Zach Branson

This bottle is, in itself, not a bad choice. Well designed and proportioned, it will hold up nicely. However, the sizing was an issue for me. Half a liter was just too small. I know, there's other versions, and I have those other versions, but I think it's worth noting. The other thing would be that the valve can get pretty nasty. If it gets left along for very long, stuff can start growing in there or anything like that. Because of the way it's compartmentalized, liquid gets trapped right at the top, and stays there until drained. Just keep this all in mind. As a water bottle though, it functions quite well, and looks great.

This bottle is probably my favorite bottle out of the entire Camelbak line and Nalgene. It had the simple design, which is there for reliability. It also has a screw top, which I have found I prefer as opposed to the bite top. The size is still a bit small, but definitely better than the .5L. I would absolutely suggest getting one, two, or three of these bottles.

I got one of these two months ago, and haven't taken it off since. I wear it just about every day, whether alone or under something a bit heavier. It is quite possibly the softest top I own, which is saying something. It fits pretty well, just like a t shirt. That makes it much easier to fit under another layer, as opposed to comparable shirts. Another thing that is really impressive about this shirt is the warmth. As a lot of other people have noted, it keeps me very warm. However, it also doesn't overheat. I live in MS, and the temperature swings during the day are unbelievable. I can put this on in the morning when it's low 40s, and keep it on in the afternoon when it's 60, no sweat. Very helpful. Only caution would be that this is a lightweight layer. By no means should it be used as an outer layer for any cold to speak of. It works well in a chill, but nothing more. Also, it runs pretty snug, so don't buy down. I'm 5'9", 150, and wear a small that fits pretty close. This should definitely be in everyone's closet. Worth the price, no question.

I bought one of these shirts in blue, which BC doesn't carry. Maybe this year's model? It does have the TNF logo and isn't a button down collar, so definitely to be worn in a bit more of a relaxed setting. As in some other TNF shirts I have, the fit is just a bit off. I may just be inbetween sizes, but at 5'9", 150lbs, I can't seem to find a shirt that doesn't envelop me. Granted, the rest of the shirt is awesome - feels wonderful, looks great, stands wear pretty well - but I feel silly wearing it anywhere. The small's sleeves were too short, but the medium's torso is disproportionally wide and short. Something to be worked on. Still a good shirt, especially if you're not quite shaped like me.

Chacos are hands down my favorite shoes. I live in MS, and am able to wear these literally every day of the year. An advantage these have over Z/2s is that socks can be worn under them. Sure, sure, you might look a bit out of place, but it's well worth it. These shoes last forever. I've had a pair of Z/1s for 4 years now, haven't had to send them in, resole them, nothing. I have to wash them once every two weeks or so, but that's about it. Once I broke them in, there was no question that these are the shoes for me.

These shoes have completely changed my take on flip flops. That said, I almost feel bad calling these flip flops. I used to wear the cheap foam shoes, both because they're exceedingly cheap and very comfortable. However, after wearing these, I don't think I could go back. The straps on these are incredibly comfortable (after being broken in). I would definitely suggest breaking them in before trying to wear them all day. However, after the straps break in, these are all you could ask for. The sole is thick enough to protect you from just about anything, and the footbed provides enough traction, even when wet, to make it easy to keep your footing. An excellent investment.

I mean, I'm not going to attempt to tell you that this bag isn't North Face quality. I've had one for about a year now, and I haven't noticed any serious wear or tear. However, I wouldn't really suggest this bag to anyone. The straps are not very padded, the waist strap is straight uncomfortable, and there is no strap across the upper chest. When filled up, it can really weight you down. I have other bags (Recon, Camelbak Wingman) that manage to carry the same amount without putting nearly the same amount of strain on my back. In short, cheap TNF option, but you get what you pay for.

I've got multiple Nalgene-like bottles, and this is probably my favorite. The bite valve is key, both because it reaches the bottom, unlike most straws, and it is leak proof (For the most part). Something about this that separates it from alot of other bottles of this type is the size. It is small enough in diameter to fit in regular sized bottle holders or bike bottle cages, while alot of others are simply too large. To end, this bottle should always, always be on hand.

I bought two of these shirts online, and I have mixed feelings about them. One one side, they look great. They can be worn in just about any weather, as they can keep me cool but also aren't a problem in the cold. The material is awesome, feels great and doesn't wear too badly. However, on the other side, the fit is ridiculous. I'm 5'9", 150lbs. Usually I wear a medium, and that is on the smaller side of things. However, I bought mediums, and I'm swimming in them. The body is built for someone far larger than me. The sleeves are right on in length, but the torso section is grossly misproportioned. However, I don't feel too absurd when wearing it tucked in or with a vest. Actually, with a vest it looks quite nice. But take it as you will. It could just be my build.

This shirt is where it's at. I got one a few months ago, and literally take it out of the dryer and put it on. I actually did laundry so this shirt would be clean a few days ago. It feels great, and looks better. You can't go wrong with this shirt.

I bought one of these online, and was initially pretty questionable about it. The brown/green combo could look kinda weird, but have no fears.. Excellent, excellent choice. This is my first Kavu purchase, but it certainly won't be my last. This shirt is incredibly soft. With the collar, it is nice enough to wear out. Definitely a good buy, no questions asked.

This is a really awesome jacket. I'm 5'10' 150 lbs and bought a small. It fits just right, which is always a trick. It's listed as a fleece, but I would almost classify it otherwise. It's much thinner than a typical fleece, but keeps the heat. Because of the TKA Stretch, it's easier to buy a smaller size and use it as a layer. The thumb holes are also pretty sweet for running or biking, because it helps keep more of your hand warm. That's always a problem for me. One warning - the material around the thumb holes gets really bad, really quickly. It pills alot and wears a bit. However, that absolutely shouldn't be a deterrent from getting it. Just don't expect it to be a solid outer layer piece in anything below 40 or so.

I bought one of these about three years ago, looking for a very fitted layering piece. Unfortunately, this is not that. It's a bit of a looser fit. However, after my initial disappointment, it has proven itself to be one of my favorite pieces. It's incredibly soft, both on the inside and out. Absolutely no pilling or snags, which is surprising in something like this. It does hang a bit large, particularly around the waist. That bunches alot if I wear it under anything, but isn't a problem alone. I probably wear this for a month and a half straight every year in both spring and fall, as it is such a good transition. As long as you're not looking for a fitted layering piece, the Cirque should definitely be on your list.

I ordered a pair of these thinking they would be pretty effective hiking shorts. That they are, no questions asked. They are built to last, which makes for a pretty good investment. However, they're a good bit longer on me than I like. Granted, my legs are perhaps a bit shorter than most, but they fall right on top of the knee. That would be my only gripe with them. Other than that, an excellent pair of shorts.

These are unquestionably the whole package. Very very solid construction, built-in belt, good length, everything. These shorts can take just about anything. I've worn these playing sports, hiking, kayaking, biking, everything. They stay on no matter what. One thing - the pockets are a bit oddly shaped. Sometimes my wallet, phone, or keys fall out pretty easily. That can become fairly problematic. But besides that, absolutely wonderful.

These shorts are incredible!! No questions asked, these shorts are where it's at. They've stood up to everything I've put them through - hiking, biking, climbing, everything. I always know that when I put these on, my legs are good. Granted, they're a bit on the shorter side of things, but I always like to show a little leg, you know? Hands down, these shorts should always be your first choice.

I don't see why anyone would buy anything else. These can take whatever distance you throw at them. Last year I was training for a tri, and these were my favorite pair to run on, no questions asked. Once I was done, I was able to wear them around, cause they're MH. They can handle anything.

If there was a four and a half star, I'd probably give it that. As far as a general soft shell jacket goes, it's awesome. I live in Mississippi, and the weather goes from mid twenties to high forties in a matter of hours. I've been able to wear this with no worries about either being cold or too hot, which is something I've had a hard time finding. I've taken up in the Smokies for a few trips, and it handles the cold and wind just as well there, especially with a layer or two underneath. It doesn't have a whole ton of insulation, so when it gets too much below freezing, more layers will definitely be key. One problem I have with the AR as opposed to the MX is the pocket placement. I know it's for easy access when climbing, but as far as wearing out, they feel a bit awkward. Actually, exceedingly awkward. The zipper pulls also contribute to this. However, don't let that deter you in the least. It's an awesome jacket, and should certainly be a key component in any lineup.

I own four pairs of these, and they never disappoint. Definitely helps to make sure they fit fairly snug, as there is no string. I found that out the first time I went swimming with them. However, these seem to be a 'little' bit sturdier than comparable shorts. I haven't had a pair of these tear on me, which is really handy. On a bit of a different note, they look and feel great, and are awesome to wear just about everywhere.

Obviously, these are going to be good quality, as they're TNF. However, there's a few things about them that really make the difference. The belt and drawstring combination is something that I have yet to see elsewhere, but it makes a huge difference. Most other shorts like this come off a bit when actively swimming, but these secure really well. Also, they can be counted on to be mostly dry in minutes, and completely dry fairly quickly. They're dry, and you're dry. Only real concern would be that they aren't very sturdy, as they weren't meant for heavy duty wear. Watch out for tearing and stuff like that if around anything that could catch. Also, the pockets have a tendency to billow out in the water. Not a problem casually swimming, but if swimming laps or anything like that, definitely makes things alot harder.

I'm a huge fan of anything that is just as at home in the water as it is on land. These fit that description perfectly. As far as casual swimwear goes, you can't beat these. Don't try them for anything like laps though, as the pockets catch water like none other. And since they're mostly solid pockets, they don't drain as easily as other brands' shorts. However, these are pretty heavy nylon construction, which makes them much much more durable, which is awesome. They look great just about anywhere, which makes them pretty much the ultimate summer wear.

This is a pretty sweet jacket, no questions asked. I've had it for about 8 months, and haven't had a bit of a problem with it leaking or anything like that. Two issues, really. One, when you use it with a backpack, it starts to soak through where the straps are. I haven't really gotten wet with this, you can just feel a bit of moisture. The other would be that the hood can be a bit small. Also, not a huge problem, but sometimes it feels like it's not totally staying on my head. However, overall, it's a great, great investment. Unquestionably an excellent rain jacket.

I bought four pairs of these for an extended trip to boston. These were AMAZING. They kept my feet incredibly warm, and I was only wearing loafers most of the time. At no point were my feet cold, sweaty, or (excessively) smelly. Not all that many socks can do that.

These socks have served me well for over a year now. They haven't worn out excessively. There's definitely slight wearing, especially on the heel and pad of the foot. However, there has never been a question about how excellent these are. My feet are still very warm whenever I wear these. No questions about it, an excellent buy.

This really a pretty sweet bag. The padding on the laptop compartment is without comparison. It's a really really nice pouch, lined with corduroy. Protects my laptop well enough to completely put it out of my mind. The bag itself might look a little bit goofy to start with, but it definitely grows on you. Holds all I need on a daily basis. I whole heartedly suggest it.

I ordered this jacket to be a little bit more of a fitted fleece to go under my shell more comfortably, and it has worked out excellently. However, when they say it is fitted, they mean it. Don't order it intentionally too fitted. However, it has kept me incredibly warm, especially for its size. Definitely a good jacket to have.
Only other thing would be that it seems to attract hair and lint like substances very well.