I'm a relative newbie to the Chaco scene; I've been wearing my first-ever pair for the past year and a half. I was hesitant when I first put them on; the very prominent arch tempted me to send them back. I'm SO glad I didn't. After the initial break-in period (a week or so), the sandals get a nice better-than-barefoot feel. The fit is so very customizable--which comes in handy on long backpacking trips when one's feet start to swell. I take an 8.5 or 9 in trail runners, but the Chaco women's 8 works for me. I've learned to keep them nice and loose, and I don't have to worry about chafing or blisters.

I wore these nearly every day for four weeks this summer while walking el Camino de la Costa across northern Spain. That's 20 to 30 km a day through mud and mountains and city streets, in July heat. They held up well and gave me a killer sandal tan (far superior to a sock tan). The straps dry fast and there is no velcro to wear out or get gunked-up. The Vibram outsole grips like a dream.

My only wish, being a bit of a flat-footed supinator, is that Chaco would come out with a lower-arch version of these. I know I'm a minority here; most people lap up the arch support. Plus, after months of regular wear, I've flattened out the footbed so that it isn't so much of an issue. They still get 5 stars, because there is no finer footwear on the planet. Too bad they don't let me wear open-toed footwear at work.

I received my super-discounted Vertigo jacket yesterday, just in time for some chilly grey rainy weather. I'm living in this wooly beast and loving it. Over the past few years all of my fleeces have managed to bite the dust, and since I prefer wool infinitely over synthetics (less smell, more breathable, no pilling) the Vertigo is a perfect replacement. At $45, it's cheaper than most Polartecs on the market today.

The zippers work well, the pockets are roomy (I hate useless little pockets!), and the cuffs are nicely elasticized to keep the wind out while managing to not look like a sweatshirt. Runs true to size. I usually go with an XS (5'4" 110lbs), and the Small is roomy on me, particularly around the hips. Plenty of room for layering, and it does look great with a flannel underneath. Length--sleeves and body--is spot-on, no gapping at the tummy when I stretch or bend over.

The green color is very pretty and the fabric has a nice touch of stretch. It does have an old-school wool feel, so if you have sensitive skin and get itchy easily, you might want to look elsewhere. All in all, a quality garment that will move from a day in the mountains to a night at the pub with ease. OH! And, though the BC website says this is made in China, the tag states: "Made in USA of fine Austrian wool." So if you're susceptible to guilty consumer conscience you can rest a little easier.