stompy

Ok, I wanted a bomber shell for skiing and this seemed to fit the bill. Bought it on SAC for half price, but returned it for these reasons:

1. The armpit area dug in... I'm 5.8 with a normal length torso, but broad shoulders. I wear a M in everything. When I put the M on with a thin under layer and let my arms hang, the pits dug in. If I put my arms in front it got worse. Maybe it's designed for skinnier people.

2. The zippers were extremely difficult to operate and impossible to do with one hand.

3. The side pockets were too low and with my pack on I wasn't able to access them.

4. The powder skirt isn't removable.

5. The waist adjustments were difficult since they're sewn into the innerlayer of the jacket.

Too many negatives for me, but there were some really nice things as well:

1. It was tough and super light. Definitely nice for layering and keeping you dry without weight or bulk.

2. Hood was big enough for a helmet and when fully zipped, the neck area was big enough and comfortable.

3. Lots of pockets, both inside and out, for organizing gear. This includes being designed for use with an iPod.

First of all... are these the Wyatt Earp's or Billy the Kid's pants? These really look like double front jeans. They have front and rear pockets and rivets taboot. The fit is snug in the front and thighs, but balloons at the cuff to make room for boots. The stretchy fabric allows room to flex though. I wear Garmont Megaride boots and the gaiter fit is tight. You might have problems with larger boots. There are zippers at the bottom of each leg that extend to below the knee. The scuff guard is thin cordura - I'm worried about the longevity of it. The pants also have a microfleece lining to them and there is no belt. I'm keeping them none-the-less. I can't wait to tour in something breathable and cost me less than $100!

I've used this shovel for two winters and love its compact size. I use the Osprey Switch 36 and last winter I got in the habit of removing the handle when I put it in my pack because it fits better... leaving the handle attached makes it somewhat bulky.

For the comments about small shovels and moving snow, I can dig someone out plenty fast with this shovel. Just because you have a bigger blade, doesn't mean you can heave heavy, compact avalanche debris any better and certainly not faster.