Contributions by seattleleaf (9)

I have tried "performance" socks from any number of manufacturers and always thought I was getting the most comfort and moisture management possible. That was all before my first distance run in a pair of Smartwools. I was skeptical at first: "Wool? That's just for cold weather, right?" I am a warm weather wool convert. I've worn my smart wools for everything from lounging around the house and walking 18 holes of golf to riding a century and running a half marathon. My dogs have never barked. Especially when running, these socks are truly special. They seam to mesh with my running shoes like nothing else and I really feel like the ride quality is better running long distances. When I take off my shoes there is some moisture in the socks, but they don't feel wet (even after rainy runs). At this price I will be filling my sock drawer.

The Attack is my second pair of Native sunglasses, and is unlikely to be my last. In general, Native makes the lightest, most comfortable glasses I've ever slapped on my noggin. I bought these with the idea that they would be used exclusively for cycling, but I love the fit and feel so much I wear them for everything else. I also own an older model that has a bigger lens (vertical) that I find works a little better for descending on my road bike. These, like any other pair of glasses I've tried, tend to cut my field of vision when I'm in the drops, but the older pair (Hardtops I believe) sit higher and have a better shape for the drops. I'm not slamming the Attacks though. I love the fit, look, and feel. I don't know why anyone would buy an over-price under-performing pair of Oakley's when you can get Native's for much cheaper with polarized lenses. Try 'em on at your local retailer and buy from Backcountry. Super fast shipping, great service, and low prices!!! Thanks a million!

OK...so I've purchased performance cycling and running socks from other manufacturers before thinking that they were working as intended and increasing my comfort. I never knew the difference. I bought these on a whim with the expectation that they would perform about the same. I was shocked at how poorly every other pair of socks I own performs compared to these. My feet have never been so comfortable while running. These just seem to jive with my running shoes providing extra cushion and support. My foot feels secure in the shoe without being constricted or overly mobile. I can't explain it except to say all the other over-priced socks I own are just a gimmick. These perform.

Great cap. I tend to like plain caps with very small logos if any, so the unique nut icon on the brim is very appealing. The cap is very comfortable and easily adjustable for my "between sizes" noggin. Its soft cotton feels great on my balding head and it sets off my Armani suit very well...just kidding. But seriously, it is cotton so it's great for casual wear and moderate activity, but look elsewhere for a running or intense hiking cap.

OK, so I'm not a bike messenger, but I do commute via two wheels. I got tired of my backpack sweating me out so I thought I'd give this a shot. The medium is too small, but the large is just right. I carry lunch, a fresh change of clothes, a packable rain jacket and pants, my running shoes, and gym clothes all with room to spare. The fit is nice and the bag stays put with the under arm cross strap. My ONLY gripe is the lack of an external pocket recently solved with Timbuk2's slider accessory case. It stores my cell, keys, and work access card. Now I can lock up my bike and get in the building without having to un-shoulder the bag. Very nice overall. It may also serve as a great helmet in the event of an earthquake...very durable.

I own five pairs of goggles with the Wisdom being number five. It is the last pair I will ever buy. After using Spys, Smiths, Dragons, and Anons I'm willing to throw down the claim that the Wisdom is the best goggle around. Well at least for me. Some may not like being able to see so far into their peripheral vision that you have to strain to see the frame. Some may like goggles that pinch or slip, and otherwise just don't fit. Some may like making a mid morning trip to the lodge on a powder day to defog their goggles after a bit of hard riding. I prefer riding in comfort and being able to see the little kid I'm about to run over.

To say I love these gloves would be a gross understatement. For cold weather skiing and outdoor activities, I will never use anything else. These have kept me warm and dry in varying conditions from -15 windchill with pelting icy snow-drift to warm spring ski days in slushy corn snow. I never sweated in them, never gotten chilled, and never gotten wet. Simply the perfect glove for me.

Unbelievably versatile. I use these gloves for everything from winter cycling to trail running to driving to just being outside on cold blustery days. The pic looked like these might be a little more bulky than I was hoping, but that's deceiving. These gloves are very close-fitting and have remarkable dexterity. I have no problems shifting on bike, and can easily manipulate zippers and draw cords without having to de-glove. A great product that I could not recommend more highly!

My first Arc'teryx purchase was a Sidewinder AR jacket which sold me completely on Arc'teryx, regardless of the cost. But when you can get a sweet deal, it's like finding gold in the sand. The Sniper pullover is my latest purchase. It is my new best friend. It is very soft and comforting, but performs very well on gusty days when the temperature is around 40-50 degrees or so. Not a total wind blocker, but it serves very well. Nice breathablity indoors. I can't wait to layer it under my Sidewinder and hit the mountain. Arc'Teryx for life!