In terms of quality, Mountainsmith definitely delivers. This lumbar pack is well made with quality zippers and materials. The waist strap and lumbar area is covered with wicking material to help keep you cool, and the waist straps can tuck in so they aren't in the way if you're using the included shoulder strap. The pack is lightweight and has two internal dividers that can be rearranged.

That being said, this pack was designed to hold "small to large DSLR." I don't see how you can get a large DSLR (i.e. Canon 50D or Nikon D300)inside this thing unless you don't use a lens. If you have a smaller DSLR (i.e. Canon Ti or Nikon D90), it would still be an extremely snug fit if you use a really small prime lens. Don't bother with a flash (unless its tiny). This pack would be better suited for a megazoom or even a small camcorder.

Strangely, my main pet peeve is that the side mesh pockets aren't large enough to hold a small water bottle. Most camera backpacks will have mesh pockets for water, and it doesn't make sense to me that a lumbar pack would lack this feature. In fact, the buckle for the shoulder strap actually sits inside the mesh pock, further making them useless IMO.

I really like Mountainsmith products, but for the money there are better functioning camera bags out there.

My husband and I each have one, and we love its spaciousness and versatility. When we travel, we like the convenience of a waist pack - you can access it w/o taking it off. The lumbar straps are very supportive, even with my short torso, and the mesh keeps you from getting to sweaty. It's extremely roomy and well made. The front pocket has credit card slots, space for your cell phone and Ipod, and two larger pockets. I tried using this as my "wallet" at a recent Walt Disney World trip, and didn't work well because there is no way to secure your cash or change, so I'm not sure why there are credit card slots. The inner pocket had plenty of room for our camera in its massive case, a light jacket, a hat, and a bunch of other random things. There is alot another pocket between the rear padding and the bag for things like maps. We used it mainly as a shoulder bag, and it was very comfortable to carry.

I know some folks think backpacks are supposed to be more comfortable, but in some respect, waist packs are better for heavier loads because you want the weight on your hips, not your shoulders. This bag is very good for that. If you want something smaller than a backpack but with alot of functionality, I highly recommend this pack.

I am 5'2" and weigh 160lbs and purchased this in size 12. It is very roomy. I purchased it a size larger so that I could wear suits underneath. With my short height, the length of the jacket comes just past my knees. There are small side zippers that give you the freedom to walk and sit while having the front of the jacket zipped up. It also has a 2 way zipper. Both the hood and the fur are detachable, so you can wear it without the fur, or without the hood. The sleeves are slightly long, but that doesn't bother me. There is no way to cinch the sleeves.

There is one small stretchy pocket and a zippered pocked on the inside of the coat. It is pretty lightweight. Like all down jackets, small feathers are working their way out, but that's to be expected. There are small magnets for the exterior pockets and the front flap to keep it shut, which I definitely prefer to velcro which tends to snag my sweaters and knitted gloves.

Overall it is a fabulous jacket and well worth the money.

I purchased this jacket in the white/brown combo, and it is gorgeous! The white is very chic, and the brown plaid liner adds a bit of interesting pattern. The overall styling is oversized while still being fitted. I am 5'2" and 160lbs, and ordered the large, and it fits great - loose without being bulky. The arm length runs a little long. My old TNF snowboard jacket was a medium, and it fit great on top but was tight on the bottom, but this larger jacket has room for bulky sweaters underneath without making me look huge. The brown color matches my Bittersweet Brown Freedom pants perfectly. It's a very modern color combo.

Here are my gripes:

Even though the arms are a little long, they are ok. I'm having a difficult time with one of the cuffs...I'm tightening it so the sleeves don't go past my hands, but the cuff is rubbing on my wrist, so it's very annoying. It's too bad that TNF makes pants in short, but doesn't make petite jackets.

The inner liner does seem a little loud to wear by itself, but I paired it with a white scarf and brown pants, and that toned it down alot. It doesn't zip into the liner, it only snaps in the back and the sleeves. I would prefer if the liner zipped in so it won't bunch up underneath the jacket. Also, the liner is a taffeta, not a fleece like most other TNF liners. Seems warm, but it may not be warm enough.

The pit zips are really hard to zip and unzip. Also, the liner doesn't have pit zips, so if you have the liner on, the pit zips on the jacket would have minimal benefit. My old jacket had zips on both the shell and the liner.

You can use a different liner, but keep in mind that it won't zip into this jacket.

I will probably keep this jacket because its so gorgeous, unless that cuff drives me insane, in which case I will send this jacket back.

Like the previous poster, I am 5'2" and 150 lbs. These pants fit me perfectly. They are fitted at the waist but do not pinch when you bend down or sit. They have a very tailored look, and the waist is adjustable very easily. The quality of construction is top notch.

The short length fits me; the regular length was too long. Typically when I buy pants that have articulated knees, the knees actually fall in the middle of my shin, so my knees are still very restricted when I bend them. With the shorter length, the knees actually fall to where my knees are, so when I bend them there is no restriction at all.

Even though these are considered a shell, they would be perfectly warm enough on a mildly cold day. They definitely aren't as warm as the insulated version, but they are not a strict shell (i.e. like your shell rain jacket would be). The side vents are easy to access if you become too warm while on the mt. on those bright sunny days.

I highly recommend these pants. They are extremely comfortable and fit great.