va3pinner from United States, VA Public Profile

I normally don't write reviews on anything until I've used the item extensively but I will make an exception here. I will also say fit and comfort in hiking footwear is very subjective. What works for me may not necessarily work for you.

I've tried many different hiking boots in more than 50 years of wandering about, and Zamberlan's fit me the best. For more than 20 years, the Vioz has been my go-to boot. I don't wear them year round because goretex lined leather boots can be hot here in the MidAtlantic region. The Zamberlan Trail Lite Evo GTX was immediately comfortable right out of the box. In my past, I was a boot fitter, and these clicked all the buttons (for me and my feet!!).

According to Zamberlan, these are made on the same boot Last as the Vioz. So if you own the Vioz and want to try a ligher weight boot, these could be it. Fit and feel is identical except they are MUCH lighter in weight. I usually size up 1/2 for hiking boots. With proper lacing, it allows plenty of room for toes, and the fact that feet swell some when walking. I have no heel slippage, and toes do not touch the toe when walking steep downhill. I will review further after they get banged around on the trail a bit.

One other note - current 'fashion' in the hiking field are very light weight trail runners, or boots made of sewn together pieces of fabric and leather. I'm not a fan of either. I've used them. The can fall apart fast. I have always found leather boots (especially single piece outer

I purchased one of these 2 years ago. It is well fitting, and thinner than a 'puffy' vest, makes it a perfect layering piece under a shell, or another insulated jacket without adding an unnecessary bulk.
It's always in my pack, even in warmer months. It's one of those garments that you're really glad you have it with you!
the one I own is orange on the inside. It's not designed as a reversible vest, but its been handy during hunting season around here!

This has become my go-to cook set for short and long backpacking trips. I originally purchased it because I was looking for a pot that would fit my old Svea 123 stove. The stove fits perfectly inside, with a towel wrapped around it to protect the non stick finish. I also use it with a canister stove, and the Optimus crux burner. this combination is a FAST boiler if that is important to you. I have rolling boil in 2-1/2 minutes using the wind screen. This also works well with the Trangia burner in a ClickStand. Fits that perfectly as well, and boils in just shy of 4 minutes. It's a bit heavier than a Titanium pot around this size, ( by maybe what - 2 ounces??) but to me well worth it. I've used it from just boiling water to brewing up soups an stews. Holds enough for two people. Great product, and no I don't have anything to do with Optimus, except I've been using their products since 1974. (The Svea was one of my first BP equipment purchases.). Optimus has a complete kit - HE Cookset, stove, windscreen, and spoon too if you need a complete setup.

I bought this originally because the Svea 123 fits perfectly inside. Exactly what I was looking for, this is true for the Optimus Terra Weekend HE, but not the smaller version (don't know if they still make that one).
But I also had an optimus Crux canister stove (I'm kind of a stove nut), and a ClickStand stove (uses Trangia burner) All of them work well with this pot set.
With the canister stove and the accessory Optimus wind screen, it's a very fast boiler. Also quick with the Svea 123, but you have to be careful about how the pot sits on that stove. It's not the most stable setup. Youtube has several videos on this combination.
Oddly, this thing fits perfectly with the Clickstand setup, and boil times are much faster than the usual for an alcohol stove. A very stable setup as the pot doesn't sit on the Click stand pot supports, but the heat exchanger rests on the Trangia burner. Works very well that way.
Capacity - I hike solo, and this is plenty big enough for a sizeable meal. Haven't used the lid as a frying pan (as advertised) but do use it for coffee/tea water while cooking dinner.
Some would consider it heavy - just shy of 10 ounces, but I find it so useful, it's my go-to pot set. Only drawback is it has a non stick coating that scratches easily.

I have used the Thermarest chair kits, liked them both. When I purchased an Exped Synmat UL7 Long wide,I purchased the exped chair kit. Nice setup! I like the sleeve that protects the entire pad, and especially like the way you can use it as a lounger in cold conditions. My first impression was that it's a bit heavy, but if you compare it with a Helinox chair, it's about the same weight, and if I want to sit well off the ground, I just use it sitting on a log or rock or whatever. I don't mind being at ground level, it allows me to more easily use my stove. A suggestion in the video is to leave the pad in the sleeve, roll it up and just transport it that way. I find it bulky - I tend to pack as light and small as possible, so for my sleeping pad, I leave the stuff sack at home, deflate the pad fully, fold it, and stuff it in the bottom of my pack with the sleeping bag on top. That's how I use the chair/pad combination. I remove the stays, deflate the pad, then fold it & stuff it. Now for my modification - The stays are TIGHT and a real pain to insert when wearing gloves. I popped the plastic protector out of the ends & ground about 1/8" off one end of the stay, then reinstalled the plastic doo-dad. It's still real snug, but a lot easier to get the stay in and out. If you're a gram counter, this may be too heavy for you. I do count ounces, and want a chair, but I can use this outside and as a chair/pad in my tent. Folded it's inside my pack - to me worth the compromise in weigh

I have several of these in different sizes. Getting ready to order one more. Much easier to access contents. Rectangular shape packs better. Been using them since they came out. Only one caveat: They are not waterproof. The seams will leak (can be sealed with silicone) and the zippers are water resistant, but not water proof. If they get dunked, you'll be OK, but leave hang your food bag out in the rain all night and the contents will get wet (ask me how I know). I line my food sack and my clothing sack with a turkey bag and problem is solved. I've replaced all my sacks with this style, except for my sleeping bag which always goes in a waterproof sack. Highly recommended in spite of note being waterproof.

Good stuff! Made it in a baggie, would have been better in a cup. Nice finishing touch after a long day.

Nothing beats eggs right out of the pan, but this is close if you watch how much water is used, and you give it time to rehydrate.
Nice way to watch the sunrise.

I needed a breathable well thought out shell for both XC touring and some resort use - East Coast conditions. These are perfect. They are just warm enough, with room to add a layer underneath for resort use. I didn't intend them to replace my softshell pants, but they will. Thigh zips are a nice idea, but be sure they're zipped all the way up before heading downhill. It can get kinda cold!

I've had one of these for about three years. Replaced all my fleece jackets. Lighter than fleece, virtually wind proof, compresses down to about softball size, it accompanies me on every hiking trip. It's been great by itself in 'fleece temperatures', a nice addition under hooded parka for real cold, and wonderful wearing it inside a sleeping bag. Lets me carry a lighter weight bag in the winter.