If you haven't tried a merino wool baselayer yet, do yourself (+ friends) an odor saving, washing machine, softness favor + give it a go. Stoic bliss isnt a bad place to start if you want a zip top. The 1/2 zip is great to cool you down quick, or leave it zipped to keep your neck warmer + let the temperature regulating properties of merino wool go to work. Sweat, roll around in snow, stand around - Merino doesnt care, it wicks, insulates wet, + comes out smelling like a daisy.

This shirt in particular is finely designed, crafted, + assembled - soft, lightweight wool (sufficient weight if under shell in the cold if moving) flatlock seams, a zippered pocket, athletic fit + sleeves with thumbs holes. The only downside I see is the arms are a little long (like many stoic items).

I am 5'11" 165 + athletic - the medium fits pretty good.

I want to like this jacket so much, but its so incredibly shiny, especially in "Grill." It seriously is about as shiny as a black trashbag. In fact, I saw it at the bottom of my closet + literally thought it was a trash bag for a second.

Aesthetics aside, this is a very warm, lightweight jacket that can go anywhere. It packs nicely into its own pocket + zips shut. The collar, waist, + cuffs can be tightened to your preference.

The exterior "shell" is pretty wimpy + feels as if any snag or careless rock brush will leave you sewing. This thin material results in the zippers getting caught fairly easily, which can be annoying, but not overcome.

I am 5'11" 165, athletic, + the medium fits great, with room to layer beneath or above. Note, most people feel Mtn Hardware runs small.

At the end of the day this is a great not-so-poofy layer that resists the wind + water fairly well. If you can get passed the sheen + arent too tough on the shell, its well worth it, even if its a "just in case" layer. Fix those problems + Mountain Hardware will have 6 star product

I was on the fence between a Mtn Hardware compressor PL + the new Stoic Luft, so I checked them both out.

They are both about the same light weight, similar synthetic insulation materials, low-loft, highly compressible, highly wind resistant, exterior water-repelling finish, packable into own pocket (Mtn Hardware zips closed, however, but packs slightly larger) + athletic fit.

I found the Compressor "shell" to be about as durable feeling as tissue paper + in the "Grill" color is as shiny as a black Hefty trash bag (seriously). The Compressor does have velcro cuffs + a collar that can be tightened, but those are about the only advantages (possibly slightly warmer).

The Luft sweater exterior DWR finish is much more of a matte, with no more sheen than can be expected from a Nylon product. It also seems more durable - not thornproof, but reasonably durable. The zippers seem a bit filmsy, but get the job done. The interesting stitching serves the jacket well by keeping its "guts" from moving about + the shell from billowing out. One huge advantage is the Luft has internal elastic cuffs - basically powder skirts for your wrists that stay hidden making a jacket-glove- jacket scenario when suited out.

I am a 5'11" 165 athletic guy + the medium fits great and compacts to the size of a liter nalgene bottle... with no internal zipper to zip it closed.

Bottom line, the Luft is a warm, lightweight, athletic fitting powerhouse that keeps pace with the Mtn Hardware Compressor PL, if not surpasses it.

This is one warm hat. The temps haven't gotten bone chilling yet, but it seems to be doing this job thus far. As previous people have noted, there is an inner liner head band of cloudy-softness that gives the ears an extra layer of warmth + chafe relief. I have yet to see the need for a full liner, but in sub-zero temps + gale force winds the unlined top (which nicely regulates temps) could prove to be inadequate.

I wouldn't let this be a deterrent in purchasing this hat though, it is a great item for nearly every day and use shy of stand alone expedition piece in January at 14,000'. For that, you may want to grab yourself a thin liner. However, I view this as a good thing as to not overheat me in every other situation, so I dont think i would change it even if I could.

The high quality construction + materials ensures I will have this spiffy looking hat for many years - just like all of BC wares.

I accidentally picked this up on SaC when some overzealous clicking landed my inventory checking to a package on my doorstep. Backcountry's loss. The way I see it, if I had a warehouse full of these I would pile them up + never leave. The material is a soft, odor fighting, durable, powerhouse that acclimates + responds to your body's heat production.

The flat-locked seams are offset from the shoulders to make way for a pack + the athletic fit makes the M fit on my 5-11" 165 frame nicely.

The midweight is definitely a must if you are thinking about low output endeavors in cold weather. I use the term "endeavor" loosely because this piece's performance does not limit you to trekking around in the snow, but also good for times when you are just standing around thanks to its great thermal management. Also, there's no sacrifice on street aesthetic, so you can grab a beer or coffee in it without raising an eyebrow (or nose thanks to the odor fighting).

The material is soft + stretchy while fitting close to skin, but not like spandex. I am 5-11" 165 + the medium fits great for my trim cut preference, without looking like a tool. The stitching is also great - flat-locked seams that are set off the shoulders so a pack doesnt dig in.

There are certainly lights that weigh less, more rugged, brighter, or that are more comfortable, but its highly unlikely they will be in the same package for such a low price. This light can take some abuse if it manages to somehow come off your head. All around a spectacular light at a relatively low price. No complaints to date.

This shirt seemed to be thicker than any other 100% polyester shirt I have ever owned. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. It seemed to wick okay, but since it was so thick, dried slower, was warmer, but was also more durable The stink, still poly-present, but less than some. The fit was less athletically cut than some, but true to size. Good for hiking in non-extreme temps, bad for running

Either the description is wrong or I may have gotten a slightly different version, because I have an integrated key flap. None the less, the flatlock seems + super light perforated poly make this a great shirt. Like most poly, I wouldn't recommend hanging out with people following a workout, but this gets the job done during.

The fit is nice - 5-11, 165 athletic + I got a medium. its tailored nicely so wind + vegetation don't slow you down, but by no means tight fitting.

I have a 30 degree bag + as with most bags, this number is more or less irrelevant - temps in the 40s left me frozen, warmer temperatures left waking up sweating.

SOLUTION - this bag liner. It can be used stand alone as a summer bag or inserted as the liner in colder months.

It does look as if its rather wimpy (can see thru it), but seems to be standing up to the (ab)use its getting + dries quickly if it happens to get wet. The material is soft against the skin which is a welcome relief to most bags.

The size, weight, + ease of packing of this thing are great characteristics too. Even if you don't end up using it, you sacrifice the size of a soup can + much less weight.

Great for warm weather hiking (or all year round if your feet stay hot like mine). These socks are long enough to peak out from my boots above my ankle but stay low enough to keep me clear of Squaresville.

I would definitely recommend them for any activity with a boot - no stench, plenty of comfort + support.

This jacket is amazing. The fit, material, performance, everything is top notch.

For starters the fit - I am a trim fit lovin' type of guy. The last thing I want is my gear to get caught in what I am doing + slow me down. I am 5'11" 165 with an athletic build + the medium fits perfectly to my liking. I can throw on a softshell underneath or a base layer + I am ready to hit anything nature has to throw at me.

Speaking of nature throwing stuff - this jacket can take it. Rocks, limbs, rain, snow (assumption b/c it has yet to be tested), rabid raccoon...anything.

BC didnt sacrifice the material comfort in the process. Its a quiet propriety material that feels good against the skin + breathes well. The zippers are the closest thing I have to a complaint and thats only because they are so water tight it can be hard to get them started sometimes (more or less a non issue).

Also, collar has an even softer material on it so the edge doesnt scuff your face up when you find yourself wearing the hood all day.

Stop looking around + just get this one.

This is my go to jacket for temperatures 30-65, depending on activity level + weather conditions. It fits like a glove, but is stretchy so its non-restricting. I am a trim/athletic 5-11, 165 + got a very form fitting S, but could have worn a M w/ some play in it (depending on your preference).It does an amazing job of keeping the wind out + pretty good in light rain. It doesn't retain heat + smell issues are much less of a problem than anticipated w/ it having a polyester shell. I can easily transition inside - out w/ this jacket on w/o taking it off or w/o looking like I just got off a mountain.

Finally, its comfort - Amazing. Its such a light fabric that feels good against the skin on the inside + out. The zippers all work great (neck protected too), the collar is a great size to retain heat, but not choke.

$150 may be a little steep, but if you catch it on sale like I did, go for it.

I want to love this belt so much, but one of its greatest assets is also creates its greatest flaw. This burly belt will probably last until my unborn children or possibly grandchildren lose it.

It is the thick rigid polyester that also prevents the belt from lying flat - it literally creates a gap between the buckle + your pants. Perhaps this will change with time as it conforms to my body (at which time it will receive 5 stars), but after a few uses there has been no change + the awkward protrusion remains.

Fortunately, this lack of body confirmation doesnt seem to prevent the belt from keeping your pants up or staying tight. The buckle creates a nice "bite" that won't let go unless you want it too... even on that beer you can open with it.

You will lose this bottle well before you manage to find a way to break it.

Can be used for everything from a pillow (or at least neck support) to a mallet to drive tent stakes in - all while holding your favorite liquid w/o retaining flavors

This rack is simple, solid, durable, + easy to install.

When I say easy to install, I mean it. Open the arm up to the required setting for your vehicle, clip onto the vehicle, + tighten the straps.

Bikes stay in place, doesnt damage the vehicle, + you are off riding in seconds.

Powerbar may have made the industry, but they sure do taste terrible (texture even worse)- like the unfortunate result of a night of Ms Syrup + Mr hotdog.

Not the case with Clif Bars, responsibily packed with tons of nutrients, vitamins, protein, etc from real food sources. This bar not only delievers you from hunger, but does so deliciously.

These are not to be mistaken for supermarket variety granola bars. Clif packs much more of a punch + therefore can sustain you on long hikes, rides, or workouts as either a pickup or in a pinch a meal replacements. I take them everywhere.

Insanely lightweight + packable. I take this everywhere I go now b/c its so light + if need be will pack into itself to about the size of a baseball. I have literally worn it on the street + put it in my back pocket once inside.

I find the velcro on the cuff to be somewhat speculatively suspect as to its durability because they are small tabs, but has held up so far. The material is light + thin (light colors are partially see thru), but doesnt seem to hinder performance or durability. The zippers seem pretty solid + don't stick.

The fit is great - trim, but not binding or limiting (5'-11" 165, athletic - got the medium). The back vent lets wind thru nicely + the draw strings/ hood cords are very accommodating to body types.

I have yet to wear it in extended downpours, but it has been great in minor extended rains + short harder ones.

Probably not the best for winter use or running through thick brush , but it will hold its own if need be.

These flips rock. Sturdy durable sole (Vibram EcoStep) with great arch support + very little break in time, if any. 1-1/2 yrs in with no visible wear. Dont lose grip or comfort when wet + dry relatively quickly.

Worth the money because you will have them for years.

you may smell a little when you get done w/ a day in this shirt, but there is a good chance you won't sweat as much either (the nature of the poly beast). Even if you do sweat, it wicks great + the zip is a nice cool down option that doesnt chafe.

pretty rock solid for transition month casual wear, winter activities, or layering whenever. low profile amazingness.

I was lucky enough to pick one up pre-china manufacturing switch + from my experience the first china run seems to be lacking in fit consistency. I tried them (canada vs china) on side by side + the china one seems to be much more baggy around the ribs + pits, which is not a good thing as far as I am concerned. Hopefully they will work thru this hiccup.

Performance-wise, it will stand up to wind + water with the best of the softshells, but I can't recommend it for a deluge (which is not what its for anyway).

The chest pockets are less cumbersome/awkward than I anticipated even without a pack on.

I love this bag. It carries the essentials for day hikes, rides, + trail runs. It sits high on your back so the 3L of water is barely noticeable, other than the slight bulge when full because there is no plastic structure.

It vents relatively well (small footprint) + is pretty sturdy w/o using the waist belt (more like stomach) or chest clips, which i rarely use unless running.

It is big enough for a day of essentials shell, lunch, water, gloves, + that is before you start clipping things on to it.

I felt so defeated when I had to break down + buy this. Once I swallowed my pride, I was able to get back to drinking clean water instead of the gang from Fraggle Rock that had congregated in my tube.

I have the long sleeve version + am pretty happy w/ everything but the smell that eventually creeps up late in the day despite the measures patagonia has taken. This minor setback that I probably would have accepted if I had not had the pleasure of owning a Wool 1 layer from patagonia.

The long sleeve is still my go to for cool morning runs b/c its so comfortable + great at wicking.

These socks changed the way I thought about socks (as in I never had before).

Super soft, durable, smell resisting, arch-supporting, circulation promoting, multi-day wearing powerhouses.

Its amazing how well your foot temperature is regulated by wool. They are a little warmer than standard socks when just standing, but when activity strikes, there is no contest in their performance.

I may have the older version, but they work great! The main objection I have is how short the shorts are, but in the end it may be for the best because it doesnt limit range of motion.

The pockets are super deep (go to the hem of the shorts) for storing maps or whatever w/o anything falling out. The wind, water, + abrasion resistance is pretty solid as well. Just be careful around fires because sparks can have their way w/ this material pretty quickly.

pricey, but effective. I have worn these from everything to weddings to trails + they keep you feeling cool + comfortable.

Although gross, upon purchasing my first pair I wore them 5 days straight as a pseudo-field test. They stood up great + after a sink wash they were ready to hit day 6 + beyond...

pretty spectacular once you get past the price. The ratio of merino wool : polyester doesn't seem to effect the odor resistance much if any + its so incredibly soft/ light.

So far I have used this for running, light hiking, + cycling w/o any problems, even after I a few spills.

I would rather have 2 or 3 of these shirts than the 8+ of polyester w/ partially effective anti-microbial wizardry that end up stinking by the end of the day anyway, let alone the next day. Far superior to capilene as far as odors are concerned

As for sizing, I am 5-11, 165 lbs, + athletic build - the medium fits great (as most of my shirts are mediums) w/ some wiggle room so it can transition from trail to street easily w/o looking freakish.