I love these shoes for hiking, but i would not say they're a true approach shoe. the karakoram is a bit to rigid and stiff for me to be climbing in. also if you're hiking through any sticker bushes, you will have pokey stickers catching the shoe's liner (and stabbing your ankle). they are a very comfortable, durable hiking shoe. the rigidity of the shoe puts a little spring in your step. you can't help but love to see other people look at them either.

this is the first keen shoe that has fit my foot. the footbed seems to be close to classic keen, but they aren't ten inches wide. they fit snug and well enough for a full day of whatever you like.

So if you didn't know, this is not just a beanie. It's also a headband, balaclava, and neck scarf. The headband buttons at four points around the beanie. together, this is a very warm wool beanie that keeps your ears toasty. You can take off the headband if it's too warm and it still looks stylish. the balaclava is more comfortable to wear than i though it would be. the wool is so soft and it doesn't itch in the least. My friends are jealous and ask to borrow my nels beanie all the time. I love it so much I bought two!

I like these pants. They do run large, however, getting the sizing right isn't a make or break for me. the pants are comfortable. the pants are durable. i like the gusseted crotch. there are enough pockets for me and the pants are easy to move around in. the shorts are just as good.

The pockets on these pants are set up very well. They're also thin enough to roll up for a little climbing.(there's even buttons and straps in each leg so you can keep them rolled.) I'm 6'3" and bought the long pair but if you're shorter than that, I would recommend the regulars. Also if you'd rather have a little waist room, you should order a size up. The durability and functionality of these pants is off the charts. I've worn these pants for a lot of yard work and on a few acents and hikes. My paramounts have yet to catch a snag. If there was a super hero league of pants, the north face paramount utilities would always be around to save the day.