cbchisholm2195196

This jacket is truly beautiful and I was sad to send it back, but found it too be less breathable than other reviewers have indicated. I bought it purely for backcountry skiing, and found that on the skin track I was much too hot. My Schoeller Dynamic softshell breathes much better, and I find myself wondering why everyone raves about Powershield when the Schoeller truly seems to be a superior product. The Gamma MX would work well for single digit backcountry ski days, but for general use and more moderate temps ((above 15 F) it is too much jacket for me.

Wish I could actually use these gloves, but even the XL are too small for my hands. I have big hands but usually XL fit me just fine.

I have worn these gloves for years, and in the past have ordered a new pair every year because they were comfortable, tough, and warm for their weight/loft. Alas, Cloudveil has totally sold out on this one. I don't know where they're being made, but they are ultra cheap feeling and not nearly as warm as they used to be. I took the new ones out yesterday on a 30 degree day and my fingers froze. Perhaps an example of decreased quality due to manufacturing overseas, I'm not sure. But do yourself a favor and don't bother with these. They still look nice, but poor quality product.

This has become one of my most used jackets, both around town and also as a nice layer for backcountry skiing. Keep in mind, however, that it is NOT a super warm puffy, and will not suffice as a winter camping or single digit puffy. I have only one major complaint: the elastic at the cuffs has already begun stretching out of shape and no longer keeps the cold out.

If you expect this to fit like a Gamma MX you will be disappointed. I was excited to have a lighter version of the MX, but when I put this on, was disappointed at how baggy the fit is, more like Marmot or Patagonia. Also, lame for Arcteryx to skimp on the wrist closure. The fit is loose on the wrists, and there is no stretchy material like on the MX, nor is there any kind of velcro closure. My gloves would not fit easily over the opening. Overall this piece has a sloppy, cheap feel to it. Go for the MX.

What is the deal with glove sizing these days--are they all being made in Asia? I tried on these, as well as the Marmot Work Gloves, both in the XL. Both were way too snug. Every Mountain Hardware glove I tried on in XL was too small. I have big hands, but not that big; usually XL fits me well. The Cloudveil Troller glove in XL runs more true to size.

I love how these ski: they float nicely in powder and for a light ski are very stable at high speeds. They even handle breakable crust pretty well. Problem is, they break, and when they break Dynafit does not stand behind them. I broke a pair in my first season on them, right under the front binding mount. Dynafit said Tough Luck. Bummer. Although I love how they ski, I would not buy another pair. Don't want to end up stranded on some long tour with a broken ski, and out another $600.

I love many things about this bag: first, I'm 6'3", 200 lbs, and I find the bag super roomy and comfortable. The stretchiness creates a cozy feeling but allows plenty of movement. The weight and packability is also excellent.

My one concern is that so far the temperature rating has not seemed accurate. This is supposed to be a 0 degree bag, and I've been cold on two 25 degree nights. I haven't returned the bag yet, am going to give it a few more tries, because other reviewers seem to find it warm. I'm generally a warm sleeper, so was surprised to be cold in this bag.

I ordered this based on the glowing reviews, but was sorely disappointed when this softshell arrived. It's true that it's light; but that's about it. First of all, the thing is pretty ugly--looks kind of like a jacket my dad would have worn in the seventies. You know, that kind of sleek sweatsuit look. Secondly, the fit is bizarre. I'm 6'3", 190 lbs. I ordered a large and XL in order to have a choice. The XL was baggy, and the jacket has no drawstring at the waist to tighten it up. The large fit well in the body but the forearms and wrists were so tight that I felt I was in a straightjacket. It's just an awkward piece all around, and I'm perplexed by the other reviewers and by Outside magazine's silver label. Order with caution.

I traded in my Black Diamond Skylight for this tent. The Skylight was such a pain in the butt to set up, and it had only one door. So far I'm very impressed with this tent. Very light for a 3-person, and truly roomy for three (not a glorified 2-person). Best of all was the set-up: my first try I set up this tent in about three minutes, without directions; it's very intuitive. The vestibules are not as roomy as I had hoped, but there are two of them and they're nicely designed. The colors are warm but nicely muted. I'm looking forward to trying just the fly and the footprint for those ultra light adventures when bugs aren't an issue (leave the body behind!).