to scubasnyder:
I have fully submerged my zipka PLUS many times without a problem. Im not saying its waterproof, but I have used it fully underwater.
The zipka is impossible to find now practically, so consider this review for the zipka plus:
The extra LED makes it more than bright enough for your only headlight for anything but offtrail bushwhacking or climbing. I recommend it for on-trail hiking, and any camp duties, it is up to the task.

Garmin Rino Series, what can I say?

Except that they are an indespensible product for someone who uses both GPS and FRS/GMRS radios, cause ITS GOT BOTH!

Ive found my Rino to be exceptionally useful, not much heavier than a GMRS/FRS radio, but with the added functionality and reliability that comes from a Garmin GPS unit.

By far the COOLEST features of these units come when more than one member of a party has them, as it automatically broadcasts your location to other users whenever you transmit a radio message.
Depending on what kind of backpacking you do, this is indespensible.

The display is relatively easy to read, for a GPS unit of this ones size, and has a backlight for night hiking, although I have found that this wears the batteries (3 AA) down pretty quick, so BRING SPARES!

Navigating between the units many features and menus is relatively simple, and you may be amazed at just how much the unit can do.
It can even estimate (to some degree of success) sunrise and sunset, so you can accurately count how many more hours of daylight you have left.

Overall I think this is a great unit for those looking for both a reliable GMRS/FRS radio with a long range and a GPS unit that is easy to use, and extremely functional.

First, to answer any questions on there durability:
I climbed in these shoes for nearly every day for two months over the summer on rough granite, and even with my poor technique they still held up!

And do they PERFORM!?
These things stuck on things that made my friends cringe at, in their 5.10's or Boreals, maybe Im just a ddamn good climber, but im sure its not that, its all in the shoe.
They are really soft, but I found that since these fit my foot so well, I could edge on credit cards, no problem.


I was originally looking at the Hooker Zips, but after one of my coworkers pair of Mugen's started imploding on themselves (dual-density rubber started to seperate) I think I may stick with their non-dual density shoes, until they fix that problem.

GREAT helmet.

This is what we use almost exclusively at the camp I staff at, merely because its so easy to adjust, and it'll fit anyones head comfortably. It makes a great pillow (as well as the already noted chair), for when its nap time (although it is a tad hard).

I wouldnt use a different helmet, no reason to, this one fits the bill!

I picked this up the moment I saw it (err, that is more accurately the moment I had the money to spend on another belay device...)

But I got it for a couple reasons, and it has performed flawlessly. There is absolutely NO reason, why anyone would buy a new ATC, when this is available. Just as easy to use, but with the higher stoping power available, for thin ropes, etc, it gives the belayer more options.