BikeChick

Well made. Multiple panels conformed to my body quite well, though they seem a hair on the small and narrow side as compared to many other Castelli tights I've tried. Strangely, the thermal fleecy fabric is on the outer quad where the wind and elements would hit, while the windstopper fabric is on the inner quad. A few stars for extending the wind stopper fabric up the backside so that if you're riding without fenders you'll have a bit more protection there. I returned them in hopes of finding something with windstopper fabric in the correct place, as well as up the backside, with a chamois as comfortable as the Castelli Kiss.

I have worn this jacket on a hike in winter conditions and many times skiing. While it is just a shell, it is cut roomy enough to layer a fleece or down sweater underneath. The many pockets are fantastic. I have carried a water bottle, 2 pair of goggles, iPod, phone, food... If you are a parent you always need more pockets. The pit zips are great. Love the soft fleece on the collar. I have not worn the coat in a downpour so cannot speak to that. It is extremely water repellent. The thicker material on shoulders is great when wearing a pack or carrying skis. The only drawbacks I can think of is that the material not terribly windproof (solved by wearing appropriate layers underneath). Also, I would prefer a slightly longer cut. This falls at the top of my hips and as have a short torso and wide hips, wearing insulated ski pants makes for a snug fit. Also, I would prefer that the powder skirt is removable. It adds unnecessary bulk at the waist as is. Otherwise this is a very versatile and practical coat for cold weather sports or around town. Enjoy.

First, it's difficult or impossible to find any weight down parka with a hood. This one not only has a hood (that is, if you choose the hooded option of the Alpine Light Parka) but also has a soft, microfleece layer inside the neck that keeps you are cozy whether the zip and hood are up or down. On top of that, the parka is warm enough (800-fill) to wear on its own or underneath an outer layer. For around town, I wear mine under a roomy OR softshell when I need it and couldn't be happier. When skiing I wear it under a Gore-tex shell and same thing. As toasty as if it were a big puffer parka, but you can barely see that there's a down layer under your shell - and, the material has a windblock effect as well. There are other benefits to having a hood - when it's rolled down around your neck it acts like a puffy neck warmer and keeps the cold mountain wind from seeping in (lack of substantial down in the neck cuff and no fleece liner at neck was what made me return the OR Ergo Down). I have not had the torso length issue others have had but I am a bit short in the torso! But having read those reviews, I tried the small and medium and opted for the medium because I didn't want the super close fit. That medium also gave me an extra 1/2-1" length in the torso. One last unique thing about the parka is that instead of one seam from the armpit to the waist there are 2, 4" apart, for better fit. Lots of high-end details in a very functional, very warm and very lightweight parka.

Easy to put on, easy to adjust, and good-looking, too, these gaiters are the perfect upgrade to the baggy velcro balloons I used over the past 15 years. Fitted to my foot and leg in several places, the gaiters fit divinely and protect throughout the worst kind of wet snow. I had no seepage whatsoever after a 2 hour ski through a heavy snow (though perhaps if I'd stood there for an hour...) The gaiters hold in a reasonable amount of warmth and also block out the wind. Once again - great product, OR.

It's an unusual, flattering cut for a fleece and I like that. The material feels very light, a little less substantial than other fleeces at this weight. The black, of course, is a lint attracter. It is a very comfortable late-spring weight top.

I like most Isis products because of their feminine cut. I sometimes find the material a little less substantial than reflected in the price. Also, like many pants for athletic women these are snug in areas where active women develop healthy muscles (buttissimo and thights). Good to keep in mind when shopping for Isis products.