Contributions by Kosta (4)

I have three other pairs of La Sportiva footwear - heavy K3 boots, Mythos climbing shoes, and some hiking boots as well. These remind of a cross between a boot and a climbing shoe. They are very comfortable but rugged and protect your feet very well. Lacing is very nice. Grip is great for running or for scrambling. Great QC - not a stitch out of place, very nicely put together. Not waterproof at all - the grey parts are actually mesh that provide ventilation, but let the water (and cold air) through as well.

Top notch fabrics (very light and durable), thoughtful design, and as always superb Arc'Teryx quality. The reinforcement on the shoulders adds a bit of windproofness and rain resistance. Very warm, but can be worn by itself only if there is no wind - windproofness is almost zero. Good size hand pockets and a handy inside pocket for ID/other small items. I have it in Blue Corn and it is a very nice color. Overall, the jacket is great - makes jackets from other manufacturers (who shall remain unnamed) look like a cruel joke from the 80s. Perhaps not worth the list price, but get it if it goes on sale.

This is my 2nd AT backpack (the other is Khamsin 52). This one is made in Vietnam, but that does not mean the quality is any worse than Canada-made AT gear. The materials and the design are top notch. The bag is great for carrying small light loads that need to be accessed a lot. You access the bag by swinging it around the shoulder, when it is in front of you the zippers are right on top and very easy to access - very nice. BTW, the main bag strap is over your left shoulder. Perfect for short hikes, but not suitable for running (it will move up and down too much). Also, don't expect to fit your down jacket in there (not enough space). Can be used on campus - letter sized papers/notebooks fit without having to fold them, but don't expect to stuff two big textbooks in there. Overall, great bag, and a lot better option than a lumbar bag - easier to access, roomier, less restrictive. As always, the service was top notch.

I have had it for over a year now, and it is a great product. Extremely light, durable, good looking, takes almost no space in the pack. Blocks the wind very well (except the neck is a bit exposed), protects from light rain (especially while the water repellent finish is new). On the down side, it is pricey (but worth the price), and not exactly breathable. When it gets warm and you are going up slope with a pack, it can get a bit clammy on the inside. But I guess that is not a recommended use for it. The sleeve pocket is not much use to me, but maybe I just need to be shown what to do with it. Overall, a top notch wind shell, if a bit expensive. As always, Arcteryx quality and design are ten years ahead of other manufacturers'.