MSR lived up to their reputation with these. I've used these for several years in the White Mountains, and have never had an issue. Snowshoes take a beating, especially in mixed conditions in NH. I always fear treading over the few exposed rocks in snowshoes, but not with these. THe construction is especially well. The plastic frame is very solid and durable, and the stubby size makes them ideal for alpine environments. The shortness of these isn't an issue at all-- if anything it's one of its greatest features, gives you enough float and doesn't have that awkward pull longer traditional snowshoes have. The binding is great-- Fits plastic boats or other large mountaineering boats, and the crampon tip on the toe is awesome. Most snowshoes don't have as much bite as these do, these are incredibly aggressive. THe straps are easy to put on and off, and they never come undone. Lastly the heal raiser is AWESOME. It makes going up a steep hill feel like flat ground for your feet. Great Job MSR, these things are beasts. I love em.

Arc'teryx definitely lives up its standards. This coat is absolutely the best soft shell I have ever purchased. The front pockets are the first of their kind to be raised up so a climbing harness isn't on top of them, which is one of the greatest features. The oversized hood is awesome-- fits over a climbing helmet with room to spare (and I have a big dome!) the material is great-- Warm where it needs to be, soft where it needs to be and stretchy where it needs to be. I'd suggest this coat to any ice climber, mountaineer or anyone who wants to look like a badass.
This is one of the few products that I have ever purchased that I have ZERO complaints about. I plan on living in this thing this winter, and I'm ever going as far to say that this thing won't come off when I'm in Alaska climbing Denali. All and all this coat is great, and backcountry is awesome.

Love the goat!

Great material and fit. BUT the zippers spoil these pants. Putting these on while wearing boots and crampons is so much of a hassle that I opted to remove my crampons and not even unzip the sides. The zippers get caught every time they are zipped or unzipped. Definitely not satisfied. Would only suggest these to someone who wanted for a ski bib. Using these while mountaineering is damn near impossible.

Awesome Jacket, Fill feels like more then 650 warm in -10 degree franconia notch nights.