When a product already has so many positive reviews, I usually see little use in jumping on the pile. But this is such a killer product that I can't help myself.

Yes, it is ridiculously light, and packs very small. But it is the perfect combination of warmth with some breathability. Usually, I tend to run on the warm side, so I'm often putting on then taking off layers. But (to give you an example) yesterday, I put it on and left it on all day. In the morning, it was 25 degrees and breezy, and I was fine. Then, the wind picked up and snow started falling, and I was comfortable just by putting a lightweight shell on top of it. When I came inside, I removed the shell, yet didn't overheat. And I then wore it during a long drive and still remained quite comfortable.

Truthfully, with the Nano Puff, I could probably get rid of some of my mid/heavy weight fleece pullovers, and maybe even a softshell or two.

I bought this for a relative. I'm not sure that it would be great "on breezy fall hikes," because it is awfully thin and doesn't do much to block the wind. But is is well-made, very soft, and breathes well. It would make a wonderful layering piece (and the thumb-holes make it easy to wear under a hard or softshell jacket). In short, it's a high-quality, technical, lightweight fleece jacket.

This box has made my life so much easier. It is very large, and I can throw a few pairs of skis and a couple of boards in it, yet also have room for boot bags and other stuff. On roadtrips, it easily swallows a couple of large duffles, camp chairs and sleeping bags for the whole family (leaving much more room in my vehicle).

It is easily adjustable to fit different roof racks, and clamps down on the crossbars very securely. I have used it for multiple trips over at least several years, with no real signs of wear. It's really nice that it can be opened from either side. I have used it in heavy rain, snow and slushy roads and my gear has always stayed dry. And I haven't had any problem with wind noise.

I really like this shirt. It is very lightweight, but has a UPF 30 rating. It breathes like crazy (with the back and side vents) and the two pockets (zip and napoleon) are large and useful. The fit does seem pretty much true-to-size, although the shirt is a little on the short size (but is still long enough to tuck in). It launders well, and is very soft and comfortable. It should be noted that the description says two zippered pockets whereas mine has one zippered pocket and Velcro closures on the napoleon pocket.

This is a good, all-purpose flashlight (I have the 5.0). The two settings can be helpful (one bright LED for distance or full lighting; 3 dimmer LED's for closer/less bright lighting). While it's fairly lightweight, it's still a little heavy for backpacking (that's what my headlamps are for) but it is good around the house or for car camping. It says that it is water resistant to 1m, and has a comfortable feel in my hand. The lanyard and belt clip can be useful.

These are fairly comfortable, no-frills shorts. They fit true-to-size (or even slightly on the large side), and dry fairly quickly. They are a little shorter than the picture would suggest (they have a 10" inseam). They don't have any stretch, and (in spite of having a gusseted crotch) don't have fantastic mobility. So I wouldn't use them for climbing, but for hiking or casual use they work just fine.

These are very comfortable, well-made pants. They fit true to size (and are fairly roomy in the seat and thighs). They come up fairly high, so showing your crack shouldn't be an issue. They don't have a gusseted crotch, but mobility seems pretty good. The cotton is soft, and of medium thickness (and they launder well). The side zip pocket is useful, and easily holds a cellphone, wallet or even a checkbook. What's not to like?

This is a very stylish shirt. It seems very well-made, and breathes fairly well (for cotton). The design on the pocket is a little different (but not necessarily in a bad way). However, this shirt runs on the small side (especially through the shoulders). If you have broad shoulders I would definitely size up one size.

This is a really good product. They are comfortable, and fit pretty much true-to-size (if anything, slightly on the large side). They breathe and wick well, and don't ride up. I especially like that the waist band doesn't tend to bunch or roll over. These are as good as my Ex Officio Give-N-Go boxers, and I like them much more than the Patagonia Active boxers. Very nice.

These are fantastic boxers. I originally got them just for backpacking and travel, but have gradually built on my collection so that I can wear them every day. They fit slightly on the large size, but don't have lots of extra material like the Patagonia active boxers. They dry quickly, and I even wear them under shorts for wet-wading and rafting. The waist band is really comfortable, and doesn't roll over or bunch up like many other boxers. I can't think of a single way to improve upon these (well, maybe to put them on SteepandCheap, but that may be asking too much).

First of all, I like Sigg bottles. They are lightweight and durable, and don't have the BPA concerns that I have with some of my Nalgenes. The wide mouth bottle is a real improvement, because not only can you now put ice cubes in the bottle, but cleaning is much easier. And there is still the smaller opening so that when you drink you don't spill your beverage down the front of you shirt. Very nice.

What can you really say about a water bottle? It holds liquids, and doesn't leak. I don't hesitate to put hot liquids into the bottle, while I hesitate to do this with my Nalgenes. It it relatively lightweight, and the loop in the lid makes it easy to carabiner the bottle to your pack (or raft). Yes, it dents fairly easily, but this doesn't interfere with its function. About the only "problem" would be the fact that the mouth is too small to accommodate ice cubes, but (OTOH) this also makes it easier to drink from (so I don't spill my water down the front of my shirt like I tend to do when chugging from Nalgenes).

The description says for Medium/large faces. This is not true (and even the Costa web site says that the frame size is small). These might work OK for teens, women, or men with very narrow faces, but for average-sized men these frames are way too small.

Having said that, I will say that these are nice shades. The Costa 580 glass lens is incredibly clear and the polarization is excellent. The 580 lens does is probably my favorite lens when around the water on bright days. But unless you have a smallish face, I would definitely look at the other Costa Del Mar styles.

I really like this shirt. It is soft, and softens with repeated laundering. It breathes and wicks well, and fits true-to-size. The merino wool really does provide some anti-stink properties, so that even when worn for several days in a row, it doesn't get nearly as ripe as all-synthetic tees. All-in-all, this shirt works well in the backcountry, as a lightweight baselayer, or even just for kicking around.

The Vibram IdroGrip sole on the Z/2 Pro is a vast improvement in terms of wet/dry traction. I just finished a several day fishing/whitewater rafting trip and think that the traction these shoes provide probably kept me from falling a few times. Scrambling over smooth, riverside boulders (dry or wet) was easy, and traction was much better than with my regular Z/2's or Keen H2's. In-river traction (on mossy rocks) was as good as it gets for a non-studded shoe. Chacos provide good arch support, and the strap allows you to have the sandals as tight or loose as is comfortable or necessary. Also, I think that the toe loop of the Z/2 provides quite a bit more stability than you have with the Z/1.

In short, this is an excellent shoe if you are in and out of water, or do hiking that involves some scrambling (where traction is very important). However, it is a marking sole, and can wear down fairly quickly. So if you are just wanting a sandal for everyday use (or casual hikes), the Pro sole probably isn't necessary.

These are comfortable sandals that are great for just kicking around (or camp shoes, although they are on the heavy side). They do indeed run small, so size up by at least a half-size. Being adjustable, you can get them pretty snug on your feet so they aren't as likely to fall off as some slip-ons. Having said this, I wouldn't wear them for serious hiking; instead, I'd go with the Keen Venice, Newport, or other sandal with a back strap. But for just running around town or camp, these have the typical Keen comfort and are (of course) very easy to get on and off.

This is a comfortable, well-made shirt. However, it definitely runs on the small side (especially in the shoulders/chest). Before buying one, check out the "size" tab to the right of the "select options" menu.

I am a big fan of Keens, and these are very comfortable. The size 11 fits my 10.5/11, somewhat wide foot very comfortably, and I could easily wear them all day long. I have hiked in them with no problem, and also wear them for kicking around. They have a little more lateral stability than my Venice and Newport H2's. They dry very quickly.

However, I don't agree that they have "excellent traction on slick shoreline rocks." I spend a lot of time flyfishing mountain streams, and had high hopes that these would be good wading sandals. Obviously, most non-studded shoes don't do great on submerged, mossy rocks. However, I found that when these shoes are wet, they don't provide very good traction on dry, slick rocks (and this is usually where I come closer to breaking my neck :) When dry, the traction is decent, but when the shoes are wet, their traction on dry rocks seems decreased.

For hiking, occasional stream crossings or even on boats or the beach they work very well. But for going in and out of the water and scrambling on slick rocks, I'd recommend the Simms Pursuit sandals or Chaco Z2 pros. It's a real shame, because otherwise these sandals are great.

These are very nice sunglasses. They are ridiculously lightweight, and very comfortable. I have the V28 black iridium, and the lenses seem high-quality and clear. When wearing them, they don't seem as dark as the picture would suggest. These are well-made, comfortable everyday shades. I wouldn't pay full price for them, but at half (or SteepandCheap) price they are a good deal.

The polarization is always very good to have. They stay on well during outdoor activities, and don't tend to fog up. They fit my medium/large head well, and provide adequate coverage. However, a little light still gets in (mostly below the lenses) so if it is important to me to have better light coverage (e.g., when fishing or on the snow) I prefer either the Kaenon Hard Kores or Costa del Mars.

First, the good. These are comfortable, fit true-to-size, and have a decent lacing system that tightens down fairly well. They drain water well, and I would guess that they provide good traction on a boat deck. In fact, as the description describes, they would probably be a good boat shoe.

The bad? If you are planning on using them as an actual water shoe, there could be some problems. Sand easily enters (though the top) but does not easily drain. Even worse, on natural terrain their traction leaves quite a bit to be desired. I tried them for wet-wading a river and will never use them again for this purpose. They have virtually no traction on submerged river rocks, and even poor traction when scrambling on dry rocks on the bank. Be very wary of using these for anything other than boats or flat terrain.

The ugly? Well, I got the red/black ones. Nuf said.

This is a really nice jacket. The combination of built-in insulation with a Gore Windstopper shell really keeps you warm. The Windstopper is fairly water-resistant, but not completely waterproof, so it will keep you dry in snow or occasional rainshowers but not it will eventually soak through in a heavy rain. But on the plus side, it is very lightweight and flexible (as compared with a Gore-Tex shell). The fit is fairly true-to-size, so there's not much room for layering underneath it (but OTOH this jacket works great under a hard shell). It also doesn't look as puffy as other puffy jackets.

The stretch cuffs (as compared with Velcro closures) work well, and actually do a good job of keeping the heat in. I believe that the description is incorrect, because my jacket has just 2 hand pockets and one internal mesh pocket (and not a chest pocket and two mesh pockets) but this is adequate for my needs. Personally, I'm comfortable with this over a shortsleeve baselayer in 20-40 degree weather, or under a hard shell when it is bitterly cold.

I really like Sanuk shoes, and these are no exception. They are very comfortable, and the cushioned footbed is really nice. If you've never worn Sunuks before, be aware that they have little arch support and a somewhat flexible sole (Sanuk calls these sandals and not shoes). To my feet, having these on feels real similar to walking barefoot. If you can't tell from the picture, these shoes are cotton (and not leather) so they look fairly casual, although the style is that of a standard loafer. Their fit is pretty much true-to-size (they start out slightly snug, but then quickly stretch out with use).

The description of these sunglasses says that they are for "Medium/large" face size. This is definitely not correct. I have a medium/large face, and these are way too narrow. The quality seems top-notch, and the lenses are very good, but these are really sized for smallish women or largish children (and even the Costa web site describes these as "smaller sized").

These are really comfortable pants. They fit true-to-size, and really do stretch a little. The fabric does resist moisture and food. These are stylish enough for office wear, yet are really made for outdoor use (with reinforced hems and good range of motion). They ride a little higher than usual, making them good for people who are longer-waisted. The ample pockets are very useful (in addition to 2 hand pockets and two zippered back pockets, there are two large zippered thigh pockets and a cell phone sized velcro thigh pocket).

I really like Sanuk "sandals." These shoes are very lightweight and comfortable, and the (padded) footbed--with little arch support--really does make it feel like I'm almost barefoot. They fit true-to-size (or even slighlty on the wide side). These shoes have the look of the old topsiders, but are (obviously) much lighter and more comfortable. They would even look OK in the office. I have worn my pair extensively and haven't noticed any problems with the glue/rubber.

This is a really nice multi-use shirt. It's lighweight, and breathes very well. It's great for hiking, yet stylish enough to wear in the office. Its fit is true-to-size. It's hard to tell from the picture, but the shirt doesn't have just the 2 chest pockets, but also two large, velcro-closed napolean pockets under the standard pockets.

These are, simply, great socks. The alpaca/lambswool is very soft and fairly warm. These are great light/midweight hiking socks, and also work well for casual use. They are slightly thicker than standard casual socks, but not as thick as many alpaca socks. There's enough stretch to keep them from falling down, but they aren't overly constricting.

This is a great, lightweight hooded jacket. While the inside is very soft, the outside has more of a smooth finish, making it easier to layer. For a fleece, it is actually fairly wind-proof. It's not especially "technical" (for Arc'teryx) as there are no interior/chest/arm pockets and no waist or hood drawcords. It's fit is slightly looser than Arc'teryx softshells (like the Gamma line). Overall, this is a high-quality, very comfortable jacket for when you're just kicking around (and don't want to look all teched-out).

This is a very comfortable wicking shirt. It breathes and wicks well. The material is a little thicker/sturdier than some others (like MH wicking tees) and the trim is a nice touch. The fit seems fairly loose.

To the casual eye, this is a standard loafer. The good quality leather and excellent workmanship are obvious.

However, to the feet that are in these "shoes," they are not standard loafers. They are lightweight, and the soles have significant flex. The insoles are also padded, so these really don't feel like the standard heavy, stiff, clunky loafers. They are very comfortable, yet stylish enough that those around you won't know that you are wearing a sandal and not a real shoe. They don't have much arch support, but they aren't supposed to (it's a lot like walking barefoot).

The sizing is fairly true-to-size. They are not especially narrow, and the leather is soft enough that it eventually stretches out a little.

These are really comfortable, well-made shorts. The zippered pockets give the shorts a fairly streamlined look, and the elastic waist feels really nice. They do fit a little on the large side, so if you are in between sizes, I would go down a size. There are no rear pockets, but the cargo pockets are large enough to hold a standard-sized wallet.

Pros: Completely waterproof, stowable hood, high quality, ample room for layering, offset zipper with laminated chin guard (very comfortable when zipped all--or most of--the way up).

Cons: Fit could be too baggy for some, limited internal pocket space (one small, iPod-sized pocket), offset zipper (when partially unzipped, the 'flap' can be a little annoying), and (of course) the cost.

Conclusion: Great fully-waterproof, roomy shell, particularly if you want a stowable hood and will usually keep it mostly zipped up.

At first, it felt strange to wear flip-flops that covered my big toe, but I have come to really like this design. In addition to providing toe protection, the design of these sandals also provides increased lateral stability. The fit is true-to-size. Another great product by KEEN!

This is a very thin jacket that does well in the wind. It would keep you dry during a brief shower, but not in a steady rain. The polyester lining helps to keep your torso warm, but it's really nice that the sleeves don't have it (so that it's relatively easy to put on over a long-sleeve baselayer). Really, this is a high-quality, breathable, no-frills windbreaker. I gave it 4 stars primarily because it has only the two hand pockets (no chest pocket, and no internal pockets). It's fit is fitted (slightly more than the Gamma AR or MX) so there's not much room for layering.

I bought this jacket for a relative. It is very well-made, and quite warm (without being bulky). It's fit is slightly on the fitted size, but very stylish and flattering. The material is soft on the inside and outside, and looks like it will wear well. It is water resistant, but I wouldn't wear it in a prolonged downpour. It's not meant to be a softshell, but instead more of a casual jacket (it doesn't have zippered pockets, it's not waterproof, etc). But it is really stylish, and can easily fit in at a bar at the base of the slopes, or even at a high-end restaurant.

Really, what let me to buy this jacket is the Scapegoat brand. This is a company founded by some clothes designers in Boulder, CO. They made quality, hi-tech, stylish clothes for an active lifestyle. They were apparently bought by Prana, and then Prana discontinued the Scapegoat brand earlier this year. This is really unfortunate, as they made great clothes. Anyway, that's the history behind this company, so if you are interested in this jacket, I'd get it while you can.

This top is thin, but not at all in a bad way. It doesn't have much bulk, but provides surprising warmth when layered. It breathes very well, and can be worn as a baselayer (or can easily be worn over a thin baselayer). It fits true-to-size, being neither too night nor baggy. It is on the long side, which I tend to like in my layering pieces. In general, I tend to run warm, and for this reason overheat when wearing any sort of fleece while inside. However, the Delta LT is thin enough (and breathes well enough) that I can wear it inside. However, if I throw a softshell over it and go outside, it provides as much warmth as my midweight (and much thicker) fleece pullovers. Oh yeah... and it is one of the softest pieces of clothing I own.

These are fantastic sunglasses. The SR-91 lenses are crystal clear, and the polarization is excellent. These are great glasses when polarization is a must (flyfishing, being on the water or snow, or driving on wet roads).

I own the Hard Kore and also the Kore, and I find myself wearing the Hard Kore more often. The Kore are also great sunglasses, but the lens is bigger. While the bigger lens does a slightly better job of blocking light reflecting from below, they also have less air circulation, and are more prone to fog up. The Hard Kore, OTOH, allows a little better air flow, yet still provides excellent coverage. But by no means is the Hard Kore a small or narrow lens; actually, it's closer to the size of other "normal" shades. As should be evident by the picture, these shades do a great job of blocking lateral light, yet they are much lighter than they appear. Of my (too many) sunglasses, these are hands-down my favorites.

I just really love this shirt. It is very thin and lightweight and breathes and wicks well. I really liked the old wicked tees, but they snag so very easily. OTOH, the MH wicked light shirt does not end up snagged if I brush against a bush or wash it with clothing with velcro pockets. It fits true-to-size, and is less baggy (and a little longer) than the older wicked tees, but it would not be considered fitted. This is great for hot climates or aerobic activities, but also is very comfortable as a thin baselayer. Highly recommended!

These are nice, comfortable shorts, but I really wouldn't use them for swimming. They have two hand pockets, and a rear velcro pocket, none of which will keep anything in your pockets if you're in the water (however, there is a small zippered pocket on the side). The "surf-style tie" does make them look like swim trunks, and they do dry quickly (so they would be good for splashing in rivers or on the beach, or on a boat or kayak). But--with the pocket configuration--they do work well for casual shorts (if you don't mind the look of the tie). Like many Kavu products, they tend to fit on the small side (possibly even smaller than is listed in the sizing chart) so if there is any doubt, I would size up. As is evident in the photos, they are also on the long side (with a 12" inseam).

These shorts are so close to being really good. The material is soft and quick-drying. The fit is good (if slightly on the large side). They are long (12-inch inseam) but this is really not a problem. It's really nice to have zippers on the pockets.

So what's the problem? The waist. There is a webbing belt (that is exceptionally long) but it doesn't go all the way around the waist. Instead, in the back there is elastic. While this may be OK for regular shorts, in water shorts it means that you can't tighten them enough that they won't fall off when swimming. It would be much better if the webbing belt went all the way around (like it does in most TNF water shorts). However, for wading or boating, these are really nice shorts.

These are great sacks. They are very lightweight (e.g., only 1.4 ounces for the medium) but surprisingly durable. The long zipper (that goes from side to side rather than just along the top) makes it very easy to visualize your items. The side handles make it easy to pull the sack out of a pack, and the price is very reasonable. What's not to like?

$120-150 for a pair of shorts!? Yep, but what you're really paying for is is the waterproof pocket. It does seem to work. I recently went on a multi-day rafting trip, and kept my camera in the pocket. It was nice to have easy access to the camera, but know that it was relatively safe when I was splashed or wading (I didn't get it 1 meter deep, but did fully wade into the water). It was nice not to have to dig the camera out of a dry bag or waterproof case each time I wanted to use it. I would agree with the recommended uses of kayaking, canoeing and rafting.

As for the shorts themselves, they seem to fit true-to-size. There's no liner, but the material and cut are such that you don't need to wear anything underneath them. They are comfortable and quick-drying. There's a drawcord, but this still doesn't allow much leeway if the size is off. Probably the only complaint I have is that other than the waterproof pocket, there are no other pockets. I'm used to having a number of pockets on my water-shorts, so there were times that this was a little annoying (and this also limits their use when you're not in a kayak or raft). Other than this, these are excellent shorts that do what they are supposed to (provide an easily-accessible, protective dry space for situations when you are likely to be around or briefly in water).

OK, it could be a 2 person tent, if the people are small and don't mind being close. But, really, it's a comfortable 1-person tent, with room for some of your gear. Obviously, it's ridiculously light, and this makes it much easier to justify having a 2-person tent for just one person. It is not free-standing, but is quite sturdy (even without being guyed out) and easy to pitch. At first, I wasn't sure about the vertical zippered access to the rear vestibule, but found that it provides decent access. It has ample headroom, and generally feels about as roomy as my older Hubba Hubba (except there's not as much elevation in the corners, which is not a problem unless you're trying to sleep two people side-by-side). If you want to try to shed some pounds (yet still have a roomy, double wall tent), and you have some cash to spare, this would be a hard tent to beat.

This is a comfortable shirt, that breathes and wicks well. However, like others have noted, the fit is a litte strange. I followed the recommendations of others and sized up. Most of the shirt fits fine, but it is tight on the top of the shoulders. This tightness is especially noticable when lifting my arms up to the horizontal position (to say nothing about lifting them over my head). I would definitely recommend sizing up, but even then, if you have broad shoulders expect some tightness.

These are just great sandals. They allow more air circulation than the Newports, but are still very stable and comfortable. They don't run quite as small as most Keen sandals, so if you need them to be tight on your feet (e.g., doing a lot of hiking, being in rivers or going through mud) you probably don't want to up-size. Otherwise, they can easily be tightened. If you know that you are going to frequently be getting them wet, I'd consider the Venice H2.

I am a big fan of Keen shoes, so I had high hopes that the Yogui would replace my Crocs for lightweight slip-ons. However, unlike most Keens (which tend to run about a half-size small) these are almost a little on the large side. While the shoe itself fits, the toebox is very tall, so sometimes it feels like the shoe will fall off. Overall, this is a nice shoe (with good traction), but be aware that the sizing could be a little tricky.

These are without a doubt my favorite sandals. They are very comfortable and very stable (I ordered up a half-size and have room to spare). They provide excellent traction in most all circumstances (except for slippery river rocks) and do great in and out of the water. They ventilate better than my Newports, but this also means that it is a little easier to get rocks under your feet if you are walking in gravel. I haven't had any problem with them getting funky, even when wearing them day after day. Of course, the toe protection is very nice to have, both when hiking and when wading rivers. Probably the only downside is that my Chacos are now gathering dust in my closet.

This is an extremely thin and lightweight shirt (that does a good job blocking the sun). It breathes and wicks well. However, if you don't like skin-tight shirts then this one is not for you. It is "fitted" enough that even if you sized up it would still be pretty tight.

This chair is incredibly comfortable. It is built for reclining, and has a built-in, adjustable headrest. It's great on the patio, and would be fine for car-camping (if you have lots of room in your car). However, it's quite heavy (19 pounds) and not easy to carry around. It seems very well-built and sturdy. Instead of "camp chair" a more accurate description could be "foldable patio lounger," but it is likely more comfortable than any other lounger I've owned.

I really like Kaenon shades. Their lenses are excellent, as is their polarization (I have tried polarized shades from a number of different manufacturers, but none have been better than Kaenon). The optics on these shades are very good.

However, the style is a little different. This Porter style isn't designated as being specific for men or women. The oversized frame is similar to stylish women's shades, but the overall size of these sunglasses is probably too big for most women's faces. Instead, the sizing is more appropriate for a decent-sized man. But even then, the lenses are on the large side, which allow excellent field of vision but do provide something of a different look for men's sunglasses. This isn't a bad thing, but is something to be aware of before buying them. You may wish to check out the Kaenon website, where there are pictures of what these sunglasses look like when actually being worn: http://kaenon.com/product/5_porter.html

I really like this shirt. It is very thin and lightweight, and breathes exceptionally well. For hot days, it really can't be beat. It seems to fit pretty much true-to-size, but slightly on the loose side. It seems well-made, and the color selections are nice. It is definitely long enough to tuck in, but also looks fine untucked. For a cool, casual shirt, it would be hard to top this one.

This has to be one of my favorites (if not my favorite) technical tee. It is thicker than most other wicking baselayers (such as Mountain Hardwear), but breathes and wicks well. It is extremely soft and comfortable, and seems very well-made. Like most Prana shirts it is somewhat on the fitted side, but seems looser than many other fitted shirts (such as Solomon or Sugoi). As a bonus, it looks sharp, and is UPF 30.

Sometimes it's nice to leave the daypack at home, and have a bag to just haul stuff around in (e.g., if you're going to the beach or pool). This bag is slightly larger than a cloth grocery bag. But its sides are padded/insulated, the top zips shut, and it has an outside pocket. This bag seems well-made (but the top isn't really clear enough to see what's in the bag). This would be a great bag to load up with food for car camping or a skiing weekend.

This is a nice shirt. The material is very thin and breathable, and the material under the arms is even softer and thinner to improve breathability and decrease chafing. I usually wear an XL, so this is what I ordered. However, they sent me an XXL (which is loose but comfortable) so I am going to keep it (I'm not really into skin-tight shirts). So if you are in-between sizes (or like your shirts on the looser side) I would definitely size up.

I have come to really like this hat. There are several features not mentioned in the description:
-There is an elastic adjustment on the back allowing you to adjust how tight the hat is
-The chinstrap is removable
-If you flip the sides of the hat up, they will stay there (due to small magnets)

This hat is indeed waterproof, and the brim is not too floppy. Interestingly (at least to me) is the fact that the inner headband is not cotton, but instead is a wicking polyester. It is soft, but does not retain any moisture. The hat is very lightweight, and breathes well.

This is a really nice compression sack. It is easy to get gear in and out, and the 4 straps allow great compression. One sack for my sleeping bag and one for my clothes/camping pillow, and I have twice the room in my pack that I had previously. Yes, when compressed down it forms a solid cube/ball, so packing around it (in your backpack) becomes a little more important. But for saving space, it really can't be beat. It is durable, and easy to compress and open.

Really, what is there to say about a stuff sack? Yes, for the price of the NeoAir it sure would have been nice for them to include the stuff sack, but I knew that they didn't when I bought it.

The bag is lightweight, and seems to provide adequate protection. The pad fits in the stuff sack with room to spare. I have an old ProLite and it takes two rolls of it on firm ground for me to be able to stuff it into its sack (I'm not sure if the new ProLites are much better). But for the NeoAir, I fold it twice, roll it once, and it easily slips in the bag. This may sound like a small thing, but it is one less thing to deal with when breaking camp.

This is a really nice jacket. Compared with my other softshells, it is thicker and warmer. While it's not really an insulated jacket, it has a Polartec lining that really improves its warmth. In cold conditions (or if you tend to run cold) this could be really nice, but if you run hot, are going to be very active, or are heavily layered, it is possible to overheat in this jacket. Perhaps due to its thickness, it does not breathe quite as well as I would like. It sheds water well, and does very well in wind. The hand pockets are indeed higher than for most jackets, but are quite large. There is also an internal chest pocket that is a little bigger than the standard iPod pocket. It is definitely more of a fitted cut than some other softshells (such as TNF or Mountain Hardwear).

This is a nice, smallish pillow. It is very lightweight, and packs small. It comes with an attached stuff sack. However, if you are expecting a home-sized pillow you will probably be disappointed. It is relatively small, and your head does sink into it. If you are used to a small, thin pillow, it could be very nice (and much more comfortable than sleeping on a stuff sack of clothes). I have found that it fits nicely into my Big Agnes bag's pillow pocket, but then I put a folded fleece under it to add more bulk. It is pricey, so before you buy it you should ask yourself whether a smaller (but very soft and comfy) pillow will meet your needs.

If you are on a budget (and who is not on a budget nowadays?) this is a decent bag. It's fairly warm, although 20 degrees may be slightly optimistic. It does have an internal chest baffle. It comes with a compression sack, and packs down to about 8 X 12 inches. If you are 6 feet or taller, I would definitely get the long.

I really like the Orange Ginger favor. It is not too sweet, and you can only slightly taste the ginger. While Nuun is good for sports or everyday use, what I really like it for is backpacking. After several days on the trail, I can get a little tired of plain water. Popping one tablet into my Nalgene or 40 oz Klean Kanteen gives me an almost instant, tasty beverage (with electrolytes and vitamins). It dissolves in 1-2 minutes (it fizzes when it dissolves, but does not carbonate the beverage) and makes re-hydration much more pleasant. At about 50 cents each for the larger tablets, the price is also very reasonable (compared with pre-packaged, sugary sports drinks).

As one would expect (based upon the manufacturer and the price) this is a really nice pack. The main compartment is huge, without intrusion from the frame or the front kangaroo pocket (which itself is large and useful). The lid pocket is also large, and the lid is easily detachable, making it easy to take your essentials into your tent while leaving your pack in the vestibule. The side access zipper can be really helpful. The water bottle pockets are kind of strange, but a 32 oz Nalgene or 40 oz Klean Kanteen fit snugly in them, with little chance of them falling out (and one-handed access is not too difficult). The 6 compression straps are useful for smaller loads (or for strapping equipment to the outside of the pack), and there are also daisy chains and two ice axe holders. The pack is comfortable even with heavy loads, although it is important to get the right size and to fit the pack correctly (as described here http://www.arcteryx.com/pack-fit.aspx ). Yes, this pack is on the heavy side, but in my opinion the features and comfort more than make up for the weight.

This is a huge but great dry bag. It is a real dry bag, and will keep your gear dry if your boat overturns or the skies open up. But what really sets this apart (besides how large it is) is the fact that not only does it have shoulder straps, but it has a hip belt. If you have a long hike to your put-in, the hip belt is a life-saver (carrying a heavy load for any distance using just shoulder straps--or worse, a duffle with a single strap--is murder on the back). This bag really feels like a backpack, and is adjustable enough to allow you to get a comfortable fit on your hike. True, it is not as comfortable as a well-made backpack (it has no frame, and the hip belt has only a little padding), but it is certainly more comfortable than any other dry bag I have tried. And this bag is huge! Space is never an issue (the bigger issue is how much weight you can carry).

It is true that not everyone needs a dry bag with all these features (and this size). But if you need a true dry bag that you can easily hike with (you know who you are), this bag would be hard to beat.

While these do not taste just like home-cooked, they still hit the spot. They do indeed taste like eggs (although the consistency is a little different), and you can also taste the bacon. When I am on the trail, my body screams for protein, and this is a nice change from beef jerky, nuts and food bars.

This is lightweight, easy to make, filling, and actually tastes good after a hard day on the trail. The stew is pretty thick, with a nice mix of chicken and potatoes. One 2-serving packet could be a large meal for one person, or can be shared by two smaller people. For a standard, hungry adult, a half of a packet probably would not be enough to serve as a full meal.

Obviously, this is not gourmet, but on the trail it certainly hits the spot. It is actually tastier than most other freeze-dried meals I have eaten, and is very filling. The 2 serving pack could be a big meal for one person, or a meal for two smaller or less-hungry people. I have found that 2 2-serving packs work well for 3 adults.

These are great shoes for wet-wading rivers. Of all the water shoes and wading sandals I have tried (except for the Simms felt-soled or cleated ones) the Paddas provide the best traction on submerged rocks (the HydroTrak sole is actually a little tacky). However, like with any shoe without cleats, it is still easy to slip on smooth or mossy rocks. The mesh on the sides keeps out most gravel, but sand easily accumulates in these shoes. They are very comfortable. Traction on dry land is decent, but the sole is thinner than regular land shoes (and most wading shoes) so that if you are walking on/scrambling over sharp rocks it can be somewhat uncomfortable. The soles are probably not thick enough for hard-core scrambling or trail running. They fit true-to-size, tending toward the narrow side.

These bottles are sturdy and well-made. They take a beating, and still do not leak. Among other uses, the loop in the lid allows you to open lids that have been over-tightened (by putting a branch through the loop to get more torque). The little bottle is good for shorter trips, while the larger ones can be used for larger (or more cooking-intensive) trips.

This filter lasts a long time, and is easy to clean. The replacement comes with a small tube of O-ring lubricant to help ensure that it does not leak. There is a fine mesh "filter protector" which filters out larger debris before it gets to the actual filter. I use this in the Katadyn Base Camp (gravity bag) system, and it works wonderfully. This is indeed the correct replacement filter for that system.

These are really nice socks. I wear a size 11 shoe, and the Size 4 socks fit perfectly. They are on the snug side, but they are supposed to be (and they are not tight on my calves, nor do they slip down). They are not especially bulky, so they give me a little more wiggle room in my boots. But they fit my foot tight enough (with padding in all the right places) that they do not slip and contribute to hot spots. It feels like they form a snug, soft protective shell around my feet. They seem to breathe well enough, and keep my foot dry even in the heat. Whether it is the tightness cutting down on foot swelling, or the supposed support they provide, my feet do feel more comfortable after longer hikes. Are they worth the price? If you tend to have foot problems or sore feet, they very well may be.

This is a very comfortable shirt. The material is very soft, and the stitched pattern provides a cool-looking texture. The snaps are nice (without being too flashy). It does run on the large side, so if you are in-between sizes, go smaller. The shirt is long, so it does not come untucked.

I have never had to activate my MicroFix, and hope I never have to, but it makes me feel much better knowing that I have it. On solo backpacking trips, it gives my family and I more peace of mind. Even if I am in a group, if we are more than a day's hike in that means that help would be more than a day away (without a PLB). On a more mundane level, I frequently go on day (fly fishing) hikes into the mountains. While I always try to let someone know where I am going, the plans often change (based upon weather and fishing conditions). So even if I am a couple of miles from the trailhead, if I break my leg it could be a day or two before I am found. A PLB provides some security.

As for the MicroFix itself: It is relatively small, but not especially lightweight (such is the price you pay for a piece of equipment whose primary purpose is reliability). Use is very easy; there are only two buttons, one for testing and one for activation. It is recommended that the unit be tested monthly, and that the battery be replaced every 5 years (at a factory-authorized service center, as they also replace the O-rings and test the unit). The antenna cover prevents accidental activation. Unfortunately, there is no cover for the self-test button, but activating the self-test requires quite a bit of pressure from 0.5-1 second, so accidental activation seems unlikely.

This unit is not a toy, but having one does not mean that you can cut any corners in terms of safety. But if you are in a life-threatening situation and have done all that you can do to get help it is really nice to know that with one push of a button, help can be summoned. That peace of mind is invaluable.

I have always been partial to TNF shorts, and these are no exception. I guess that there have been some design changes (based upon other reviews), so this review is based upon the ones with the gray label (which I purchased from BC.com in 4/09). The material is fairly lightweight, yet seems sturdy. The hand pockets are roomy, as are the cargo pockets. The back pockets are kinda strange, in that you access them from the side, but they are large, unobtrusive, and have a velcro closure. The gusseted crotch does indeed allow good range of motion (so these shorts are good for hiking/climbing) but the shorts are comfortable enough for everyday use.

This is a fantastic bag that perfectly meets my needs. It packs to just 7 X 8 inches, and weighs less than 3 pounds (and I have the long bag). Its rectangular shape feels very spacious compared with my mummy bags (the bag is actually wider than my 20 inch pad). The integrated pad sleeve is a wonderful idea, not only keeping me from sliding off of my pad (especially if my tent is pitched on a slight incline) but cutting down on the weight of the bag (since there is no insulation on the underside--it relies on your pad to provide insulation). It is important to use a (20-inch-wide) pad that has some insulating value. The Big Agnes pads are probably best, but I have been fine with a (regular-size) Therm-a-Rest NeoAir (which does take a little work to slide in the sleeve, but packs real small). A regular-length pad seems to do fine in a long bag. The built-in pillow pocket is also a really nice feature. I really can not think of any way to improve upon this bag (except by shaving off some ounces, which would be hard to do in a bag that is this roomy).

This is a killer pad. It is unbelievable how small it packs (no, like other therm-a-rests it does not come with its own stuff sack, which is unfortunate given how much this pad costs). It really does roll up to 9 X 4 inches (regular size)., and weighs less than a pound. But size does not mean anything if it does not work, and this pad really works. Yes, you have to blow it up, but this really is not too hard to do so. It is really thick, so that even if I let some air out so that it is soft, I still do not hit the ground even when lying on my side (so no more waking up with one leg asleep!). It really does a good job of retaining heat (so that I have even been fine sliding it into the sleeve in my Big Agnes bag) and is stable enough that you don't feel like you're sleeping on a pool float. Sure, this pad is pricey, but based upon its comfort, weight and stuffed size, I believe that it is worth it.

I like a good light source when I'm in the backcountry (so I have several more expensive, heavier headlamps). But the question is always what to bring as a backup. Now I use the Ion. It is nothing fancy, but is is very lightweight and obviously packs small, yet puts out enough light for around-camp needs. I use it as my backup, or throw it in my daypack just in case my day hikes go later than expected. I also have one that I keep in my car.

This scarf is very soft and comfortable (it is a tightly-knit fleece, and not wool). It is not so long that it is always flopping around getting in the way, and the pocket can actually be useful (besides, who else has a scarf that actually has a pocket?). The fact that it is tapered in the middle makes it much more comfortable under a jacket.

This could be one of the softest (and most huggable) products you own. But it is also very warm (by itself, or layered). As others have said, it does tend to run small.

This certainly is not a technical shirt, but it is a very comfortable shirt for just kicking around (or even for work). The cotton is very soft, and the fit is true-to-size (or, like most Mountain Hardware casual wear, slightly on the loose side). It is long enough to tuck in, but looks fine untucked. The pattern (and the way the colors blend into each other) looks really cool.

I have this in the Lizard/Smoke/Org color, and it looks really nice. But for being so hi-tech, I would like it to breathe a little better. However, it does wick moisture well and dry quickly. It feels very comfortable, but is a little on the snug side (so if you have a bit of a gut it may not be especially comfortable).

It is amazing how much difference some extra torso insulation can make. This is thin enough that it can be worn under just about any outer-layer, but still breathes fairly well. It can even be worn over just a long-sleeve baselayer, providing more warmth (and wind protection) than you might think. And it packs small, so it is easy to take it off and pack it mid-day when the weather starts to warm up.

If you tend to haul lots of stuff relatively short distances, this is a great system. It sure beats loading up 3-5 smaller bags. I can see where it would be useful for car camping or any other activity where you have to organize and move a bunch of equipment. Personally, what I use it for is for all my fly-fishing equipment. Whereas I previously used a plastic tub, this bag has handles, and is big enough to handle anything I want to toss in it. I just grab the loaded bag out of my garage, and I am good to go.

This is a really nice knife. Obviously, the titanium handle is very sturdy, yet is also fairly lightweight. The holes in the handle really improve grip. It doesn't have an opening assist (so it will not groin you by accidentally opening in your pocket) but can be easily and quickly opened using your index finger on the rear blade extension (which also adds some stability when doing some serious cutting). I really can not find anything not to like about this knife (except for the price, but you are paying for obvious quality).

This is a decent pad for the price. It is comfortable, inflates well, and comes with its own sack. However, while it is not especially heavy, it is fairly large when rolled up (so that usually you will need to attach it to the outside of your pack). If weight and size are an issue for you (or you have a little extra money to spend) I would find a pad that packs smaller, but if you are on a tight budget (or will only use the pad occasionally, for car camping, or you do not mind the size) this would be hard to beat.

Like most Oakleys, these are nice shades. But the frame is definitely on the big side, so if you have a smaller face, these may be too big. Also, if you have high cheekbones, these glasses may not be a good fit. The lenses are high-quality, but the gradient is a little different. If you spend a lot of time where you get bright reflection from below (e.g., on the water, beach or snow) the lower half of the lens may let in a little bit too much light. OTOH, if you spend a lot of time in these conditions, you'd probably be better off with polarized shades.

This jacket is so comfortable, it almost feels like an old cotton hoodie. But it repels water (in heavy, constant rain it is not completely waterproof), does great in the wind, is thin and lightweight, and is very warm (in part, because of the higher neck). It seems very well-made, and the welded seams cut down on bulk (and also look pretty cool). The chest pocket is decent-sized, the interior pocket has a hole for your earbuds, and the hand pockets are huge. The hood is not just for looks, it is fully adjustable (you can adjust it to fit your head). And the interior is soft and cozy enough that it feels great over a short-sleeve shirt. The sleeves are indeed on the long side, but tapered enough that this is not problematic. I agree with others that the Tahoe blue isn't as pictured (it is more of a brighter teal) so if you are not into vivid colors, you may wish to go with the Carbon.

This bottle really rocks. At 40 oz, it's bigger than a Nalgene, but the diameter is a little smaller so that it more easily fits into bottle pockets. It does not leak, even when filled with carbonated beverages. The mouth is big enough to fit ice cubes, but not so big that you find your beverage flowing down both sides of your neck. It's stainless steel, so I don't have to worry about bisphenol A or other toxins leaching into my water, coffee, carbonated beverage, etc. The color on the photo is accurate (i.e., the color is *not* powder blue). Other than the cool looks, I don't think that the powder-coated bottle has any advantages over the regular stainless finish. For those of you who really like to hydrate in the backcountry (you know who you are) this is a killer bottle.

OK, so I admit it. I'm lazy, and it's nice to have just one strap to fasten. These bindings securely fasten my feet to my board (as well as any two-strap binding have). Yes, they did take a while to get properly adjusted (using the video that others have linked to, or that you can access from the Ride website). My boots are Burton Ions, and they almost seem too big for these bindings (size 11 boot, size 11/13 bindings). Even with the straps maxed out, I still can't get the toe strap to come directly over the front of the boot (it still comes a little from the size). Even so, the strap keeps my toe very stable. My experience is that this works fine for an all-mountain binding, but other than the easy in/out, doesn't have any real advantages over more traditional bindings.

These are great all-around sandals. The footbed is very comfortable, and they provide good support. They seem to fit true-to-size. As compared with many sandals that have just two straps, these cradle your foot much like a shoe would, but they are (obviously) much cooler. There are no real pressure points. The lacing system allows you to have them loose for just kicking around, or to tighten them down so that there is very little slippage (e.g., if you are going hiking). Because of the leather, they are not designed as a water sandal, but they do work fine if you get them wet (even though they take a while to dry out). If I were going to be needing sandals for serious scrambling, I'd get one with toe protection, but for an everyday, very comfortable and wearable sandal, this one is sure hard to beat!

If you're going to buy a duffel, why not get the best? No, there are no wheels, but if you need wheels on your bag, then maybe you don't need a duffel of this quality. The bag is very durable, and the backpack straps can be very useful (but you can tighten them down when necessary if you don't need them). For being so bomb-proof, the bag is surprisingly light. I have a small (which works great as a carry-on), a medium (which I use the most), and a large. I can't imagine ever needing an XL, and with how these bags are built, I doubt I will ever need to replace them. This bag is a time-tested winner, and more than worth the price.

This bottle is mostly great. I often fill my 'water' bottles with other beverages (carbonated, or coffee--don't ask). With my Nalgenes, even a good washing couldn't remove the taste/smell, and carbonated beverages would leak out the top. That, and I do have health concerns about putting any beverage (especially hot ones) into a plastic container. The Klean Canteen doesn't retain smells/tastes and doesn't leak with carbonated beverages. It is 40 oz (larger than a Nalgene) yet its narrower-seeming diameter makes it easier to get in and out of bottle pockets. It's mouth is big enough that putting ice cubes in is no problem. The only problem is that (like it has for others), eventually the plastic part of the cap separated from the metal part. True story: I was wading in a river fishing, then walked downstream a ways. Looking out at the river, I saw the plastic part of my cap float by (it must have fallen off of my bottle when I was wading). Hopefully, future models will fix this problem.

I've had this for about 5 years, and never had a problem with it. It is really nice to be able to adjust the flame for different cooking/heating needs. Yes, it could be a little lighter, but there are other ways I can save weight other than going with a less reliable stove. It heats water fast, and folds down to be relatively compact. The only downside (besides the price, which is worth it) would be that it is indeed noisy when turned up all the way. But I just view the noise as obvious evidence what a good job it does in combusting the fuel. Following the instructions, lighting it is a snap. Needless to say, I really like this stove.

I bought this for my wife, and I own the men's version. It is definitely fitted, meaning that if you are planning on wearing anything more than a thin baselayer underneath (or are larger chested) I would consider sizing up. It is indeed quite water-resistant, and does fairly well in wind. It breathes really well, and with its softness (and fitted sizing) it works great as a layering piece. It's thin and light, and packs really small.

These keep my lower half toasty warm under a shell/ski pants. They fit true-to-size, and are supposed to be a little on the snug side (which is one reason they are so warm). They breathe really well. I suppose that they could probably be worn without a shell (for running, or trying to sleep in a 30 degree sleeping bag when it's 10 degrees out). The only way to improve them would be to give them a pocket, but not having one is not that big of a deal. If your lower half tends to get cold when skiing/boarding (or at other times) I would seriously consider these pants.

I've used one of these cases for a couple of years. Typically, I keep my (small) camera in it. It's gone in the river a couple of times (and gone through several heavy rainstorms) without serious leakage. Occasionally, a couple of drops of water get in, but this is usually when I don't do a good job wiping sand/dirt off of the seal before closing it. It is lined with rubber, but to keep my camera from bouncing around I've had to add some styrofoam or bubble wrap on the inside. If I knew that I was going to be suffering continuous dunking, I'm not sure how much I'd trust it, but for adequate protection from occasional waves or storms it seems to work just fine.

This is a sweet knife. While I'm not much one for flashy knives (or anything else) I think that the gold accents look really cool. The OutBurst opening mechanism works really well, in that it just takes a little thumb pressure to cause the knife to quickly lock into place. There is no lock to prevent accidental opening, but I have yet to have a problem with this. I have the Combo blade, and while the serrations are more than half the length of the blade, they are more gradual (and less saw-like) and cut very well. This is a very sturdy knife, and as a result of this is indeed on the heavy side. But besides the weight, I can find nothing not to like about it.

This is a very thin jacket; thinner than my other softshells. Really, it feels like one of my older windbreakers (before the softshell revolution); but, obviously, breathes much better. It does well in wind, and I recently stayed very dry during a rainstorm. There are Velcro tabs to adjust the cuffs. The gusseted underarms allow good range of motion. There is a waist drawstring (accessible from the pockets). The "numerous" pockets are actually two hand pockets and one smaller (cell phone-size) internal chest pocket. This is a great jacket for wind or occasional showers during aerobic activities, but isn't really designed to provide serious warmth.

These are my favorite shorts. They stand up to years of use and abuse, and the zippered cargo pockets are very useful. They have a mesh liner, and dry quickly (so I use them a lot when I'm in and out of the water). The web belt allows you to tighten your waist so you don't lose them in the waves (or pool). I wear these for pretty much any activity, although on long hikes/backpacking the liner stands a chance of chafing. They seem to fit true-to-size.

I have owned two pair of these for probably 5-7 years, and there's really not much to say that hasn't already been said. The footbed is very comfortable, and they do provide good arch support. The toe-loop seems a little funky, until you're crossing an incline and you realize just how much lateral support it provides. They do well in and out of the water, and are very sturdy. Hiking in them is not a problem, unless there's a lot of mud or rocks/scree. They are good for wading in rivers, although (like most sandals) they don't have great traction on submerged mossy rocks. My experience is that they fit true-to-size. If you are a die-hard sandal aficionado, you likely already have a pair of these. If you don't, I'd recommend that you give them a try. However, if you are going to be spending a lot of time in and out of water or scrambling over boulders (where traction is very important) I would definitely consider the Z/2 Pro's (that have a sole that provides better traction, but is a marking sole).

This is a really sweet shirt. It wicks and breathes very well (like the MH Wicked-T), but has a collar. Why would I want a collar? Well, it provides some sun protection for the back of my neck. It also looks a little dressier than a regular t-shirt (e.g., I wore it to play volleyball last week and had no hesitation keeping it on to go out to dinner afterward). Yes, like my other Mountain Hardware wicked tees it snags somewhat easily. But I have all be eliminated this problem by making sure that I don't wash/dry it with any of my clothing that has Velcro pockets (because washing with clothes with hook-and-loop fasteners has caused most of the runs in my shirts). The zipper is useful and unobtrusive. And the fit is nice, without being too 'fitted.'

This is nice for what it is. It can be put together in less than a minute (once you know how it goes together), and it packs into a bag smaller than that for most folding chairs. It seems well-made, and provides a good, fairly small work surface (with slats, so writing on it could be a problem). Yes, it's light, but it seems fairly stable when you have something on the table (I haven't had problems with it blowing over). The design of the legs doesn't really allow you to pull a chair up to it. If you need a small, portable table (for car camping, tailgating or kids' sporting events) this one is worth consideration.

When you read "pullover jacket" you may think that this would make an excellent outer-layer over a thick baselayer or midlayer. If this is what you are planning on doing I would size up. This jacket's fit is definitely on the small side. The description does not lie when it uses phrases like "streamlined" and "fitted." Really, this piece works best over a thin baselayer, especially when you are putting off heat (if you plan on wearing more than this underneath it, or are in-between sizes, I'd strongly consider getting the next size larger). It's thin, breathable, and very water-resistant, and also does pretty well in the wind. But if it really gets cold out, it's soft and comfortable enough to be a good layering piece. It is also lightweight and packs very small. Very nice.

I have this knife with the Zytel (plastic) handle. At first, I was put off by the plastic, but have come to realize that not only is it sturdy, it is very light for knife of this size. The description is accurate, in that a little pressure on the thumb stud causes the knife to quickly open and lock in place. But there is a safety switch to help prevent the knife from accidentally opening in your pocket and groining you. The sliding piston lock is easy to disengage (so I have an easier time closing this knife than I do my CRKT's that have AutoLawks). The light weight of this knife makes it easy to bring along a full-size knife on backpacking trips. This is a good, all-purpose knife.

Update: Yes, they run a little small, but once I got the right size I really like these boots. They were comfortable right out of the box (needing little break-in), and are easy to get on and off. It's nice to have upper and lower zones on the laces (and having two zones makes it easier and quicker to fully tighten them). They are warm, and the lower center of gravity and smaller footprint are nice. Yes, they are on the stiff side, but that works for me. Of course cost is an issue, but having comfortable feet is so very important.

This is a good jacket for what it is. It is not a true rain jacket, and in prolonged rain it will not keep you completely dry. But it works just fine for occasional/brief showers. It packs very small (in its bag, it is about 6" x 3" x 3") and is nice for throwing in your daypack (or car) in case you may encounter a stray shower or some wind. The fit is pretty much true-to-size, especially if you aren't heavily layered underneath it. It's nice to have a stuff sack, rather than having to deal with trying to stuff the jacket into one of its own pockets. All-in-all, this is a useful 'just in case' jacket, but if I knew that I was going to be encountering heavy rain, I'd opt for something more waterproof.

This is a serious knife. The titanium handle is comfortable and sturdy, and the holes in the handle can really help get a firm grip. It is easy to quickly open (using your index finger on the "Carson Flipper," which is much easier than using the thumb studs). The blade is very beefy, and just a bit under 4 inches. The AutoLawks certainly prevents accidental closure. This not a knife for people who just like to use their knives to clean under their nails. This is a monster of a knife made to be used and abused.

You know the drill. Sit or squat by a stream or lake, and pump, pump, pump until your Nalgene is full, your arm is too tired, or the filter clogs. Chug water, then repeat. Man, I really hate that. With this filter, that is not necessary! I fill it up, then my biggest problem has been remembering to turn it off when my bottle is full (not uncommonly, I look to see clear water spilling out of my full bottle). This is a great filter for a base camp. My fellow backpackers are always happy to see that I have this filter along; it saves a tremendous amount of time and effort. I really don't know why everyone isn't using a filter like this.

Most boots need a break-in period. These felt great right out of the box. Lacing to the toe allows you to have them as loose or as tight as you want them, although people with wider feet may find them a little snug around the toes. They breathe well, and seem just about waterproof. Arch support is adequate. I have worn these in snow and slush, and my feet stayed dry. I have also worn them on backpacking trips (with a heavy load) and found they are comfortable with good support. Overall, this is a fantastic boot.

OK. I was all set to give this 5 stars and a glowing review. I've had it for about a month, and have worn it (under a technical or soft shell, or by itself) boarding, hiking, fly-fishing, and at other times. Today, I wore it under a soft shell, and was warm enough despite snow and wind, but when the sun came out I didn't overheat. This product gives the warmth of wool, but no wool against your skin. The (mesh) lining is soft and breathes well and the polartech sleeves are comfortable and dry quickly. It fits me well, and the logo and letters are still in place. So what happened? After I took it off today, I noticed a hole in the back (the same place where other people have had the problems, where the wool meets the polartech). The design is revolutionary, the materials seem top-notch, and I love the fact that it's made in the US by a US company, but the stitching could use some work. Of course, Backcountry.com is a great company and they are very willing to give me a refund. But the thing is... I like this piece so much that I'm just going to exchange it and try my luck again. If the new one gets a hole, I'm just going to live with it (or fix it) because this piece has quickly become my indispensable midlayer.

There's not much to say that hasn't already been said. This jacket is a classic, and for good reason. It's quite water-resistant, does well in the wind, and is fairly warm. While it doesn't have interior pockets, the two chest pockets are large and very useful. It is on the fitted side, but this improves its warmth and makes it easier to use it as a layering piece.

These are billed as swim trunks, and they do work well for this (they are quick-drying and have a mesh liner). But if you're going to really be using them for swimming (rather than wading) the front pockets do billow out. But for rafting, wading, playing in the surf, etc. they work well (I have had two pair for several years). I also routinely use them for short hikes and just bumming around town (for longer hikes, as someone has noted, the mesh liner can cause some irritation). These shorts are well-made and have stood up well to hard use. While I really like these shorts, I probably prefer the Class V Cargo Trunk shorts because they have two zippered front pockets.

This is a very versatile sandal. With the strap loose, they are pretty much like a flip-flop (but, of course, with much better support and stability). But crank the strap down, and these will stay on your feet (in or out of the water). If you are used to flip-flops (and the feeling of the 'thong' between your big and second toes) these will feel very natural. On the other hand, if you know that you are going to be doing a lot of scrambling in these (or frequently going in and out of the water) I'd go with the Chaco Zong, because they stay on better and have better lateral stability.

These feel like more of a lightweight, barefoot hiking shoe than a sandal. The footbed is very comfortable, and they are easy to get on and off (even when wet, using the tongue and heel loops). On dry land, they have excellent traction and provide good support. I'm sure that they would be great for beach or boat use, but (as some have noted) they don't provide great traction on slippery rocks. I spend a lot of time in rivers, and while the toe-protection is wonderful, the traction on slippery river rocks is less than I hoped. Obviously, most sandals have problems on submerged, slick rocks. But I have found that if you are wading with these sandals then get out and scramble on dry rocks, the wet soles lose much of the traction they had when they were dry.

These are the sandals I use when I know that I'm going to hike for a mile or two, wade a river, then hike back. They are easily comfortable enough for everyday use, are decent for hiking, and do well enough in the water for most people's needs.

I know it can be tricky buying boots on-line, but I couldn't find these boots locally. I usually wear a 10.5, so I figured that I would be OK with an 11. Nope. With the 11's, my toes go to the tip of the boot (with thin socks) and I'm sure would eventually cramp up. With the Ion's, I guess that I'll need an 11.5. The boots otherwise seem great, but I obviously can't really review them. Just be aware that they definitely run small!

The product description describes this as a superlight shell, and it is indeed very thin and light. The hood is not detachable, and although there is a velcro tab to tuck it under, this really just keeps the hood from flopping around (and doesn't allow you to actually stow the entire hood). It is a true shell, in that it really just provides protection from the elements (which it seems to do very well) with layering being required for any warmth. But it is also somewhat of a tapered fit, so if you are really going to be layering you may wish to consider sizing up. The pit zips are nice, and velcro wrists tabs are easy to use. There is no shortage of pockets. Given the lack of a snow skirt, I use this jacket as more of an all-purpose snow/rain shell than as a skiing/boarding jacket (which is in line with the description of it being a mountaineering jacket).

There's little to say that hasn't already been said. Of my (too many) jackets, this is the one I wear the most. I tend to run warm, but I am comfortable wearing this with a t-shirt in 30-50F weather (the lining is soft and comfortable). If it's colder, then there is certainly room to layer up. Although there are no pit zips, it breathes well and the hand pockets function as core vents. It repels water without difficulty, and the inner sleeve fleece cuffs are a nice touch. For skiing or boarding I prefer a coat that is a little longer (with a snow skirt) but if you can ride without falling I'm sure it would work well for this too. It has stood up to 1 year of hard use, and is the jacket I wear most when I'm just kicking around town.

Sure, polarized shades are nice for driving (to cut the glare off of the road). But to use Kaenon Kore's for just driving would be like using your Porsche (assuming you have one, which I certainly don't) just for trips to the corner store. No, I really *need* good polarization when I'm sight-fishing for trout, on the snow, or driving on wet roads. Since polarization is so important for fly-fishing, I've gone through polarized shades from Oakley, Maui Jim, Smith, Bolle, Costa Del Mar, Action Optics, etc. And none of these work as well as my Kores (C12) in terms of clarity, comfort, and coverage (i.e., no light gets in around the lenses, and they don't block my field of vision). Yes, they give a little of a "bug-eye" look, but their performance can't be beat! I even like them so much that I picked up another pair with the Y35 lens, and these work great for low-light conditions (before sunrise or after sunset, or on very cloudy days).

If I had to come up with one complaint, it would be that the fit and coverage are so good that air flow is reduced, and these sunglasses can fog up if I'm involved in very aerobic activities. I also have a pair of Hard Kores that I often wear when I'm putting off heat. The Hard Kore is also an excellent pair of shades, but the lens is somewhat smaller (but not small). Which ever one you choose, Kaenon polarized sunglasses are some of the best shades you will ever find.

I have had a couple of pairs of these for the past several years. It's just really nice to be able to slip on sandals without worrying about a backstrap. But even though they are slip-on, I can still do anything I want in them (with the exception of hiking in mud, because you can slip out the back). Chacos provide excellent support, and the toe loop not only helps keep the sandal from falling off, but provides lateral stability. I even hiked Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica in these with no problems at all. I recommend them highly!!

No, it's not wind-proof, and the wind cuts right through it (especially if you are wearing a short-sleeve shirt underneath). But on non-windy days it can still be warm enough. Yes, it can make a decent layering piece, although the hood may (obviously) bunch up in back. But what I really wear this for is a casual jacket/sweater (when it's not windy). It looks great, is very comfortable, and gives me something to wear when I don't want to look all teched-out. I wouldn't pay $200 for it, but at $100 it has been a good addition to my collection of (too many) outerlayers.

OK. I admit it. I like sandals, and wear them year-round. And not just for bumming around town, but also for hiking, flyfishing, etc. This is a nice sandal. The Keen footbed is (for me) very comfortable. But, really, this shoe feels like a more stable flip-flop. They fit fairly loosely, but the extra straps do keep them from falling off (and provide some more stability). If I am going to be doing some serious scrambling, I'd prefer either a Chaco Z2 (which has better lateral stability) or a Keen Newport. And if I'm going to be frequently in and out of water, I'd prefer a sandal that fits a little tighter, and has a little better (wet) traction. But otherwise, the Maupin is comfortable, moderately stable, and has decent traction.

This is a really nice jacket. Although it would be nice to have an iPod pocket, the other pockets are roomy and well-placed. Keep in mind that this is a shell, so it's important to layer underneath it. However, as shells go, it is pretty thick, and though it's not lined, the inside lining of the shell does have a soft finish (so if you are wearing it with just a t-shirt underneath it is not as cold as many shells). With proper layering, this jacket will keep you as warm as you want to be. I rarely use a hood, so it's really nice that it zips off. The fit seems good (if anything, the arms are on the long side), and (referring to a previous review) I don't find the cuffs at all small. Is short, this wold be a tough shell to beat!

This is advertised as a fleece shirt, and it certainly could be used as just a shirt. However, it is pretty heavy, and awfully warm. I've been wearing it as a (fairly stylish) light to mid-weight jacket and been very happy with it. Obviously, it is not water-resistant, but I've taken to wearing it when I want something that looks a little nicer than a fleece jacket.