This stuff is pretty tasty and has some good stuff for you. This stuff is a good way to get some electrolytes and vitamins. I find that it tastes has a hint of the artificial sweetener taste (like NutraSweet) but not too much so. I like the Tangerine Ginger flavor. As the other reviewer said, it does take a couple of minutes for the table to fully dissolve, and if you're putting it in a water bottle I recommend leaving the top unscrewed or pressure will build up.

I'm pretty pleased with this sleeping bag, and personally I like the Big Agnes sleeping pad system. It saves a bit of weight, and I like not rolling off of my pad. I'm just over 5'5" and got the petite size. While the tech specs say the maximum user height is 5'8" I'd recommend the regular size for anyone 5'6" or 7" and up. If I were any taller I'd want the longer bag so my feet aren't squished. Also, I find the placement of the pillow sleeve slightly low in the bag. I use the bag with a regular length rectangular Two Track pad so that I can use it with my other non Big Agnes sleeping bag. This pad sticks out about 5" past my feet, and sticks out over the sides from the hip or so down, which doesn't bother me. Only the top of this bag has insulation removed from the bag (unlike some other Big Agnes bags where the pad sleeve is the entire length of the pad) which I think keeps this one warmer. I haven't been in especially cold temperatures yet, but I think I will stay reasonably warm until about 40 or 35 degrees. This bag does not zip two ways, which is the only main thing I would change.

I bought this gear loft for the wall of my Copper Spur tent and was shocked by how small it is. If I recall correctly it's about a foot and a half across the bottom. The pockets are so small that you can barely fit the stuff sack for your sleeping bag or sleeping pad into them. They are sized more appropriately for smaller items like your headlamp, but how many small items are you carrying around while backpacking? I think three or four larger pockets would be much more useful. The loft itself seems well made, and while you wouldn't want too much weight in it, such a small pocket size makes it almost useless.

I highly recommend the Copper Spur tents for backpacking. They are very lightweight while retaining some nice features (such as double doors and vestibules). The Copper Spur also seems better made than some of Big Agnes's other tents. The tent has pretty good height for one of it's size and weight, and is comfortable for two people, though you do sleep close together. I prefer something a bit bigger for car camping, but this is a great tent where weight is a concern. The fly does the job and the overall design seems like it will do decently in light to moderate breezes.

I have only a couple of complaints. It takes a bit of getting used to the cross pole sticking out when you don't have the fly up as it's easy to bump into. I would also like a couple more or bigger side pockets for stashing your sleeping bag and pad stuff sacks, and any layers you remove when getting into your sleeping bag for the night. The tent has two fairly small pockets on both side of the tent near the head end.

Hydro Photon's SteriPENs are easy to use and fast. It takes a minute to purify 1 liter of water and then it's ready to drink! Can't beat that with filters or tablets. The Adventurer is easy to use, just be careful not to lift it too far up or it will turn off and you'll have to start over. My only complaint is that it will not fit into the narrow mouth of most Sigg water bottles. Other than that I love it!

These shorts are pretty cute, and run true to size. I think the ribbon belt is a fun touch, though it doesn't work out with longer shirts. I'm just over 5'5" and the shorts hit just above my knees. They're relatively loose through the butt and thighs, and are very comfortable.

I absolutely love merino because it's soft, highly breathable, not-stinky, and pretty. Merino dyes really well, and holds color brilliantly. Backcountry's merino is high quality stuff from New Zealand at a more reasonable price than many other brands. I like this particular merino shirt for hiking, running, etc., though I find a bit tight for casual wear, or at least for my personal taste. It's also a bit on the long side. Based off of the sizing chart I bought a Small (though I usually wear medium shirts in other brands). I may have liked the medium better, but I think this shirt will be a bit on the tight side in all sizes.

I love that ProBars are made from real food, and that you can actually see that. Like other ProBar bars, these are packed with all sorts of healthy nuts and seeds, and the pretzels, dried cherries, and chocolate make these ones oh so tasty.

I highly recommend these for those looking for a lightweight and/or fast drying short with a more fitted look and longer length. I think these are great for the heat because they are so light, and they offer UV protection. They are a bit on the fitted side through and upper thigh, but not as fitted in the butt and waist, and run true to size.

Backcountry uses nice merino for all of their clothing, and this hooded, sleeveless shirt is not exception. The colors are bright and dyed nicely, and the hooded design is pretty fun. These shirts are pretty tight, and I recommend sizing up over the sizing chart if you don't want something close to skin tight. However, I think the Backcountry.com brand sizing chart is pretty different from other brands. I have a 34" chest and ordered a small, though I would have preferred a medium, like a wear in shirts for most other brands.

These are nice, light pants for hiking and casual wear. The material is very thin so they still do well in high temperatures. While I don't think they will tear easily, I wouldn't call them especially tough and durable. It's also nice to be able to roll them up and have the buttons to hold them in place. As always with the North Face, I ended up being in between sizes both in terms of waist and length. I have about a 28" waist. The size 6 fit in the waist, but was too tight in the butt and upper thigh. The size 8 was a bit loose in the waist, but fit much better elsewhere and is what I stuck with. With the larger size I had better range of motion which I think I needed for hiking, and they just didn't look as cute and fitted in the butt and waist area. Because they have a waist drawcord they stay up just fine. I think the legs should be a bit wider to accommodate range of motion and those of us with bigger quads and thighs. I'm just over 5' 5" and found the regular length to be too long. I was worried that if I walked around with flip flops for too long that I would wear holes in the bottoms. I went with the short length which is great with the flip flops, but looks a little bit short when you're sitting down with shoes on. No big deal if these are primarily your hiking or camping pants.

I highly recommend the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube system when traveling in a large bag, especially duffels and backpacks. Keep your clothes from getting wrinkled and lost in the bottom of your bag with a few Pack-It Cubes of various sizes. The two sided cube nicely fits a handful of shirts on one side and some pants, shorts, and skirts on the other.

I highly recommend the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube system when traveling in a large bag, especially duffels and backpacks. Keep your clothes from getting wrinkled and lost in the bottom of your bag with a couple of Pack-It Cubes of various sizes. I like the two sided half cube for socks and underwear, one side for each.

I highly recommend the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube system when traveling in a large bag, especially duffels and backpacks. Keep your clothes from getting wrinkled and lost in the bottom of your bag with a couple of Pack-It Cubes of various sizes. The full Half-Cube is great for several shirts, some shorts, and even a few pairs of pants depending on how you pack it.

These zippered sacks are great for keeping all of your smaller travel items contained. Think phone and camera battery chargers, chapstick, pen, small notebook.... It's no fun to be digging through your entire duffel bag looking for these small items. The sack has a plastic coating, so they're quite water-resistant and a nice option for toiletries that have a chance of leaking.

These are nice for keeping your shoes from getting the other items in your bag dirty. They look to be well made and durable, and should last for many trips throughout the years. They will fit a single pair of sneakers, dress shoes, or heels, though they would not fit a pair of tall or larger mid-height hiking shoes.

I highly recommend the Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube system when traveling in a large bag, especially duffels and backpacks. Keep your clothes from getting wrinkled and lost in the bottom of your bag with a couple of Pack-It Cubes of various sizes. The Half-Cube is a great size for a few shirts.

I really liked the concept of this bra, though it didn't happen to work out for me in terms of fit. The bra has a lighter weight feel than the Active Mesh Bra from Patagonia, and has something closer to cups. However, an A cup doesn't really fill out the cup-like section. When the cup-like section isn't adequately filled out, the fabric forms ridges and lumps, and just looks funny. Finally, I think the sizing chart is a bit off, and I suggest ordering a size up or the bra will fit too tight around, and will be hard to get on and off.

I have a very hard time finding sunglasses that fit my relatively small face, and the Bolsa is the best I've ever found. I'd say these are slightly narrower than the Smith Method, and for me are a better fit. Other than that, they are a very similar frame shape. The Kaenon lenses are top of the line, and everything is very crisp. I also won't buy anything that isn't polarized. The lenses do not seem as dark as others I've worn, though I never find myself squinting, even in the brightest of light. It seems that enough of the visible light is blocked to keep your eyes relaxed while the visuals remain bright. This also means that these do well in a wider range of light conditions (better than others in lower light). My only complaint is that I sometimes see the top and bottom of the frames in the upper and lower range of my peripheral vision. I highly recommend Keanon sunglasses, and these are the best choice for those with smaller faces.

As a side note, the C lenses are Copper colored and the G grey. All lenses offered in the Bolsa frame let through 12% of visible light.

This is a great backpacking spatula. It's super lightweight, and the handle slides over the spatula to make it shorter. It has a nice, thin edge for getting your pancakes or whatever else you're cooking. It also good enough for use car camping when weight and size aren't an issue.

These are relatively light, though I wouldn't say especially flexible. They are basically your standard cutting board, only thinner which is where the weight savings come in. The large is plenty big, and may be too big for some backpackers' preferences. This is a nice, light cutting board, though it may be unnecessary for car camping (vs. a normal plastic cutting board).

This is a nice, well made stainless steel pot. As others note, it is rather heavy, as any stainless steel cookware is. I don't mind carrying one for a night or two, but for extended backpacking I'd go with something lighter. The handle flips over the pot and locks it in place and will hold a small stove if you do choose to hike with it.

This is a nice, relatively light frying pan that cleans easily. The sides are straight, and it's deep to help keep everything in when cooking at camp. It's not especially lightweight, but I wouldn't mind bringing it on shorter backpacking trips.

I love the prAna Chakara fabric for hot Bikram yoga. It's incredibly soft, and because it's so thin it feels better than cotton when soaking wet. I find that prAna tops are designed for women who are slightly on the busty side, and I never fill out the internal shelf bras. This means that many of prAnas tops are too revealing in bending over poses. The Quinn top has better coverage than many others, and comes relatively far up. I find it has good coverage except if I am bending forward with both arms outstretched in which case the top scoops down a bit. (If my arms are back, it can't fall forwards/downwards in quite the same way.) All in all, I'm very pleased with this top,and like the different strap design. For anyone looking for a prAna top with slightly more coverage I recommend the Sabin Racer. While it has a bit of a V neck, it doesn't scoop down when bending forward like this one does.

I really like prAna's tops for hot Bikram yoga. However, as other reviewers have noted, prAna does not seem to design for those of us who are not so busty. I find that I never fill out the internal shelf bra (on size Small or Medium, and Smalls are skin tight on me everywhere else). I find that most of prAna's tops are too revealing when in forward bending poses. I recommend the Sabin Racer for that very reason, good coverage. It's also a cute design. prAna calls this synthetic performance fabric Chakara and it's awesome for hot yoga. It's incredibly soft, and still really comfortable when soaking wet.

This skirt is quite cute and really comfortable. I've had a few different Patagonia Vitaliti skirts over the years, and the asymmetrical styling on this one is really fun.Occasionally the flap is an issue in breezes, but other than that I'm a big fan. I'm generally a size 6 or 8 and the medium fits me really well. The Cranberry color is a bit darker with a hint of maroon in the flesh. This skirt is a summer staple of my wardrobe.

You really can't go wrong with the Chaco Z series of sandals. The Z/1 is where it all started, and my personal preference is for this single strap design without the loop around your toe so you can wear them with socks. I also sized up so I could wear thick wool socks after a day of backpacking. Other than that, I'd say these run true to size, and are good for average to narrow width feet. Except for the heel strap, all of the straps can be adjusted for a customized fit, and there's a handy diagram inside the lid of the box so you know what order to pull them in. The Vibram soles will last a long time, and you can even send these back to Chaco to get resoled and have other repairs. These are some of the most supportive sandals out there, and they are well worth the money. You'll have them and love them for years!

I'm really excited about my new Big Agnes sleeping bag and pad. No more rolling off in the middle of the night! I chose the Two Track because it is a reasonable weight and rolled dimensions for a bit of backpacking, though I'll primarily be using it car camping. I wanted something that had a bit of foam in it, and the little time I've spent on it so far it's been very comfortable. I have the 1.5" thick pad and it all but eliminates the slightest of pinching feeling when lying on your side, unlike my .75" piece of foam mat. I know I will be a lot more comfortable now, both on my Big Agnes bag and my other sleeping bag.

The Chaco Maddie Shoe is both cute and pretty supportive for a casual sneaker. They are also a bit cushy feeling. I've gotten lots of complements on them. My Chaco Eclipse flip flops are a 9 and they are just barely long enough for my feet. I bought these shoes in a 9.0, which is what I often am in other brands, and they are a bit long. I think I would be better off in an 8.5 for this shoe, and perhaps some of Chaco's other shoes.

The Eclipse Sandals are good looking leather flip flops with the support and durability of Chaco! These are very supportive for a flip flop, and the soles will last unlike many other flip flops that wear through so quickly. The newer sandals actually have non-marking soles by Chaco instead of Vibram soles. Chaco's soles seem to be just great..

These are hands down the best casual flip flops out there. The newer sandals actually have a non-marking sole by Chaco instead of Virbram soles. These are the most supportive flip flops I have ever worn, and the sole's not going to wear out in half a summer like many other flippy floppies I've had. These are well worth the extra money.

Who says wool is only for winter? Merino breathes better than synthetics, and the 140 g/sq. m weight is luxuriously light. This shirt is soft and has the beautiful bold color of wool. I wear a medium in most brands, and all of my Icebreaker tops are mediums. This medium fit nicely, and I'd say it is fitted but not tight. It's also longer than your average shirt, but not too long. I highly recommend it for both technical and casual wear.

Why should merino be just for your techy sport clothes? Merino is beautiful and holds color really nicely. Colors are more bold than cotton, and wool sometimes has a slight, bright sheen to it. The SuperFine 140 merino is really soft and light. Merino actually breathes better than synthetics so it really is a logical choice for summer. Also, merino naturally doesn't hold order so these don't get stinky. Icebeaker has some really fun, nature inspired designs and the birds on this shirt are a nice, subtle addition. I'm most often a medium shirt in various brands, and the medium fit me nicely. (All of my other Icebreaker tops are also medium.) I'd say this is more on the side of a relaxed cut vs. fitted. The color Neptune appears a little bit purple in the photo, but it is not at all purple in the flesh. It's a nice dark blue, I'd say somewhere between royal and navy.

This Cutter bottle cage does what it's supposed to and is pretty light aluminum. The solid matte black finish looks nice and there is no name or logo anywhere.

Stonewear Designs seems to be a fun little company and I'm pleased with their products. This skirt is incredibly comfortable and pretty stretchy. I'm generally about a 6 or 8, and both the Small and Medium seemed to me. My hips seemed to be holding the Medium up (the waistband part was barely stretching) and on the Small the elastic in the waist was definitely what was holing it up. Both looked pretty similar on , with the Medium hanging a bit a lower. Both look quite cute. The Hyacinth color is more purple in the flesh than in the photo. To me, the photo make is look like it could be a purpley blue, but in the flesh I call this skirt purple.

This is a great lightweight and affordable sleeping pad. The Z-Lite's folding shape seems to pack smaller and is easier to deal with than Therm-a-Rest's classic Ridge Rest pads that just try to unroll or roll back up! The egg crate shape is quite comfortable for a reasonably thin, closed-cell pad. I find it does the trick when I'm sleeping on my back or stomach (yes, I'm no good at sleeping in sleeping bags) but you may still feel a bit of a pinch if you're on your side. In cooler temperatures, say mid to low 40s and below, you may need something a bit thicker, depending on if you're a cold sleeper. I highly recommend this pad for those looking for an affordable pad and those looking for something ultra-lightweight.

The Infinity Plate is nice and big. The sides of the plate are deep and steep so your rice won't fall over the edge and the burrito juice won't drip off the side. GSI Outdoor also made them BPA-free! I highly recommend this plate for car camping, river trips, and shorter backpacking trips.

The Sea To Summit Kitchen Sink is a convenient basin to wash your camping dishes in. The 10L size is plenty big and will do the job for everything except the largest of pans. It collapses into a carrying case with a little drain hole. This is a nice product for car camping and river trips.

The Mendocino Stripe are cute, nice shorts. However, I found that I'm between sizes. I have a pair of North Face shorts from last year which I think are the same in an 8, and they are a bit too loose, sit too low, and sag strangely. I tried these in a 6, and they are too tight in the thighs and butt and were just unflattering. Oh well. For those without the skier's butt and thighs, these are cute shorts in a nice, longish length.

I failed to pay attention to the 7.5" diameter of these plates before ordering. I returned them because that's just too small for my mainly car camping needs. The sides of the plate aren't very steep, which makes me think food might slide off and liquid from messier meals might drip over the edge. In general, the Gourmet Plate Set plates are nice enough, and they're BPA-free. I ended up going with the larger GSI Outdoor Infinity Plate.

The Infinity Bowl Set nests together nicely and the bowls are in fun, bright colors. I'm not sure the lids are really necessary features, but they snap onto each other too. These aren't especially lightweight, but are great for car camping and shorter backpacking trips. While these can't go in the microwave, you can throw them in your dishwasher when you get home. GSI Outdoor made these with BPA-free material, so you really can't go wrong.

This is a really nice light extra layer and wind-blocking piece. The mesh lining is soft next to skin and adds a hint of warmth. The nylon shell effectively blocks wind and is quite water resistant. I've used it while cycling in off and on spitting rain, and the rain drops beeded on the surface of the jacket without soaking through. The jacket seemed to breathe well after I had been riding for awhile and had started to warm up. The cut is perhaps slightly on the long side, especially in the back, which personally I prefer for the extra coverage. (Who wants cold air coming up her back?) I normally buy medium Patagonia tops, and this one is fits to accomodate layers underneath, and the small would probably fit me too. If you can fit in either size, do the smaller one for a more fitted jacket, or the larger one to accomodate more layers underneath. The Alpine Wind Jacket is a great piece to throw in your pack for most outdoor pursuits from day hiking to mountain biking to strolling around town. It won't take up much space and gives you good protection from the breeze and light rain.

I higly recommend Superfeet Insoles for those who need a bit more support, and especially for those who over-pronate. The insoles that come in most shoes, including those in high-end hiking shoes, often provide little to no support. While the Green insole may take a bit of getting used to (as the top of the arch may feel too far back on your foot) they certainly keep your feet from getting sore (or as sore or sore as quickly). I believe the Green is the most supportive in the line, and I'd recommend it for hiking shoes, running shoes, ski boots, etc. If you need a bit more support, or you have a hiking or running shoe with an insole that does nothing, these are worth the money!

I think KEEN makes some nice enough shoes, and some interesting designs. I love the rubber protection around the toes, as I'm a bit of a klutz and often stub mine. I have narrow feet, and the Genoa Peak WP are a better fit than some of the other KEENs that I've tried. I think some of their models aren't women's specific, but these are. There are a few things that I'm not too fond of. The heel is not built up high enough in the back, and with more of a running stlye build, your heel is raised and it feels like it may slip out. Also, the KEEN Dry material seems to keep your feet dry from mud, puddles, and wet snow, but it does not breathe very well. Finally, the laces seem slightly too short and thin. All in all, I like these shoes and they will be good for wearing around town and short (few hour) day hikes, but I'm not overly impressed.

I think I wear the Hestra Heli Mitt more than any other glove or mitten all ski season, which is probably about 120 days for me. My hands get cold quite easily, and it is extremely rare that my hands get cold in these. The leather palm is nice and supple, and plenty grippy, and my hands are almost always dry. I use them without the wrist straps, which seem a bit over the top. If you condition the mittens with leather balm regularly, these will last a nice long time. Mine are coming out of their third season, and they're still holding really strong!

I skied the 4FRNT VCT for a day, and they seemed like perfectly good skis. They're a good width for an everyday ski for out west, and they handled well. Personally, I prefer a stiffer ski, and these felt kind of floppy, especially at higher speeds. My current everyday ski is the '07-'08 Legend Pro Rider, and I'll be sticking with them as I prefer their straighter side cut and stiffness.

These are an excellent first AT binding. They're reliable and relatively light, and if you aren't ready to make the plunge for AT boots, they get the job done with your everyday downhill boots. Their biggest drawback is you are really high off the ski, which feels pretty different. I heard older Fritschi bindings felt very flat and put you in the backseat, but this current Freeride seems slightly higher in the heel, and I think they've fixed the problem. The bindings themselves seem pretty durable, but the red plastic on the front of mine cracked pretty early on, and it is mainly a superficial piece. Unless you're ready to spend the money on a Dynafit set-up, I'd highly recommend these!

This Kavu is bag is pretty handy. It's a nice size in that it's not so big that things get buried and hard to find, but enough for your wallet, phone, a small water bottle, and a paperback book. The side pocket is helpful to keep the small things from getting lost in the bottom, and you'll know exactly where to find your keys. It's fun to have two color options with this reversible option, and it's a nice bag for the girl who doesn't want to carry around something that looks more like a purse.

I got this as a baselayer for my boyfriend, and he has really been enjoying it for skiing both in the resort and when touring. Merino wool isn't itchy, and it stays warmer than synthetics when damp/wet. Wool also doesn't stink as much. This is a nice light-weight top, though the arms are a quite long and are too big on him. The other thing he'd change on this Backcountry.com piece is there is a lot of fabric around the thumb loops adding a bit of bulk. This is a tight fit, but that's good for a baselayer. All in all, we'd recommend it!

I've had a pair of Hestra Heli Gloves that are now in their fourth season, and they are still in great shape. I've had to replace the inner liner, but the exterior is still holidng up really well. I get cold hands very easily, and find that I can wear these only in warmer temperatures (25 degrees plus). If you tend to get cold hands, I'd check out the Hestra Heli 3 Finger or Mitten. I know people who love the 3 Finger as they are significantly warmenr but they still have decent dexterity. The mitten is my everyday choice for most of the ski season, and they too are holding up great. I do recommend conditioning these regularly, either with Hestra's Leather Balm or a similar product If you take care of them, the shells will last a ridculously long time, though you'll probably have to replace the liner after a season or two (though this is someone who skis about 120 days a season).

The carbon fiber makes the QuickDraw probe nice and light. I like the relatively short sections which will fit in my smaller pack for my quick slack country trips. The probe is nice and stiff, though I have used it only in a beacon park and not actual debris. Black Diamond makes thoughtfully desinged and durable products, and I highly recommend this probe.

I got to try the Black Diamond Verdict for a day, and now I'm dying for a pair. They are a wonderful stiffnes which can be hard to find in a reasonably light ski. They were slightly heavier than I was expecting, but for the performance, they're well worth it. My everyday ski is the '07-'08 Dynastar Legend Pro Rider and I wish I had a pair of Verdicts for my touring set-up vs. the noodles I currently have my Fritschis on. The Verdicts blew through wind affected snow and were to me an ideal width for a touring ski. They also held an edge really well on groomers, though personally I actually wish they were slightly straighter. A great ski for your touring set up, or your one ski quiver for both in bounds and backcountry skiing.

I got the Pearl Izumi MicroSensor Facemask for my mother who was looking for a very thin, lightweight facemask to use skiing. She wanted a very thin balaclava to protect her face and neck from the sun, and if she were to take a fall. Due to medical conditions she wanted to have her face covered and protected. However, this also means that her skin is very sensitive. She found this facemask to be too rough for her sensitive skin, and the fit was also a bit too big for her, and was bunching a bit on the top of her head. This facemask provides excellent coverage, and would probably be soft enough for most people. I'd say it's a decent product, but was not the right choice for my mother's particular needs.

I'm pretty much a wool freak now, and I wear wool long underwear on a daily basis for skiing. I think Icebreaker has some of the finest wool pieces, and you can trust that Icebreaker merino is sourced from buryly sheep roughing it in New Zealand mountains. I wear either these or SmartWool bottoms almost everyday. The BodyFit 260 is a nice, warm midweight option. They breathe well, and don't stink! When it's really cold, I still prefer my Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch tights, as they are thicker and a bit warmer. If you're looking for a midweight wool bottom, I highly recommend these (or the legless version for use with ski or snowboard boots).

I love the Sigg metal water bottles. You may as well stay away from BPA in plastics, and water tastes crisp and fresh out of these. I like the Traveler in .6L as it's a great size to toss in your purse or bag when you're running errands. These do dent easily (which doesn't really bother me and gives them character). If you drop it on pavement, you will probably ding it or crush it on one side, but it still won't leak.

I'll admit to poking fun of Roxy ski stuff, but after I broke a pole and needed replacements, I went for these mainly because they were my cheapest option. They get the job done, which is all you really need out of ski poles. The grips are kind of chincy, and I'll admit to preferring ones without individual finger ridges and a with a wider top. That said, I'm sticking with these as I don't want to spend more on poles and they work just fine. The baskets that come on them are useless unless you ski only groomers, and I immediately put bigger baskets on. I will say that I've been getting complements on the fun looks.

These are great, and I think I'm now a convert to Bridgedale for my ski socks. These socks are well made, and pretty warm for how thin they are. The Precision Fit Lightweight socks are thicker around the toes and under-foot, have padding along the shin, and are quite thin elsewhere. I'd say they're comparable to SmartWool's Ultra Light ski socks. I wear a size 9 street shoe, and have a narrow, low volume foot, and sized down to a Medium. The medium stretches to fit and there is no bunching! Also check out the Heel Fit socks, but they are lacking in the extra material/warmth under the foot and around the toes. I wish Bridgedale would combine these two socks into one!

These are my favorite new pants, and I've already been made fun of for wearing them for several days straight. They are incredibly comfortable, and are pretty cute (much better looking on you than in the picture). They aren't really fitted in the thigh, and are a wider leg with a nice drape. I'm usually an 8 or a 6 (and am actually a 10 in Patagonia), and I ordered the 6, regular length. The waist was slightly on the snug size when I first put the Cottonwood Cords on, and they quickly stretched a bit to be wonderfully comfortable. I'm about 5' 5", and they are ever so slightly long, but perfect with the right shoes. The berry color is great, and I'd say a bit darker than the picture. Now I want a pair in Slate Blue! I highly recommend these, and other Mountain Khaki pants.

The Smith Intrigue Helmet is a great looking, simple helmet, just what I was after. It's warmer than the helmet I replaced, and fits me better too. It has plenty of holes for ventilation, and I like the three settings (fully open or closed, and half-way). I find that my Smith Phenom goggles are a better fit with it than the Smith Heiress. The Heiress goggles are just a bit too narrow, and leave a bit of gap on the sides between the side edges of the goggles and the start of your helmet. The ear pads are close fitting and much warmer than those on my old helmet. (I used to have to wear a headband over my ears or a balaclava all the time. I don't think that will be an issue with this helmet except on the coldest of days.) My only complaint is that I have a harder time hearing people with this helmet compared to my old Leedom. All in all, an excellent choice, and I'm very pleased with the fit, quality, and looks.

I'm a huge fan of Smith goggles, especially the spherical series. They've got great optics and great looks. The Heiress is a nice frame for the ladies and those with somewhat smaller faces, and comes in some really fun designs. The Heiress goggle is a bit narrow with my Smith Intrigue helmet, and it makes me wish that the goggles were slightly wider as there's a bit of a gap between the end of the goggles and the front sides of the helmet. They would be perfect for my face with a hat though, and they still look great with the helmet. The Phenom is a better fit with my helmet width-wise, but I think the Heiress fits better along the top. I have a few pairs of Smith goggles with different lenses, so I'm set for all different light conditions: Platinum Mirror for sunny days, Sensor Mirror is excellent for storm days, and Ignitor Mirror for the in-between, partly cloudy days and in and out of morning shade. It's also pretty easy to switch lenses using the same frame. For goggles that are really easy to switch, check out the I/O which comes with two lenses.

It's a toss-up between the Phenom and the Heiress for which is my favorite goggle. What can I say? Smith goggles have excellent optics (especially those in the spherical series), and look great. The Phenoms work well on a range of face sizes and shapes, are very compatible with helmets. I used to have a Leedom helmet, and now I have the Smith Intrigue, and the Phenoms are great with both. The Platinum Mirror lenses are great for sunny days, and the Sensor Mirror are excellent on storm days. I like the Ignitor Mirror lenses for those in-between days, and for when you're in and out of the shade in the morning.

These goggles get the job done, and Smith makes excellent lenses. These frames are a solid choice for those of us with smaller to mid size faces. I think the spherical series goggles are a step up though. Smith's mirror lenses have great optics, and there are good ones for every kind of condition. Platinum Mirror are great for sun, and the Sensor Mirror are excellent in low, flat light on storm days. I like the Ignitor Mirror for in-between days, and for morning and late afternoon when you're in and out the shade (though not as much of a problem in the spring). I have a pair of RC36 lenses, and I'm not overly impressed. I'd stick with the mirrored varieties!

I love wool long underwear, and the boot top length is perfect for skiing - no bunching in your boot! I'm partial to Icebreaker, but I snagged a pair of these SmartWool midweight bottoms at a great price, and they're quite nice. I agree with the other reveiwer who likes the waistband. It's a comfy, thin rollover band of wool. I also agree with her on these remaining more fitted than Icebreaker bottoms. In really cold weather, I still find that midweight wool is not warm enough under non-insulated ski pants, but they're great the rest of the time!

The Heel Fit Lightweight socks are very well made and fit quite nicely. They're warm for how thin they are, but I find them just a bit too thin in the toes. My toes are always cold skiing, no matter what socks, but they seem to get cold a bit more quickly in these. I like the extra padding in the heels, which does seem to help lock my skinny heel and ankle down. I just wish they had the padding underfoot and around the toes like Bridgedale's Precision Fit Lightweight version. I'm a size 9 with a very narrow, low volume foot, so I sized down to a medium which stretches to fit perfectly. No bunching!

The Cloudveil RPK Jacket is my every day ski jacket for my 100+ day ski season, mostly in-bounds. I had a previous version of this jacket, and after 3 seasons the zipper started separating from the bottom too frequently. I sent it back to Cloudveil all faded and worn, and they sent me a gift card to get a new one. I just got this year's version in Tempest, size medium. I'd say the Tempest is a bit lighter in the flesh than in the picture. I'm a pretty big fan of the color, and have already gotten a few complements on it. I'm 5'5", 135 lbs., about 35" chest diameter with slightly broader than average shoulders, and the medium is a good fit for me. My original jacket held up incredibly well after 300 or more days of skiing, and while my jacket was rather faded, the Gore Tex was still keeping me perfectly dry. The newer version has "body-mapping" light thin fleece lining on the back, which I'm not a huge fan of, but I can live with it. Other than that, it's more or less the same. It's sized to fit layers underneath, and I can wear a synthetic jacket/sweater underneath on really cold days. The main thing I would change about this jacket is make the pit zips longer, as they're rather short. Other than that, I'd say it's a really well made, durable jacket that is a great blend of function and good looks.

I'm a wool convert for pretty much all of my long underwear needs. I find wool to be less smelly and warmer when damp than synthetics. Icebreaker wool is top of the line merino wool from New Zealand, and it's never itchy. I find I can wear the BodyFit 200 Oasis Crewe Top for a few days straight for skiing, and it's a perfect base layer in all conditions. It's easy to wash in the machine on warm, and then it quickly air dries. Though Icebreaker is expensive, I highly recommmend the line and think it's worth the extra money.

I used the Kelty Sunshade when camping in hot, sunny conditions in the desert. It was so nice to escape the sun! We had the medium size, and fit 6 people in chairs set right next to each other along the shady edges. Some sort of side wall or two would be nice, as when the sun is at certain angles it comes in from the sides it doesn't provide all that much shade. Most of us had to duck slightly to get under the medium, but we were very happy to have it. The sunshade sets up really easily, and has a nice simple design. Winds were pretty calm, and we had no problems with it blowing around, and we staked only the bottoms of the poles, not the extra lines coming off of it. This sunshade is nice and simple, and gets the job done. Much better than no shade at all!

I bought this top primarily for Bikram (hot) yoga and I love it. The fit on the Bandha is very flattering, even for those of us with less than flat tummies, and it is still form-fitting. It offers good coverage for bending over moves. It does not have an internal shelf bra, which is good for me as I often don't fill them out. It's a great length, and doesn't ride up when I stretch up. The Patagonia fabric is great for hot, sweatty yoga. I'm 5'4" 135 lbs. (lots of my weight in my legs) with about a 35" chest, and I have the medium which is perfect. I do find that some sports bras poke out just a little bit above the V neck, but very little shows and I think it still looks fine. I highly recommend this top, and would even wear it as normal wear on hot summer days.

I really like Hammer Nutrition products. They've got what you need, and not much more. They don't go too nuts on the flavoring, which is great. The Complex Carbohydrate Energy Gel really does the trick when you're bonking. These gels taste good, and get you're energy up quickly. My personal favorite flavors are Espresso and Apple Cinnamon, which tastes a lot like a delicious gooey apple pie!

I bought this top primarily for Bikram (hot) yoga. The Kari provides better coverage on forward bending moves than a lot of other sport tank tops. It's also a nice length as it doesn't ride up and show your stomach when you stretch up. It's made from organic cotton, which you can feel good about. I have a medium which is form-fitting, but not skin tight, which is my personal preference. I'm 5'4" 135 lbs. with a lot of weight in my legs and about a 35" chest, and I wear the medium. The gathering at the top is slightly funny looking in my opinion, but it adds a bit of flare, and probably looks better on someone who fills out the top a bit better than I do.

I bought this top primarily for Bikram (hot) yoga and so far I like it. I like tank tops that offer a bit more coverage for bending over moves. I tend to not fill the shelf bras out too much, so I need tops that come up a bit higher. I really like prAna's designs and fabrics, and the Kari suits my uses. The gathering is a little funny looking, I think, but it might look better on someone else. The top is a nice length, providing good coverage when reaching up, and the straps are comfy and stay in place. I'm 5'4" 135 lbs. with big shoulders and a lot of my weight in my legs, and I wear a medium. I think the shelf bra on the small might be a better fit, but I like that the medium is form fitting without being skin tight. If you like prAna tops, I highly recommend the Tizi.

I have the Better Bottle in the 1L and .75L sizes and I love them. I'm a bit of a klutz, so I really like having the CamelBak bite valves so I don't spill on my computer or important papers. The 1L size is great for hot yoga, and with the bite valve I'm better about taking sips of water instead of guzzling it down and ending up with a stomach full of water. The .75L will fit in larger cup holders (1L is big) and if not the .5L might suit your cup holder just right. Now they're BPA free, so no excuse to not save plastic and money and bring your own water bottle!