Peeps

I don't know why everyone doesn't use stretch baffles. It's a big coat that actually moves with you, and I think the stretch baffles make it more thermally efficient. If you are in the market for a jacket like this, definitely order this one up. I found that I was swimming in other jackets or was stuffed in them. I don't want to give up freedom of movement. Also, this jacket is set up great for belaying . There's great attention to detail in terms of durability. The bottom baffle is all outer fabric so it's more durable and you can sit without snow melting and wicking up into the jacket. This is a great feature that will come into play many times in the lifetime of any jacket like this, and that other manufacturers don't even think about!

I was trying to decide on a good all around jacket for winter camping and hiking, and just something for my days up in mountain towns. Shopping around between the usual big brands, there's always a choice between a hoody and a jacket. Why not get a jacket with a removable hood at the same price? The quality of this jacket is great. There's a lot of loft, the hood doesn't pull back on you when you're not wearing it, and the pockets are nicely insulated. I have more technical jackets, but I'm sure I'll be pulling this out time and time again.

Usually, I see ninja hoodies as a gimmick, but this is one amazing ninja hoody. First of all, it a super technical wicking fabric that give a lot of warmth for the weight. Secondly, the hoody is designed with climbing functionality in mind. There is extra fabric in the chin so when you're belaying, you don't feel the uncomfortable pulling that you might on others. Not sure who spent so much time designing a ninja hoody, but I'm glad they did. It's stretchy fabric, has thumbies to keep the sleeves from shifting, and it has polygiene to reduce smell on multi-day trips. It's more like a piece of equipment rather than just a hoody.

A lot of gloves that I have put a non-pile insulation in the palms. This makes you grip your poles and tools harder to eliminate the sliding feeling of the insulation. Get these a tad snug and when they pack out, you get warmth on the top of your hand and increased sensitivity in the fingers and palm. The dexterity of these gloves are amazing and they get better over time.

This is a great insulating piece from fall on. It wicks and is super breathable. The deep vent gives it a lot of versatility although it is breathable enough to seldom need it. Worn under a shell it gives a nice microclimate, but take it off and you feel the moisture escaping right through it. It's close-fitting and seams are out of the way so it is comfortable with a backpack.

This is a perfect backcountry pant. I like the added breathability of windstopper vs a shell pant. I have never had any issues with the waterproofness since I only use it in snow. The reinforced cuffs are super burly so I'm happy that these will last a very long time.

The palms of these gloves are super sticky. It's not a super cold day ice climbing glove. They are warm for their weight, but it's still a light weight glove. What you give away in insulation, you gain in dexterity. The palm material really sticks to your tools, and I like the cuff closure which really keeps the glove in place.

First of all, I have way too many windbreakers for the amount of times that I use them. Every time I've bought a windbreaker, it has been based off of weight, and that has led to the sweatiest collection of windbreakers ever. The weight here is saved in fit. No bubbas need apply. The fabric, however, doesn't have that plasticky sheen that most windbreakers have and it breathes really well. The zipper is super long so you can dump heat in a heartbeat. If you want a windbreaker that doesn't feel like saranwrap, give this one a try. I find myself actually using windbreakers now.

Pound for pound just one of the best fast and light bags on the planet. That's 1lb 4 oz to be exact. Nothing gets lighter than 800 fill goose down, and I can't imagine taking anything lighter than the plasma fabric outdoors. This bag is pared down to the essentials. It's just enough space to be comfortable and not too much to be inefficient. You can literally feel the bag heating up as you close it. You can't beat goose down in terms of heat and compressibility. The fabric is actually very water resistant which is awesome. Great bag!

Think of this as a high-output winter baselayer. Pair it with a softshell and go! Wicks really well and keeps you very warm for its weight. Minimal seams and and a stretchy fabric keeps this right up against your skin where it does its work. Seems like the Italian Pontetorto version is lower profile grid than the Polartec versions so this performs great as a cold weather base-layer. It's sized small, but is supposed to be for maximum performance.

So... I've used another piece that is similar from a brand that everyone and their brother are wearing now.... What I like about this piece is that it seems to have a broader temperature range than most. I think it's because of a looser knit outer shell that lets the moisture out. Under the arms, there is a loose stretch fabric, but the whole jacket uses a breathable fabric. I would describe this as a purpose-built heavy midlayer. It may not have the techy-looking fabric, but it also doesn't feel as sweaty. Keeps me warm on the lift and stays dry when I'm skiing down. Also moves well under a shell.

I can't wait for winter to use this glove. Finally someone has made a system mitt where the liner is not just an afterthought. For winter expedition/ camping trips, this is a super warm mitt with a "liner" glove with is a REAL glove. Aha! a liner that someone can actually use without worrying about ripping it up! Not sure what took so long, but if you're into cold weather pursuits.... GET THIS GLOVE!

I got this bag for my wife and now I want one! There are a lot of very cool features on this bag. The way that they do the baffle behind the zipper is far superior to my own and seems to snag a lot less. By design, the baffle is sewn away from the zipper so it's not inclined to get snagged. The magnetic closure is very easy to use and secure. When we got the bag, I poured a cup of water on it, let it sit for a few minutes, and then just shook it off. It was completely dry. It's not waterproof because the seams aren't taped but would be more than adequate for the worst tent condensation or accidental spills.

If weight and stuff size are the most important factors for you, then this is the perfect bag. It is a narrow-cut bag but with enough room on top to be comfortable. What is nice is that the down is super compressible so I am getting by with a smaller and lighter pack. Great bag for going light and covering some distance.

Ahhhh..... might be the most comfortable bag ever made! This bag has a blanket that toggles into it so it is super versatile on the termperature front. For climbing trips/ luxury camping trips where you are not packing this in a long way, it is so much nicer than a super tight mummy bag. I feel better rested to climb the next day! Features I like....1. the hood is large enough to take a regular pillow from home. 2. Generous fit. 3. Zip goes through the footbox so you can turn this into a large blanket for warm nights. 3. storage cube makes it really easy to store on my gear shelf and is labelled so I know exactly what I'm looking at.
If you care more about comfort than weight, this is the ultimate car camping bag!

This is a long short that is nice for climbing where you might want a little more skin protection. It is not a baggy short. It is a regular fit. I like the waist band and zippered pockets so my keys and wallet don't fall out. It is a 13 inch inseam.

This is a super comfortable climbing short that is made to move with you. The elastic waistband is nice and pretty much disappears under a climbing harness!

This jacket is perfect for those of us hate bringing rain jackets. This jacket stuffs down almost to the size of a Patagonia Houdini! Which is ridiculous since this is a fully waterproof Goretex shell! It's perfect for afternoon showers, or when you're uncertain about the weather. It doesn't have a lot features, but it keeps you dry and takes up the volume of a tennis ball in my pack. This jacket will now go from my backpack to rolling luggage to glove compartment..... basically everywhere me. It's an athletic fit so size up if you are borderline.

This jacket is light weight and super breathable. The fabric wears well over time and doesn't pick like other softshells. It is fitted so if you're borderline, size up. On the flip side, the arms are cut slightly long and are stretchy for great range of movement. The coolest feature is how the waist has a special drawcord so that you don't dangle two loops at your waist where things can get snagged. I like how it has a real zipper that never gets jammed and not the smaller toothed styles that most jackets have in this category. Most lightweight jackets are made to be disposable. Not this one!

Just thought I'd point out a feature. The strap underfoot strap is replaceable. Mountain Equipment really thinks of all the details you appreciate in the mountains. The strap is replaceable, and the way it is attached allows you to flip it over for extra time or field repair it with a light cord to get you home. I didn't know it at the time, but it's just a really well thought out feature.