- Useful as a light jacket for high-elevation summer hiking, throughout autumn, and as a shell into winter.
- Extremely windproof
- Not 100% waterproof, but very water-repellent and dries instantly
- Comfortable and super lightweight

I'm not sure how much the tech has changed from the 07-08 to 08-09, but these boots are perfect in every way.

Two points: Responsive and comfortable.
What else do you want in a boot?

- Quick access and micro-adjustable.
- Lining is that ridiculously comfy.
- Excellent Heel and toe responsiveness in ultra deep Utah powder, windblown Colorado backcountry, and average groomers.
- Dream-like performance in the steepest terrain.
- VERY comfortable while hiking side-or-backcountry. When your fitness level is equal to your friends, but they are falling on the wayside, you can thank the Synapse boot.

I highly recommend these boots. I've ridden them countless days over the last two seasons and I don't have a single negative remark about them.

This is a great three-season tent. It's very lightweight, packs down to next to nothing, and sets up quickly. Given the low weight and small size, it's surprisingly roomy inside - you can fit two people. Good vertical space, too. Ventilation is about average, nothing stands out on that point.

I'm unable to comment on the durability of tent in harsh weather - although the fly and guy lines secure the tent very well in my experience.

Again, what stands out is:
- Low weight (even with fly)
- Quick set up
- Small pack size
- Provides more room than other solo tents

Highly recommended for spring, summer, and fall backpacking.

Does the job and always useful. Gives an important piece of data very quickly to help inform your decision-making in avalanche terrain.

They are a big larger than the size of a tic-tac container, as the previous reviewer noted, but still very small and portable.

Price seems a bit high, but I suppose you couldn't get much lower than $20-30.

Dad uses this midweight baselayer on late winter/early spring morning runs.

He slowly warmed up to it and now it's a staple of his early morning run clothing portfolio.

I picked these up before an early season trip to Vail. Replaced last years K2 Formula bindings.

First of all, the Salomon Relay Thruster has a lower profile than many bindings for a size 9-10 boot. It's light-weight, but strong; cushioned, but very supportive; and easily adjustable.

Secondly, they have tight responsiveness, whether you are on groomers, in the trees, or hitting some untracked powder shots. They are super comfy and easy to get in and out of, too.

Finally, I wear them with a pair of Salomon Synapse boots and they go together perfect, even the colors. Not important, but it doesn't hurt. Compared to some of the flimsy and oversized bindings around, the Relay Thruster's will be a very satisfying breath of fresh air. They are worth the price, especially compared to what else you get at the $275-300 price point (i.e. Burton).

Edit:
After riding in the Relay Thruster's for a full season, I have a one or two extra pieces of info. They are very comfy, but responsive. From steep backcountry lines in Utah and Colorado in all types of conditions (powder, windblown) to groomers to ultra deep pow days, these bindings handled everything with ease. My only compliant is that the material on the underside of the heel piece got a bit frayed from rubbing against something on my boot.

Without much effort at all, you will cruise groomers like a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean, float in powder like you're in some sort of dream-like state, and maintain control AND speed on steeps. This is an excellent board.

When it comes to extremely steep windblown terrain, this board may begin to show a bit of weakness. You may find yourself wishing the Supermodel was just a bit stiffer at those times.

I disagree with the other assessment of this board that is only ideal in 4-16 inches of powder. I've ridden this board in over 30 inches of Utah powder and it performed like a dream. Another reviewer said to go with the Custom or Malolo... I would respond by saying, one, I don't want to buy two Burtons, and two, in reference to powder, the Supermodel outperforms both the boards.

In summary, you will love this board, especially if you get it for a 10-15% discount. Bring a cellphone to the mountain - you might lose your friends due the speed on groomers and ability to handle untracked powder and conditions that you only dream about in your deepest sleeps.

You can't go wrong with this stove. It takes a bit of practice to learn the simmer technique, but it's there. Pack it inside an MSR cookset and you're good to go. Very light, self-cleaning, and low maintenance. A +.

These bindings are solid, but you'll feel like there has to be something better. Not a knock on K2, but nothing really stands out about them. Responsive, but not superior response.

One winter of normal use will bring out the flaws of this pack. But first let's touch on some of the highlights.
1) Easy, straight-forward hydration system with zippered shoulder pocket)
2) Horizontal or vertical snowboard carrying options
3) Looks small but can hold a solid amount of gear
4) Probe-specific inner pocket
5) Adjustable straps, fits well
6) Large, quick-access top panel pocket
7) Padded back panel (2x's as a seat)
8) Two side straps for poles, probe, etc
9) Easily doubles as a summer day-hiking pack (if you pack light enough you can go overnight with the # of clips and straps to hold gear)

Unfortunately, flaws begin to show quickly...
1) Small pieces of velcro are used to roll up/secure straps when the straps are not in use. This velcro quickly loses it's quality. The pack will quickly have so many straps hanging out off it'll look like a bad hair day. While it's more annoying than anything, who knows what they could get stuck on with a ride in some very tight trees.
2) North Face's puzzling adoration with # of straps and length. In this instance, not are there too many straps all over the pack - they are LONG. The hipbelt adjustment strap doesn't need to be over 12 inches long. You might find yourself cutting length off.
3) A 3rd clip on the lower back of the pack doesn't fit into the snowboard carrying clips found on the pack. While there use isn't intended to coincide I'm sure, it would seem logic to allow all clips to connect in case a use is found for it.
4) You can't fit a shovel in the front pocket unless it's sticking out. Not sure if that's desirable.

In summary, this pack would be a 4 or 5 star if North Face only went with the essential ski/snowboarding carrying straps/clips and side straps. Not only could you save some weight, but it wouldn't be annoying to deal with the straps flying all over the place. The horizontal board carrying option is very comfy. Also, the hydration system is a plus.

This beacon is high-end. I've never had to use it in a actual burial, but performs very well in practice scenarios. Provides very accurate and quick readings. Handles multiple and deep burials. Worth the slightly higher expense. Take classes and know how to use it.

Packable, strong, easy to use.

Blade is a bit smaller compared to other shovels. Due to compact size (a positive), the shovel handle's length is shorter than some other shovels currently in the market (negative).

All in all, it does the job. Moved snow just as quickly as other backcountry users.

While my girlfriend has the balance down, she had a strong dislike for snowboarding after ONE run down the bunny slope. Being an understanding boyfriend, I took her to Solitude for a couple ski lessons. It was love at first sight (for her, both to Solitude and skiing). Getting to the point, she's ridden at A-Basin twice this season (mid-November) and is starting to get on some blue groomers. Take home message....? Get your girl some of these puppies and soon you'll have a little snow bunny that looks good AND can ski. Next stop - powder days with your baby. The Sweet Luvs will get you there.

I picked up my girl this beanie in white. Sure she's warm - but can she look any cuter? This thing is adorable. Buy this gift for your little lady and she won't even remember you leaving her on a powder day. Warning: you might have to buy her more than this if you live in Utah. :)

Got these babies for my little lady before she went on a recent adventure. She liked them but didn't rave about any specific.

Probe performs very well - snaps together in a snap. Negative? The cloth handle holds up for about as long as the recent bailout package stimulated the economy. You'll probably find yourself buying some thin climbing rope and make a new handle.

I've had these for a couple years. The lens is fairly scratch resistant and they never fog up - unless you hike for about an hour, sweat like your being interrogated and fail to unzip your jacket the whole time. I'm not the biggest fan of the latest styles. Also, for those than think the "smaller" frame equates to less range of view - I never once encountered that problem.