http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/doc6693 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:21:37 GMT Reviews by doc6693 http://www.viewpoints.com/MSR-Whisperlite-review-e877 This was one of my first stoves when I started backpacking.  It was light, compact and fit into any little crevis of my backpack that was available.  The white gas option is much better over butane if you're hiking in colder weather.  I never had a clogging problem with this stove in three years.  But the main drawback was that you need to find some kind of wind screen if the weather is kicking up.  And I'm not much of a fan of cooking in the tent for obvious reasons.  It also held up well and sturdy to holding  small pots of food. Although I never tried large pots, I don't think I would recommend it if it's the only thing you have to eat.  It might end up onthe ground.  Tis is a great little stove for light packpack... Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:21:37 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/MSR-Whisperlite-review-e877 doc6693 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Therma-Rest-Trail-Comfort-Sleeping-Pad-review-ac273 This is one item that I never go camping without.  The only slight drawback to the mattress is that it's a little large when you take it backpacking.  But the additional size is easily overlooked when you lie down for the night after hiking ten or twelve miles.  It self inflates.  If you need it a little fuller, a few puffs of air and you have a little more comfort.  It's a little large as far as width, but rolled up size is as big as most other packing pads.   It comes with a small repair kit for small holes or tears, but in years of use, mine has never sprung a leak.  This item is just like American Express: Never leave home without it!... Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:13:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Therma-Rest-Trail-Comfort-Sleeping-Pad-review-ac273 doc6693 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Coleman-Tent-Light-review-61c9 This light is inexensive and lightweight. The light it puts out is more than enough to see what you're doing in a tent and getting ready for bed. But it is not enough if you're a reader at night. The biggest downfall of this item is the way it is attached to the tent. You have to be outside and inside almost at the same time since it magnetically attaches throught the tent shell. I tried it on the side of the tent but it always slid down and wouldn't stay were it was. If you have a taller tent like I do, it's a little difficult to get the light all the way at the top unless you are in the habit of bringing a ladder with you when you camp. The good thing is thta it works a bit better for a backpacking tent. Personally, I just use a flashight or candle... Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:06:08 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Coleman-Tent-Light-review-61c9 doc6693 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Nalgene-Wide-Mouth-Lexan-Bottle-review-d7482 I have exclusively used the Nalgene brand Lexon bottles for years. Time after time, they are one of the most indispensible hiking items I carry. Most any quality backpack has a compartment made special for these bottles. Most water filters have adapters available that fit, sealed on top of the bottle when filling. And if you hike where I do and dropped your bottle, you're extremely thankful that it's Lexon. They just don't break even with most accidental abuse. They also have adapters for the top with a straw that screw on to make it easier to use while doing activities so you don't get water down the front of your shirt. I have seven of these bottles and I'm not done yet. ... Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:58:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nalgene-Wide-Mouth-Lexan-Bottle-review-d7482 doc6693 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Coleman-Expandable-Water-Carrier-review-6d1f1 The Coleman Expandable Water Carrier definitley has some flaws.  With so many other alternative water carriers on the market, Coleman needs to do somerevisions to their design.  Although it is light (without water), and collapsable for easy storage, when filled it is awkward to carry.  With the light material it moves and shifts and causes balance to be thrown off while walkig with the carrier.  It's cube shape also makes it difficult to carry close to you without bumping into you  at every step.  It also has a tendency to "roll around" on a flat surface making it unstable until about one third of hte water has been used.  For the price, htere are many other water carriers on the market that are more stable and carrier friendly.... Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:51:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Coleman-Expandable-Water-Carrier-review-6d1f1 doc6693 2