this is my first time purchasing hiking shoes. after a 17 mile hike i pulled at yosemite last year i realized i need something more supportive than my trusty running shoes (asics kayano). i tried out about 10 different shoes/boots, but the reason i settled on the mantra was because i realized i didn't need any heavy duty hiking boots (the most i would go would be for a 2-day hike carrying no more than 25lbs). also i didn't really like the hightops because none of them felt comfortable for me. mantra, with its lowtop, felt most comfortable of the bunch. i got the XCR version and tried out its waterproofness by wearing the shoes under a running facet for 2 mins and although i felt the cold, my feet stayed dry. i'd say the biggest drawback for this model is that it doesn't come in wide. i normally wear 2E, but this only comes in a medium width. i'll report again when i come back from yosemite half dome hike in about a couple months.

I wanted to buy a breathable waterproof jacket without forking over so much money for the ones with GTX tag, and a friend recommended I check out marmot oracle. I've never heard of the marmot brand before, but after reading many good reviews on the jacket and given this site's return policy, I decided to get it.

I bought a black M - I'm 5'9" 165 lbs 31" waist - and it fits perfectly. Not too snug, enough room to put a baselayer (i.e. a fleece jacket), and not too baggy either. I've worn it in rain and it's kept me completely dry - mind you, I've never worn it in a pouring rain, so I can't say that it'll work like a charm in any type of raining circumstance. Also, I've worn it for all of my snowboarding trips this year - Mammoth and all the local mountains in la - and it has kept me dry and light.

I'd say the biggest drawback would be that it's not as breathable as i'd like. Also the zippers on pit vents aren't too smooth to zip up or down. It takes some effort to open/close them.

This is pretty much the same review as the one i wrote for Large size pants. L was too big for me - i'm 5'9", 165 lbs, 31" waist - so i returned it for the M, and it fits perfectly. it's snug but very very comfortable and i don't feel restricted at all. also it keeps me warm and if it gets too hot, i can always zip open the vents. it doesn't have extra paddings so in real cold weather, it may require a thermal underneath, but it's completely waterproof and overall a great snowboarding pants.

i originally ordered L, but it turned out to be too big. i'm 5'9, 165lbs. 31" waist. so i returned it for M and it was the perfect fit.

the pants felt warm and cozy without feeling restricting. it was very very comfortable. because it doesn't have any extra paddings, if you sit on the snow for too long, your butt will get cold, but it's still waterproof.

love the pants!