The Cloudveil Enclosure jacket is a super piece if you are looking for a lightweight, packable, insulator. I got one of these, not knowing how much I would wear it, and I find myself wearing more often than not. The cut of the jacket is perfect for layering under your shell. I wear it most often as a stand alone winter piece, and have been known to use it as a camp pillow as well. The variable insulation package (60g in body and 40 in sleeve if I remember correctly) is just enough. Primaloft is an amazing material. I highly recommend this if you are looking for something a very versatile that is synthetic opposed to down. There is also a hooded option if you prefer. I find the Cloudveil fit pretty true to size.

The Fitz Roy Hooded jacket is a premium item if you are looking for some serious insulation. I have worn this jacket with nothing more than a T shirt underneath, stepped outside in frigid Wasatch Front winter weather (10 fahrenheit and colder), and been perfectly comfortable. Make no mistake this is serious equipment to battle the cold, especially if you live in a mostly dry climate. Although the jacket is water resistant, I would be hesitant to wear it in consistent rainfall. The only other jacket I would consider in similar application is the Himalayan Parka by North Face. I give Fitz Roy the nod here due to packability. Patagonia fits pretty true to size across the board in my opinion, I wear a medium (5'10, 135 lbs). This is a fantastic addition to your closet if you want to give old man winter the middle finger.

After wearing the Alpha SL pullover for a bit, that is one word that comes to mind. This jacket has multiple personalities. It is a top shelf rain shell. Layer some insulation underneath and you have a hyper light alpine shell. Last but not least, it is a stylie city piece with it's generous front pocket to stow your wallet, phone, and other necessities. I love the hood volume, high collar, and huge side zip that both vents, and aids entry and exit of the jacket. Is this an expensive jacket? Yes, but keeping in the Arcteryx tradition the Alpha SL pullover is fashioned from GoreTex Paclite. Peep other jackets of this build, and I am pretty sure this is the price range you will be looking at. Sizing for this item holds true to Arcteryx's fit, which runs a bit more tailored, so keep that in mind. The Sahel color is a killer matte, storm trooper white, it is so hot it will burn your eyeballs out and leave your crew asking where you got that! All in all an outstanding piece of gear.

This is a fantastic hood that is guaranteed to get you some run at the local mead hall. I wear a medium the majority of the time(5'10" 135 lbs), and the medium in this hood fits great. If you search what's available in the premium hood market, I am confident you will find this item to be comparatively priced. This guy is certified organic cotton, no shrink issue here after washing, and great colors to boot. If you want your gym teacher's hood look elswhere. If you are looking for something premium and unique pick up one of these for your future conquests.

This is THE softshell in my opinion. The construction and materials of the Gamma MX are outstanding. This jacket can handle the majority of outdoor pursuits you throw at it. If you don't belive it, simply read the litanny of reviews from others who have been using this piece for nearly a decade. It is a classic Arcteryx jacket in style and fit. If you are looking for a serious softshell pick up this guy or the Hooded Gamma MX.

Like the other reviews for this piece, I have the same praise for it. This is a great piece to add to your quiver. I have found myself using the Contour Windshirt in a number of conditions in the outdoors : wind, light rain, protection against bugs, cooler temps, and so on. I am 5'10, 138 lbs, and a Medium fits perfect, especially to layer under without losing the nice fit this garment has. If you don't want to pack a sweater for you next trip, take this. Very versatile, really it has all that you need and nothing that you don't. All in all a great item from Outdoor Research.

The Velox from Arcteryx is outstanding. yankee1's review sums up the features of this shirt perfectly and why you should purchase one. You would not expect anything less from Arcteryx, and will not be disappointed you added this to your quiver.

I recently purchased this beacon for a ski trip to Squamish. I could not have been more happy with this purchase! Functionality of the beacon and ease of use had me hooked within the first minutes of testing it. I have been using an Ortovox F1 for the majority of my time spent in the backcountry. I was very impressed with the single & multiple burial search functions, and how I was able to shorten my search times using the Pieps. Our guide mentioned that too much time is spent on beacon search, and not enough on shoveling and probing techniques. This being said I felt I was able to be more effective in rescue practice due to quicker and more effective search and pinpointing with the Pieps. The only negative comment is relative to the harness which I do not like. The pocket is very tight for the device and I found myself fiddling with it too much. Yes this is an expensive piece of equipment, but your life is priceless.

This is a solid softshell for the spring season. It is lightweight,versatile, and verty stretchy. I have found myself using it in a variety of conditions and been very pleased. The Falketind also travels very nicely. It is very breathable, the chest pockets provide ample storage, and the vents are more than enough. I am 5'10", 140 and am a medium the majority of the time. The med in this piece fits me great. I have also layered with a primaloft jacket underneath while wearing this jacket in colder temps. All in all nothing but positive comments about the Falketind softshell.

This is unique vest, the pullover feature with side zippers is curious. Once you get the Trooper on you can begin to feel the 550 fill heat you up. I am a medium size (5'10 140 lbs) nearly all of the time, and the medium fits well. The Trooper definitely has a technical fit which makes it great for layering. I find myself wearing this around town a fair amount as well. All in all more exciting than the standard front zip down vests out there.

That is one word to describe this jacket. The technical features of the Lofoten speak for themselves, Gore Performance Shell insulated with Primaloft = premium weather protection & warmth, and lightweight! I am a medium 99% of the time (5'10" & 140lbs) and the medium fits me perfect. Do keep the euro sizing in mind as the fit is a bit different. The cut is nice as the Lofoten does come for Norrona's freeride snow collection so it is not cut like a technical alpine shell. The removable zip out powder skirt, roomy fixed hood, wrist gaiters, and super smooth waterproof zips complete the Lofoten. To top it off there are some killer colors available, the sulphur spring and blue jewel are untouchable!

This is an outstanding jacket. Super light, packable, and toasty warm. It has a great semi fitted cut that makes it perfect as insulation under shell. More often than not, I wear it as a stand alone when I am not feeling my bulkier winter coats. Recently it served as a pillow while I was camping! Hands down one of the most versatile pieces I ever owned.

I picked up a pair of these for my wife to kick around in. She has very much enjoyed these flips and has nothing but good things to say about the footbed of this sandal and the comfort that comes along with it. Treat your feet with a pair of Base Camp Flips.

There are a ton of different base layers to choose from these days. I really like this piece as the deep zipper is great for venting. Additionally the bamboo charcoal fibers add that nice funk numbing property, unlike your old base layers. Your friends will thank you after a long day of aerobic activity that you upgraded to this 1st layer.

I purchased a pair of these for my wife. She was looking for a flip that had a little more going on. These have not disappointed. According to her you can dress them up and down with the flip's clean look, and the comfort level is huge. If your wife complains about uncomfortable flips, these are your answer, and you'll score points for shopping with a feminine touch.

Since I constantly get cold hands, it seems like I always like to run a liner in addition to my gloves. I purchased these on recommend from another user and they have been fantastic. They seem to fit fairly true to size, keep my fingers toasty, and fit great inside my Hestra gloves. The butter fleece is just that, sooo nice. These are much better than a set of Craft liners that I have had for time and eternity.

I am not a fan of huge gauntlets on ski gloves. Too many season of rocking Wells & Lamont rancher gloves a la your friendly neighborhood ski patrollers. I was drawn to the cut and style of the AB Pro, and so far they have been worth the money. The dexterity in the gloves is tremendous, and they are warm. Hestra sizing is a bit funny, I have small hands and bought the 7, which fits great. I am a bit worried as I have seen some of the stitching where the palm meets the finger come loose in about 2+ months of skiing. Nevertheless these are great gloves. Ask anyone else who has a set of Hestra's and they will tell you the same.

If you would like to put a smile on the face of your significant other I would suggest putting them in the Gotham. This is a great pedestrian piece that does not disappoint. The fixed hood is great, and with removable fur they can bring out their inner Natasha.

This is an outstanding, technical jacket. If you are looking for a kick around soft shell or wind jacket look elswhere. If you are willing to spend some $ then get a Sentinel. I love the alpinist cut of this jacket, and Gore Windstopper is top shelf. I disagree with the previous review, the Apex Bionic is not even the same sport as the Sentinel. The Sentinel is everything you would expect from a Summit Series product by The North Face.

I was in the market for some new base layers for a while before I found these. I really like the 3/4 length for skiing and the comfort & warmth of these is killer. I would not say they are exactly odor free as Merino Wool boasts, but they definitely don't hold onto funk like your old Capilene does. Pick up a pair of these and join the Merino revolution, they are a fantastic piece for your winter clothing quiver.

If you don't know compression layers, pick one of these up to get in the know. On it's own the shirt does not look like much, once you put it on it's another story. I am very happy with it as a first layer for winter activity, it is really warm and super comfortable. The sleeves and shoulder tend to bunch a bit under other layers. For a mock the neck is a bit high, I would not advise sizing down in this piece as it might be too tight. If you are looking for a better base layer The North Face has you dialed.