I have a handful of Icebreaker tops and love them all so I decided to pick up a pair of bottoms as well. I find the Icebreaker generally runs a bit small, even when I size up they are fairly skin tight. Unfortunately, I thought I'd try my recommended size with these guys and they ended up tighter than I would prefer. On the plus side, the merino wool is very soft and has exceptional breathability. Bottom line: If you don't have skinny twig legs, or don't want your baselayer to fit like spandex, think about sizing up!

I have 2 of these shirts and absolutely love them! They are very thin and soft, yet regulate temperature and moisture very well. They have a slim fit, yet run a bit long (which is perfect for me). Depending on how you want them to fit, consider sizing up. At 6'2, 190 lbs, I usually wear size large, but the large tops fit like spandex. I ended buying XL's which are still form fit and tight, but at least have a little breathing room (good if you are intending to wear the shirt on its own).

This is turning into one of my favorite long-sleeved shirts. I wear it around town all the time, but because it is merino, it is great at regulating temperature and moisture without retaining odors. This shirt is not as form fitting as my Icebreaker Oasis shirts but still has the extra length, which I love. I still ended up sizing up one size - I'm 6'2, 190 lbs and a size XL fits perfectly.

I really love the fit, softness, and quality of the shirt but I don't wear it much due to the awkward turtle neck. It seems too long to zip all the way up, looks odd if you roll it half way down, and if you leave it unzipped, it does not have the rigidity to stand up on its own but also doesn't lie like it should if you fold it down. I love the shirt, but I wish I could get more use out of the thing. It's also my only shirt with thumb holes which is a plus.

I own many styles of smartwool socks, but I have to say these are my favorite. I generally prefer the low cut socks in the first place, but in the past I couldn't wear them with my hiking shoes as they would either fall down or the back of the shoe would rub on my Achilles. The little pad on the back of these socks keeps them up and prevents the rubbing. Plus, with the perfect distribution of stretch and support, you can't find a better sock. If you like short socks, I highly recommend these!

These sandals are fashionable and the orientation of the straps results in a very secure fit. I prefer the Z/1 over the Z/2 as the lack of a toe loop allows one to wear them with a pair of cozy socks after crawling out of the tent on a cool morning. The footbed has ergonomic curves which will keep your feet happy and also keep your foot from sliding around. The back of the sole has a ridge on both sides which keeps your heel in place, but feels strange if you are used to relatively flat-soled sandals. While fit and style makes these sandals great for wearing on less technical ventures, I cannot recommend them for longer treks, especially if you are an ounce counter like myself. A size 12 sandal weighs 16.4 oz - that's 32.8 oz per pair! You can actually find light hiking shoes that weigh less than this. Bottom line: If you are in to fashion and looking for a cool pair of outdoorsy sandals, Chacos offer supreme fit and durability. However, if you are a weight-conscious hiker, you can find a much lighter sandal and may want to look around a bit more.

The Wicked Tech shirt is one of the best wicking and most breathable shirts in my closet. The fit is fairly baggy and loose, so if you are often between sizes, I'd recommend getting the smaller size. The fabric is soft and has a nice ability to stretch. While the shirt owes its amazing breathability and wicking ability to its construction, it has a tendency to catch on things easily resulting in small snags hanging off. Because of this, I would not recommend it for any activity in which the shirt will make contact with rough surfaces such as rock climbing. However, if you don't mind snags hanging off your shirt or are inclined to be extra careful when wearing it, this is a great shirt for the price.

After being a loyal fan of both Reef and Teva Mush flip flops, I found a pair of Chaco Flip on sale and decided to give them a shot. Overall, I've concluded that while the Chaco Flip is not as comfortable as the Reefs and Tevas, they are much more durable.

I'll start with the soles. In the past I've easily worn through at least one pair of Tevas/Reefs each summer. The Chacos, on the other hand, sport Vibram soles and are very durable. They seem as though they will last for many years. Unfortunately, this durability comes at the expense of comfort and weight. In contrast to the the soft, squishy, light (3.4 oz) foam sandals I have worn in the past, the Chaco soles have a rough, hard, heavy (10.4 oz) design. At 3 times the weight of my old sandals, I am still adjusting to them. In addition to the durability of the soles, they have a better ergonomic fit and become grippier when wet which is a plus if you plan on wearing them in wet conditions. I've found that foam sandals get very slick when wet and provide little or no support. The strap is not as soft as the strap on Reefs and Tevas, but it is well made and fits well. I found no need to size up or down. Lastly, the sandals are more expensive than the foam variety, but this is warranted as they are likely to last much longer. All in all, these are very stylish and well-made sandals. If you are used to heavier shoes you will have no problem with them and will love the legendary Chaco durability and quality. However, if you like the squishy, soft feeling of lightweight foam flip flops (ala Teva Mush), I would suggest trying them on before pulling out your credit card.

I've had my Marmot Oracle for a few years now, and it has kept me dry more times than I can count. I wear it while commuting by bike in heavy rain (on trips no more than 10 minutes long) and during short rainfalls while canoing and backpacking. I love how light and packable it is - I can throw it in my backpack or messenger bag when it isn't needed and completely forget about it. I wish it could stuff into one of its own pockets, but I've ended up using a separate stuff sack and have had no problems. I will finally be upgrading from the Oracle due to an unpleasant experience I had last summer. While backpacking in the Smokies, the heavens opened up and we faced a complete downpour during an 8-mile exit hike. This is the only time the Oracle failed to keep me dry, but was by far the longest I had tested it in heavy rain. I think for my next jacket I will look for something with a Gore-Tex membrane to keep me dry. If you are on a somewhat restricted budget and aren't planning on being in rainstorms for hours on end, this jacket will treat you well. However, if you are like me, and prefer a bit more protection, I'd recommend spending a little more dough and hopping on the Gore-Tex bandwagon.

I use this bag every day when commuting on my bike. My absolute favorite thing about it is something I have seen in no other messenger bags - the strap has a quick release cinch allowing you to hike the bag way up on your back while riding, and let it back down to your waist when you arrive so you don't look like a wannabe hipster. The ballistic nylon is ultra-durable. I don't think it will EVER wear out. Additionally, the bag has a completely waterproof lining allowing you to wear it in absolute downpours while keeping the contents dry (which I have on many occasions) as long as the cover flap is situated appropriately. I like the organizer pockets on the inside and the brightly colored key ring is a bonus. The only thing that gets a little annoying is that the Velcro fastener that fastens the top closed is a bit excessive. Don't expect to discretely open your bag if you sneak into lecture late... RRRIIIIIIIP!! However, it's no longer a problem for me - there's nothing a little duct tape can't fix.

I really like the looks of this beanie, although the "reversible" side is just a plain color and I doubt I will ever wear it facing out. Like most woven hats, the Thermal Reversible Beanie is not windproof. However, due to its moderate thickness, it is still adequately warm for most temps. BEWARE, this thing fits small. I am a male with a medium sized head and even after stretching it as much as I can, it barely covers my ears. Best to try one on in person if you are unsure or you may find you have just purchased a hip new prAna Yarmulke.

You won't be disappointed with The North Face Nuptse vest. It is warm, versatile, and it conveniently stuffs into its own pocket, making it very packable. I took it on my last high-altitude backpacking trip and while I was not wearing the vest, it made the most luxurious backcountry pillow I have ever used! One thing I dislike is that the inside of the neck doesn't have a soft lining. The oil from my skin has slowly turned the material darker here, which looks a little funny. I believe I've seen models in stores this winter that do have the lining, so maybe it's something they are putting on new models. However, I don't think anyone but me will notice. The other downside is that you look like just another The North Face yuppy when wearing it around town. Regardless, with a fit better than the down vests of any other make (I've tried most of them on), some things can't be helped.

Every time I pull this stove out of my backpack, it amazes those who haven't seen it. It is so light and small, it is almost unbelievable how hot it gets. While you do have some control over the flame intensity, I've found it's difficult to achieve lower temperatures with the GigaPower stove. Also, its small footprint offers plenty of stability for my smaller cooksets, but I have tried larger frying pans on it while making fish and pancakes and things get a little wobbly.

There's no other way to put it, I'm addicted to my narrow-mouthed Nalgene. There are few things worse than trying to drink from a wide-mouthed Nalgene while driving or walking when a wave of water splashes all over your face and shirt. With the narrow-mouthed Nalgene, this can be a thing of the past. However, recent research has me questioning whether it's time to retire my old faithful. Bisphenol A, anybody?

If you like to go ultra-light, the RPM is your pack. Typically, when you go ultra-light you lose many features found in heavier packs. However, this isn't the case with the RPM. The has an exterior compression cord for quickly stowing things to the pack and it doubles in functionality to compress the contents of the pack. The backpack sits very close to your body to minimize its effect on your agility. But beware, while it's good for your balance, the packs narrow profile is not so great for carrying books to class. The pack also has pockets for hydration bladders and water bottles, things that are missing in many similar packs. Also, the material is surprisingly durable for how light it is. If you are looking for a backpack for long hikes or to haul your climbing gear between crags, I've found nothing better than the Black Diamond RPM.

The Katadyn Hiker Microfilter is a godsend in the backcountry. No more packing in water - drink ice-cold mountain water to your heart's content with this gadget. I've used this microfilter to pull water from sources ranging from crystal clear mountain streams to muddy-brown rivers and have had nothing but good results. The water coming out of the Hiker tastes better than my tap water at home, and the Nalgene/Camelbak hose adapters make pumping water a 1-man chore. The replacement filters are expensive, so I'd recommend hand-rinsing your filter in the sink after each trip.

The ProLite series is the creme of the crop when it comes to compact sleeping pads. What's not to love about an ultra-light, super-packable sleeping pad that self-inflates and has a lifetime warranty? It's the size of a Nalgene when rolled up. If your are obsessed with packing as small as possible, I'd recommend getting the stuff sack for the short length ProLite 3 rather than the regular length as Therm-a-Rest's stuff sacks tend to run a bit large. It is a tight fit, but with careful rolling it works great to keep the pad rolled as tightly as possible. I should also mention that while this pad is the ultimate for those of us who are weight and size conscious, it may not be thick enough for individuals who sleep on their side, set up camp on particularly hard ground, or just plain prefer luxurious sleeping conditions. Spend the money on this pad - as a 1-time purchase, you won't be sorry!

I can't believe how bright the Tikka XP is for its size. It is incredibly small and lightweight yet when using boost mode it manages to outshine many of the larger headlamps with annoying battery packs that hang behind the head. I also love the sliding diffuser which makes the light softer and more widespread for close-ranged lighting rather as opposed to distance spotting. I was originally a bit skeptical at how well it would work, but I have to say, I am quite impressed. This is my favorite headlamp by far and has completely replaced my old halogen lamp, even for spotting things in the distance. By the Tikka XP and you'll never be left in the dark again!

The Marmot Atom is hands-down the best 40 degree bag out there. I purchased it to replace my 25 degree bag during warm weather camping and could not be happier. Before purchasing the Atom, I used to overheat and often ended up sleeping on top of my bag. Those days are long gone! Even in considerably warm temps, I have found this bag regulates my temperature well and breathes phenomenally - I have yet to even hang a leg out of the zipper. Speaking of which, the zipper does not extend all the way to the bottom of the bag, so if you are one of the leg-hangers out there, this may be something to think about. The shell material is absolutely amazing. It is incredibly light and it feels like silk! It also does a decent job of shedding water from the bag to preserve the outstanding loft of the down. As an ultralight junkie, my favorite thing about the bag has to be its packed size and weight. I easily compress it to the size of a cantaloupe, but it could be forced even smaller without much effort given the right compression sack. Marmot does include a stuff sack, but unfortunately it does not have any compression straps. To really take advantage of this bags packability, you will need to find an extra-small compression sack elsewhere. Search around for the smallest one you can find, because this bag _will_ fit in it. I admit, this sleeping bag is a bit pricey, but it is currently the best 40 degree bag money can buy. If you can afford it and are sick of sleeping on top of your overkill sleeping bag during summer backpacking trips, the Atom is a must!

The Patagonia Marsupial is an incredibly warm and comfy casual piece. The fit is more relaxed and a bit baggy for comfort. I would not recommend it as a technical layering piece due to this, and I don't think Patagonia intended it to fill that role. The large pocket gives you the hand-warming capabilities of a hoody while retaining the softness of a fleece. The Marsupial is not wind-proof in the least, but this makes it more breathable. Who needs to cut the wind when you're lounging around the cabin anyway? If you're an outdoor nut, you'll probably also appreciate that this article is made mostly from recycled materials using environmentally friendly techniques. You can also recycle the shirt when you finally wear it out!

I bought a pair of these last summer and loved them so much I bought another pair in a different color about a month later. They are so comfortable! The foam sole is mushy, soft, and extremely light (one of my size 12 sandals weighs 3.4 oz). It also is thick enough that you don't feel things poking through the bottom (like you do with cheap thinner-soled flips). The cloth strap is among the softest and most comfortable I've ever felt on a sandal and it is very good looking. Lastly, the sandals are reasonably priced. There are, however, two faults with the Mush sandals. First, the soles get very slick when wet. If you plan on wearing them in lakes, streams, or around water, make sure you have good balance. The other kicker is while the sole is comfortable, it lacks the durability of harder, heavier soles (ala Chaco Flip). Granted, I'm not real gentle on these guys (185 lbs), but if you wear these a lot like I do you can easily wear through the sole in a summer. Still, at only $20 a pair (or cheaper if you can find last year's model on sale), you can afford to buy a pair or two of these ultra-comfy flops every year. Highly recommended!

I love my monkey man jacket! It's incredibly soft and fuzzy - people will be asking to pet you everywhere you go. The long-fiber fleece makes the jacket stand out from the crowd and functionally it adds greatly to the warmth of the jacket without adding much weight. I've also found that the jacket compresses quite nicely in a compression sack making it great for backpacking trips. As stated in the product description, this jacket has absolutely no wind-proofing. The plus side to this is that it's extremely breathable and great for layering under a shell on windier days - the main reason I purchased the piece. My only other gripe is that the long fiber fleece gets matted in places of wear, especially under the elbows where I am often leaning on things. The fleece fluffs back out after being washed, it just looks a little funny when it's matted down. All in all, the monkey man is a great piece and is available at a price that won't break your bank. As long as you have a shell to throw over it or a separate jacket altogether for windy days, I'd highly recommend picking one up!

I picked up the Core Skin two years ago and couldn't be happier with it. It is my go to jacket for temps between 20 and 50 F. I wouldn't recommend wearing it in temps much higher than this or you may overheat. It is made of a heavier material and has a lining of Polartec fleece so unlike a lot of the lighter softshells out there, I don't have to layer nearly as much underneath. I often get by with a single 200 weight long sleeved base layer underneath occasionally adding a 260 weight if it's especially chilly out. I love the fit and rarely get clammy underneath when snowshoeing or cross country skiing. I've worn the jacket in both light rain and heavy snow and remained bone dry thanks to the DWR finish and water-repellent zippers. The pockets have an interior made of mesh and I often leave them unzipped for additional ventilation. The jacket is a great piece and I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a cool weather softshell.

As one of the more affordable jackets in the Arc'teryx line-up, I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the Epsilon AR. However, after giving it a few trial runs I can assure you I'm not disappointed! First off, the jacket looks stylish. Not only do I wear it for outdoor activities like climbing and trail running, but I love wearing it as a casual piece around town as well. The cut is great. At 6'2", 185 lbs (athletic build), I have found the Large has a slim, active fit. The sleeves are plenty long, but be warned, the bottom hem rises up in the front and barely covers my belt buckle (presumably to stay out of the way of a climbing harness). This is the only gripe I have with the jacket. Overall I do wish it had a bit more length in the front, but I've gotten used to this - just be prepare to have longer shirts hang out the front. The jacket drops down in the back - great for keeping you covered when ripping up the trails on your mountain bike or just when bending over. The material of the jacket is thin and lightweight. If this was the first technical jacket I had ever purchased, I might think the material seemed cheap, but I assure you it is not. The high-tech materials used in this jacket are water resistant, yet highly breathable and are not hard and crinkly like a hardshell rain jacket. While it is surprisingly warm for its weight, I would not recommend this jacket for cold temps. Also, if you wish to layer heavier fleeces under the jacket, I would size up, as the Large I have only allows for a light long-sleeved shirt underneath. The jacket is neither windproof nor waterproof, but it has kept me dry in a light rain and seems to break the wind fairly well while cycling. I have yet to test it in a downpour. Overall, if you're looking for a sweet and stylish Arc'teryx softshell and don't want to shell out $$$ for a high-end model, I highly recommend the Epsilon AR. It's still not cheap, but it lives up to the Arc'teryx name in both quality and performance. If you can find it on sale, it makes the deal even sweeter.

After weeks of research and comparing countless down jackets, I settled on the Flash and couldn't be happier. I love the warmth and light weight of down jackets, but have never been in to the marshmallow look. While the flash isn't as warm as some of the jackets with more down in them (such as the North Face Elysium), I still find it competes well due to the 850 fill down and unique segmented design. The pertex shell is great and is not something you will get with cheaper jackets. Not only does it shed water (which is essential for the down to keep its loft in moist conditions), but it has an incredibly silky feel, and it is strong yet feather light. Another great thing about the jacket is its packing size. Due to the 850 fill down and thin pertex shell, it easily compresses into its own pocket into roughly the size of a small cantaloupe. With compression straps, it could likely be compressed to softball size or perhaps even smaller. All in all, the only downside I see to the jacket is that the colors tend to be very bright and almost luminescent due to the shiny texture of the pertex shell. While this troubled me at first, it has grown on me as it gives the jacket a distinct flare. If you are looking for a jacket with a great warmth/weight ratio but don't want to look like a puffball, I couldn't give a higher recommendation for the North Face Flash.