I recently purchased some shoes from Innov8. I selected the extremely lightweight ROCLITE 295. I was immediately impressed with the weight of the shoes, a little under 12 ounces for a size 11 mens on my scale for one shoe. I have never had anything so light that wasn't a sandal.

I quickly put them on and took off for a short run/hike and am happy to report the flexible, but supportive feel that I prefer in my hiking shoes. The shoes allow me to feel the trail unlike hiking boots. The sole of the Inov8 Roclite 295 is very aggressive and will do great in muddy and slippery conditions; although, I haven't tested them out on wet rock so far. One negative is that they are not non-marking soles.

The shoes have a very breathable mesh upper that should strike a good balance between breathability and keeping rocks and or dirt out. These shoes are not goretex or waterproof.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with these shoes. The Inov8 Roclite 295s will be put to the test as I try to find an ultralight hiking shoe for my thruhike of the continental divide trail in 2009.

I have owned my Arc'Teryx Bora 80 backpack for over a year and am satisfied with the pack. It has met all of my expectations and then some in terms of durability, quality, and load bearing. I purchased the pack not for a desire to be ultralight, but for my job leading trail crews. I often have a huge load, well over 50 pounds, and I need a backpack that would handle the beating. I have also been using the pack on shorter backpacking trips where I was not concerned about the extra size and weight. It is an indispensable part of my collection of backpacking gear!

What do I like about the pack? The pack itself is of the highest quality. I have no rips, tears, holes or any other signs of wear. This durability is after I have slid the pack down a scree field in Death Valley NP, used it to carry various trail tools to job sites, and regularly used it as my checked luggage on cross-country flights. The attention to detail is what separates the Arc'Teryx Bora backpack from others. The quality zippers are just one example of that.

I find the large outside pocket extremely useful for keeping anything that I may need quickly or need to keep out of the main compartment; for example, a wet rain-fly. The 'brain', top compartment, is also large enough for my 'necessities'.

The most important quality of this pack has been that it performs exceptionally when loaded with a huge load. I can easily adjust the weight how I want and can transfer it to my hips without any problems. On a trips in the southwest US and due to water weight, I have carried 70-80 lbs as if it were only 40 lbs.

What don't I like about the pack? Not much really. I never use the side zipper. The shoulder straps and hip belt are a bit stiff. It is heavy, but that is expected and needed for a pack of this size and durability. Price. All of my complaints are relatively minor in my opinion.

This pack has seen some beautiful places... Lost Lake, Chugach NF, Alaska...

The Granite Gear Latitude Vapor Backpack has been my lightweight backpack of choice for a couple years now. It weighs in at 2lbs and 10 oz and while not ultralightweight, it is respectable. It is a very simple pack that doesn't have a bunch of unnecessary pockets, straps, or loops.

Specs:
Weight: 2lbs 10oz
Capacity: 3800 cubic inches
Load Capacity: 30lbs
Retail: around $190


The backpack has decent support given its weight and I have carried much more than the maximum 30 lb capacity that is specified by Granite Gear... more on this in a bit. One feature I greatly enjoy is the full length double zipper that allows me to access the entire contents of my backpack compared to the standard backpack that is top loaded.

I have had some problems with this pack in terms of durability. I have busted the hip belt buckle and have noticed some serious tears that would render the pack useless without some repair. Some of the durability issues are my own fault as I have had more than the specified weight capacity in the pack; however, in my opinion it is still unacceptable. The most serious tear is where the padding on the back connects to ripstop nylon near the top of one of the shoulder straps. You can see it in this picture...



That is a very important spot and will be a pain to repair. Since this is my first lightweight backpack, I think I have learned some valuable lessons about not abusing my gear and selecting gear that will meet the demands I have of it. Thus is my reason for purchasing an Arc'Teryx Bora 80!

Here is a picture of me with this pack in the Gila National Forest on spring break. Gila Wilderness Backpacking Trip Report, Trip Info and Gila NF Slideshow. Overall, would I buy this pack again. Probably, but I would seamseal those corners with silicone.

I purchased my first set of snowshoes, the MSR Denali Classics, this winter and and have enjoyed many miles of snowshowing. Luckily, Wisconsin had a far above average snowfall and over three feet of snow in many places. I also tried them out while I was in Montana in February in the Gallatin National Forest.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and the MSR Denali Classics perform at or above any other snowshoes I have tried. These snowshoes are tough, supportive and versatile. Perfect for the all purpose snowshoe with a great price.

I am most satisfied with the bindings on the MSR Denali Classics. I can easily attach the snowshoes with gloves or mittens. It is very easy to adjust the tightness and I have never had them come off. After watching others in cheaper snowshoes with poor bindings in Montana and experiencing the same problems with my father's old snowshoes, I think that bindings are the most important aspect for snowshoes and I couldn't be happier about the MSR Denali Classics.

After the bindings, the most important factor to me is the durability. The MSR Denali Classics are unlike many other snowshoes and have exceeded my expectations. The MSRs are formed out of a one piece molded plastic. Other than a few scratches, I have had no problems and expect them to last me many years.

Other bonuses: crampons and traction for icy hardpack sidehills, price, versatility with floatation tails.

Complaints: heavier than some snowshoes the same size, do not work well with small boots.

Specs: 3lbs 10 oz(manufacturer's weight), retail price $139.

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Just purchased the Thermarest Prolite camp chair sleeve from REI. It weighs in at about 10 oz in addition to the weight of my thermarest prolite 3, but will easily be worth it in my mind. Here is a picture.



It is definitely more comfortable than sitting on the ground, a log or a rock. It also looks to be fairly durable and should protect the thermarest pad from punctures. I'm looking forward to bringing it on my next trip and keeping my butt off the cold and wet ground. The last thing I want to do after a long day of hiking is stand.

I'll take my "luxury" item over a slightly lower pack weight anyday!!