OK, let me just start by saying that if I did not shower, I would likely live in this baby. I told a friend once that this jacket 'regulates' me and it does. It seriously keeps me moderated in the perfect comfort zone whether I'm indoors or outside on chilly days. I've searched out this type of layer over the years, trying to shed ounces from my minimalist backpack load and have tried many brands. Bottom line: little number does is all. Incredible warmth to weight ratio, crumples down to the size of an orange, puffs back up like a proud goose, with an outer shell durable enough to fight off run-ins with occasional brush or branches around camp. The outer DWR coating will see you through a light sprinkle without worrying about soaking your down. I have 3 Montbell jackets (synthetic UL, down alpine light, and now the down UL hoody) all with impeccable construction, materials and attention to detail. A must have for any serious mountain goat.

The BA air core pillow is a dud. Granted the construction is top notch, but the size and outer material make for a bad pillow. I have a green $5 REI pillow that works much better although it is heavier. The air core pillow footprint is too large to fit into your sleeping bag hood. The thickness of the pillow is a bit lacking, so it would be better to under inflate and fold it in half inside a stuff sack. The slick fabric simply slides out from under my sleeping bag when it is resting on my big agnes sleeping pad. It actually makes a much better seat than a pillow!

These glasses rock! Not only do they look super cool, they are dark enough to block out bright days. The only downside is that they tend to slip a little bit on the nose. They do not stay put like some glasses I have owned, but I still where them because they fit great and look even better.

The Montbell UL is a great jacket. As usual I am impressed with Montbell's quality and attention to detail. After sizing issues for a couple seasons this update nailed the fit and added a new front zip and handwarmer pockets. At 6ft and 180lbs I fit the large perfectly. Slightly higher cut is ideal for climbing harnesses, but does not ride up even on my long torso.

This jacket is a mere 9 oz., perfect for the ultralight junkie and the super warm Exceloft seems thin but is warm for the weight. My UL could take the place of a heavier fleece and when used in conjunction with a light fleece felt as warm a heavier down jacket. The 15oz. shell may seem delicate but it is tougher than I thought and has held up well while hiking in thickets and brush. No snags.

Stylish enough for kicking it around town and ideal for Spring to Fall excursions or an extra winter layer. I could live in my UL 24/7....it's that comfortable.

I recently purchased the Marmot Atom to bridge the gap between my REI travel down 45º and my Marmot Helium 15º or Feather Friends Swift 20º epic. At one pound the Atom rocks! I save 13oz from my Helium and over a pound off the Swallow. The REI travel down is actually 8oz heavier than the Atom and likely has more of a 50-55º rating. I have always loved Marmot quality and construction since buying my first Pinnacle 0º in 1992, which by the way is still in near-perfect condition after hundreds of nights. The Atom is built with the best materials and down available. The construction is top notch. I particularly like the hood design which wraps your face with a comfy baffle. At 40º this is a warm, roomy and cozy bag. You could easily push the frost level with a light layer of clothing worn inside. I recently used the Atom at 6,500ft on Mt. Hood on a summer hike. The weather was warm, but it dropped into the low 50's or upper 40's at night. We were at snow level and pitched my tent right next to the slowly fading snow field, which added to the coolness of the night. I was quite happy in my red cocoon. The color is great and adds to a warm tent glow. At one pound I would be hard-pressed to find a better bag! Thanks Marmot!