Reviews by User: seattleleaf (29)

I only have a few days on this board, but I can honestly say it has made me a better rider. I would liken stepping up to this board to riding a full suspension mountain bike after years of being on a hardtail. It just makes going fast and technical easier. I used to pick my lines with care, now I just point down hill and charge. Carving is effortless. I tried to explain it to a buddy who looked at me like I was on crack, but there is a point in each turn where the board wants to pop you back to the other edge. At first I fought it and spent my first morning making sloppy, sketchy turns. By the afternoon I was working with the board and carving like I never knew I could. Riding powder is pretty sweet...just take a bit of weight off your downhill foot and the board smokes. I found my old board to be sloppy and slow in the powder, and at first I over-rode the Titan, digging into my powder turns and losing momentum. By the end of the day I just unweighted the front and leaned a little and the magic stick did the rest. If I could give this board 6 or 7 stars, I would. It's changed my whole perspective on snowboarding.

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!

I can't blame the product as I believe the fit is as intended, but it is very much like a cycling jersey. That is in order to get the appropriate chest/shoulder/arm fit, I need a size large. Unfortunately, the large clings to my gut like a scalded cat. Not attractive. I stepped up to the XL. Gut problem solved, but the arms are so long that the sleeves reach halfway down my palm. This could have been solved if MH would have put an elastic cuff on the sleeve or even thumb holes as they did on the hooded version. Regardless, it's a great piece of equipment and the best solution is for me to drop a few lbs and go with the large. It does a super job blocking the wind (windstopper, duh) and is very very light. It will be terrific for cool weather cycling and COLD weather running. Until the thermometer drops, it makes a great lounge jacket. Very comfy!!!

These insoles have been miraculous for me. Last year, through training for a half marathon and upping my mileage for a full marathon, I developed severe Plantar Fasciitis in my left heal. I tried pretty much every color of Superfeet and several motion control shoes...all to no avail. Every time I would get it in control and then go for a run it would flair up and I could barely walk the next day. I took a couple months off and really missed running. I picked it back up in February and the faciitis returned quickly. I decided to try the SOLE footbeds out of frustration. I went in with low expectations, but man have I been shocked and awed. I won't say my plantar faciitis is completely gone, but running with these insoles has had a very therapeutic effect and I no longer wake up to my first step out of bed feeling like I stepped on a tent stake. Combined with a moderate motion control shoe, I've been gradually adding more miles each weak with no signs of the severe heal pain. I'm very pleased so far and am very excited to be able to enjoy running again.

I love Smartwool. My sock drawer is full, and I have several tops made from them as well. These dress socks perform every bit as well as their running, hiking, and snowboarding socks. If you have a white-collar job to pay for your down and dirty pursuits, I definitely recommend Smartwool's dress sock line. They keep the hogs cool and dry. Don't tell Mom, but you can actually wear them two days in a row without turning off the ladies with your funky blue cheese.

My first down jacket came with some heavy pre-qualifications. I wanted something that weighed less than a pound. Check. I wanted something that didn't make me look like a puffy barrel. Check. I wanted a jacket that looked good. Check. I wanted something that could be layered under a shell or worn alone over a sweater or dress shirt for work. Check. I live in Seattle, so I don't need an uber-warm down jacket for sub-zero days. But I did want a light weight, non-puffy insulating jacket with either a primaloft or down fill. I absolutely love my down comforter and sleeping bag so my mission was to get the same kind of versatile comfort in a jacket. Over-sized banners on aircraft carriers aside: Mission Accomplished. On a side note; whoever answered the question regarding whether or not the fit was athletic obviously does not own this jacket. Regardless of the fill, the fit is very trim and athletic. I wear a Large in pretty much everything in OR gear, but I had to step up to an XL for this jacket to fit through the chest.

This is my first, and likely last, cook set for backpacking. It's durable, and there doesn't even appear to be anything that could break. The way it all fits together is brilliant. I packed oatmeal and spices in the bowls to make use of every cubic inch. The sip lids are just great. This product is functionality defined.

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.

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.

Got this for 70 clams off Bonktown and I feel like I got a really good deal. I own bibs from several manufacturers and these are on par with bibs in the 90-120 dollar range...no way would they be worth the full 200. They seem to be comfy and kept my giblets from going numb, what more do you need? The leg-band graphic may be annoying to some, but it's not as bad as any team kit bib. Anyhoo...they coolest part is they have a small zipper on the front (doesn't chaffe). It's for your dickiedoo. Still requires some snorkeling, but its much easier than some bibs that require you to pretty take your jersey off to feel at one with nature. Rated 5 for the bargain off Bonktown. Product is probably a 4.

...my love has come along. This is the softshell I've been looking for! I've tried a bunch and this is the one. I own the MH Alchemy and it's too heavy for any season but winter. I own a couple from OR and neither of them fit right (big some places, too small others). I've tried the Arc' Epsilon AR and returned it. The Sigma it looks like is now discontinued and replaced most likely by the Venta which is a couple ounces heavier. As for the Sigma, I got the Size L and am 5'11" 205 so it fits athletically, I would say. It's great with just a base T and works without constriction with a 320 weight wool mid layer. Since it's cut closer, I can wear it under a hardshell if needed, although it's water resistance should keep you dry apart from a typhoon. It's as breathable as a windstopper piece can be, and for someone who runs hot this will suffice down to the mid 30's if your active. Just standing around probably mid 40's.

Well this is a beautiful piece of art. They are really like nothing else on the market. The bar looks so unbelievably artistic (sexy) that it's hard to imagine it could be functional. The flat portion of the bar is a dream for those of us who use that section for long climbs. The hood bend works well with Shimano shifters and provides a lot of options for hand positions. I use Specialized body geometry tape that provides extra cushioning to the hood area. The setup rides like a dream. The kicker to all this, is that I got these bars on Bonktown for like 50% off...I've looked for them on sale for ages and never found them. I'm fairly new to road riding so I don't have any "traditionalist" preferences. I like comfort and function...these are both with a huge helping of bike bling. Treat yourself to some tasty carbon goodness.

I picked this up off of Chainlove I believe for around 50% off. I don't know if I could stomach paying full pop, but at a discount it's right up my cheap ass' alley. I was really afraid this would itch, but it doesn't. I wore it today on a blustery ride at 45 degrees outside with only a pair of arm warmers and leg warmers...well and shorts of course...and I was perfectly comfortable. I was planning on a quick ride to stretch the legs, but was warm and comfortable enough to keep going and going. I also wore it when I first got in indoors on the trainer where I always overheat, and while I wouldn't say I was perfectly comfortable, I was more impressed than expected. For 50 bucks I couldn't be happier.

If you need a set of arm warmers and are looking at these and reading this review just go ahead and select your size and order. I have used lycra and various other synthetics, including a Gore Windstopper arm warmer, but I have never been impressed. Either the garment was too airy and wind chilled, or too insulting and sweaty. So far these Ibex wool arm warmers have been warm and dry. They are great for changing conditions where the ride may start cool and blustery and end up warm and sunny. Plus these are made in the USA with sustainable practices...the thought of which makes my granola go down easier before I head out for a morning ride.

No sure how the other reviewer was wearing these, but I find they stay up and in place perfectly. I believe they are intended to be worn under the elastic leg band of you cycling shorts. They may slip if worn with baggy shorts, but I never ride with them so I wouldn't know. Performance wise, I prefer these to any lycra or synthetic product I've owned. Wool is just terrific at regulating temperatures and in changing ride conditions (cold start to warm end) these wooly buggers fit the bill. If you have big sprinter legs, get the large. If you have lanky climbers legs, get the small or medium. There is only a 2 inch difference in length between the small (14.25") and large (16.25") but I believe there must be a difference in circumference as well. According to Ibex, these should fit mid calf to mid thigh...if you need more protection they make leg warmers. The price may seem steep, but I truly cherish my wool cycling garments, and these and the matching arm warmers are no exception.

...wear sheep. These are pricey, absolutely, but so it a lot of other junk by big name manufacturers that don't deliver what the consumer pays for. Considering what you get for your hard earned cash, these are a much better investment than most 401K's these days. These fit superbly and are very soft. I have pretty picky skin (especially down there) and I can teste-fy that these absolutely do not itch. As others have mentioned, the comfort range is wide open from cold days on the lift to 12oz curls at the bar I never think about being warm or cold, dry or sweaty. I just can't say enough about Icebreaker garments. From base layers to outerwear, and from top to bottom I just can't get enough.

I really need a bonus sixth star for this top...and any other Icebreaker piece of art for that matter. Seriously, Smartwool can bite it. Icebreaker designs and produces garments at a higher level than any other specialty wool manufacturer. Care is super easy, and durability is amazing. Base layer or no, this top is cozy and wears great. It's nice enough for the office and technical enough for extreme conditions under a shell. All I can say is they must harvest their wool from a smarter, softer, more durable sheep than anyone else.

I have to admit, I have lift performance anxiety. I can ride nearly anything on the mountain, but sometimes exiting the lift takes me back to my edge-catching newbie days. The anxiety has always come from a fear of my foot slipping off, causing me to tense up and indefinitely crash. Since I installed these babies? No crashes. I can put my foot down, and it stays nearly as steadily as if I were strapped in. I can coast and steer with an ease I've never known. The confidence boost puts these in the "best bang for the buck" purchase category for me. Oh...and they look good!

I'm generally pretty soft in my reviews and can usually find some nice things to say, but not in this case. I don't know what Gore was thinking with this product. The concept is great and totally sold me, but practical application is absurd. First, the sock is bulky...kinda like a hospital bootie. This would be fine if it was going OVER the shoe, but these are meant to go inside. Problem is, cycling shoes are traditionally tighter than a normal shoe, and especially so when it comes to road shoes. I couldn't get the shoe on with my normal smartwool sock so I had to go with a super-thin summer sock. My doubt level was rising before I ever clipped into the pedals. For the first half hour or so of my maiden voyage, the socks were fine. They cut the chilly wind and my toes were OK, if not immobile due to the cramming nature of this "sock." After about an hour, trouble set in. These DO NOT breathe...and I have pretty ventilated shoes. Though the wind was being blocked, these were the equivalent of riding with a wet towel wrapped around my feet on a 40 degree day. Needless to say, by the end of my two hour ride, my toes were numb. Either from cold or from being stuffed like ground pig into a salami. There are better, cheaper options to be had or sure. Whoever designed these things never put them through any real-world QA. I can't think of a single application they would work for unless you cut out the bottom and wore them OVER your shoe with a nice insulating sock. I'll just get my money back.

Pretty sweet T-shirt. I'm not religious except for when it comes to my bikes...so this shirt makes sense to me. Besides, can't you just see Jesus riding on water? I bet he's got a messenger bag under that robe. The shirt itself it nice soft cotton. I just hope it doesn't shrink too much when I was it.

Comfort and performance wise it does what any jersey should do: stays cool, keeps you dry, and covers up the beer belly...sort of. I wish it had a full length zip, but not a big deal. Style wise this thing is pretty sweet. I hate the typical team replica/sponsor jerseys. I'm not getting paid by them why should I wear their crap? I also hate the flashy jerseys with cheesy pix of lame rock bands or Star Wars movie posters. I do however enjoy being just a little bit different. So when I bomb past a guy decked in Trek from head to toe I can't help but feel a small sense of pride sporting my argyle.

This one's for the boys. I've been a runner/cyclist/avid outdoorsman for years and have always sworn by synthetics. Wool was for cool weather insulation and that was it. I tried some wool running socks this summer and have a drawer full now. It made sense to try some undies. If wool could keep my dogs from barking after a half marathon run or a 15 mile hump with a 40lb pack, then it made sense that it would keep the boys cool and comfy. Oh yeah...wool is the real deal. These superfine boxers feel AMAZING! No chaffing or moisture build-up. Bottom line: Don't be cheap...wear sheep!!!

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!

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.

Supposedly these are named after a sea turtle or some malarkey, but I say they were named for George Michael. They are big and cover a lot of real estate, just like George would wear...or maybe Bono. Regardless, I have a largish head so I think they work for me. Sadly, I ordered them during winter in Seattle so it will be at least 5 months before they see sun. Oh yeah, and I got em off SAC so I didn't need a rock star's budget to get them. In wearing them as I write this review (I wear my sunglasses at night...) I can say they are very light and I can see where they will be comfy once I get the nose pieces dialed. These are definitely shades, not cheap sunglasses. The blue lens tint looks nifty. Probably not for everyone.

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!