Contributions by pmartin (2)

A great pack. Need to be selective in clothing gear you take.Not too roomy. I primarily use the Switch 36 for snowshoeing. I love the fit. It is snug on your back and there is no lateral movement of the pack.The top hatch doesn't bounce up and down as you run down hills. Many pockets to place gear, and I love the hip pockets for various trickets. Overall, I love the fit'. It's like you have no pack on your back at all.

The Sub Zero Hooded Jacket will certainly keep you warm. I wore the jacket on several frigid night walks in upper state New York. I the only slight problem I have is that I wish the Jacket was a bit longer in the back. Other than that this jacket is like wearing a down sleeping bag outdoors. The Sub-Zero is warm, fits well, and is constructed well. Plenty of pockets, and the hood is wonderful to have since it offers more warmth. This jacket is great!

The Venture Jacket is average. I wore it in a downpour in muggy conditions and it kept me dry. I did sweat greatly in this jacket while it was fully unzipped in the front and the pit-zipps were fully open too. One of the cinch cords on the hem broke and one on the hood. I'd like to use one hand to cinch down the jacket in rain or cold with the product malfunctioning. The jacket does keep one dry, however. I wish I spent a little more money on the North Face DIAD Jacket. I am also partial to Mountain Hardware jackets.That company makes a fine, well thought out jacket....