The Alpinist Mountain Standards reviews apply Alpinist's tradition of excellence and authenticity to gear reviews by providing unbiased, candid feedback and anecdotal commentary to equipment tested (hard) in the field. Our panel is comprised of climbers who use the gear every day as part of their work and play. Only the gear they would actually buy themselves, at retail price, qualifies for the Alpinist Mountain Standards award. The five-star rating system is as follows: One Star = Piece of junk. Two Stars = Has one or more significant flaws, with some redeeming qualities. Three Stars = Average. This solid piece of gear is middle-of-the-road on the current market. Four Stars = Better than most comparable gear on the market. It has one or two drawbacks, but still 90% positive. Five Stars = Is there such thing as perfection? An Alpinist Mountain Standards award-winner. Review Panel Adam George Caroline George Larry Goldie Blake Herrington John Race Bert Severin Jed Workman The rest of the MS Team |
  Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3Posted on: July 30, 2005 
MSRP: $75 This is the kind of sleeping pad that should not be allowed near El Cap. It is far too precious to be rubbing up against harsh granite all night long. After all, we must treat this "super-food" of the gear world with the utmost care and respect. While I am sure the durable outer fabric can with stand the abuse, you tend to be a little protective when it is your bed too. This superlight pad keeps your hips happy and consciousness in deep slumber without adding any more weight than necessary. Its tapered end and extra-thick waist space contributes to its perfect compatibility with the female form. While the men's model comes in bright, sunshine orange, the women's version is available in pink, which is obviously the new black. This one is a keeper. |
