Reviews by User: Nicole Hillstrom (48)

This tent is lightweight, but huge. Plenty of room for two people, two dogs, and the associated gear. I haven't tried three people, but I imagine that if you leave the dogs at home, it wouldn't be a problem. Even by myself, I can get this tent from the back of the car to fully set up in 5 minutes or less. I can sit anywhere in the tent. I'm not tall by any means, but I can't usually do this in 2 or 3 man tents. This is great for using the tent as a gathering place during crappy weather. No longer will a lack of sunshine ruin my weekends!

I carry this with me always. It's small enough that it fits in the pack I take with me everywhere I go. My favorite anecdote is from when I showed my GPS to my dad. He was pretty proud of his, but this one, mine, is better. Since his is a Garmin, too, he was able to show me a few features that I hadn't tried out yet. I was proud when dad asked me to pull it out to show off to one of his friends, who was also impressed. I have a Mac, so it was a little difficult to figure out which software I needed, and where to get it, but once you get it figured out, it's very simple to use. I haven't been able to get the Mac-compatible maps yet, though. Fortunately, Garmin makes a chip that eliminates the hassle.

There is always at least one Luna bar in my pack. They're delicious, and good nutrition in a junk food world. I have a special weakness for Iced Oatmeal Raisin. I find Luna bars to be a good size for those times when you really could use a meal, but for whatever reason, can't get to "real" food. I will admit to eating nothing but Lunas for an entire weekend on at least one occasion (That's probably not recommended, however).

I grabbed these gloves, thinking that I'd most likely wear them daily to-and-from the car. They're warm enough to wear nordic skiing on warmish days. Way more windproof than I thought. As far as waterproof...I wouldn't wear them for a snowball fight, but otherwise, they're just fine. On cold days, they're phenomenal liners. The silicone fingertips are very functional and don't interfere with movement in any way, not even inside a pair of mitts. I recommend them to all of my friends looking for practical gloves. Also, if you wear a women's small, the children's large should fit you just fine. They're identical (as far as I can tell), other than the pricetag.

I ordered this jacket without ever seeing it in person. I needed a new softshell for my adventures outdoors and on the town. I knew Patagonia made quality items. I knew the earthenware color was beautiful. But what I didn't know was that this jacket would fit me so perfectly. The princess seams are very flattering. There's an additional curved seam below the bustline that really helps to define the area between my bust and my waist. As a woman with a large chest and a high but small waist, this is a G-dsend. There are a total of 7 pockets, but none of them add bulk. The shape is so flattering for me, I've worn it to the office as a suit, with a pair of matching pants (Patagonia Borderless). It also pairs nicely with a dress (may I suggest the Patagonia Bandha?)

I really didn't need a new fleece when I bought this, but the beauty of the northern light color broke me down and I brought it home. i previously had a Marmot Radiant jacket, which is very similar, but this one has a little something extra. The fibers are just a little softer, and I like the fit just a little better. Right now, the temperature is hovering at about 30 degrees. This jacket is just about perfect on its own for a still day in that range. If there's a warm south wind, it's good for about 40 degrees. As with my Marmot jacket, I wear it when the office turns the A/C up just a little too high.

I wasn't sure if I wanted one of these...at first. Now that I have one, I almost can't imagine going without. I keep small essentials, like my headlamp and a pocketknife in it, so I always know just where to find them. At night, I keep a hat and an extra pair of socks up there, too, just in case I should want them. REI.com says it weighs 3 ounces, and there are few things that light that are this useful.

I have a big chest (34DD). It's very difficult to find a bra that is comfortable. This bra does its job. I don't love it on its own, but if I put a regular bra under it to help keep things in place, I can do medium-impact activity very comfortably. It's definitely above average, but not perfect.

These are super comfortable. The stretch makes them great for those days when you're just a little bigger than normal, or just don't want to be hindered by tight pants. This style seems to run a little bigger than normal TNF pants. I've worn these on a multi-day trip, and strongly suggest bringing a belt to keep them up.

I bought these thinking that I'd probably return them. I was wrong. I'm short, so these "shorts" are more like capris on me, hitting just below the knee. The fabric is amazing, lightweight and stretchy. I could do gymnastics in them. I have the Hemlock color, which is a really beautiful green. It looks great with a white shirt, for a crisp, clean, athletic look.

This tasted just like ice cream, and had a really nice texture once it melted in my mouth. I felt like an astronaut when I ate it, which was fun. I probably wouldn't carry it on every trip, but for a few delicious extra calories, it's a good way to go.

at first, I was unsure about this jacket. I'll admit it. But I needed a fleece to layer under my hardshell, and this one was in the price range. I pulled the trigger, and I'm glad I did. It's a lot warmer than I thought it would be. I wouldn't wear it on its own in a windstorm, but it's excellent for layering. Good heat retention, and I haven't had a problem with overheating or moisture. I've also worn it as a cardigan during cold days at the office and got compliments on how cute it is. That's a definite plus. The sleeves are a fine length for me; I'm only 5'2", but I have average-length arms. I can use the thumb loops easily. I love the way they keep my wrists extra-warm when I shove them into gloves. I also love how they keep this jacket's sleeves from bunching up inside my hardshell.

I prefer dressing pretty modestly; I find it more comfortable not to have to worry about which body parts are showing, and whether it's too much. This top fixes that handily. The neckline follows the collarbones, which shows off great posture in a very elegant way. I can also count on this top to fill in the blanks when layered under v-neck tops and do it without making the outfit seem heavy.

I've worn this for yoga, and it performs well. There's enough movement that you never feel constricted. I've also worn this to the office and got compliments on its unique design. This is a very clever shirt. Much more flattering and elegant than your standard hoodie.

I love wearing this shirt to the office. It's comfortable and graceful under a suit jacket, and it's always ready for lunchtime yoga. I've also never seen a woman look bad in this top. As long as you stand up straight, you'll stand out. I got my first one a couple years ago in lupine, and I just bought a black one as well.

If I could live in these pants, I would. In a heartbeat. The fit is perfect for me. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, and has the added bonus of being recycled! So far, I've only been able to wear them to the office but once the weather improves, I look forward to many adventures in these babies.

I love the fabric and fit of these pants. They move perfectly with me, whether I'm relaxing or doing dhanurasana. I love that I can roll the waistband down, or wear it up, because I'm not a huge fan of showing my belly, but the folded waistband helps to camouflage underwear lines. I have them in northern light, but I'll probably pick up a few of the others, as well.

There isn't much to separate this vest from all the other fleece vests out there. It's really a matter of fit, because there aren't many features. For me, the Patagonia Synchilla is a winner. This is an all-around great piece. The fit is the best for my body type. The feature that I appreciate is that it's made from recycled polyester. The technology to do that makes it a little more expensive for now, but I think that it's worth it in the long run to encourage its use and development.

If you like to play outside, and you don't want to be hampered by the cold, this is the piece for you. It's 800-fill goose down; it doesn't get much warmer than that. What I love the most about it is that it's also very compact, so you're not going to feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Because I live and play in Alaska, it's hard to tell when things are going to get a bit chilly in the evenings. I bring mine camping with me. Stuffed into its pocket, it makes a pretty decent pillow for a mummy bag, but since it's serving double duty as a warm-up, I don't feel guilty at all about the extra space or ounces.

throw a tank top underneath this, pair it with some jeans, and you're good to go. the shape of this shirt is very flattering, good for the trail, the office, or a night with the girls.

For someone on the go, these are GREAT. The smaller size is perfect for a keep-you-going pick-me-up. Finally, no more pine needles and lint stuck to my snack leftovers!

I have Z/2s in Sparrow. If you saw me this summer, I was probably wearing these shoes. Great for camping and hiking, easy on and easy off, but the Chaco footbed offers plenty of support, even for a full day of hiking.

A pair of black Z/1s were my first Chacos. I still love them, and wear them frequently. They're super comfortable; you can't beat the Chaco footbed. These have become my "cooler weather" Chacos, since they're more compatible with socks than the Z/2s.

I have the woodgrain color, and like them a lot. These glasses are unique enough that when I left them at a friend's house, she knew just who to return them to. They're sturdy, and polarized for good vision, even in high-glare situations.

the fit wasn't perfect for me, but these were nice glasses. apparently, the folks who stole my car liked them too, because when my car was recovered, these specs weren't. no worries, sunglasses are easily replaced. I had some marvelous adventures with these, and look forward to new adventures with my new style of glasses.

My dog didn't like this at first. The blinking lights made the dog go berzerk the first couple times we used it, but eventually, things calmed down.

My dog and I like taking walks with this leash. Reflective threads are woven into it, so visibility in the dark isn't a problem, and also looks pretty cool. The carabiner attachment is easy to use, even if you're wearing gloves. The wrist loop is big, so it's easy to loop around stationary objects to make an impromptu dog run. Juneau knows that when this leash comes out, good times are going to be had.

I love the shape of this dress. It's a very classic A-line which is flattering to most women, and the tie back lets you really define the waist. I wear it to summer parties, but I also like throwing a tank top under it, a cardigan over it, and off we go to the office.

I wear one of these almost every day, under almost every kind of shirt. I'm very pleased with the fit and find them very comfortable. With my big chest, I appreciate the extra bit of support and smoothing the built-in bra provides. These are more than just underwear, though. On warm days, they're very cute and flattering tank top which look awesome with a pair of jeans.

At 34DD, it's difficult to find a decent sports bra. This is just about the closest I've found to being up to the task of supporting my chest in a comfortable and flattering way. It's not quite enough for high impact activity, but I haven't found the magic top that is.

I almost never wear any other type of underpants. These are perfect for ensuring modesty under a skirt. They don't ride up for me, except when I'm wearing extra-tight pants. They are essentially perfect.

These were my go-to pants this summer for my hiking and camping trips. Being nylon, they don't stretch and sag, so they're always ready to go for round 2.

I have these in two colors, and wear them pretty frequently, both for the outdoors and the office. The fabric is a little stiff; not stretchy at all. Still, they're comfortable.

I love wearing this skirt on those days when I'd rather be on the mountain than at my desk. Somehow, it just does the trick. I've also worn this while traveling, playing frisbee golf, and hiking. The length is good for me, just at the knee, so it feels modest without being cumbersome.

Not a week goes by when I don't wear these pants at least once. I have them in three colors, because that's all I could find. Were there more colors, I'd probably have more pairs. I love the material. It's slightly stretchy for perfect fit and comfort. The corduroy isn't too thick, so the pants aren't too stiff or too loud when you walk. They're just about perfect.

these are the least flattering North Face pants I own. They're also the only style I own in only one color. Not a bomb, but not my perfect pant, either.

I give them five stars, even though they're just pants. That said, I highly recommend them. Of course, I highly recommend any The North Face Pants. I own at least 8 pairs, and I wear them all frequently. They're functional enough for the trail, but flattering enough for the more casual office, as well.

I have a Sigg bottle with me nearly always. I own two 1.0L bottles, and they've served me so well that I buy them for gifts. Yes, they're slightly more prone to denting than a Nalgene, but they also have qualities that a Nalgene doesn't. The aluminum keeps hot liquids hot longer, and cold liquids cold longer. It can be placed near the fire for re-heats. I probably wouldn't boil drinking water in it, but I wouldn't be too afraid of putting freshly-boiled water in there. Might not be everyone's favorite bottle, but it suits me. Plus, the dents add character.

These socks are very, very comfortable. They're really comfortable through the arch, without being too tight across the instep. Another thing that I like about these socks is that they don't poop out after a day of hiking. If needed, they're good for double or triple duty.

I like these sandals. They're comfortable, even for walking fairly long distances. The toe box is a great thing, for those hikes where you're worried about kicking or tripping over rocks or roots. They're very attractive. But still, they haven't replaced my Chacos.

It's a really beautiful shade of blue, the fit is really nice, and the message is uplifting. This shirt just makes me feel good about myself and the world around me. I wear mine for an after-office unwind.

I love this bag. I really do. I love that it's made from recycled materials, because it helps me rest easy, knowing that I've done something to preserve the nature that I enjoy. The only thing that bothers me about it is how noisy it is when you move. I wish it were lined in recycled fleece. It would then be the perfect sleeping bag!

This is great on its own in the spring and fall, when extra insulation isn't required. For the wintertime, I strongly suggest layering a fleece under it. I've never gotten wet in this coat, and it blocks your average wind.

This jacket is everywhere! And for good reason. It's comfortable and warm. The nylon on the shoulders and sleeves helps to prevent pilling, as well as helping the jacket to stand up to wind and snow.

I bought this on clearance a season or two ago. I didn't know how much I'd like it. The one I ordered is orange, and at the time, I didn't wear much orange. I do now, and it's mostly because of this sweater. I wasn't sure how much I'd like the funny zipper, but you get used to having it unzipped really quickly. I love the texture of the fabric, as well. It seems nicer than your average fleece. With its close fit, it layers nicely. Bottom line: I get compliments on this all the time.

I bought this in emerald, and I wear it as a sweater all the time. The fleece has a cool waffle texture, so it doesn't look completely out of place at my (fairly casual) office. It really shines as a mid-layer. The fit is nice and close, so you don't have to look like a giant in your parka.

Since I bought this, I've worn it at least once a week. The color is gorgeous, and the fit is pretty flattering. The only quibble I have with it is that when the pockets are closed, the zipper pulls remind me of nipple tassels. That probably wouldn't be a problem for most women, though. I'm big-chested and have a short torso.

I love this vest. I wear it to work pretty frequently and plan to use it for layering on cool-but-not-cold days. I have it in Green Tea, and the color is beautiful. I also love that it doesn't look like your standard fleece. The only problem that I have with it is pretty niggling, and wouldn't apply to most ladies. I've got a large chest and a short torso, and the way the zipper pulls hang reminds me of nipple tassels.