kristin Carpenter-Ogden

(Full disclosure - My agency, Verde PR & Consulting, does the PR for both Backcountry.com and Outdoor Research). I bought this as a layering piece as it is made with a nice weight waffle-like fleece that is much warmer than the weight would indicate. It has a great drape and the size large is long enough (sleeves especially). I've worn this as a layering piece ice climbing and skiing, and on cold-weather runs, and it's a great daily driver, a great basic. I think that the fit could be a bit more fem, but as a utility piece, that is not so much an issue.

This sweater is really fabulous - I bought a large (5'11" and usually wear a women's medium in prAna, but sized up on this and I'm glad I did). Length is spot on (torso and sleeves) and the detail work/finish work is so cute! Can be worn for casual and work - I wear this with skinny jeans and boots, just as easily as with yoga pants on the weekends. Love this sweater! I bought the grey, but the white and red are both cute too (friends of mine have them).

(Full disclosure: Outdoor Research and Pertex are clients of my PR agency, Verde PR). The Helium Jacket is a light and fast wonder that offers strong rain protection. This jacket comes with me on most of our outings (in the pack or in the SYNCRO) for the unplanned deluges that can peg the San Juan Mountains. It's a little overbuilt for mountain biking but can work, and is perfect for hiking or peak bagging during warmer-weather months. The medium fits well (I am 5'11" and usually wear a men's medium, but the sleeve length on this is good). Styling is super clean - you only get what you need in this piece...

Is an acronym that we use at my company, which stands for "For the Love of God" to add an element of impact to a statement. This is a very cute silhouette, super warm fleece and the collar/neckline treatment is as cute as it looks. This is an awesome piece - I wear it around town because it's my "nice fleece" but I am sure it would be excellent for a day (in area) on skis. The neckline almost acts like a scarf, in terms of adding a warmth in a layering system. I am tall (5'11") and wear a medium in this. Sleeve length is great, as is length of torso... Overall, great execution!

I've tried to beat the tar out of this top, and it keeps on ticking... I bought the pink one, size large. At first I thought the large might be too big but I have ended up liking the length more than I thought I would. It has retained its shape very well through two months of abuse. It's flattering yet loose-fitting (kind of an A-line/Asian cut). I highly recommend this top! Fabric is very comfy too.

(Disclaimer: My PR agency, Verde PR & Consulting, represents SCARPA)
I want to share my experience with these shoes, as they are so high quality and versatile, a combination that's tough to nail. The craftsmanship of these shoes is highly evident and the sole/rand combination do combine to make this shoe a true approach shoe. These shoes also carry just the perfect amount of stiffness as well, for scrambling or even climbing very low-angle stuff. They have enough structure and support built in to carry a pack too. I have to wear custom insoles, and I was happy to realize that I could swap those into these shoes and still have a great fit and not have the addition of the insoles negatively affect the performance of these shoes. I've worn them for long hikes of 14ers and they work exceptionally well, and I've also worn them to set up top ropes. I also have to note that they are truly versatile even with all of this performance (I would not wear them trail running, but for hiking, they are fine). I don't have a particularly narrow or wide foot, and they fit very well.

I've been wearing my women's Ferrosi Capri's for long enough now to report in. They are great under a harness, stretchy enough for hikes, bouldering and climbing and have a clean, nice fit. I go between size 4 and 6, depending on manufacturer (prAna I am a 4, Patagonia, I'm a 6). I am a 4 in OR women's bottoms. I have been super impressed with these - they are built to perform!

These are very flattering but also can hang with the big dogs in terms of versatility. These pants move easily from a bouldering sesh to a town ride, to going to the office. They have washed and worn well too. They have just the right amount of stretch and hold their shape.

I bought this and have found it to be super comfortable but the fit flares a lot - it's more like an A-line fit. The fabric on the top is super supportive yet stretchy. With the right shorts it looks good but it definitely flares more than the photo shows.

I wear this skort literally 4 times a week. It's perfect for warm-weather bike commuting and actually (the black version) works for meetings if worn with a more dressy top. I think that the a-line fit of this is great, the fabric drapes well and it's holding up very nicely through a LOT of abuse. I would buy it in tan but it's not available ...

This is my version of a Pucci dress - I love love love prAna's prints, they have always been awesome. But this print is really great! I usually wear a medium in their dresses, but I am a small in this one. This is a great work dress (in my line of work anyway) and I can also dress it up. I look for opps to wear it! And it's really comfy.

Yes, I admit. I have owned no less than thousands (it seems) of PrAna's Cargo Capris over the past decade. I bought this as my 2011 version. It's not the "Cargo Capri" per se, but it captures the same deal (similar silhouette, cool pocket treatment). They are true to size and go with everything. I was secretly hoping that they would have been as cute as my new PrAna Cargo Skirt, but they are not, which is why they don't get five stars. They get four because they are already proving to be a workhorse for me. I've even put them in the drier and they've emerged in tact. I will wear these into the ground this year, I'm sure.

This is a great top, and I love the fabric, as usual (prAna does a great job with fabrics, always!). I bought a size large, being a tall glass of water, and it's skin tight. I swear that's not because I drink a sixer a day.... It's likely a performance design, and I do like it, I just need to put on my confident demeanor when I wear it...

I fell in love with this awesome and interesting sweater when I first saw it. I bought a neutral one and wear it all the time, already. I am tall, as most of you know, and I usually don't buy Toad because it's always too short. This jacket (size large) is perfect length in both the sleeves and torso length. Love the design, super versatile!

I bought these a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE them! I have owned three pair of Uggs and I like the bottom package of the Emus much better (don't slip as much, beefier and better insulated). More important to me, however, is the sheep skin lining. It's pure love and luxury. I am wearing them at home as my slippers. I HIGHLY recommend these!

I knew if I ordered this that it wouldn't snow in Durango.... DRAT! I got to wear them anyway a few times due to arctic cold temps (sorry, I hail from LA). They are super cute and warm, but do take a bit of getting used to (heavy and clunky) but hey, they are giant Sorels!
The fur is a great touch... (Faux of course). I will write more when i get to wear these in Silverton and at the Ouray Ice Fest, which will be a truer test.

The reason I brought The Great One (Jordan) into this discussion? Because of "Air Jordan." This is gossamer light, almost like a nylon (but NOT tight fitting like that). It's a temperature regulating piece too. I bought it on a Friday and wore it straight through Sunday night. It's that comfortable. (Disclaimer - Verde, my PR agency, does the PR for Ibex).

This is by far the softest, most high quality merino cardigan I've ever had the joy of wearing. I got the black version, and it's just warm and delightful. There really is nothing like this sweater. I am a large in Ibex (5'11"), length is good. (DISCLAIMER: Verde, my PR agency, just signed on to do PR for Ibex).

I wasn't sure if I would be able to pull this off, as the print is kind of wild for me, but it's actually been the best aspect of this top. I am tall (5'11") and bought the large in green. It goes with just about everything and is super comfortable. prAna is one of my favorite companies and they always design pieces that meld a high dose of fashion with functionality. This is a cotton top but I've still worn it for outdoor stuff (hikes and bouldering, primarily). I also wear it to work and for travel. It's a great piece!

This hoody is the PERFECT fall piece, and I am sure once we get into winter, it will be great for layering as well. It's worked for me on cooler fall hikes and boulder sessions and the hood has come in handy during our rainy fall in Durango. I like the thumb loops and that the sleeves are not designed to be super long because there are thumb loops. I am 5'11" and the large fits me perfectly (not too snug fitting, which I prefer) and the length of sleeves and torso are great).I've also washed this multiple times and it's holding up well. The darts on the front are flattering as well. Disclaimer: OR is a client of my company, Verde PR.

So the harvest moon was last night (9-23-10). I used this as a light in the shady parts (yes, the moon was that awesome) of Phil's World, a great ride outside of Cortez, and it was awesome! That is not necessarily what it was made to do, but it performed beautifully! Four of the girls on the ride used Princeton Tec headlamps, and they worked great. Full disclosure - My company, Verde PR, does the PR for Princeton Tec. That's how we had the product to seed to them for review... It's a super bright light and stayed in place (wore it on my helmet).

She'd wear this number.... A beautifully-designed silhouette that's uber-feminine but can still be worn to pull down at the local crag... I like that it's a bit longer cut. I am 5'11" and the medium fit great. It did not shrink either.

I am a fan of Carve Designs, it's true. I ordered this with a bit of hesitation, as I was not sure if I might be too old for it (I am NOT going to disclose my age, but let's just say that if I am not careful, I can look like a mutton trying to be a lamb chop). This silhouette is the most versatile and flattering by Carve yet! It's also comfortable... The perfect length too. I have it in black but will likely buy other colors, and as usual, Carve sizing is super consistent (I am 5'11" and wear a medium).

Mountain brands are notorious for overbuilding trail running shoes, which is why it has been tough to make a switch from a road-running brand (more cushion yet closer to the ground) to a bonafide authentic mountain sport brand, like Scarpa. This is my second pair of Scarpa trail running shoes and after two more months in them, I feel that they offer the perfect mix of support, cushion and protection from travails of the trails. Nice job! Also, I've used them for trail running, approach and some long hikes. Traction is excellent and they are holding up well to boot (ha ha). (NOTE: My company, Verde PR handles PR for Scarpa North America, but I am an avid trail and road runner and wanted to offer kudos where they are deserved.)

These flips have a bit of a hush-puppy look to them. I have the light brown version, and they are super comfortable and go with everything! I've also worn them for just about everything (minus watersports) and they are holding up very well. (Note: Ocean Minded is a Verde PR client).

Patagonia has never disappointed me, even those purple fleece tights I bought back in college were deluxe. This top has become a staple in my wardrobe for working out and wearing to work - super versatile and travels well! Thank you to Patagonia for being so on top of it!

I just bought this top and Lole did a fantastic job with the design. It's super flattering, comfortable and washes and wears well. I am 5'11" an bought the large for length. Great work Lole!!!

I bought this about six weeks ago and I am almost ashamed at how much I wear it. It is the perfect work out piece that you can wear afterward until you're able to gussy up formally. A really good fit and good attention to detail make it stand apart from other skorts. I also like that it has a tiny bit longer of a length than most other skorts on the market. This has become my summer go-to...

DISCLAIMER - My PR company handles Julbo.
But, I have wear tested these for five years. They are my go-to shades for trail running and riding. They look a tad bit Euro, but they block wind and ventilate like no other glasses I've worn. They also fit a wide variety of face shapes, as my husband and I share them. Worth the price for sure!

Full Disclosure - My PR agency represents Scarpa..

I have been running in this shoe for about a year and it's great for my trails locally (high desert) - it's not too hot (well ventilated), has good support and has withstood some great abuse. I like a lot of cushion, usually more than this shoe, but I have not had any foot bruising problems with this, despite the fact that it is less cushioned than what I would normally run in. Overall, a work horse!

prAna's fabrication has def. improved. This dress drapes beautifully and washes and wears well. It doesn't stick to things like their older fabrications did. The cheetah print is really not too overt, even though I usually don't wear animal prints. It's super comfy and perfect for warm weather months....

This dress design is super flattering - great for hanging out but also appropriate for a casual work enviro. Fabric is super comfy, doesn't wrinkly, would be great for travel. Sizing is solid too. I don't think i could live without this dress, seriously.

This fits true, wears like a dream and looks great dressed up or down. The neckline is a bit low (yikes) but it stays put. ...

I pretty much love all things prAna, and these knickers are no exception. The one downfall is that they do have a tendency to bag out, but after a wash and dry they are their original shape. These are super versatile - work for town or boudlering.

This bag is a work horse and cute. I've had two now, and they last and are super versatile (can carry a lot, take a beating and still look good). I also like that the company is sustainable-minded and independent. I think it shows in the design and multi-use capabilities.

I love this so much I bought it in two colors. You can dress them up or down, and they are amazing when you have to be on your feet all day. I've always found Dansko to be on the spendy side, but the investment in these shoes has really paid off.

I love this dress but can't quite figure out the season for it, because it was too hot in summer and not warm enough (likely the sleeve issue) for winter. It looks great, doesn't wrinkle and travels like a champ, i just can't ever seem to settle on it.
Let me know if i'm missing something

I've worn this now for about five months, and it still looks new and washes and wears well. You don't find too many shirts that can take you through several seasons and not look worn down. Horny Toad can run short, but this shirt did not. I am 5'11" and bought the large, sleeves and torso were just fine

I bought this jacket a couple of years ago and it STILL rocks. It washed well and it still looks pretty new! I wear the heck out of it. I just wanted to provide this because buying this jacket is an investment, and it has paid off. Sizing was also right on. Not always what I find from ArcTeryx.

Light, close to the ski, easy to use. I was on Fritch. then on Marker Barons - I like these the best! I have them on Rossi S7's. I have used in area and AT.

Beefy, yes, and that is a really strong point for these bindings! Especially regarding the change out basically not being an issue. Great for quick change while hiking? Not as much. I wonder if there is an issue with super cold/icy conditions causing even more of a lengthy change over from hike to ski mode in the backcountry. Anyone know?

Beefy, yes, and that is a really strong point for these bindings! Especially regarding the change out basically not being an issue. Great for quick change while hiking? Not as much. I wonder if there is an issue with super cold/icy conditions causing even more of a lengthy change over from hike to ski mode in the backcountry. Anyone know?

I find that this jacket is my go-to for days that are not snowy for hiking and skiing, it's a perfect heavy layer to wear for the descent. On crappy weather days, it still fits under my shell w/o the bulk. It's just barely the right size (large) for a taller woman (I'm 5'11''), but has better arm length it seems than other ArcTeryx tops that way. It's also a great town jacket.

This is a well-designed lightweight compact shovel. The T Grip handle is comfortable.

I am tall (5'11) and bought the large. It was barely a fit out of the box, and after hand washing in cold, it shrunk. Now the sleeves and torso are too short. Fabric is pretty good in terms of weight, but it's not as good next to skin as other wool pieces I've tried (Icebreaker, Smartwool). I think that it was meant to be stretchy performance wool but I don't find that it's as stretchy as some wool pieces I've tried that are not touted as 4-way stretch.

I have been a fan of the FlickLock technology for a long time. These ski poles bring that into a light design with a well-designed strap system. I am 5'11" and bought the 125cm, and it's just barely tall enough for me, but it works. My husband is one inch taller than me and these poles are too short for him.

I bought this and have not taken it off really, except to wash it. It's a perfect weight and good looking enough to wear to work (in my work world anyway). Super versatile, graet quality and finish work!

I am trying desperately to get better at skiing, and to be honest, I might have bought a ski that is a bit too fat for my ability level. My friends how are incredible skiers are foaming at the mouth at these skis and all of their fat glory. I had to buy new skins for them, and I'm using Marker Barons on them.
All of that aside, however, I have to report that these skis are super fun and make off-piste skiing so much better for me than what I was on before (an old Rossi Tele ski that is skinny compared with this one). I think I might need two pair of skis now, this one for powder days and another pair that are a bit skinner for groomer in area days. Icelantic is a great company (not a client either).

These bindings have enabled me to be much closer to the ski, which is helping me with power transfer and carving. Some have told me that they are heavier than the set up I used to have (Fritch AT), but that doesn't matter to me. I also feel they are beefier and I have not ever popped out of them. Overall I really like them but have only had one other set up to compare them with.

I bought this in a size large, (I am 5'11 and usually have to wear a men's medium to get the sleeve and torso length needed - ie ArcTeryx women's large is too short in both areas), and it fits great! I've worn it as a daily jacket and as a layering piece for skiing, and it's a really great piece! The fabric is really cool too, fleece with a hard face, warm yet breathable.