I wanted a mid-weight layer to ski in the Lake Tahoe area. The quality and construction are top notch. The same high quality that I've come to expect from Arcteryx. The deep dusk color is very nice (I like the contrast the orange provides.)

Unfortunately for me it turned out to be too warm. If I still skied in Vermont, it'd be perfect. However, over here it was overkill. I went with the Atom LT instead.

If you need a really warm mid weight layer, you can't go wrong with the Hyllus.

I was looking for a warm, mid-layer fleece to go under a shell. So I was interested in warmth and breathability. Windproofness wasn't much of a concern.

I picked Lyngen Warm2 Stretch Fleece based on the description, the fleece weight (backcountry says 250), and the name. If it has 'warm2' in the name, it has to be warm, right? In addition, it had a hood, and a hem cinch. It looked great on paper.

The only thing that is correct in the description is that it is wind resistant and not windproof. I expected that, so I didn't knock any stars because of it.

I don't know where backcountry.com got 250 for the fleece weight for it. It definitely it's not. I would say it's more like 100. It is thin and not warm at all. I wore it under an Arcteryx Venta AR in not too cold weather (mid/high 30's) and I was pretty cold.

The construction, materials, and attention to detail are top notch. I'm sure it's a great jacket for its intended use, whatever that is. However, mid-weight layer it is not. I'm sending it back. I ordered an Arcteryx Atom LT to replace it.

I should've listened to dja4274580's review. :-(

These are my quick impressions so far. I had the Bora 65, so expect a lot of comparisons with it. The Altra 65 is much lighter than the Bora. The weight savings are much appreciated. The pivoting hip belt seems to work as advertised, but I haven’t gone out yet in the field.The straps seem to have less padding than the Bora’s, but they are just as comfortable. Unlike the Bora, your back won’t make contact with the entire back panel. It might make it cooler to wear. I haven’t played with the GridLoc shoulder straps, but they look pretty straight forward to customize. I like that not only can you make it longer/shorter, but also narrower/wider.
The fabric is thinner than the Bora’s, but doesn’t look too thin or cheap. Unlike the Bora, the Altra doesn’t have the ice axe loops or daisy chains. I never used them. All of this means more weight savings.

Things that are new: The U-zipper. I think it’s a great idea (I know some REI packs had it already). It makes it really easy to see everything in your pack. It is ideal for when your pack is flat on the ground. When the backpack is vertical, it works like any other zipper. The “laminated zipper protector” also doubles as a sleeping pad/tent carrier. I would’ve preferred a waterproof zipper rather than a zipper protector though. Obviously there is no sleeping bag compartment. I won’t miss it.

Instead of compression straps it has compression wings. I actually like the idea. It makes it easier to secure a jacket. I don’t use poles, so no idea if you can secure them with the wings. The Top lid has two zippers instead of one. The small one is "a map pocket." Not sure how much I’ll use it.
The water bottle pockets are stretch mesh. Unlike the Bora’s, you don’t put these away. I like the new ones better. The Altra addressed one of my wife’s complaints. The hip belt now has pockets! You won’t be able to fit much in there, and they don’t have a zipper. They are perfect for an energy bar or two. Not sure I could fit a camera in there. In fact, I hadn’t seen them until I read the specs prior to writing this :-)

Finally there is a proper hydration pocket. Unlike most backpacks, this one is off to the side. I couldn’t fit in my 3L platypus filled, but a 2L one should fit. The water hose will come out on your right side.

To make a long story short, this is a great improvement on the Bora. You give up a waterproof zipper (hopefully not an issue) and axe loops and daisy chains. However, the trade off is well worth it.

PS The 65 does not have an occipital pocket, but the 62 does.

I read the reviews that said this clogged right away. I decided to buy it anyway. It worked well when tested at home. Out on the field, it sucked. We were using it to filter water from a faucet (rainfall, a bit murky). The first liter was ok, no go on the 2nd liter. I cleaned filter and tried again, no go. I pumped slower and still didn't work well. It's going back.

Bought this tent for car camping, so weight wasn't an issue. Set up is a breeze. Up in 3 mins between two people, 5 minutes with only one person. No condensation at all. A feature that is not mentioned here is the 'stake tape.' The strip of fabric where you put the stake doesn't have one hole. It has multiple ones all along. It lets you place the stake at any point. Gives you a lot of flexibility. I would def. buy again.

This is my second pair of these gloves. The first lasted for about 5 years, and I expect the same from this pair. The glove is well built, and has plenty of insulation for cold days. the GoreTex XCR performs great. My hands never sweat.
It is a bit warm for spring skiing in CA, but that's ok. I didn't buy it for that. I'm extremely happy with it.

I bought this top as a base layer for in bound skiing. I like the fact that it has insulation (much better than my old ColdGear by UnderArmor). I like the support that it provides. The thumb loops can be a bit of a pain, but they're worth it. It keeps the top in place so it won't ride up like others I've owned.

I bought this lens to replace a HI Persimmon because I wanted even more contrast in flat light. I was not disappointed. I haven't found another lens that is as good in overcast or snowy days.

I agree w. Flynn's review. It's not easy to switch lenses. I wouldn't switch lenses while on the mountain.

I really like this helmet. It's light, but still manages to keep me warm, but it lets me cool down quickly by opening the vents. You can get even more ventilation by removing the plugs. Be careful though, I lost one on my first day without even noticing. Giro's customer service is sending me one without any questions asked.

I got the White Camo/Ti Clear model. They are pretty good. I'm happy with them. I use them to play volleyball indoors. I have jumped around, and they haven't fallen off at all. And you can't beat the look.