bikerindurain

Bought 'em for my sig. other. The cut looks smashing on her, and she says they feel really comfortable (read: no wedgie or chaffing issues). All in all, a great valentine's day gift.

This mug is great for those looking for a non-spill-proof hot drink vessel. The lid is not screw-on, and therefore is prone to popping off when jumbled about. If your morning commute differs from mine in that there is no single-track involved, this should not be an issue for you (though you should seriously think about changing your morning commute).

I bought my theta AR when I was working at a climbing shop. To sell these mean shells, we would often tell customers that the price really was a steal when you considered the jacket would probably last 50% longer than those more 'popular' brands. Well, my previous shell was top of the line from one of the 'popular' companies, and it lasted approximately 2 years in my hands. Seams split, zippers failed, and the whole thing just started to look rather junky.
I am proud to say that today marks the third anniversary of my theta landing on my doorstep, and it still looks, performs and impresses like the day I teared it out of the hermetically sealed plastic wrap. The fit is superb, and has been comfortable even though my weight has oscillated by nearly 30 lbs since my date of purchase. I have used this shell mountaineering in Alaska, road biking in Wisconsin, skiing in Colorado and New Hampshire, and climbing in Yosemite, and it has never leaked and never even seemed close to tearing.
I would say, though, that proper maintenance is critical. The DWR (durable water repellent - the stuff that makes water bead-up on the face of the jacket) finish will wear off, especially if you wear the jacket under pack straps. This is easy to fix with any of the DWR sprays available at an outdoors shop. When the DWR wears off, water will soak into the outermost layer of fabric. It will not reach the inside of the jacket, but the Gore-Tex lining will not be able to wick moisture through the shell as efficiently as it does when the DWR is in place. With moderate use, I've had to treat the jacket about every nine months on average.
All in all, this is likely the last waterproof shell you will buy this decade. It is well worth the money in light of its durability and flexibility of application, and comes highly recommended.