h missy berkel

after running in the La Sportive Fireblades for a couple of years, I was "talked into" switching to the Hokas by several ultra-runner friends. These shoes are like running on a cloud. Your foot settles down into the midsole nicely after a couple of weeks of running, and my legs feel less fatigue. Honestly, after running the Wasatch 100, my legs were not tired (ok, I did do a little bit of training all summer, but still... )

If I had only one complaint, it would be that the outsole/tread wears out faster than the shoe itself. You can expect to easily get 400 miles out of each pair, making up for the price difference compared with other shoes.

As a Wasatch Speedgoat Mountain Racing Team member, I highly recommend these kicks!

I got this jacket as part of my kit for the Wasatch Speed Goats Mountain Racing Team and I really like it. I got the clear one (that appears white in the above photo) so our logo from the shirt shows through the jacket when worn together. It is very packable, as mentioned by others, down to nearly nothing. It is very wind resistant; but offers very little warmth. I have not tested it in rain for water repellency, but with DWR finish, it should do fine in light showers. The only judgment I have is that it runs a little tight across the shoulders, so reach is impeded if you are doing activities (like biking or climbing) other than running. Overall, a great jacket.

these bindings are classic G3, awesomesauce tele bindings. the "tour" mode is great, and takes the cable tension off, so that you can pivot from the front of the toe with ease.

the heel-lift, however, should be redesigned. while on steep inclines, if a small amount of snow gets under the lift while pivoting from the toe, the next time you put your heel down, the block collapses *nearly-every-time*. the collapsing of the heel lift is enough to make you want to get a pair of Dynafits. seriously. G3, please redesign the heel-lift on this great binding.

This is a great pack if you are going to run 20+ mile self-supported routes. It rides quiet on your back without having to have a waist-belt. Side pockets are large enough to hold extra water bottles. Back pocket is large enough to hold an extra jacket-layer, and there's still plenty of room for snacks. The only complaint I have is that the breathable mesh used for the back panel sometimes chafes my skin if it's in direct contact with my skin. It's lighter weight than most other packs in the same category though, and because it rides without bouncing around (and no need for the waist belt), I prefer it to other comparable packs by competitors (Osprey and Camelbak).

Amazingly comfortable wool socks, great for trail running. They are comparable to SmartWool, but in my opinion much more durable. Seamless design and no hot spots or chafing. They keep their shape even when wet. No shrinking with usual washer/dryer care. I'm a member of the Wasatch Speed Goats Mountain Racing Team and these socks are goat-approved!

I got this down sweater as a gift for Christmas, and I have worn it everyday since. It's light enough that you won't overheat, yet warm enough to take off the chill. The hood is fantastic. I wear it skiing, running (I'm a Wasatch Speed Goat Mountain Racing Team member), sitting on the couch, heck, I've even worn it to sleep in. This is a great, durable piece from Patagonia, and once you get it, you will wish you had bought two (so that you can wear one while the other is in the wash).

I received these poles as a Christmas present a couple of years ago. Honestly? I ski better with these poles. Adjust them to the desired length easily with the flick-lock feature, and let 'er rip. I ski better with these poles. Period. Get some.

after running in the La Sportive Fireblades for a couple of years, I was "talked into" switching to the Hokas by several ultra-runner friends. These shoes are like running on a cloud. Your foot settles down into the midsole nicely after a couple of weeks of running, and my legs feel less fatigue. Honestly, after running the Wasatch 100, my legs were not tired (ok, I did do a little bit of training all summer, but still... )

If I had only one complaint, it would be that the outsole/tread wears out faster than the shoe itself. You can expect to easily get 400 miles out of each pair, making up for the price difference compared with other shoes.

As a Wasatch Speedgoat Mountain Racing Team member, I highly recommend these kicks!

The Fireblade is an amazingly comfortable trail shoe. Hugs the foot, fits well from the first time you put them on. Sock-type tongue system keeps out rocks and grit. Downsides: very low-profile tread and not a lot of cushion. They are lightweight and fast, but watch out--I thought they wore out pretty fast too.

Better tread than the Fireblade, more cushion. Unfortunately, the upper is a little stiffer, and there is no sock-like tongue system to keep out rocks and grit. Good shoe though, and a bit beefier than the Fireblade. If you want something that fits similar, but with a bit more "umpf" the Imogene is your shoe.

True to size: yes. Pay attention to the "euro" sizing: women's size eight is a euro 40 (typically and 8 would be a 39.5). Plenty of room in the toebox. Moderately grippy sole. Comfortable! I wore these shoes to a 12 hour shift at the hospital; also wore them on an 11 hour day in the mountains with 5.5 climbing, scrambling, and trail running. All-around good shoe.

Too bad dilema22 didn't have a trimming tool included, but the one i had broke. I know a lot of people who have not liked the stuff sack, but it seems okay to me. The skins are bomber, for sure, but a stronger trimming tool would be helpful. The old ones were a lot better, so if you have your old tool, you'll probably need it.

at first i thought these bindings were popping me forward too much (i'm used to the G3 targa's); but after a couple of runs i got used to them. great sense of power and they transition very smoothly between turns. have not had any problems with releasing from the plate, nor with backing out from the toe piece as some folks do with other (ahem) bindings from other companies. sense of security of having a releasable binding attached to my feet is a definite plus.