These tights did not work for me because they were too long---both in rise and length, even though I bought them in size XS. Also, I found the zipper on the ankle to be quite annoying, especially since it kept getting unzipped on its own. I even tried folding the top down and letting the extra fabric gather around my ankles. Then I saw how unattractive that was and just returned the tights. I do not recommend these tights for those of us who are 5'2" and shorter. I also bought the CW-X Performx tights in XS and they fit much better.

I ordered this rain jacket in size XS. It fit well and I was happy with everything about it except for the length. It almost felt like a crop top. I am 5'2" and well-proportioned, i.e., I do not have an unusually long torso or anything. I ended up returning it for the Marmot Precip, which was recommended by a backcountry.com rep. It is slightly longer than the Venture. I prefer the hood on the Venture, however, because I think it's deeper and shields my face more.

I gave these a chance; I really did. I have two pairs of KEEN sandals and another pair of KEEN shoes, and I love them all. However, the Targhee II Mid Hiking Shoes hurt my toes, and the shoes felt very stiff and "boxy." It felt as if my feet were encased in two shoeboxes. Also, the traction on these shoes weren't that great. I purchased these shoes because I needed a pair of comfortable, durable, shoes for hiking rugged, rocky, and at times trecherous, terrain. I am extremely brand loyal until the brand screws up, and these shoes are a big disappointment. I am getting ready to return these. I will give the KEEN brand another chance in general, but I will also look at other brands of hiking shoes.

My two kids have been using this back pack (blue for my son, green for my daughter)since they were 4 and 5 years old. We have taken them on numerous hikes, camping trips, and treks around various cities, and two years later, the bags are still as good as new. When the bags get especially dirty, I launder them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, with a bit of mild detergent. What I love most about the bag (besides the adorable factor)is how much it can hold for its size, and how non-bulky and light it is. The shoulder straps are well-padded to minimize complaints from my kids, and the chest strap helps keep the shoulder straps from sliding off narrow shoulders. The mesh side pockets are perfect for stowing 12-oz size Klean Kanteen bottles. I think Backcountry's price for the Deuter Junior backpack is really decent, and the bag is more than worth it.

I admit, I bought the Patagonia Rain Shadow Trench Coat (in ollaberry) because it was the closest one I could find to Kristen Stewart's purple raincoat in the La Push Beach scene in the movie, "Twilight." It's true the rain coat weighs no more than a shadow, and so far has done a spectacular job of keeping my torso dry. A couple of reasons prevent me from deeming the rain coat perfect: it's rather pricey (my friends and I call it the "PataGucci" rain coat) and I find the hood to be too shallow for any woman with a hairstyle other than pixie or bob. I don't have a large head, but if I have my hair in a ponytail, or even in a bun at the nape of my neck, the hood does a poor job of covering my head and sides of my face. At this point, the hood becomes a mere ornament. Since the hood can be tightened at the sides, I don't see why they had to make it so shallow. I just prefer deep, roomy hoods that offer my face more protection from the elements.

This is my first adult-size Columbia gear purchase. So far, I am extremely pleased with the quality and design of the parka. I used to buy only The North Face jackets, but after this experience, I'm defecting to team Columbia. I am very glad that Columbia makes XS sizes in their women's parkas. I hope they continue to make high-quality gear in pleasing designs for those of us who are of the petite persuasion. Also, kudos to your most expeditious shipping of my order. Glad to do business with you guys.