I just received this pack in the mail and have spent the last many minutes figuring it out! Keep in mind that I will most likely use this pack for 80% lift-accessed skiing and %20 side/slack/backcountry use. If I was planning on any more BC use, I would definitely return it for it's main drawback: the ski-carry system. (and also because it's pretty small for a bc-use only pack)

The pack comes with a tag saying it will accommodate skis with up to 135mm tails, yet as peckmann1731028 describes below, this is NOT TRUE. The loop on the pack actually measures 115mm long, but that's assuming your skis would be paper flat. I honestly can't imagine how anyone's skis (that you'd buy for BC skiing within the past 4 years) would fit through these loops.

But that's okay, because it's still a bomber pack. Seriously durable zippers, fabric and buckles, and looks pretty waterproof too. The shovel pocket fits my life-link shovel perfectly. Ice axe carry system is nifty. It's pretty low-profile, good for lift-riding. And it fits me perfect- I'm 5'6" (maybe taller) and 135lbs. But if you are any smaller than me it probably won't fit. Ladies with smaller shoulders might have trouble too.

I love the pack, that's obvious. So I found a way to carry my skis vertically (instead of a-frame). This design might only work for gals with 100mm and wider skis. Take the smaller of the two extra straps and attach it to the bottom ice-axe buckles. Take the longer strap and buckle it into the top ski-carry straps. Even with a fully loaded pack + shovel, I was able to cinch these two straps tight enough for a stable load. It's not as sleek looking as their a-frame method, but it does the job. Might use an additional tele-ski strap if there ends up being too much sway, but I'm pretty sure it will work.

First off-- these shoes rock!!! My feet tend to swell during longer runs, and these shoes will stretch to keep you comfy all the way to the end. They have great traction on rocks and other technical parts of a trail. I use the green superfeet insoles and my feet are kept happy :) The mesh is great for the summer, feet don't get too hot & will dry quickly if I splash through a stream. I haven't tried the GTX version... I use these even in the winter & my feet stay plenty warm. Love the quick-lace system, easy to cinch up or remove a pebble mid-run. Look around at your next trail race: there's a reason half the runners are wearing these!
They aren't good on wet or snowy surfaces, so keep that in mind. Also, I usually wear a size 9 or 9.5, and the 8.5 fits perfectly.

Incredibly lightweight, quick-drying and covers everything. It's not gore-tex, so if you're in a downpour you will notice some wetness eventually. But for an inexpensive rain shell, this one is hard to beat. Perfect for damp climates or rainy hikes. I'm 5'7" 140lbs and the small fits me well. The sleeves are a bit short, but it hasn't been a problem. I can layer a shirt and fleece underneath easily too. My only complaint is lack of breathability-- if I'm doing anything mildly aerobic (biking, walking quickly across campus) I arrive at my destination sweatier that expected... My jacket doesn't have underarm vents, maybe that's a new feature of this year's model, I think mine is from 2 years ago. Overall a great purchase.

I love this skirt. I wear this skirt biking around town, on short hikes, and even to a nice dinner. The fabric is super soft and repels liquid really well. However, the "soft" finish does make it collect lint or dirt a bit (if you're sitting on the ground). The only complaint I have is that the shorts underneath will give me a wedgie if I'm walking around a lot!

This layering shirt is -By Far- the warmest base layer I have owned. It gets smelly quick, but maybe thats just because I'm not used to a base layer that keeps me this warm! This shirt + a light fleece + my skiing shell jacket will keep me toasty down to 15 degrees (while skiing, that is). I got the "south beach" color and it is definitely bright blue, but I dont mind at all. The fit is kind of baggy, so if you like a tighter fit consider ordering a size down.