This is a great piece of fun, but there are a few improvements I would recommend to the company. This is essentially a 15000 lbs cargo strap with loops on both ends and a logo. Nothing wrong with that, because it works and it is fun. However, the free running end should have some sort of taper or lead to ease its passage through the ratchet. Also, the ratchet should have a bit more length to its end, as it barely fits around trees greater than a foot in diameter. This makes it hard to fit and hard to ratchet down on many trees even in the back yard. Lastly, the bag is crap. I understand the desire to have a lightweight bag so you can put this in a backpack and minimize the burden, but this is too far. The bag fell apart after the second use (the edges and the strap connectors basically disintegrated). I recommend a canvas bag, or much more durable nylon. I know it's heavier, but it would be worth it. This is a great toy though, just make some improvements.

This jacket really exceeded my expectations. I moved to a location that was going to be cold so I wanted to get a nice warm jacket to wear around town. I have never been a big fan of down jackets, but decided to give it a go. I have since worn this jacket for 6 weeks in temperatures ranging from -20 deg F to 40 deg F. I was plenty warm in the coldest temps and not too hot in the warmer temps. Cuffs, waist and neck are all designed well. No heat escapes if you don't want it to. As far as fit, I am 6'3" and 200 lbs, athletic build. The sleeves are perfect length and the waist of the jacket reaches about 3 inches below my hip bone. There is plenty of room in the shoulders, and the chest is snug though not tight and the belly is not loose. The material feels like it would rip easily, but my dog has tried his best to bite it and claw it, and the jacket remains impervious. This is my new favorite jacket. My wife owns the 700 fill Nuptse, and on comparison with the Phantom, the Nuptse just isn't as good. I have the Grill color, and it is much darker in person than on the website. The only negative is that occasionally some down works its way through the shell, though not in sigificant amounts so far. Oh...and it comes with a stuff sack.

I demoed these skis last year at Taos and they were described as an "all mountain" ski. I really disagree. I don't do any pipe or freestyle, so I can't comment on their suitability for that, but these are definitely at home in the powder and not on the groomed trails. If you're looking for a ski that is well suited to all conditions and terrain, this is not it. It’s a quality product, but the function doesn't match the advertising.