Like a lot of PacLite stuff, Salomon has attempted to keep the design of this jacket simple to keep things light. The close fit is an advantage for aerobic activities, and the only thing holding the jacket back is lack of more ventilation.

This shoe is a lightweight and responsive model featuring many of the better characteristics of Salomon shoes. The forefoot is a little wider than the XA Pro 2, and the overall feel is a lot more like a pure running shoe. I am in the process of wearing out my second pair, and I anticipate I'll come back for more in the future.

Nice lightweight fabric that wears pretty tough and dries easily.

The neck of these shirts is sewn really tightly and the sticking does not have any give to it. I don't have an exceptionally large head, although it may be larger than some. Nonetheless, it is really tough getting this shirt off and on. Otherwise the material is quick drying, and comfortable, although it isn't as good at wicking as other types.

Unlike the first generation of the XA Pro, these are far more run-able. I thought that the first go-around felt a little clunky, and I preferred the Flagstaff to the XA Pro. The re-design of the midsole and chassis gives the forefoot the flexibility for fast running without making the shoes too flimsy. I don't know if I'd recommend adjusting the size you typically order. My standard sizing works fine.

I thought it was important to submit a review that reflected how well these shoes function for their intended purpose. The XA Series fill a strange role, but they do it pretty well. The forefoot is a little loose, but that should be expected if they are to be as light as they are. Figuring out the lace tension can be a bit tricky: too tight and they really bear down on the forefoot, too loose and the shoe feels sloppy. The shoes definitely feel light and fast, but bottom line comes to how much downhill running you will be doing. If the race course includes long or especially steep downhill sections, I would recommend going with a different shoe.

These shirts are terrific for muggy summer days on trail. The wicking properties are not the best, but the material dries impressively fast. The shirt is comfortable under a pack, and does not have tags in akward places like some others I have used.