Contributions by de profundis (18)

Initial disclosure: I love Kaenons so I'm biased, but I think these are great sunglasses. Was debating between these and a pair of Persols; I went with the Kaenons for versatility because these are technical, performance frames you can wear all the time without looking goofy. The lenses are just amazing; if these are your first polarized lenses, you will probably never go back. The Georgia frame has a full-coverage wraparound shape that's a little too big for my face but I like them so much I'm keeping them.

I ordered a size smaller than I usually wear, and they fit perfectly. Agree with Mogg as to length; I'm 5'10" and the long size just barely hits the top of my feet with a very small break.

I got this jacket in white, and it's my favorite new piece this season. The fleece is very soft--it's vegan but it almost feels like rabbit fur. It's not the same greasy monkey fleece Mountain Hardwear and The North Face have been recycling again and again. The manufacturer's review is pretty right-on, but I disagree with their recommended uses. For me, this fleece is too hot and heavy for high-energy activity. It works better (and very effectively) as casual or post-activity insulation.

Got these pants for skate skiing and couldn't be happier. I just can't get into the Swix/Craft race-day look when I'm out for a recreational hour or two, and the Wister Pant is a nice alternative. I haven't had any really cold days yet (depending on your definition)--I've worn these from low twenties to mid-thirty degrees--but so far, I've never overheated, which is usually my problem. The front panels are just windproof enough, and the back panels breathe perfectly. Only negatives? No vents, no pockets (apart from a small interior key pocket).

I have never loved a shoe the way I love this shoe. It has a very low profile and thin sole, but it doesn't compromise comfort or support at all. The foot bed hugs the arch of my foot and the heel cup keeps my foot snug, so there's no friction and no blisters. The leather upper was soft straight out of the box; I had no break-in period. And they don't have as much of a hippie/crunchy/chukka boot look in person as in the photo here, if that's a concern. One odd word of caution, though: the natural latex sole has a fairly strong odor, but it's more of a rubber smell than a chemical smell. If you have allergies or chemical sensitivities you might be sneezing for a while, but the odor dissipates over time.

Have to disagree with Chicago Guy. This beanie is just right for my head. I love the material and the fit.

I bought the Florette to replace a Vector that died and I love it. The technical features deliver as promised. I find the altimeter easier to calibrate and more reliable than my old Vector. The only annoying thing is, it determines altitude based on air pressure, so if the weather changes as your elevation does, you'll get thrown off a bit . It's smart and distinctive-looking, although for a woman's watch, it's just as large and clunky as any other Suunto. The high-shine case and glass crystal look great but I'm a little afraid to take it outside because it's just a matter of time before it gets banged and scratched up.

I've had mixed success with Scarpas in the past but I needed a new hiking boot and was getting desperate to find something that offered the right amount of support, stability, and comfort for long, steep hikes. I have a wide forefoot and narrow heel, and heel lift (and blisters) is a constant issue for me. These boots are the absolute best I've found. I don't even have to tie all the ridiculous lacing knots I've learned; these boots were wonderful right out of the box, and required almost no break-in.

Salomon has been marketing the men's version of this shoe as a trail runner, not a hiker. It works for both, but more suitable for the former. I'm not crazy about the high-profile heel; that's the one thing I would change about this shoe. If you have ankle stability issues, look for something with a lower profile. Otherwise, this is a great shoe.

It is indeed ultralight, but the best thing about this bag is it's way roomy --I can fit a jacket and two fleeces AND my hiking boots inside--but it cinches around the top so you're not hauling around a floppy tote back.

I must have a 2 year-old-sized head because this beanie fits like a beanie should, although I agree with the prior commenter to an extent: this beanie does leave your ears out in the cold. It's remarkably weather-proof, though.

I use the chalkboy as an everyday handbag...and I'd do it again and again. It's that good. Don't hate.

Primaloft does the job in spades: insulates tremendously without overheating and is remarkably lightweight. The outer poly fabric repels water as you'd expect & blocks the wind. That said, you have a dilemma when it comes to size: (1) if you have any waist to speak of, order a size smaller than you'd ordinarily wear, or you'll be swimming in extra fabric about the midsection--not so flattering, (2) if you are over 5'7" and would like sleeves long enough to reach your wrists, order a size up.

I have several Icebreaker pieces of varying weights and I truly dig them all. The heavier weave by itself is enough for skate skiing on a very cold day. It also acts as an amazing protective armor if you get thrown off your mountain bike. Plus, my Icebreakers get even softer with every laundering. Still, don't believe the hype. Yes, merino, like all wool, insulates even when wet. But if you're sweating at 12,000 feet and the wind kicks up, you're still going to be wet and a little cold. No, merino does not get as perma-stinky as synthetic materials, but if you work up a stink, your merino will, too. It also has a tendency to snag and pill under a pack.

These feel *so* good after your feet have spent hours smashed inside your ski boots. Don't wear them around town during Sundance, though, unless you want to be mistaken for a tourist.

I got these shoes for muddy spring & fall trail running in upstate NY and love them. I'm on my third pair and I hope Salomon never stops making them. Breathability is not a strength, so I don't recommend them for warm weather. Arch support is fair to moderate, but the snug fit & lacing system help to compensate.

The best thing about this sweater is the fit: trim silhouette without being too snug, and the sleeves are nice and long. (I'm 5'10" and finding something that actually hits at my hips and wrists without having to go up to size XL is never easy.) On the downside, it's slightly itchy. I hoped this would disappear with a few washings, but so far it hasn't. Also not as warm as you might think.

This is by far my favorite fleece (from a technical wear junkie and Arc'Teryx enthusiast, this is saying quite a lot). It's nicely tailored for a flattering fit, so it's not too bulky to layer under a shell or a poofy. Also surprisingly windproof, and my dog's hair is invisible against the basmati color.