I will take or replace this pack. I'd prefer to take it a few thousand more miles!

The Osprey Aura 65 AG is Katies first backpack. The women’s-specific Osprey Aura AG 65 relies on Osprey’s "Anti-Gravity" suspension system for ventilation and comfort. Honestly it is far more comfortable than my Kestrel. She will be writing a review for the pack after the trip.

This thing is rad! I've been through about 10 fuel canisters with this stove and it's still going strong. At just 3oz, this is a great lightweight option. The stove, in its case, fits right into my the SnowPeak 900 cook set.