wiscopaul502288

This is a tough daypack with useful ski-specific features (I think it carries long skis better than a long snowboard, but the quick straps and buckles are very handy in general). While I'd rather not carry a pack on chairlifts, I do like it for hiking Highlands Bowl, and I've taken it on a few backcountry day hikes (skin up, ski down, lap or two) in Colorado. I also used the pack for an avalanche safety course, and all the items the instructors told us to carry (including shovel, probe, down puffy, "extra clothes," lunch, 2L water, rope, first aid kit, etc.) fit inside easily enough. Most of my classmates, even the shorter guys and the women, had bigger packs (and a number had Avalung's, including the instructor). I really wouldn't need more room unless I was also going to camp or cook or whatever. I'm 6'4", 170 lbs., and the pack (the M/L) is at least a little short for me, strictly speaking (the belt rides high unless I wear the whole thing a bit low). I just don't find that the pack, even when it's loaded, is heavy enough for this to be a real issue. If I wore a longer/taller pack, I do suppose I'd get a snugger, more supportive fit, which would be important on a multi-day tour, with more gear (or just more food and water). I don't like the way the Avalung hose passes on top of my shoulder because it's kind of hard, and pokes me, and it makes the strap on that side inflexible so it doesn't fit as comfortably as the other strap. It's not a major issue, but I think it would be with a heavier load, or on a longer hike.

In footwear, I've gotten away from Gore-tex and stiff soles. Even backpacking, I found myself choosing running shoes over hiking boots, but I wanted to have something with ankle support, for approaches, and for peaks. I ordered these boots with high hopes. The build quality is better than I've seen in other light, breathable shoes (i.e., Merrill Ventilators, which are also nice, and cheaper), and I usually need a pretty narrow fit (my feet are B or C width, and these are noticeably narrower than most, particularly in the forefoot). I got the 45.5's and had to exchange for 46's, even though I was happy with other Sportiva shoes I had in size 45.5. In this shoe, the 46's fit fine, but they're not roomy. The sole is pretty flexible. Grip is fine (but they can't hold a ledge like a climbing shoe). The lacing down to the toe makes this shoe very adjustable and so it's possible to keep my foot from moving around inside the shoe, which I find to be a problem with many boots. After very little break-in (an approach or two), I took these up and down the shifting talas ridges of Mt. Sopris, including the west summit. I was surprised to finish the long day without blisters. These boots are expensive, but they fit unusually well (if your foot isn't too wide for them). They're fairly breathable, but not breezy (no mesh). Generally, they're very nice technical hikers. I do think I'll use gravel/scree gaiters with them next time I hike a peak. I had to stop to remove pebbles a number of times.

These gloves are simple enough, but I think they outperform more expensive gloves for a number of purposes. Among gloves that are warm enough for cold-weather ski touring and resort days, they offer a lot of dexterity. I use them with liners when it's cold. I don't think they're waterproof (but the snow is really dry in CO, so it hasn't been an issue). They're slim enough to fit in my Nordic ski pole straps, and I can strap into a snowboard easily without taking them off.

These gloves have long fingers and lots of insulation. They're warm, and sort of tough and armored (don't fear ski edges, for example). I do find I have to take them off to do much of anything, but I wear them with liner gloves, so that's alright. Shorter gloves (like these) are easier to take off and put on than gauntlets, I think.

These t-shirts are great for almost everything. I don't wear them in hot weather, but when it's under, say 70F, I'm in Icebreaker stuff almost daily. This shirt fits pretty slim, but not tight (I'm 6'4", 170 lbs. and wear a large). I use this shirt for mountain biking, hikes, I use it as a base-layer under other wool or fleece stuff, and sometimes I wear it over a long-sleeved base layer. When I tore the shoulder on a juniper mountain biking, I had my tailor stitch it up -well worth it (even though I didn't pay $75 -!!!- for this t-shirt). I'm always watching for a sale. Meanwhile, the Icebreaker stuff I have gotten on sale is holding up to many machine washings (but no tumble drying, of course).

They're tight, and I mean that in a good way, but don't plan on wearing thick socks inside these. They're narrow through the instep. I have a narrow heel and I appreciate the almost stretchy, sock-like fit of this shoe. My feet do not move around inside them. They felt great with no break-in, and I like the spike-like rubber lugs for traction on loose dirt and rocks. I would think this would be a good trail racer (I don't race). I don't run in these on pavement. The cushioning is pretty minimal, which I prefer for trail shoes. These replaced a pair of Salomon XA Pro's (which are also very nice, but more expensive), and the Sportiva's are every bit as good for running, though I found myself wearing the Salomon's much more often for a hike or just around town on weekends (like, off the bike, or camping).

The jacket seems well-designed and fits well enough (6'4", 170 lbs., got the large, and my only complaint re. fit is that I can't keep the cuffs over my short gloves; will need to wear it with gauntlets next time). It's pretty slim and does look a little funny with heavy layers underneath. The color known as "Deep" is what I'd call "teal." It's not as blue as it looks in the Backcountry.com pic. The shell material is light and soft -not stiff. I bought it for Tele and snowboard, and when I'm bundled up, it's a little snug and minimal. It doesn't fit like a typical downhill ski parka. I found I liked it better for cold xc touring (rather than for resort days), when I can get by with fewer layers underneath (pic -probably -7F at over 9000'). Sitting on a chairlift at Snowmass, I could feel some wind through it, it seemed, and it was a fairly mild day (low 20's?). I would say it's very breathable, and plenty water-resistant for most purposes. In my personal opinion, it (like most Stoic gear) looks a bit too techy to stand in for street-wear.