Where do I start? I probably own over $2K worth of The North Face stuff and this is my least favorite gear I have ever owned.
I am a backpacker, mountain biker, and a hiker. I don't know why this jacket has such a high rating. Do you guys have any other fleece jacket to compare it to or are you happy just because it has that famous TNF logo on it? Or did you guys gave a high rating simply because you own it?
First of all, it's not that stylish. It's rather boring looking. Don't dare to wear this jacket on windy days. The wind goes right through you! You can't wear it under 45 degrees or so. Shame on you North Face! I have high expectations on all of your quality products and this isn't one of them! Big thumbs down! I am so happy to sell it on Ebay for $60! It's not even worth that!
Go get the Arcteryx Covert Zip Neck Sweater. Looks way better, has better insulation, and more comfortable. Nuff said!

I was looking for the best pack no matter what the cost. TNF Catalyst 75 is an absolute most comfortable large pack money can buy. Bar none. I have been a backpacker for many years, and so far I cannot think of anything more comfortable than this pack.
The shoulder straps seems to "float" with every stride. They feel like to work independently from the hip straps. You gotta see the suspension with your own eyes to understand.
I remember of the Backpacker Magazine staff also agreed that it's the most comfortable pack he has ever used.
It also comes with detachable ultralight hydration sleeve for scouting from a camp sight. Great thinking. The top can be detached as a large fanny pack. Lots of pockets.
Big thumbs up from me! Definitely the best large pack North Face has created so far.
If you want an ultralight weekender, Skareb 55 is spectacular!

I have taken this pack to Havasu Falls last year and I loved it. Although it's not as comfortable as TNF Catalyst 75 (heavier), It was good enough for me carrying about 45 pounds of gear for over 10 miles.
Personally I think 70 liters is the best size backpack if your budget calls for only one pack. I've tried 55 liters, but it seemed a little too small even for a weekender and I am not even one of those "pack everything but the kitchen sink" type of a guy.
I've also used Naos on a canoe trip and it worked well since it's waterproof.
I've taken it into airplanes without the hip belt since it fits into the overhead compartment (barely :).
Bombproof pack! Super strong! A pack that Superman would carry!

I know it's expensive, but this pack will last you decades if you take good care of it.

Backpacker Magazine rated this ultralight pack (3Lbs for Lg) as the Best Buy for 2006. The magazine says it is like Altoids-curiously strong. I wholeheartedly have to agree with this. I can't believe it weighs 3Lbs and it is very tough. My best experience this year with this pack was carrying it to Havasu Falls, backpacking near Mooney Falls (about 12 miles). My friend and I made to the campsite without stopping (carrying about 40Lbs). I was very comfortable the entire way.
It also comes with a matching rain cover in the side pocket (great idea!). It is also ready for a hydration reservoir. I packed a 3 liter reservoir from my the North Face Hammerhead and it was a perfect fit.
I know that Gregory G Pack has won several Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Awards, but I think this pack deserves it. The G is still less than 3000 cu in for a large size. It is barely big enough for a weekender. Also it is not as durable as this pack.
One minor quibble: I wish that this pack was tad bigger. I was super stuffed for weekend backpacking trips. Come on Skareb 60 or 65!

Beeline faces heavy competition to be the lightest down sleeping bag on the market. I think 30F bags are probably the best choice for three seasons especially warm sleepers. I have tried 35F and 40F bags, but I did get cold during late fall season.
Marmot Atom is top rated by Backpacker Magazine and Outside Magazine for quality, weight, and performance. But it is rated down to 40F. This was the ultimate factor which Beeline was my final choice. I am 5'11" and about 168Lbs and although this bag is zipperless, I can easily slide right in and wiggle around at night. I don't miss the zipper at all. The elastic cords around the hood easily shortened or elongated. This bag is so light it feels like I am floating (little over 1Lb). The shell is so soft it looks delicate, but it is tough enough for me.
Well made bag. I think 30F is a bit overrate for warm sleepers. I did sleep one night when it was about mid 30's and I was little cold (I am a warm sleeper). I would rate this bag as a 35F bag. It compressed to size of a large grapefruit. I love this bag. Beautiful, well made, light, can't go wrong! Marmot Atom, you have met your match! :)