Extremely well designed and constructed. It breathes really well, and the fabric is bombproof. No leaking. Very little saturation of the facing fabric, which is very durable. Hood is well designed and protects yet has a very wide field of view and easy movement. Everything a big mountain jacket should be.

These shoes are actually made to fit American feet, which are most often higher volume than other ethnic populations. We suffer from a trait known as greek toes, where the index toe is longer than is efficient. This means a narrow heal and wider instep. A common fitting device will not indicate this as the point of measure is in the middle of the foot, where our feet are at a normal width. While the heal of these is a bit too wide, insoles and an extra sock will take of this. The most important thing is that these shoes give our toes enough room to spread out. Another trait of greek toes is a medium to low arch, and these shoes are perfectly made for just such an arch. In other words, if you're an average American, these shoes were made to fit you. If you have had problems with Sportiva, Asolo, or any other man. being to narrow just in the toebox, then try Merrells. They are super-well built, comfy, and they offer just the right amount of flexibility and stability for their purposes. What a great company...

The Synchro does a great job as an all around softshell, plus it is warmer and more water resistant than most other technical softshells. It is a bit heavy, but used to replace your fleece layer, it makes sense to bring it along. stretchy and very comfortable, it stands alone in cool moist conditions. Great for coffee in the spring and fall, or for climbing in the winter. Used with a wool baselayer it could work well for high output activities in snow. Just plan on wearing baselayers under it and a shell over it when sizing. The fit is normal, which is a plus at the mall, but not so good in the backcountry. This is that piece you will use to climb the mountain and eat sushi in town in afterwards.

Average. Construction is good, but nothing special. Will only fit narrow feet correctly. There is, however, an unforgivable lack of support in all areas for such heavy kicks, like wearing big, heavy tennis shoes. They are also extremely hot in the summer, yet get icy cold at around forty degrees. The only plus I can give them is that they are generally comfortable and stay dry, as any goretex lined boot should. If you are one of the small number of people who can actually fit these, they are Okay for technical hiking as long as your pack is light.

Heavy boots lacking support for their mass, average quality, crude construction. Only fits narrow feet correctly. Very hot, do not transpire moisture well, which makes them also very cold starting at forty degrees. Materials and design are old school, but the support is not. Can only be described as squishy, and they get squishier all the time. Complete breakdown in less than a year. Sportiva in general is experiencing some quality issues right now with many of their products.

While I would never pay $100 for it, I was lucky enough to get it on sale, and I'm glad I did. No question that it's the best piece of its kind, as well as proof that you get what you pay for. Very warm for its weight, and extremely breathable. It is extremely versatile, and fills that gap between baselayer and fleece. The fit is truly made for an athletic person as it is big in the chest and arms. Fits like a glove.

The cap 2 is the perfect balance of warmth and moisture wicking open weave. They just feel great, especially under a softshell!

The fit is perfect and it wicks moisture fast. Very obvious comfort over a huge range of temps.

Very soft, warm, and not too itchy. Holds shape well over many washings.

Hands down the best, toughest sandal on the market. Secure, great support. If you plan on using them for hiking, consider two things. 1 no sandal is secure enough to rival a shoe while scrambling. 2 every rock and twig on the trail will work its way in-between your foot and the bed. Things they excel in: travel, belaying, short hot weather walks (also makes for some interesting tan lines on your feet!), and any approach that is not too technical. They are the best sandals, but still just sandals, not the do everything wonders that Chaco says they are.