Couldn't pass up the SAC deal for the XL. I wanted to retire my old duffel, which has treated me well over the years, because of the zipper that would frequently fail if any stress was put on it. When I saw that this duffel had compression straps, I was sold.

My first impression was how freakin giant the XL is. I just now noticed that theres an XXL! Then I noticed how well built this thing is. ReDura™ fabric made from recycled PET bottles is the main body fabric reinforced with Kodroa, this thing feels like it can take some serious abuse. Burly straps and handles mock you as you contemplate how to stuff this thing yet the handles and shoulder strap will not begrudge you due to their generous padding. The YKK zippers are nice and tough. I have no fear of these separating under stress.

Unlike the smaller models the XL has 3 compression straps. The trademark logo and yellow bungee outlines a small zippered pouch on the outside. Great for keys and other small items that may need quick access. The inside back panel is one large zippered pouch.

My only wish is that there was an option for a sort of panels or light framework to hold its shape as well as partitions for organization since this thing is so freakin' cavernous. Otherwise, this thing rocks and I'll look into getting a smaller size for lighter travel uses. If I had paid full price, I'd certainly feel it was worth it.

I normally dislike wearing hats on my head but sometimes I dislike the sun cookin' my noggin more. Kayaking out of Channel Islands harbor on a warm sunny day is one of those times.

The chinstrap kept the ocean breeze from ejecting the hat from my head. The crown cinch-cord gave it a more custom fit while the pull portion on the cord (in the back) gave me somewhere to clip my fishing license to.
It's lightweight so it didnt bother me one bit. It also has amazing breathability. I was sure I'd have a steamed melon after paddling around so much. Not so! This also works great on your face for naps. It lives in my car for them lunchtime siestas.

This was a total score on SAC. If this thing somehow gets lost, I won't hesitate replacing it.

I have a fat head so a large worked perfect for me. For comparison, I wear a Shoei motorcycle helmet in large.

This thing is toasty warm. Windstopper stops wind. As a side-effect, it also muffles sound some. I kinda wish OR had perforated the earflaps for better hear-ability. Then again, that'd let some cold in... I guess the R&D guys had an idea on what would be best.

I also look kinda goofy sportin' the Peruvian look but who gives a flyin' Machu Picchu, I'm hella comfy.

I had my eye on this jacket over at REI when trying on rain jackets last season. Luckily, I hemmed-and-hawwed long enough to see it posted on SAC. Heck yeah, instant buy! I'm really happy with the purchase. The fit is perfect, good set of features, looks nice, and works great. Granted, I'm in SoCal so we don't see much rain but I do a lot of ocean/surf fishing. You tend to risk getting wet from the waves hammering the jetties and rocks. This jacket's kept my butt from getting soaked many times. Actually, my butt does get wet, but my top has always stayed bone-dry!