Contributions by N. Steno (6)

This jacket is a beast! I've worn it several times in the field, and not only did it keep me dry and toasty but it resisted getting shredded or otherwise disfigured on the rocks. Until I head to Antarctica or work above 10,000 ft, this will probably be my only technical outer layer as it has worked so well. It has an athletic cut to it, which I have put to use layering my precip jacket over this for some serious rain protection. I also use this as my outer layer on cold wintry bike rides. And hell, this spring I just toss it on and head for some libations, the jacket gets some compliments along the way. Lastly, it puts out for the weather conditions I've worn it in, without having all the "technical" flair of other pieces (the so-called "tron" look), it's a wind-blocker, rain-shedder, core and limb warmer, a lover and a fighter. The only thing missing is a hood for me noggin'.

This watch will put out for you, though the barometer needs a bit of attention to keep it honest. Right now as I'm wearing it there's a few splotches of salt on the inside of the watch face. It's water resistance apparently went to hell on me 2 years in. However, after drying the sucker out for a couple hours it works like new with some salt splotches courtesy of the wiring inside. The compass works fairly well, though it gets confused sometimes (indicating a calibration is due). Temperature gauge will only be accurate when you take the watch off and place it on something that doesn't have a radically different heat capacity than the medium you're in (i.e. hold it in the atmosphere for a spell). Weather forecasting feature is nice, and sometimes comical when inaccurate, for example it's raining today, hmmm that's funny because there's no ceiling. But I imagine these complaints are true for most watch-borne weather stations, you just have to keep calibrating the suckers. All in all it's a burly piece that has taken the abuse I've put it through. Finally this watch, like most altimeters, will leave you with many hilarious comments, like "wow I can hardly read the time on that thing!"...priceless.

Featherweight indeed! This has been a nice addition to my layering arrangement, though I should have ordered a size larger. It does stretch, and while this naturally hangs above my waist line (I usually wear Small sizes) it will tuck nicely and stay put. It's wool so it makes for an excellent base (and I mean base) layer in moderate weather with high output exercise/work, though the collar is quite high and the label sits right in front, so people will often think you have some problems dressing yourself. In summary this will naturally feel much smaller than it actually is if it just hangs off your body, if you order your normal size, but it stretches like a champ, such that it's not uncomfortably riding up your back.

First I must confess I have the 1/4 zip version of this, but really the weight and performance of the wool should be the same. This weight is pretty much ideal for most activities. I wear it bicycling to and from work in the cool mornings and evenings and it breathes so well. I've worn it in the field and it's held up to the rigors of field work and keeps me mighty comfortable. This is also an excellent layering piece between a lighter weight wool base layer and a heavy weight polypro or wool top and/or jacket. Honestly you can't beat merino wool for comfort and it's ability to be worn in a diverse range of climates (some say I'm insane for wearing it in the desert, but it keeps me far cooler than a cotton-T, and blocks the sun).

I bought this for my bicycle commutes and field work. So far, so excellent. Fits well as a true base layer, warm but breathable. I find it to be an athletic fit, and the raglan sleeves are a big plus. The only negative comment I have is the sleeves can get a bit pilly, but then I did wear this thing for about a week and a half (you may say yuck, but it didn't hold much of a stink). I wore this out in the Mojave in the spring, and it worked fantastic with a mid-weight and a wind-blocking vest, totally comfortable. Also it's long enough to tuck in, so your backside won't get chilly by that sneaky devil we call wind.

I bought this for my bicycle commutes and field work. So far, so excellent. Fits well as a true base layer, warm but breathable. I find it to be an athletic fit, and the raglan sleeves are a big plus. The only negative comment I have is the sleeves can get a bit pilly, but then I did wear this thing for about a week and a half (you may say yuck, but it didn't hold much of a stink). I wore this out in the Mojave in the spring, and it worked fantastic with a mid-weight and a wind-blocking vest, totally comfortable. Also it's long enough to tuck in, so your backside won't get chilly by that sneaky devil we call wind.