Just had these puppies out for their first test hike and they rock!! I was a little timid about switching to a lighter-duty boot from my trusty all-leather Lowa Banffs, but being a pound lighter seemed like a no-brainer. Out of the box they are supportive, fit well and feel like they are built for putting in long miles. I normally wear a US men's 12.5 to a 13. I got the 46.5 and they are right on for me.

Sturdy construction, great lenses, pimpin' steeze!! What more can I say?!?! Used to rock Smiths, but I got sick of the arms scratching the lenses when they are folded. That does not happen with these Electrics.

I have the 70 oz and it's perfect for everything from hiking to biking. Water stays fresh-tasting and slime-free. I'd recommend shelling out a couple extra bucks for the mouthpiece with the closing valve to guard against leaks, but the stock mouth-piece works fine.

This is my first season with the Vario after having used and loved the older Guide Pro. This is the fastest pump I've ever used and the standard Nalgene-compatible output is a great improvement from Katadyn's older pumps. Great set-up for the money, just be sure to follow the maintenance instructions after your trips...

I can't say enough about this bag. The material is cozy and soft, the bag is light and compressible, and the temp rating is right on spec. I dare say that this is the best bag I've ever owned...

I use these bindings exclusively for my in-bounds sticks. They are bomber, and unlike Salomons, the toe stays locked tight and does not get that annoying wiggle that the Salomon bindings all seem to develop. If you want your bindings to lock you down and keep holding tight--these are the best for the $$. If you are blingin' and money is not a problem, go for the 18's as they are all metal and last forever.

When you can't ride up on a lift, the Freerides are the best way to go. If you are going to ski hard in-bounds snow, more than you will be touring, go for the Dukes. The taller stance you get on these is tough to handle on hard stuff, but in pow they are great--and who tours for hard snow anyways??

I ski a lot, and I sweat a lot. This hoodie was my savior. I needed a jacket that let the sweat out more than keeping the rain from getting in. Not a good choice for colder people or skiers in wet climes, but a great option for an over-heated ski bum like me.

I've had these for over a year now and I'm still happy. I do most of my hiking in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah--very steep&lots of loose scree. The Banff has a solid feel under foot and the ankle support I need on the way down. Still 100% waterproof after a year. My only complaint is that the metal Lowa insignia has broken off one boot after a year's use and the rubber could come a little higher up the toe-box to protect better from scuffing on sharp rocks. I have no real complaints on fit or performance though.

Used in the Wind River Range with a 25 degree Big Agnes Bag. I stayed warm and cozy down to the low 20's with no other shelter--even with frost on the outside of the bivy. The only drawback is that with my Big Agnes the ground pad fits in the floor of the sleeping bag. I love that normally because I don't slide off my pad, but with the pad inside the bivy, the fit was too tight so I had to separate them. Not a big deal though.

No chaffing and the support I need for a long trek in the woods. I especially like that there is a fly with this model.

I always have these in my pack for chillin' in camp, but they don't work well for me on the trail. The legs are too tight causing my calves to rub on the material and limiting the stride I can take. Still love em for chilling, just prefer a baggier fit for a long day on trail.