Sierra Designs Light Year Tent (Spring 2006)

I choose this solo tent because it was the lightest weight for the most amount of space. I can get a bit clausterphobic so I like the nice high ceiling. I haven't tried it yet but I'm hoping to be able to squeeze my dog in too. The vestibule isn't as big as I would have liked but it's big enough for my pack and my boots. Check back for more info once I've had a chance to use it more.

Osprey Packs Luna 70 Women's Backpack

The Osprey Luna 70 Women's Backpack is tough enough for mountaineering, big enough for nearly a week out, and comfortable enough for both.

Read my full review here.

Snow Peak Titanium Cookware - 3pcs

Perfect for my 'boil water & pour" cooking needs, this compact cook kit weighs just 7.1 oz. Kit includes 26-fl. oz. and 18-fl.oz. pots, plus a 14-fl. oz. fry pan that also serves as a lid. Rounded bottom edges are easy to clean and improve heating efficiency. Each pan has a handle that folds flat for packing. My gas canister fits perfectly into the smallest pot which is an added bonus!

Black Diamond Ion Headlamp

Black Diamond designed Ion to be the smallest headlamp in existence (1oz.. 6v battery in), while providing adequate light for climbing and backcountry use. It's not the brightest lignt in the world (7.9 foot candles) but for summer camping and/or emergency use it can't be beat. In the summer, the only time I ever need my headlamp is for late night calls of nature so this is perfect. Headlamp can be tilted up, down or straight ahead to illuminate whatever you need with its two super-bright LEDs. Featherweight, 0.5'' slim elastic headband adjusts with a slider to fit over a climbing helmet or a hat. Extremely tiny and ultra lightweight, I keep it in my first aid kit with a safety pin so I don't lose it! I left it in my pocket and washed it in the washing machine and it still works perfectly.

Black Diamond Moonlight Headlamp

The Black Diamond Moonlight Headlamp lights up the night with four LEDs that provide over 70 hours of burn time. It weighs just 3.2 ounces and doesn't take up a lot of space. I wish it had different lighting settings like some of the newer models do but it gets the job done and the price is right.

Black Diamond Blizzard Harness

I've had this harness for a long time and it looks like they've made some changes to it since I bought mine but assuming that the changes are for the good, this is a great harness. It's padded & very comfortable. Has four gear loops, a haul loop, adjustable waist & leg loops which you can drop in the back via side-release buckles.

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Manufactuer Info

Petzl Adjama Climbing Harness

This is a remarkably comfortable harness. The breathable padding around the waist and legs were a pleasure and the soft gear loops in the back went unnoticed under 65lb pack. I wore this harness during a particularly long descent from Cannon Mountain in Washington State while 5 other climbers with full overnight packs rappelled off of me. Much to my surprise I had absolutely no soreness in my lower back the next day. Even after I’d been wearing it for 12 hours straight, with the full pack the only points that were sore were just where the ridged gear loops were caught under my waist belt. The harness is lightweight and comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement at all. It also packs small which is nice when trying to cram a week’s worth of gear into a pack.

Read my full review

Voile Telepro Shovel

I choose a metal shovel with a long handle after reading some stories about rescue attempts gone horribly wrong because of inadequate shovels. It's a little heavier than some of the smaller plastic shovels but if I'm using it to dig out a friend I think I'll be glad I brought the best. The handle breaks down and the blade comes off so it's easy to store but quick to assemble in an emergency.

Life-Link Light Probe 196

The Life-Link Light Probe 196 is the lightest probe in Life-Link's line and may be one of the best values for probes period.

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe

I'm not climbing any vertical ice any time soon so this lightweight axe serves my purposes. I've used it to self arrest and as a rudder while glissading and it works great for me. According to the manufacturer, this axe gives you all the safety & performance without all that weight. The head fits perfectly in my hand & is ergonimically designed with finger notches for a comfortable, secure grip. At only 11oz, its easy take along on those trips when you probably won't need it but it would be nice to have just in case. I also have the slider leash for it.

Manufacturer Info | Read reviews of this ice axe

CAMP USA Micro Ice Axe

This was the smallest, dullest ice axe I could find. I bought it for my son after he climbed his first 'real' mountain so I wanted something he could manage without killing himself. It's a bit heavy but other than that it works great. When I went to tuck him in the night I gave it to him I found him sound asleep with it in his arms. So cute!

SweetWater Sweetwater Purifier System

After years of taking my chances, I broke down and bought a filter. This one got great reviews and is relatively light. I can pump a reasonable amount of water fairly quickly and I haven't gotten sick yet so it seems to do the job! Can't say I really recommend it though. I always seem to get soaked when I use it as water leaks out of the top when you're pumping. For this reason, I decided not to filter my water on a trip when we were getting dumped on with snow. I just didn't feel like getting wet when it was so cold out and I did end up getting sick. The Guardian system kills waterborn viruses, bacteria and protozoan parasites such as Giardia & Cryptosporidium (but only if you use it!). The replacement filters are expensive but you don't have to replace them too often. Weight: 1lb 4oz

Read a review of this water filtration system

Dunham - Waffle Stomper Premier (Red) - Women's

These are the best boots I've ever owned. Breaking them in was a hell of a job but every painful step was worth it because now they are positively heavenly. Fantastic support and traction. These rugged boots can take you almost anywhere you want to go and they are perfect for this often wet climate.

Please read my complete review here.

click here for men's

Asolo AFS 103

They don't make this model any more but I believe they were the predecessor to the 8000 series. They are warmer than their entry level plastic boots and are suitable for everything from high altitude mountaineering to ice climbing. They're probably overkill for my needs and they are a bit heavy but I'd rather lug an extra pound and have warm feet. They are incredibly comfortable and warm. They feel really great on steep slopes. I've even skied in them. When I bought them the liners were pretty compressed so I set out to purchase new ones. When the local retailers didn't get back to me I emailed Asolo directly. Well 2 weeks later I had a brand new pair of liners. Amazing customer service.

Atomic MX:7 Ski

The Atomic MX:7 Ski is for mountaineers who like the convenience of skis, but aren't necessarily world class skiers. That's definitely me. I haven't skied much since I was a kid. I snowboarded the past few years but I got bored with that. I was so thrilled when I found these skis on sale as they've opened up the wonderful world of Alpine Touring to me. They're compatible with AT and Tele bindings. I don't ski well enough to really do an objective review but they've gotten me through the Mount Baker backcountry and down green, blue and black diamond runs on the groomed slopes in relative style. More to come!

MSR Denali Classic Snowshoe

As far as snowshoes go these are pretty good. Their steel side traction bars are a must have feature on steep traverses and their crampons will keep you stuck to whatever you're climing up. They're light and durable too. The binding system is simple and easy to use even with gloves on. I find them a little bit wide for my stride but if they were any narrower you'd lose the floatation so it's a trade off. Tails available for extra flotation if needed.

Arcteryx Women's Theta SL Jacket (Spring 2006)

I wanted to replace my heavy Gore-tex jacket and my lightweight shell with one jacket and have accomplished this with the Theta. Made of Gore-Tex PacLite and 3 layer Gore-Tex XCR it is very light but strong enough to provide protection in stormy weather. It's also a really cool color, "Molten." It's actually much brighter than the pic. The hood is brilliant, allowing me to cinch it both in the back and sides so it fits snug to my head or my helmet. I can move freely in it and find it very comfortable. Weight: 382 grams/13.5 ounces

The North Face Nuptse Jacket - Women's

I wish it was dryloft but if it's raining I'll just put the Arc'Teryx over top of it. Otherwise, this jacket is cozy and warm with 700 fill goose down & a ripstop nylon shell. Nice and light too at 1lb. 5oz. Makes a great pillow :)

Outdoor Research Snowline Mitt

The Outdoor Research Snowline Mitts are an excellent stand-alone shell for all-around hiking, skiing, and backpacking. Very roomy and comfortable. Cozy & warm with fleece liner mitts.

MSR 2L Dromlite Bag

I bought this system after two Platypuses leaked. The first one started leaking in the corner of the seams. The second punctured while lying flat in the top of my pack. The hole was right along a 'crumple line' (you know how they crumple when they're totally empty? There.) The MSR bag seems much tougher as it's made of nylon. You do have to get very serious about closing the lid as it will leak if you don't get it just right. The attachment for the hose is great though. It has a 360 degree swivel which is really nice. I'm not crazy about the bite valve as you have to actually squeeze it with your fingers to get the water flowing. The Platypus system was better because you could just bite it leaving your hands free. I liked this because I use trekking poles so its a bit of a pain to have to squeeze the valve.

SmartWool Trekking Heavy Crew Socks - Men's

Of course I have many pairs of socks but these ones are worth mentioning. They feel soooooooo good on my feet. They keep my feet comfy & dry & hold up really well to washing. They won the Backpacker Editors Choice Award in 1996.

Granite Gear Air Compressor Compression Sack

These things are absolutely fantastic. Made of sil-nylon they are lightweight, strong and squish your poofy stuff down to nothing. I can get my -20 down bag into a small and squish it down to less than half the ful size. Glad I bought two so I can use one for my down jacket & clothes.