Buy a 1-ton and work it like a half-ton. That's the philosophy. Because when you are in 30 degree below zero weather or days away from shore, you need gear that works. Rod evaluates everything - material quality, breathability, stitching, zipper strength, hardware, and whether the manufacturer cut corners with low-grade plastic. Rod works gear hard, and still expects it to last. That same attention to detail that makes him an expert rod builder makes him an expert gear critic.