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Seriously - what is Patagonia smoking? I'm sure this may be a "tad" better than the regular down sweater, but "hello", "FOG"? Nothing could be more bland and ridiculous-looking than the color they're offering for this jacket. Talk about showing dirt easily. Patagonia's color offerings for most of their line-up flat-out stinks. I love their products, own a few, but I own a TON more North Face, Marmot, and other assorted brands because they offer comparable products at less cost with colors/patterns that have some life to them. Patagonia is missing the boat on this. Why would someone want to spend MORE for something that looks crappy?

The DAS is meant to go OVER clothing - including your shell. So, if you get it in your normal size, it will fit BIG on you if you're not wearing it over outerwear. If you want to wear the DAS as a normal parka, get it one size smaller.

Don't like Patagonia's color choices - they're pukey. Good 'ol black is where it's at, esp since the other DAS colors stink. This is one of the best items in Pat's line-up, you think they would get wise and open up a rainbow of color choices. Pat is bad about that as a company overall. Limited choices in colors and those available were thought up by some mental midget.

Overall a great parka, but on the pricey side - should sell for around $225...that would price it where it's worth. Esp with the plain-jane LL-Bean-like color choices!

Vasque is one of my fav footwear companies - I really like my Mantras - they're a great all-purpose dry-weather shoe. Comfort is good, Vibram soles are grippy, looks are good, they're plenty light enough, and the price was great. I have a size 13 shoe and my left foot is a bit longer than my right. The big toe of my left foot barely touches the end of the shoe, right shoe is great, width is true-to-size - I have a medium wide foot.

My wife and I have been using their bike helmets for years and I decided it was time to get some protection for when I snowboard. The helmet worked great on my trip last week, but it was around 40F on the snow here in North Idaho, so I can't say how it will work when the temps drop. I'm guessing some type of close-fitting beaner will be necessary when it gets cold. But, at 40F, it breathed well and was VERY comfortable. It's no surprise, really...it's a GIro and their products are excellent. Only downside is the price...too bad it isn't cheaper.

I own a TON of outdoor outerwear - just ask my wife. The look on her face will tell you immediately. Out of all my fleece, softshells, hardshells, and multiples of insulated jackets, the Redpoint is the one I use most often. It's the ultimate all-purpose winter jacket. I have an older (4 years ago) jacket, and it still looks like new. It's fairly water resistant, insulates when wet (not down), is easy to wash and care for (unlike down), is wind-resistant (unlike fleece), and is warm considering how low-profile it is. It has a great range of movement, but doesn't look baggy...and you definitely won't look like the Michelin man. I wear mine from about 10F - 40F and zip it into a hard shell if it gets especially cold/wet. It's my favorite piece of winter gear and TNF should keep it in their line-up permanently if they're smart. The only things they could improve upon is adding an interior pocket or two and also adding pit zips. Let's face it, when things heat up, you need to dump heat fast. I have an older (from 10 yrs ago???) Marmot primaloft jacket that has pit zips...all insulated pieces need the feature (too bad it's no longer made). Get your Redpoint now!