jbaker

This tank is a great alternative to wearing a sports bra plus another top if you're an active runner or hiker or cyclist. However, I've noticed that especially when I'm wearing a hydration pack, the side seams of the Trapezoid are kind of scratchy around the hips. When I'm not wearing a pack, though, this tank is cool and comfortable.

When I wear these socks trail running, they're almost too thick for my shoes, and kind of get a bit hot. However, when I wear these socks in my cycling shoes, they're oh, so comfy. They provide a little extra cush inside those shoes, which makes my tootsies happy.

I usually run in Adidas, and this was my first pair of non-Adidas shoes in a long, long time. After a very quick break-in period, I found the Masai's to be perfectly comfortable. I like running on the road with these more than the trail, though. They're very supportive, but the tread seems more road-happy.

These sandals are fine, as far as basic flip-flops go. They fit well, and require no break-in. Definitely not super supportive, but work well for just cruising the house or town around on hot days.

I like the low-profile and light weight of the Thresher. However, I experienced a major issue with the reservoir's hose. TNF has recalled the faulty hose, which kinks easily and won't let water through. The replacement hose TNF gave me works much better. This pack is perfect for bike rides and trail runs that last two hours or less.

I ordered a large in the Swift, and probably could have gone with the medium. Guess I should have read the sizing chart cuz I normally wear a 9-10 jean. They fit alright, but I have to be sure to tighten the drawstring or they'll fall down mid-run. Stop laughing. In general though, these shorts are pretty comfortable and they're way more casual and easy to wear than the super short-shorts that you don't wanna wear into the gas station and walk past a bunch of truckers to get a Gatorade.

Really. Ski pants have been lame for years, but these pants are straight-up hot. I love them on super warm days. Things to watch out for: they're not waterproof, so if you end up skiing any pow at all or if you crash, you'll get wet (denim); and they stretch like regular jeans will. Definitely need a belt after the first few wears.

I'm stoked on my Ocean Breeze pants. They're loose-fitting and super comfy for hanging around the office after riding. They're a little bigger than I expected, which is cool. Definitely made for taller, athletic girls, which is refreshing.

It hasn't snowed in more than a week, and conditions, though it's January, have been making me randomly shout "Spring Break 2005!" while quickly ripping off my jacket. The Stealths performed stunningly in the early morning hardpack conditions that graced the not-so-superpipe. In the corny afternoon, the crazy huge camber still provided plenty of snap without getting bogged down. The Stealths are really light-even with demo binders-and the close-to-center mounting gave them super balanced swing weight.

The Spatulas are fun skis. They seem really weird at first because they're the opposite of "normal" skis. For instance, I ate it hard my third turn down Silver Fox because I was too far forward, trying to push the ski through the turn. I got snow down my pants and it was really cold. Then I stood up and relaxed and let the skis work for me. That's when the party started. They're super stable in soft and deep snow cuz they're so wide underfoot. Not to be cocky, but I friggin' rip harder than anyone when I'm on my Spatulas. When I'm not on my Spats, I kind of suck. The Spatulas are the first ski that's ever felt like it's an extension of my body. All you gotta do is stand on both feet and look where you're going.

I love these shades! The lenses are super easy to change, and you never feel like you're going to break the frames sliding lenses in or out. They offer full coverage and great peripheral vision. I never thought sunglasses could be so light. Sometimes I forget I'm wearing them. Then I think I've lost them until someone points out that they're on my face. That's kind of embarrassing.

Definitely be careful when running longer distances in the Vapor Light. I can feel small rocks on the trail that are non-existant in my normal trail shoes. I don't feel confident in the VLs on faster runs and more technical trails. However, for light runs on the road and mellow dirt trails, the VLs are a perfect alternative to heavier trail running shoes.