So, maybe someone other than Seth Morrison should review the Sethmo Softshell? LOL.

Nice jacket, replaces a Patagonia Ready Mix that I finally retired. The hood is big but I don't wear a helmet - fortiunately, it stows away nicely and is unobtrusive. Jacket is simple and clean, doesn't breathe as well as my last soft-shell but pretty close and it's more weather-proof. Nice piece, glad I took a chance on it.

Going on my third season with this ski and probably 80 days or so (80% bc, 20% area.) I like long tours and things like the Haute Route that involve variable snow and lots of wine. The Manaslu is awesome in pow, although most skis should handle consistent or powder snow. Where I have been surprised is in windjack and other variable snow like one finds in Colorado - they do quite well. Only 2 stars for mank and refrozen junk but these skis aren't meant to destroy the chop and I avoid that crap anyway. Construction is excellent for the weight. I ski these early season and have skied over pepper and cheese graters and shark fins and everything has held up nicely.

Cons - I had to warranty my first pair, the heelpieces in both shells fell out and the cuff rivets came off both pairs of boots. BC.com made a cheerful and quick replacement. Liners pack out quickly, so be prepared to swap them out every 60 days of skiing.

Pros - Lightweight, comfortable for my 12EE foot. Lots of reviews state this is not the boot for wide feet but I seem to be able to wear Garmonts only! Boot climbs well, easy to climb 4th class some rock, climbs easier ice, etc. On the Haute Rte I didn't pack shoes, just wore my Mega Rides in the bars of Zermatt and on the train back to Chamonix! They feel like slippers, not ski boots.

I use mine for all backcountry ski trips, as it is a great insurance layer. Not quite warm enough for winter belays but the perfect layer for snack breaks or when you need to stop for a few minutes. Plenty of rips in the shell after 2 years but the weight is right!

Used this as my overlayer for recent winter climbing in the Alps - great for belays, light, and surprisingly compressible. I overheated quickly while moving in this parka in temperatures over about 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

These are extremely warm - plenty of insulation at the fingertips mean warm digits. It also means a loss of dexterity and the insulation at the tips tends to catch in carabiner gates when fumbling for ice screws, etc. Wouldn't choose them for sports requiring dexterity but great for holding ski poles, etc.