I am not normally a Columbia fan, but this jacket is top notch. The face fabric is quality and will likely stand up to the abuse of my 9 year old. Is has all the great features you find on a higher end adult jacket like taped seams and waterproof zippers. Not mention the zip out soft shell. Where can you find a 20k/10k kid's jacket for such a sweet price? I was lucky to pick this up at a greatly reduced price, but compared to other offerings on the market, this is a lot of bang for the buck. Say good-bye to over-priced, under-performing kid's wear.

I just mounted the binding and heel shims on K2 Schi Devils. Could not be easier! The heel shim anti ice-plate screws went in beautifully. The binding anti-ice plate screw and nylock nut were another matter. These are not the same size and I had quite a mess getting this out. BC has not heard of this yet this year. Has anyone else encountered this? I am not sure why a locking nut is used in a part (anti-ice plate) that must be removed to access or replace ALL other parts of the binding.

I suggest removing the binding from the shim to expose the nut. Make sure the machine screw and nut are compatible. Otherwise looks like a solid binding for the wife.

Quality short with solid material, good cut and length. I am a 33 to 34 inch waist and found the 34 inch a wee bit snug. I picked up a pair of Patagonia Rock-Guide Shorts instead. Marmot is producing some great gear these days!

If you are a parent with a pair yourself then let that be your guide. I have had my Caribous since my sophomore year in high school (1988) and they are still going strong. These boot are far better than he majority of trendy winter kid boots on the market today. In previous years we have had several mid-season repairs, not the case with these. These are a great deal, especially on sale. 100% waterproof and 100% warm!

I absolutely love this jacket! A super light-weight soft-shell that buffs minor winds and moisture. It is extremely breathable and well suited for highly aerobic adventures. It doubles as a sweet midlayer in moderate temps. The athletic cut is perfect and provides great ROM for all outdoor activities. It is well built and the quality surpasses many brands on the market today, which is why I chose it after many samplings. I logged a few single digit runs and several tours this winter and the jacket worked great. A few resort days in the 20 - 40 range as an outer layer as well. Only caution is that it is a poor performer in heavy rain and will saturate rather quickly. After a full winter and shoulder seasons the only wear is minor pilling and is purely cosmetic at this point.

I have been a fan of Sole for a few years. I have tried the Thin Sport, Response and Ultras in a variety of shoes from Montrail to Inov-8 and they work great for training and endurance races. Most recently, I picked up a pair of Garmont Voodoo Tele boots at a great price and a half size large, especially after packing out. The addition of the EV has made a perfect fitting boot that is far more comfortable than my "true-size."

A balance of 91 mm underfoot and asymmetrical side-cut provides good flotation for the deeper days; busts through crud and crust with ease; and rolls edge to edge with a moderate amount of input. This is a moderately stiff ski that will accommodate an inspired beginner/intermediate and allow room for progression. I mounted mine with 22Designs Hammerheads and steer them with Garmont Voodoos. I could not be happier!

Simply stated, these boots are amazing! After 8 years of "suffering" in Hawaii, I have returned to telemark and what a way to return. The Voodoos were comfortable out of the box and are even better after baking. I wear size 10.5 to 11 and opted for the Mondo 28.5, which is clearly on the looser end. I could have easily worn a 27.5, but issues in the past steered me toward the right side of the scale. I went sockless when cooking to allow for greater foam expansion and hopefully a better fit after packing out. I have now added the Sole EV insole and have a perfect fit! The Voodoos feel solid and transfer power smoothly and reliably. Paired with 22Designs Hammerheads, I have found my dream setup and a rig that I can grow with.

My oldest absolutely loves this jacket and so do we! It is durable, lightweight, compressible and warm when wet. On the coldest days a base-layer, fleece, the Compressor and a shell keep my 8 year old playing for hours without complaints of cold. He wears it hiking, skiing, sledding, to school and inside the quinzhee.

These are a reasonably tough pair of pants, especially for the price. At 5 feet 11, 180 pounds and 33 to 34 inches at the waist I opted for the large. These pants have a jean style shape and I thought the overall volume was good and roomy, but found the inseam a bit too long. To me these are too light weight for climbing and mountaineering use. After using Gore-Tex Pro Shell I don't really care for the feel of the Performance Shell and Marmot's choice of face fabric is lacking. In reality these will work for many and are likely a good value for the money. Just not my style and thus returned.

This is a well-built workhorse with modern style. I love these pants and at 5 feet 11 inches with a 33 to 34 inch waist I sized up to a large. The mediums fit like my jeans at the waist and did not leave much in the way of room for layers for me. The cut in the legs is a little boxier after sizing up, but no issues. Being used to full zippered mountaineering pants, I was a little skeptical with the partial zips, but the side venting keeps temps in line. These are super comfortable pants and in today's high priced boutiquey gear market these are an amazing value at $265.

A lightweight and lofty jacket that packs into a small stuff sack with my sleeping bag. The down sweater is part of my fast-packing sleep kit and adds alot of warmth to cold nights. The shell is surprisingly durable despite its thin feel. I am 5'11" and weigh in at 175#. I can wear a medium for a more fitted feel, but opted for the large to more easily accommodate layers. It has a boxier cut than many down goods on the market and is slightly oversized. This has not been an issue for me in terms of comfort and under-layering. A pricey, but quality product from a company with a sound ethos!

Great lightweight short. I am 5'11" and ~ 50% leg and these hit me at the knee. Classic gusseted crotch so they allow free movement. They shed some water and dry quickly. This is a killer all around short.

Previous versions of this shirt are some of the longest lasting t-shirts I have owned. With regular use and washing the color and silk-screening have held up well. Amazing! The fit (L) is perfect for my 5'11" -175# frame. A slim fitting shirt, but not too tight and best of all it does not have the lame, wide, low, loose neck found on many of today's Ts.

I have had my UPDs for two-years and they are hands-down the best sunglasses I have owned. They are Rx-able and if done by an authorized optician are guaranteed quality! They are light, durable, comfortable and ventilate reasonably well in steamy environs. The optics are superb. They are big enough to cover and protect, but are not oversized for a slightly more classic and somewhat edgy look.

A flexible and supportive shoe with ample cushioning. They are light, comfortable and breathe well. The forefoot is just thin enough to feel the trail and may let an occasional stinger through. For me they fit true to size. I typically wear Inov-8 Terroc 330s and made the transition without any issues. Overall they have a similar ride, but this is a slightly beefier shoe. They have a soft upper that is less supportive than the Inov-8s and has decreased torsional rigidity. The lacing system works fine and is highly adjustable allowing a semi-customizable fit. It has little benefit over traditional lacing in my book, but it works. The out sole has performed well on wet rocky northeast trails.

A flexible and supportive shoe with ample cushioning. They are light, comfortable and breathe well. The forefoot is just thin enough to feel the trail and may let an occasional stinger through. For me they fit true to size. I typically wear Inov-8 Terroc 330s and made the transition without any issues. Overall they have a similar ride, but this is a slightly beefier shoe. The lacing system works fine and is highly adjustable allowing a semi-customizable fit. It has little benefit over traditional lacing in my book, but it works. The out sole has performed well on wet rocky northeast trails.

While I love whole oats I am allergic. Mojo Bars thankfully have none! This is is tough find in the world of bars. Mojo Bars are tasty and go down easily with a swig of universal solvent.

A great lightweight alternative. This is also the most funk-resistant bladder I have used! It is more durable than it seems at first and I have gotten extended mileage out of all that I have owned. The biggest issue for me is that I have to remove the bladder to refill it.

This spoon is great for retrieving bits of molten plastic spoon from your tent mate's dinner.

These pants are tops! I am 5'11" - weigh in at 175 pounds and have a 33" waist. The size medium fits well with all articulations in place and room for layering. They perfectly balance lightness of weight and durability and pack down to nothing. I bought these pants (after returning the MH Typhoon) for a fastpacking trip across the island of Hawai'i and they have since become a permanent piece in my UL-Kit. They are classically Arc'teryx in quality and price. Worth the cost as these are pants I trust!

Excellent construction pairing lightness of weight and durability. I am 5' 11" and weigh in at 170 to 175 pound with a 32 to 33" waist. I found the size medium on the smaller size and was swimming in the large. A great pant just not made for me.

Stellar second layer that is highly breathable and warm under a hard shell. Warm when very wet! Great for on-the-go and comfortable under a pack. Coming from Hawai'i I have used the R2 on all the major volcanoes in sub-freezing temps, high winds, and driving rain paired with a lightweight (Golite) shell. I purchased the R2 for the athletic cut and the high warmth to weight ratio. Construction is tops. I am 5 11 175# and went with the large.

Great for short trips and to fill the spaces between on extended forays. On long days I prefer Hammer Perpetuem and add a GU here and there to keep my energy up if I get behind on calories. GU goes down easy and burns hot. I have had zero stomach issues as long as I drink plenty of water with each packet and stay relative hydrated overall.

Perfectly paired with the Snow Peak Lite Max. Great size, light and durable. I bought this for a recent 160 mile/3day fastpacking traverse across the island of Hawai'i. Highly recommend!

Coming from the PNW I have been a MSR loyalist for 20+ years. Not anymore! I bought this little beauty for an unsupported fastpack across the island of Hawai'i (The Big Island Traverse). It is tiny and light as can be. It was basically stable and with careful pot/mug placement I had no spillage issues. Burns hot and I saw no noticeable changes in performance just under 14,000. It is well built, sturdy and should last for years to come. A perfect UL stove.

A great super light no frills bivy that packs down to nothing and is pretty roomy. I breathes better than other ultra light sacks I have used, but expect some sog in the morning in all but the coldest climes. Great construction and ready for a beating.

I bought these for multi-season use and prefer the simplicity of a two-piece pole. There are lighter poles out there, but the strength to weight ratio for these pole is super. They are strong enough and stiff enough to trust every placement and flex when you need it. I have logged several hundred tough lava field miles on the Big Island and O'ahu and the only damage to date is cosmetic. The grips are comfortable even in the hot months, but will require your hands to endure a little site specific break-in time. I take the straps off in the summer and replace for gloved use. These are right in line with what I expect from BD.

Tough, stretchy and dry quickly. Be aware that they do not have a liner so the boys will be having their own adventure. Lube is paramount for long-distance gigs. They have a loose fit are very comfortable. Recently used them on a fastpack traverse of the island of Hawaii. They performed well without any issues!

I have used the Adrenaline Light Micro for several years and was skeptical when the PhDs came onto the market. I bought a pair a few weeks back, tried them and returned to the store to buy two more pairs. They are everything I have come to expect from SmartWool and have surpassed the adrenaline line in comfort and mainly there ability to stay put. You can expect trails debris in your socks, but not a huge issue in my book and easily remedied with gaiters or a little attitude.

An extremely comfortable and functional pack. The multiplanar, pivoting hip-belt and the travel in the shoulder straps makes for a sweet carry. If you grow tired of the sway and desire a more traditional, static carry you can simply cinch the straps. The frame is highly malleable, easily customizable and transfers loads well. The profile and overall feel of the pack resemble an alpine style bag with a bit of mileage friendly tweaking. This is a stellar week-long fastpacking rig. My only concern thus far is that the satin finish on some of the textiles (webbing and hipbelt) is prone to snagging and general wear-and-tear, but only a cosmetic issue. Overall, truly intelligent design and my go-to bag!

Quality materials, workmanship and more durable than expected. If you are used to a typical harness/framesheet then this pack may take a little getting used to. As indicated it may take practice packing to get the load distributed right. Overall a great pack for just about any activity.

I have purchased Montrail products since the OneSport days. Sadly, this is a great example of a company that is struggling to find its identity in a competetive, if not saturated market. Each year I am hopeful that the new Montrail (Columbia) will find its place. They are a good company and put out for their athletes and the sports they sponsor. The hope was that an infusion of capital from a corporate giant would reignite the relavence of a wandering crew.

I purchased the MM for a 50+ miler that involved some dirt road and trails. They are a comfortable shoe to wear, but I was disappointed with their performance. I liked the thin, flexible forefoot and found it had ample cushioning, letting the occasional stinger through. Granted, others will have a different experience based on their biomechanics, I found the shoe to encourage heel-strike vs midfoot running. For me the fore and aft just don't match well. The MM also showed early signs of wear and tear. The plastic-y tread is pretty lame. Does okay in substantial mud, but is an underperformer on roots, rocks, and wood etc.

It is the best shoe they have put out in a while, so I am hopeful for next season. Perhaps they should embrace their beefy, mountain style heritage and put out some fattys with gnarly tread. Inov-8 has changed the market and left others trying to tap in on the light weight, nimble shoe. The reality is that not everybody wants it. For example, the original HR was a badass shoe, with a devout following, and has been reduced to a confused, non-commital pile of polymeric crap.

I am 5 feet 11 inches tall and weigh in at 175 pounds. I am a supinator and like a shoe sans motion control. I perfer a light wt and nimble shoe, but do like to mix it up with some protection and comfort in the late stages of a 100 miler.

This is my all-time favorite long-sleeve shirt. With the 2008 version, I sized down to a medium as I found the "slim" fit generous (5'11"-175#). This is a great looking shirt that is comfortable, wears well and is easily dressed up or down!

The perfect shirt for heat and humidity. Very light weight with an open weave, that is likely part of the durability issue. My oldest version in on its 4th year and has been dedicated to beach and camping use exclusively. Probably best to try one on first for sizing. As we all know, Patagonia changes the fit of much of their clothing annually. I own 2 larges and 2 mediums and they fit about the same. All-in-all a favorite shirt for life in the islands.

The perfect shirt for heat and humidity. Very light weight with an open weave, that is likely part of the durability issue. My oldest version in on its 4th year and has been dedicated to beach and camping use exclusively. Probably best to try one on first for sizing. As we all know, Patagonia changes the fit of much of their clothing annually. I own 2 larges and 2 mediums and they fit about the same. All-in-all a favorite shirt for life in the islands.

I have used this lamp for a few years now and love the brightness. The highest setting really lights up the trail. This is a pretty comfortable light for its size. It can be bouncy for running thus leading to motion sickness for some. Without question this light is a battery eater. On the max setting expect no more than 2 hours. I always run with a hand held as well and save the brightest settings for technical downhills. Overall a great headlamp, but for running I would check out the BD and Petzl offerings.

These are a great change of pace. Lets face it any fuel source can taste like battery acid after a 20+ hour effort. And, whilst I love to power up with gels it is nice to mix it up. Just be sure to consume with generous amounts of water. 3 blocks is roughly the equivalent of a gel packet and depending on your current fluid status needs to be consumed with about 8 oz of water. We are shooting for a 6-7% concentration. Less can delay gastric emptying and more can cause cramping, gas, dehydration and osmotic diarrhea! This is most important for running and other high output sports.

My first experience with Mountain House products was on a week long backpacking trip to the Grewingk Glacier, across Kachemak Bay from Homer, Alaska. We caught a water taxi, got dropped on the beach and started a great adventure that involved a black bear, a distant brown bear, a small forest worth of deadfall, treacherous and unwarranted river crossings, a heavy tram with a 1:1 "mechanical advantage" and enough postholing to satisfy anyone.

Needless to say we were extremely hungry at the end of each day. My wife was four months pregnant, which left her eating for two amd me carrying a little extra gear and burning a few extra kcals. My brother-in-law was in his early 20s, which is like eating for eating for two.

We carefully planned our trip, filled our "pantry" and mistakenly assumed that 2 servings was, well, 2 servings. As in: Serves 2. By day 2 we recognized our gross underestimation and by day 4 we were running low on provisions, namely hot entrees. On day 5 we rationed our supplies and settled for a bit hungry. Our saving grace was a hypoglycemic, overland journey to the beach to gather mussels to supplement. They never tasted so good!

The point: While tasty, these will barely satify ONE hungry person, noting that 640kcal if only a fraction of what is burned for most. Since, we always plan our provisioning based on total calories and have had no issues since! Give this one a try!

My first experience with Mountain House products was on a week long backpacking trip to the Grewingk Glacier, across Kachemak Bay from Homer, Alaska. We caught a water taxi, got dropped on the beach and started a great adventure that involved a black bear, a distant brown bear, a small forest worth of deadfall, treacherous and unwarranted river crossings, a heavy tram with a 1:1 "mechanical advantage" and enough postholing to satisfy anyone.

Needless to say we were extremely hungry at the end of each day. My wife was four months pregnant, which left her eating for two amd me carrying a little extra gear and burning a few extra kcals. My brother-in-law was in his early 20s, which is like eating for eating for two.

We carefully planned our trip, filled our "pantry" and mistakenly assumed that 2 servings was, well, 2 servings. As in: Serves 2. By day 2 we recognized our gross underestimation and by day 4 we were running low on provisions, namely hot entrees. On day 5 we rationed our supplies and settled for a bit hungry. Our saving grace was a hypoglycemic, overland journey to the beach to gather mussels to supplement. They never tasted so good!

The point: While tasty, these will barely satify ONE hungry person, noting that 800kcal if only a fraction of what is burned for most. Since, we always plan our provisioning based on total calories and have had no issues since!

Excells in the heat and humidity. Super lightweight, wicking and breathable. Most of my day-to-day runs are in the rainforest that is my backyard. If I am linking networks of trails, I may need a bit more water and will use a bladder to supplement my bottles. Otherwise this vest is perfect for gels, lytes, a ziplock of fuel, and a torch for an underestimated distance or overestimated pace. Many of the HURT crew are wearing this vest on training and adventure runs throughout the islands and elsewhere.

I used and have loved the old neoprene Fastdraw for years. Due to a very poor replacement (plastic handles) I decided to try the Plus. I love them. The kicker was a great upgrade and is easy on the teeth. It has also made for some great fodder for trail smack with many allusions of a return to the nipple. The holders are as comfortable as the old Fastdraw with the added bonus of a little storage. I typically replace them annually as the holders tend to stretch and eventually become loose. Another great product from a trusted name!

My first experience with Mountain House products was on a week long backpacking trip to the Grewingk Glacier, across Kachemak Bay from Homer, Alaska. We caught a water taxi, got dropped on the beach and started a great adventure that involved a black bear, a distant brown bear, a small forest worth of deadfall, treacherous and unwarranted river crossings, a heavy tram with a 1:1 "mechanical advantage" and enough postholing to satisfy anyone.

Needless to say we were extremely hungry at the end of each day. My wife was four months pregnant, which left her eating for two amd me carrying a little extra gear and burning a few extra kcals. My brother-in-law was in his early 20s, which is like eating for eating for two.

We carefully planned our trip, filled our "pantry" and mistakenly assumed that 2 servings was, well, 2 servings. As in: Serves 2. By day 2 we recognized our gross underestimation and by day 4 we were running low on provisions, namely hot entrees. On day 5 we rationed our supplies and settled for a bit hungry. Our saving grace was a hypoglycemic, overland journey to the beach to gather mussels to supplement. They never tasted so good!

The point: While tasty, these will barely satify ONE hungry person, noting that 600kcal if only a fraction of what is burned for most. Since, we always plan our provisioning based on total calories and have had no issues since!

This shirt is tops! The only baselayer that ever came close was the Golite LW C-Thru from a few years back. Cap-1 is much more durable and less prone to snagging the forest as it flys by. I live on O'ahu and run the rainforest, which means all out wet, windy and cool (chronic hypothermia kine weather)or hot, still and humid (Think Kona winds). Most days are some of each. This shirt allows me to continue without having to carry surplusage. The updated fit is a great improvement and will keep your purchase from becoming an 70s-80s half-shirt after a few washings. Yes, even plastic fibers can shrink. Probably best to hang dry. Despite the latest technologies and claims this shirt will eventually begin to smell abit like the dog blanket. Still yet, it is my staple shirt!

I have a pretty tough stomach when it comes to sports drink and have tried almost everything on the market. I love GUs for short distances and Perpetuem for longer runs and ultras. While I don't find the taste awful, it has upset my stomach EVERY time I have tried it. Xylitol (a sugar alcohol) with a well established history of causing GI upset and GAS is an interesting choice in sweeteners. Alas, it all comes down to what works well for YOU! Give a couple sample size packs a try, you may love or hate it. Whatevahs!

I used this in a pinch on a trail run on the Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast) and a couple other times around the big debut. The flavor is light at first, but really not very good. It does contain fructose, which is a well known offender causing stomach upset. To clarify, fructose is a natural sugar (like sucrose/maltose/galactose/lactose etc) and is found in fruits. I think what Matt is getting at is that it is a refined/processed simple sugar that is cheap and burns fast. Small doses are okay, as in GU, but I would stay faaaaaaar away from the high fructose corn syrups in many drinks!

Not a bad overall ride for an "overbuilt" trail runner. I bought a pair of these last season and while they feel secure on foot I did not find them so durable. I managed to catch a root on my home trail on the HURT Trail 100 course and completely ripped off the top of the toe box. Okay, so it happens. My biggest beef, the Montrail of old would have replaced these in a heartbeat. Columbia; however, basically told me I was SOL. Alas, the last pair of Montrails I owned.

The is one of the longest lasting t-shirts I have ever owned. The cotton/poly blend means it has kept its size and shape over the last 2+ years of regular wash and wear! This shirt has been washed between 50 and 75 times and has barely faded. Even better the silkscreening has just now started to show wear. Amazing! The fit (L) is perfect for my 5'11" and 170# to 175# frame. A slim fitting shirt, but not too tight and it doesn't have the SUPAH-LAME, wide, low, loose neck found on many of today's Ts.