Gear Reviews

The reviews on LoomisAdventures.com represent the testing conclusions and thoughts of the author on a multitude of outdoor gear. Gear is field tested overtime and reviews may be updated reflecting any new information. Please feel free to leave comments about your own experiences with the gear. If you have questions or want to see a review on a specific item, please contact us.

 

15
May
2013
jloomis

Alpinizmo Swiftlite Tent by High Peak USA Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of High Peak Alpinizmo Swiftlite Tent

Features:

From High Peak USA, "Following the ultralite trend, the Swiftlite is a roomy, two person shelter that weighs just 2 lbs. 14 oz. This single wall tent can be fully enclosed to keep out the elements and features a durable seam-sealed Ripstop nylon construction. Two 7.9 mm 7000 series aluminum poles support the structure. Ventilation is achieved through two built-in side vents, a zippered door and open foot area with No-see-um, seam-taped bug netting."

08
May
2013
jloomis

High Peak Phantom 45+10 Backpack Review

Product Rating: 
4
Picture of High Peak Phantom 45+10 Backpack

Features:

From High Peak USA, "The Phantom 45+10 is the little pack that could. Super rugged construction weighing only 4 lbs., 8 oz., fully adjustable harness system, lots of pockets and compression straps on this 45 liter backpack that continually works and plays hard. The Phantom 45+10 is ideal for teens and adult trekkers. It is the men’s version of the Luna 45+10."

17
Apr
2013
jloomis

La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX Mountaineering Boot Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX Mountaineering Boot

Features:

From La Sportiva, "Light and fast this boot makes you feel like a wood nymph bounding through the mountains. All synthetic and designed for spider-like alpine climbing performance; it is waterproof and ready for a semi-automatic crampon. The Vibram® Mulaz outsole, has an edging platform and sticky Supertrek Rubber. The 3D Flex™ ankle provides supreme ankle maneuverability for technical routes."

The Trago S EVO GTX by La Sportiva is an ultra-light 3-season alpine climbing boot. Features a fully-gusseted and padded tongue and full rubber rand.

13
Apr
2013
jloomis

HMK Summit V16 Pack Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of HMK Summit V16 Backpack

Features:

The Summit V16 is the largest pack in HMK's line of snowmobile-oriented backpacks. It's big on features and even bigger on durability. The Summit V16 sports individual compartments for a shovel, probe, and hydration bladder. It features a fully adjustable sternum strap and waist belt for added support and comfort, padded shoulder straps, padded shoulder blade and lumbar area, load compression straps, and a rugged scuff and moisture-resistant bottom. Organizing any snowmobile adventure is easy with the HMK Summit V16 pack, with its multitude of internal pickets, soft poly-lined goggle pocket, and dual zippered hip pockets.

08
Apr
2013
jloomis

Petzl SUM'TEC Ice Axe Hammer Review

Product Rating: 
coming soon
Picture of Petzl SUM'TEC Ice Axe Hammer, 52cm

Features:

From Petzl "A compromise between a classic mountaineering ice axe and an ice climbing axe, the SUM’TEC is a versatile, lightweight, technical ice axe. It is easy to use in piolet canne mode with its stainless steel spike and its slightly curved shaft. In climbing mode, the ALPIX pick (forged into banana shape) and the new TRIGREST handrest (adjustable without tools) ensure the efficiency required for technical passages, as well as bergschrunds, ice gullies, etc. Available in adze or hammer versions."

07
Apr
2013
jloomis

Kni-Co Alaskan Jr Camp Wood Stove Review

Product Rating: 
coming soon
Picture of Kni-Co Alaskan Junior Camp Stove

Features:

From Kni-Co, "As rugged as our Alaskan stove, the Alaskan Junior has the same front as the Alaskan, differing only in its depth, which is 18 inches instead of 24, meaning it is lighter and burns a four inch shorter piece of wood."

26
Feb
2013
jloomis

FogThief Helmet Anti-Fog Device Review

Product Rating: 
4
Picture of FogThief Helmet Anti-Fog Device

Features:

From Funprojex.com, "The FOGTHIEF™ is a proven light weight concept for the prevention of fogging in all sports helmets including motorcycle helmet visors, eyeglasses and sunglasses worn inside the helmet. The warm breath from your mouth and nose is directed downwards to beneath the chin area. While breathing normally through your mouth the FOGTHIEF™ will direct this heated breath safely below your chin and out below your helmet therefore averting the fogging up problem. While stationary at traffic situations or in slow moving traffic the FOGTHIEF™ keeps the shield and glasses clear of fog and moisture."

08
Feb
2013
jloomis

Kahtoola MICROspikes Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of Kahtoola MICROspikes

Features:

"Kahtoola MICROspikes® Traction System allows anyone of any age to get out and enjoy most any condition. Since there are no special straps, you can simply put your Kahtoola MICROspikes® Traction System in your pocket, purse, or backpack and go. Just take them out and stretch them over your shoes when you need that extra grip - they're ideal for anything from wet rocks to slick sidewalks and icy driveways, or even the added confidence that comes along with extra traction on the trail. Adding our MICROspikes® Traction System to your gear stash means that you'll never be held back again by the most common day-to-day conditions. Pull on and go."

07
Feb
2013
jloomis

Outdoor Research TrailBreaker Pants Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of Outdoor Research Men's Trailbreaker Pants

Features:

From Outdoor Research, "There is simply no other ski touring pant like this. When you are breaking trail to your favorite powder stash, the waterproof lower legs will keep you dry, while the highly breathable upper fabric will let moisture easily escape. When the exertion level really kicks up, thigh vents allow you to dump hot air. And with additional guide-requested features including integrated ski gaiters and a beacon pocket, the TrailBreaker Pants™ are built for serious backcountry exploration."

11
Dec
2012
jloomis

Columbia Ultrachange Parka Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of Columbia Ultrachange Parka

Features:

From Columbia Sportswear, "Layer the warm liner jacket under the element-defying, super-wicking outer shell and you have an unstoppable combination designed to keep you warm, dry and comfortable when you’re working hard in cold and wet conditions; worn separately, the two pieces become versatile outerlayers of their own."

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