Getting back as promised after a field test. I have worn this suit several times in the northeast as a ski race official. Standing in place for six to seven hours at a time. Outside temp. -5 to 5 F, much lower wind chill factors, and driving snow. I have been toasty all day long. Plenty of room to wear my ski pants and shell underneath, including all the base layers. Pant cuff is too slim to cover ski or climbing boots fully zipped. The water bottle pockets are a little too small but adequate. The hood is large enough to wear a helmet underneath, but the velcro closure at the face is sloppy at best and hard to operate. Already I have had several zipper snags in all areas and the pulls are small and will require adding rope pulls to allow operation with gloves or mitts. One snag caused a tear in the fabric I am not happy with at the front. This would not be my choice for expedition climbing due to it's awkwardness of use. Overall a warm haven with a few design flaws.

I bought these blind due to other write ups. My first venture into the twin tip category. Looking for a fat ski for those powder days in Maine. I was a little apprehensive having such a fat ski in the east. Mounted with Marker Dukes and using an AT boot. I took these from the groomers to the 2 foot pow we had yesterday. I am in love! Handled the groomers like no other fat ski with quick edge to edge(I think the Duke provides better edge transfer for fat skis anyway) high speed ripping. Snappy and responsive. Dropped into the steep and deep crud for a remarkable ride. No tail hangup in deep, but the tail held when encountering a windblown face of blue ice(Wow!) Other soft tailed powder skis will just blow out on ice like that. Skis crud like it isn't even there. Short christies or long GS turns, nothing fazes it. The most comfortable forgiving and lightweight ski. Me 200lbs, 6'4" chose a 179 length. Plenty of ski for me in eastern trees, but would jump to the 186 for out west. A sure thing! I may never ski my carvers again.

Just to add to the above. I improperly stated the name. It is the X-Alp not the Alp-X. Old Age!!

For those that are wondering out there...The Agent AT boot is absolutely no doubt a re-badged Lowa Apl-X marketed in Europe and a solid competitor in that venue along with other Lowa models. I purchased last years out of the box to find a Lowa Apl-X tag and tech sheet attached. Can't argue with that. This boot is thereby not a new entry into AT market by any means. See threads under Lowa Alp-X if you can find one in English.

Just received my new suit. Sizing is comparable to other MH clothing. Although the inseam is listed by manufacturer as 31" for size large, I found the inseam fit to be perfect for me at 6'4", thin build, 200lbs, with a 34" inseam. The internal suspenders are velcro adjustable and appear to be a good addition to the design. I am pleased with the fit considering what this garment is intended for. It is a lot like my MH winter sleeping bag with arms and legs. Roomy hood with four adjustment pulls. Comes with a stuff sack (same as for a sleeping bag) but should have a mesh storage bag as well.

I'm not climbing Denali, but was looking for something to battle sub-zero temps with high winds as an alpine ski official, when standard gear just doesn't cut it standing around for hours at a time. I'm sure I'll take some ribbing before enjoying the last laugh. The performance test is yet to come, will report back after field use. NOV 2008