This fleece is basically the softest and most comfortable jacket I've encountered. It is super breathable and dries really fast. Wind cuts through it, which is part of why it's so breathable. So if you need a windproof fleece go with the lightweight R4 or some other model. I normally wear patagonia small, but went with the medium for this because it fits tightly. If you're going to be using it exclusively as a technical layering piece I would not size up. It will be tight, but it is somewhat stretchy, and breathes well. Otherwise, if you want to wear it for a wider range of purposes, go one size up and it will fit more like a traditional fleece. Even with the medium, I can comfortably layer it under my normal shells. Considering how long these are rumored to last, and how great of a product it is, I think $150 is a really good price.

I've had the version without the toe strap for a couple years and they have been really great. The outsole hardly shows any wear at all. I recently got a pair of the Z/2s which are now made in china. The quality seems to be just as good as my old pair made in the USA, and I am very happy with them. So, if you're worried about the quality of the product now that they're made in China, don't let that stop you from trying them (there's still the same warranty). If you're more worried about the fact that they're made in china...do what you want I guess. These sandals are way more hardcore than other outdoor sandals like tevas. They're super comfortable. The footbed feels like it was actually based off the shape of a foot (more so than birkenstocks in which the support is too exaggerated for me). Also they're far more socially acceptable than keens, which are real ugly. Really great product. As far as the toe thing, if you like flip flops you'll probably be comfortable with it. However, I generally use the z/2s for more serious hiking, and the z/1s for general comfort and larking about.

This towel has been awesome on backpacking trips because it's so small and works well. The ribbon with the snap works great for hanging it from a tree to dry, and it dries super fast. The only thing is, I have a large, and it's a bit too short to wrap fully around my waist like a normal towel (backcountry says its 36inches but I have a 30inch waist so I don't know if their measurements are accurate). So, I might go with the XL in the future for the purpose of changing out of boardshorts or whatever.

This towel has been awesome on backpacking trips because it's so small and works well. The ribbon with the snap works great for hanging it from a tree to dry, and it dries super fast. The only thing is, I have a large, and it's a bit too short to wrap fully around my waist like a normal towel (backcountry says its 36inches but I have a 30inch waist so I don't know if their measurements are accurate). So, I might go with the XL in the future for the purpose of changing out of boardshorts or whatever.