Jason abdilla

These boots have endured nearly all forms of abuse I can put them through: snow, clay, gravel, water, mud etc.

They did take a while to break in, though, which for some is an issue. Here is a link to a review that encapsulates it well.

http://www.ucdadvocate.com/blogs/vasque-wasatch-gtx-backpacking-boot-1.1723688

Here's a more thorough review on the problem with the lens' inner anti-fog:

http://www.ucdadvocate.com/blogs/oakley-a-frame-goggles-1.1723681

In general, it won't hold if touched when wet. Other than that, the peripheral vision on the gogs is what makes this such a versatile tool.

It was really difficult to rate this jacket. The jacket from the perspective of one who only looks at gear as utility first and looks second, this jacket is a phenomenal 5 star asset for any high country endeavor. It kept me toasty on some single digit days in Denver and warm and dry in a snowcave.

However, when I first pulled it from the bag I thought someone had sent me a used jacket. Small and large black spots speckled the material. It looked like mold or dirt had been embedded into the fabric. I called backcountry and they overnighted another one to me. The new one looked the same. After really close examination I realized that the down beneath the tangerine material is a mix of white and black feathers. The black shows through prominently, appearing like grease smudges. Its worse when you wear it. Sending it back and getting another jacket altogether.

That being said, fabulous design, light, compact and altogether worth the money. Nonetheless, I will be wearing this as a normal winter jacket as well as out hiking so I am looking for something that doesn't make me look like a slob.