Got a last year color pink with dark gray shoulders Rock Zip for my wife and she likes it a lot. She's 5'6" 117 and the Small fits perfectly. Sleeves nice length and thumb holes hitting her wrist just right. Body is form fitting without feeling too snug. Definitely a mid layer--especially given the neck on this piece. Note that the neck is very different, very thick and stands up. She also said it felt closer in to her throat, though this is probably a function of the extra thickness of the material at that spot. The height is well below the jawline so it isn't pushing against the underside of her jaw. All in all an excellent piece. We got a screamin deal on it, and it can be hard to shell out full price, but Icebreaker is worth it--but if you can get it on sale that's just icing on the cake!

Warm and functional enough for cool to cold weather camping, stylish enough to make it past the business casual dress code at your office! I have the carob from 2 years ago (read: brown). Functionally the fleece is very warm, though it is a mid layer at heart--you aren't stopping any wind with this sweater. The quarter zip neck height matches a turned down turtleneck perfectly. Open it is stylish and closed it snugs to you neck keeping you warm but is short enough not to crowd the jaw line. Style wise having the fuzzy part of the fleece on the inside makes the outside look stitched like a sweater--thereby fooling your office manager into thinking it IS a sweater. Take that dress code!

I'm 6'1" 185 and the Large fit my torso perfect prior to washing, and though I've been super careful and only washed it a handful of times in it's now 2 years of life it's gotten just a bit more baggy in the torso. That being said for a Large the Sleeves are a solid inch too short for my liking. When I hold my arms in the air the sleeves are noticeably short of my wrists.

I was lucky enough to grab this on sale, though perhaps even at full price it'd be worth it given its ability to look nice enough for work while still providing excellent warmth to weight for camping.

My wife has been needing a casual outerlayer and/or about-the-house hoodie and would have settled for a cotton "whatever", but loved her Backcountry.com Siphon Primaloft jacket so much this seemed a far better idea. I advised her about the no hood sinch and no zippers on the pockets--which didn't concern her. Now one week into ownership I think she's worn it every day! The Polartec Power Stretch isn't high loft by any means, but she says the inside is soft and comfy and makes it a good layering piece as well. She has worn it around the house over a normal shirt, and over merino/under her shell for walks in upper 30's lower 40's weather. She's about 5'6" and just under 120 (hope that doesn't get me in trouble or something) and the Small fits perfectly. The hand pockets fit for her when her hands are balled up, though the horizontal cut of the pockets makes stashing anything them not the best idea. We can't comment on the green, but she really likes the purple. Full price wouldn't out of line, but if it's still a % off snatch it up! (Ladies already know how to bargain hunt, but guys, just take a guess at her size and reap the surprise gift rewards!)

The "light is right" crew would probably just bring a pair of freebies from the Chinese restaurant, but these Snow Peak chopsticks are quite snazzy--and functional too! I freezer bag cook while out camping and normally pack chopsticks and a bowl for all foods (what you can't scoop with the sticks goes straight down the hatch from the bowl itself.) I've had these fancy storable chopsticks on my gift list for a while and the wife finally came through. Some reusable chopsticks have plastic or highly pollished wood, which ends up giving having no grip on food. The finish on these chopsticks have a nice grip to them, and the whole assembly feels right in the hand. Given the twitchy nature of TSA agents I wouldn't advise trying the "carry-on" part of these untensils--what with the metal barrels and all. If nothing else they'd feign security concerns and confiscate them simply because they look so darn cool! Because I'm most likely not going to keep them on my person at all times, I'm thinking about snipping the lanyard off of the nylon case.While not an essential camping item, these chopsticks still fall more on the side of funcional over flair for back country gadgets. I'd happily recommend them.

Some of my Icebreaker pieces could be considered my glamour pieces, but for mid and underlayer workhorses these Smartwool crews are unstoppable! I literally just wore this midweight top (black) in a marathon with just bandaid protection under it and a racing singlet over it in 45 degree windy conditions and it was PERFECT. It regulated heat--kept me from ever feeling cold but didn't make me sweat out all my moisture. The amazing thing is I wore it THE NEXT DAY and it didn't smell a bit. I'll be throwing this under other merino tops to form merino armor when it gets seriously cold, and by itself/under a shortsleeve or tank top tech piece when temps are moderate. I would perhaps go lightweight if temps were above say 65 and energy output was high but otherwise this is awesome!

Another excellent piece from Icebreaker! I have the Chase Crewe in Salsa/Brazil or aka Super Red/gray armpits & piping. I'll leave the specs to the description above, but add the gray areas are a slightly different knit that seems to help dump heat even more than the standard merino weave. I'm 6'1" 185 lbs and the Large is perfect--very athletic cut and clingy but also stretchy enough to accomodate. The drop tail length is enough to keep it from exposing my back when I'm hunched over the drops on my bike. The little pocket is good for an ID or something else light, since it's on the side you wouldn't want anything too weighted in there. I'll be adding this top to my synthetic and merino arsenal for hiking and camping as well.

The Gamma AR succeeds where the Gamma SV fell short. The Gamma SV had a stiffer Power Shield material in the shoulders that kept the arm holes and shoulders from conforming to your body (creating areas for wind to sneak in and a general sci-fi villain profile). This vest has Power Shield 2-way stretch on the shoulders, which keeps the fit and armholes close to your body for a more effective wind barrier. as a top layer over some merino wool makes a perfect system in moderate to cool temperatures. If you're moving a bit you could go even colder with it. The close cut means the AR would easily fit as a midlayer under a shell as well. Just keep in mind this is not a puffy insulated vest, so if you're standing around in 30 degree weather you will get chilled.

I'm 6'1" 185 and the Large was a perfect fit, enough length in the body, but no extra gaps circumference wise and the shoulders and arm holes were perfect. Of course the only downside is the price you pay for this quality. I was only able to temporarily use this vest so I can't comment on the long term durability (be careful washing ANY treated materials, all should be done with care and Nikwax). If you can catch this vest on a deal (check BCOutlet) it is completely worth it!

The Supplex nylon material is very light. So much so that while riding my bike the air currents can ride them up your legs. But this light material is what makes them such hot weather quick drying champs. The pockets even have mesh bottoms on the inner wall so that anything wet will dry out more quickly. The back pocket zips to keep your wallet in place, the hand pockets are deep enough. The only slight negative is the pocket at thigh level on the right leg. I'm not exactly sure what the bungee loop is intended for, but the velcro closing doesn't completely close it off and the location that far down your leg means any weight in that pocket slaps against your leg as you move. Otherwise perfect summer kickers and hiking shorts.

I have a Primus multifuel stove much like the one pictured above and the difference in boil times is night and day when using the heat reflectors. Sure they're just soft bendy aluminum but if you went all Macgyver and made your own out of popcans the thinner metal would disburse the heat more quickly. Seeing as they ARE just soft bendy aluminun you can't really break them like some of the fancier and more expensive ribbed metal rings that serve the same purpose.

Again, if these did not come with your stove, buy them! You will cut down your boil times significantly.

I know that skimping on something as fundamental as drinking water is a bad thing, but at the same time I researched before purchasing this filter to try and get the best coverage and functionality for the least amount of money. The Katadyn Hiker struck that balance. The filter created clear tasty water out of beaver poop lake water, and the little floaty bobber allowed me to keep the intake off the bottom of the shallows. Helpful hint to those who like me didn't already know that might allow one to buy the Hiker over the Hiker pro would be to use a piece of t-shirt over the intake if the water looks really gunked up to help as a front line against the larger grit.

the Dark Chocolate Coconut flavor is by far my favorite. Before trying Honey Stinger's protein bar I tried the Powerbar version--eating that was like being on Fear Factor, you shouldn't be wincing and grimacing when you're trying to load up on energy before a big day. Not so with the Honey Stinger bar, I ate one a bit before my last half marathon not only was it stable energy that didn't upset my system, it was not only NOT a chore to eat, but felt like eating a big tasty Mounds bar. At 20g of protein is a good chunk of what you need in a day, and that 230mg of potassium is super too. Eat these for big activities, or even as a replacement for breakfast. The "Bottom Line" is right on, the are the best tasting out there.

I have had the Fruit Smoothie flavor though I doubt the options here would be much different. I was surprised at how moist they seemed. Sometimes these energy chew products can seem to suck the moisture right out of you (Sharkies come to mind)--these gummies seemed to add back into the system! They also haven't destroyed me when I've eaten them while out on a run.

These Bottoms provide the sweet spot between temperature regulation and insulation. I've worn them as a baselayer on fiercly cold days and because they're so low profile and next to skin I am able to add a second base layer if absolutely necessary. Or I can wear a pair of synth boxer briefs under them as well. On the opposite side, I used these on 4th of July last year in upper 80's weather under my shorts (looked a bit interesting but HEY) to protect against the INSANE attacks of the MN state bird up in Itasca and didn't feel overheated at all. They are plenty long but can easily be folded up to be out of the way of boots if necessary as well. If I wear any more merino than I currently do I'll have Boarder Collie's nipping at my heels!

Bought these on a whim about 2 years ago when I needed a few extra stakes to further guy out my tent. Only took a moment to realize they were clearly superior to the OEM stakes that came with the tent. They are far sturdier and are easier to pound into the ground with the wider striking surface. The wedge shape grabs the soil better than the round shaped stakes AND that wedge shape makes them nest/spoon nice and organized when packing them. I agree with those that think North Face should front the extra few $ and make these standard with their tents. It would certainly be a selling point over the competition.

Oh my do I love this shirt! I normally have some form of underlayer that I pair with it. When it's warm out (up to say 70) I have a synthetic short sleeve under it, and in cooler temperatures (down to 20) I wear an Icebreaker Oasis 200 under it. I've worn this top in the winter under a jacket while riding my bike. I've worn this top chilling around a campfire in the Fall. I've worn this top on cool spring runs. Heck I've worn this top to work (suck it business casual!) The 260 weight just gives a huge range of temperatures in which to wear this top. I'm 6'1 185 and the Large is perfect--PERFECT! Merino wool is the bomb, and if I had the money I'd pay full price for it, but I was able to grab it on a sale.

I'll admit I got it off SAC, not sure I'd pay full price on this item. That being said I LOVE this hoody. I've worn it a few times in mid 30's and felt fine. I just wore it as a mid layer for an alleycat where temps were in the single digits and I was toasty! The hood is a more technical fit so it fit in my shell hood perfectly. It also fit under my bike helmet. The thumb holes kept the sleeves down while I was riding and at the after bar I got comments on it's style as well. I'm 6'1" 190 and the Large fit perfectly. The mesh pockets don't bother me because if it's cold enough that you're concerned about your hands either wear gloves or put on more layers (over or under this trim-fitted piece.)

I have highly enjoyed the Cat's Meow for almost 2 years now. I bought synthetic to save $$$ and in case I was fool enough to get the bag wet while out in the wilderness. More specifically I decided on 20 degrees to keep the pack size down while keeping me warm to most temps I'd be out in, and if I were to go dead of winter 0deg F I'd probably just add merino longjohns and be set. I've been down to upper 20's low 30's and never even had to crank down the hood. I'm 6'1" and the fit on the Long was perfect.

Finally, I'm surprised someone who refers to a company as "Consistently over hyped, over priced outdoor poser shreck." would go ahead and purchase said company's product--but to each his own I guess. Perhaps the reviewer who was freezing his hind end off forgot to put a pad down--it's not going to matter what the temp rating on your bag if you don't lay down a pad. I don't buy simply for label, and certainly wouldn't on an item which is going to be in the tent 90% of the time anyway. I bought Northface for what I have felt have been consistent products without huge price tags. The Cat's Meow has worked well for me!

Asked my wife how she liked her Cat's Meow (I have a matching in Mens Long). She like the fit which isn't too snug on the sides. She's never complained that it was too cold, normally in fact it's too warm, though she's only been out at lowest around 35-40 degrees. Though this isn't a dialogue, I have to wonder if Kelly's review stating it only kept her warm to 50-70 deg could be from lack of sleeping pad under the bag. Remember, the ground leaches heat like nothing else and even a 0 degree bag would feel cold in the morning if it's laying directly on the tent floor.

The Windstopper material seemed perfect and the pockets and zippers were good too....but I tried one of these vests out in both an XL and a L. I'm 6'1" 190 and the XL had too much room leaving lots of space for cold air to get in. The Large was perfect width wise and the arm holes worked as well, but it came down just to my belt line or perhaps almost above it. I'm not expecting a huge drop tail or for the vest to run far below my waist, but this vest is cut too short by about 2-3 inches in the Large.

A hiker can live without a GPS by using a compass and map. A runner can live
without a GPS watch by using a digital watch and a known course. That being
said, the Forerunner 205 provides insane amounts of data, which can take a person's training to a new level.

I have yet to scratch the surface of this unit's functionality. To date I've mainly used it for distance, pace and time for running and biking and even just with those functions the 205 is worth the price (though I did grab it on sale!) Simply being able to have an accurate real-time pace is a powerful tool in running/biking. No more waiting for mile markers on a course to find out if you've blown your pace! The 205 made it possible for me to run the Twin Cities Marathon as I was able to set my own paces and not have to hang with a set pace group. There are alternative electronic devices, but their edge in lower cost is trumped by calculating distance by footfall, something which can constantly change--and if they're linked to an Ipod, good luck using that in an official race!

The 205 does have navagation as well, but this would really only help with Point A to Point B or Trackback, we're not talking maps here. Also while larger than your average watch, it would only become ungainly if you are are super petite, and even then it won't be a burden. Besides you don't buy something like this for fashion. The 305 includes a heart rate monitor, but I've never been into that form of training, so 205 worked perfectly for me.

Long story short, if you've got the scratch and are looking to invest in something that will transform your training regime hesitate no longer!

My Hedgehogs are working exactly as I anticipated. Great traction on the outsoles, if the lugs were made more burly it would have made them feel clunky and/or reduced their flexibility in the forefoot. I have moderate to higher arches and the nylon shank and arch support worked well for me. The potential of the Goretex layer making feet feel stifled is offset by the use of meshing and minimal nubuck. These shoes are low cut, so that waterproofing will keep rain out, mud out (don't get crazy!) and early morning break-camp-and-get-moving dew out. Just don't expect that you can ford the river in these shoes. I have had no problem keeping the strangely thin laces secured. The only issue I can think of is that the Goretex booty is sewn together at the back of the heel, which could cause blistering if the thread isn't flat, but at this point I haven't had issue with it.

Recommended for most activities short of heavy packing and rock climbing.

My last pair of Smiths were SL2's and were just retired this fall after 9 years of use. I tried on the Factor Max frames and found them to be a perfect match to my head and just as comfortable as my SL2's were. To get 4 pair of lenses (I went black frames which come with amber polarized and 3 others) makes these glasses incredibly versatile. To increase this even further I have tried popping in Factor and Factor D Max Lenses at a brick and mortar store and they all fit the same. Take that as a note to those used to the varying SL1,2,3 size concept--it is just the lens height that changes in these glasses, but that means I can have Factor mirrored lenses for a more out on the town look, my 4 Factor Max pair for all-around, and pick up a set of D Max lenses for biking if I'd like. The proprietary rubber glues to your nose and head when you sweat so no more pushing glasses up as I bike or run in hot climates.HIGHLY recommended. The price is defrayed by how long and how well these sunglasses will perform.

I've had to explain to every untrained friend who came camping with me why a headlamp made so much more sense than loose flashlights. More specifically I've enlightened them about the Tikka Plus which stands out amongst the herd of headlamps as the perfect balance of battery performance, necessary features and price.

If you want bright, kick the lamp on high. If you want to head to the pit toilet in a crowded camp without the neighbors thinking the aliens have come to take them away, then drop it to low. If you want to disorient your friends put on the flasher (I'm not as sure about the strobe function!) I've had mine for a year and with intermittent use I am still on the original 3 AAA batteries.

Camping, car repair, hunting elusive objects in the dark recesses of your basement--all easier with the Tikka Plus.

I generally don't like flips--they are sloppy and cheap. So if I was going to get any I'll admit it, I wanted Reefs. I wanted to be able to open bottles with my feet and/or sport a few shots of liquor in my footbeds. I tried Reefs, turns out those gimmicks came at the sacrifice of function and comfort. I reluctantly tried on Chaco's. The contoured footbed with arch support cups my foot and keeps the sandal in place far more than your average foam plank flips. The strap swings back farther on your foot for a more secure fit. The textured surface of the flip keeps them on your feet even if they get soaked. The Vibram souls promise to wear more gradually than the average flip. The price is more than standard flips, but you're buying more than a standard flip, and that $$$ isn't going towards fashion or gimmicks either. It is true that these are heavier than some flips, but if you're looking to shave ounces from your extreme light-hiking pack perhaps you don't need to bring flips in the first place. I would challenge anyone to walk a few miles in these flips vs. foam planks and tell me that softer non-supporting foam didn't leave their feet just beat down at the end of the day! Wait until they're on sale, or buy them full price--either way they're worth it.

I'll give these 3/5 for the quality waterproofing and the burly soles with good traction, if not for those positives they would have been rated 1/5 or 2/5. I WANTED to love these shoes, the toe box was working great and the footbed felt very comfy....but unless you have big bulky heels and ankles they're going to slip right off your feet. I tightened them as far as I could but still had significant slippage at the heel when walking up hills. I really wanted these to work, but the just wouldn't.

Too long I punished my nether regions with cotton underwear, TOO LONG. Go hiking and it got toasty down there. Go running and you were in for some serious punishment! Synthetic boxerbriefs both protect my legs from chaffing each other (and other things) AND are highly breathable and moister wicking. As other reviewers have said, if I had the $$$ these would be the only underwear I would own. But as it is at least buy 1 or 2 pairs for your camping/running/biking/anytime-you're-moving activities and you will not regret it in the slightest!

Nothing super fancy about these, but they are quite functional. I like the ridging on the bottom of the pots to give a little extra grip on your camp stove--nothing would be sadder than to have that almost-boiling water dump out on the dirt because the pot lost the battle between static friction and gravity. I have no problem using the claw for the pots and the little camp towel is sewn in a manner as to wrap around it to keep it from scratching the inside of the pots when you're on the move. I actually haven't used the larger pot yet, the smaller one gets the job done for most freezer bag cooking. They're a good standard kit for those not looking to drop $$$ on titanium or a 30 piece gourmet extravaganza.

I love this shirt as a layer for all outdoor hiking and camping activities--whether it is a spring day or an cool summer night or the base layer in a stoic but slim system fighting the cold of MN winter. The stretch of the material keeps the shirt against your skin for good wicking and the material is very soft, but I have two caveats. One is that the neck is somewhat large. I do have a bit of a slimmer neck, but it feels like the larger neck defeats the effective heat regulating nature of the merino wool. The second warning is that although soft, be CAREFUL when using this as a base layer for cool/cold running. I thought it wouldn't be a problem, and certainly better than cotton, but my nips took an absolute beating on an 8 mile run with this shirt as a base layer. So while awesome for most things, merino does have some limitations.