Reviews by User: RockyMtnHigh (63)

This is a good jacket for what it is. It is not a true rain jacket, and in prolonged rain it will not keep you completely dry. But it works just fine for occasional/brief showers. It packs very small (in its bag, it is about 6" x 3" x 3") and is nice for throwing in your daypack (or car) in case you may encounter a stray shower or some wind. The fit is pretty much true-to-size, especially if you aren't heavily layered underneath it. It's nice to have a stuff sack, rather than having to deal with trying to stuff the jacket into one of its own pockets. All-in-all, this is a useful 'just in case' jacket, but if I knew that I was going to be encountering heavy rain, I'd opt for something more waterproof.

I have a longer back, and this chair isn't real comfortable for me. Yes, it's lightweight, but it is pretty bulky. If your back demands a chair (and your aren't backpacking or don't mind strapping it to your pack) this could work pretty well for you. However, for non-backpacking I prefer a standard camp chair, and for backpacking if I need a chair I bring a Crazy Creek Backpacker Lite.

I really like this pot. The heat exchanger on the bottom really does seem to improve efficiency (you can tell how much heat the exchanger traps by the fact that where it connects to the pot you can see water starting to boil within a minute of starting to heat it). The pot is relatively lightweight, and you can leave the lid at home to save weight. The detached handle is very lightweight, and much easier to use than attached handles (which tend to heat up, and do not allow as good of control over the pot). By improving efficiency, I can probably cut weight by not needing to bring as much fuel. The size is just right for my needs (it holds enough water to reconstitute 3 freeze-dried meals).

There are times when I really like having lightweight shades (and I always prefer polarized sunglasses). The lenses on these seem high-quality, and they are very light and comfortable. Fortunately, they come with a hard case (because they don't seem sturdy enough to handle any serious abuse). I got these on SAC, and don't think that they would be worth paying full price for.

These are great all-around sandals. The footbed is very comfortable, and they provide good support. They seem to fit true-to-size. As compared with many sandals that have just two straps, these cradle your foot much like a shoe would, but they are (obviously) much cooler. There are no real pressure points. The lacing system allows you to have them loose for just kicking around, or to tighten them down so that there is very little slippage (e.g., if you are going hiking). Because of the leather, they are not designed as a water sandal, but they do work fine if you get them wet (even though they take a while to dry out). If I were going to be needing sandals for serious scrambling, I'd get one with toe protection, but for an everyday, very comfortable and wearable sandal, this one is sure hard to beat!

I've used one of these cases for a couple of years. Typically, I keep my (small) camera in it. It's gone in the river a couple of times (and gone through several heavy rainstorms) without serious leakage. Occasionally, a couple of drops of water get in, but this is usually when I don't do a good job wiping sand/dirt off of the seal before closing it. It is lined with rubber, but to keep my camera from bouncing around I've had to add some styrofoam or bubble wrap on the inside. If I knew that I was going to be suffering continuous dunking, I'm not sure how much I'd trust it, but for adequate protection from occasional waves or storms it seems to work just fine.

I bought this for my wife, and I own the men's version. It is definitely fitted, meaning that if you are planning on wearing anything more than a thin baselayer underneath (or are larger chested) I would consider sizing up. It is indeed quite water-resistant, and does fairly well in wind. It breathes really well, and with its softness (and fitted sizing) it works great as a layering piece. It's thin and light, and packs really small.

When you read "pullover jacket" you may think that this would make an excellent outer-layer over a thick baselayer or midlayer. If this is what you are planning on doing I would size up. This jacket's fit is definitely on the small side. The description does not lie when it uses phrases like "streamlined" and "fitted." Really, this piece works best over a thin baselayer, especially when you are putting off heat (if you plan on wearing more than this underneath it, or are in-between sizes, I'd strongly consider getting the next size larger). It's thin, breathable, and very water-resistant, and also does pretty well in the wind. But if it really gets cold out, it's soft and comfortable enough to be a good layering piece. It is also lightweight and packs very small. Very nice.

This is nice for what it is. It can be put together in less than a minute (once you know how it goes together), and it packs into a bag smaller than that for most folding chairs. It seems well-made, and provides a good, fairly small work surface (with slats, so writing on it could be a problem). Yes, it's light, but it seems fairly stable when you have something on the table (I haven't had problems with it blowing over). The design of the legs doesn't really allow you to pull a chair up to it. If you need a small, portable table (for car camping, tailgating or kids' sporting events) this one is worth consideration.

You know the drill. Sit or squat by a stream or lake, and pump, pump, pump until your Nalgene is full, your arm is too tired, or the filter clogs. Chug water, then repeat. Man, I really hate that. With this filter, that is not necessary! I fill it up, then my biggest problem has been remembering to turn it off when my bottle is full (not uncommonly, I look to see clear water spilling out of my full bottle). This is a great filter for a base camp. My fellow backpackers are always happy to see that I have this filter along; it saves a tremendous amount of time and effort. I really don't know why everyone isn't using a filter like this.

Most boots need a break-in period. These felt great right out of the box. Lacing to the toe allows you to have them as loose or as tight as you want them, although people with wider feet may find them a little snug around the toes. They breathe well, and seem just about waterproof. Arch support is adequate. I've had them for several months, and have used them for day hikes and everyday use (working in the yard, shoveling snow) to make sure that they will be comfortable enough during multi-day backpacking trips. I just spent a weekend in the mountains, with a half-foot of snow/slush on the ground. My feet stayed completely dry and very warm, yet did not overheat (as they are prone to do in waterproof boots). These are solid boots.

These feel like more of a lightweight, barefoot hiker than a sandal. The footbed is very comfortable, and they are easy to get on and off. On dry land, they have excellent traction and provide good support. I'm sure that they would be great for beach or boat use, but (as some have noted) they don't provide great traction on slippery rocks. I spend a lot of time in rivers, and while the toe-protection is wonderful, the traction on slippery river rocks is less than I hoped. Otherwise, these are great shoes that I could easily wear all day.

The product description describes this as a superlight shell, and it is indeed very thin and light. The hood is not detachable, and although there is a velcro tab to tuck it under, this really just keeps the hood from flopping around (and doesn't allow you to actually stow the entire hood). It is a true shell, in that it really just provides protection from the elements (which it seems to do very well) with layering being required for any warmth. But it is also somewhat of a tapered fit, so if you are really going to be layering you may wish to consider sizing up. The pit zips are nice, and velcro wrists tabs are easy to use. There is no shortage of pockets. Given the lack of a snow skirt, I use this jacket as more of an all-purpose snow/rain shell than as a skiing/boarding jacket (which is in line with the description of it being a mountaineering jacket).

Sure, polarized shades are nice for driving (to cut the glare off of the road). But to use Kaenon Kore's for just driving would be like using your Porsche (assuming you have one, which I certainly don't) just for trips to the corner store. No, I really *need* good polarization when I'm on the snow, and when I'm sight-fishing for trout. Since polarization is so important for fly-fishing, I've gone through polarized shades from Oakley, Maui Jim, Smith, Action Optics, etc. And none of these work as well as my Kores (C12) in terms of clarity, comfort, and coverage (i.e., no light gets in around the lenses, and they don't block my field of vision). Yes, they give a little of a "bug-eye" look, but their performance can't be beat!

This is a nice laptop/work bag. It's medium-sized; not too big and also not too small. My 15" laptop (in a thin sleeve) fits in it comfortably, and it has ample pockets to sort my papers and other implements of business destruction. It seems well-made, and the shoulder strap is comfortable. If you have to put in your time at the office (or at school) to be able to be able to feed your jones to be outside, this bag may be something of a reminder why you are doing it.

OK. I admit it. I like sandals, and wear them year-round. And not just for bumming around town, but also for hiking, flyfishing, etc. This is a nice sandal. The Keen footbed is (for me) very comfortable. But, really, this shoe feels like a more stable flip-flop. They fit fairly loosely, but the extra straps do keep them from falling off (and provide some more stability). If I am going to be doing some serious scrambling, I'd prefer either a Chaco Z2 (which has better lateral stability) or a Keen Newport. And if I'm going to be frequently in and out of water, I'd prefer a sandal that fits a little tighter, and has a little better (wet) traction. But otherwise, the Maupin is comfortable, moderately stable, and has decent traction.

I travel with my PowerBook. A lot. This sleeve fits it perfectly (note: apparently it doesn't fit the MacBook Pro). There's room for several disks, but otherwise it does indeed fit it like a glove, providing excellent protection. It's a bit pricey, but if you can get it steeply discounted, it's well worth it.

This is a really nice jacket. Although it would be nice to have an iPod pocket, the other pockets are roomy and well-placed. Keep in mind that this is a shell, so it's important to layer underneath it. However, as shells go, it is pretty thick, and though it's not lined, the inside lining of the shell does have a soft finish (so if you are wearing it with just a t-shirt underneath it is not as cold as many shells). With proper layering, this jacket will keep you as warm as you want to be. I rarely use a hood, so it's really nice that it zips off. The fit seems good (if anything, the arms are on the long side), and (referring to a previous review) I don't find the cuffs at all small. Is short, this wold be a tough shell to beat!

I tend to like Kelty products, and this 'bag' is no exception. This is the perfect size for an overnighter or light weekend, and is small enough to work as a carry-on for larger planes (if it is not expanded). It is nice to be able to expand it for extra room, and the wheels and handle seem sturdy. It does have several zippered pockets, and also several handles. The daisy chain looks cool, but I'm really not sure what you'd use it for on a wheeled suitcase. It seems to be well-made, and the compression straps are occasionally useful.

These are comfortable, well-made, and fit true-to-size. They provide great traction on pavement and boards, and the padded tongue is nice.

This is a really nice shirt. The bamboo material seems like cotton, but is just a little heavier. It is very soft and seems to breathe well. Kavu makes great products, and this is no exception. It seems very well-made, and the stitching makes it look more stylish (but casual). It seems to fit true-to-size.

This is a nice mid-layer, or just for kickin' around town. I would describe it as more of a sweater than a shirt. It is warm, yet soft enough to wear over a t-shirt. It does fit true-to-size (or, if anything, slightly large). As another reviewer has commented, both the sleeves and the body are on the long side.

If you are on a budget (and who is not on a budget nowadays?) this is a decent bag. It's fairly warm, although 20 degrees may be slightly optimistic. It does have an internal chest baffle. It comes with a compression sack, and packs down to about 8 X 12 inches. If you are 6 feet or taller, I would definitely get the long.

This is a very well-made and comfortable pack. Actually, it is more like a scaled-down backpacking pack. It has numerous adjustments to get a good fit, the frame does indeed allow good airflow around your back, and the hipbelt is comfortable (with small zippered pockets for chapstick, etc.) The frame cuts down some on inner volume, but the pack holds more than it looks like it would. Because of the frame, this is a great pack for hiking, but would not be a good everyday-use pack.

This is a well-made, nice knife. The opening assist works well, so that a medium amount of pressure on the thumb stud causes the knife to snap open. It does take a fair amount of pressure to open it, and I have not had any problems with accidental opening. The blade is sharp, and fairly beefy. I find the handle comfortable, and while it feels as hard as a metal handle, seems a little grippier. With practice, closing it with one hand is no problem.

This is a comfortable and well-made pack. Even though it is large (5000 cubic inches) it really doesn't feel that big. Perhaps that's because the design keeps it from heating up your back, or because once you put your do-dads in the two side and one front pocket, there's less room in the bag itself. There are two covers (one fixed and a detachable one that goes over it). The hipbelt is wide and comfortable, and has two small pockets for chapstick, etc. Like any pack, it takes some adjustments to get a good fit. The lash tabs and ice axe loops are useful. Probably the one drawback is that there aren't straps under the bottom of the pack, so lashing a tent on the bottom is not an option (but with 5000 cubic inches, who would need to?).

These are great all-purpose sandals. The footbed is so comfortable, and the lacing system allows you to have them as loose or tight as you want them. But even if you tighten them down, there are no pressure points like 2-strap sandals. They aren't made to be water sandals, but they still can handle a little water without difficulty. I wear a 10.5-11, and the 11's fit me perfectly. What is not to like?

This is a well-made shirt, and breathes well. It is great for aerobic activities. It is pretty fitted, so don't expect it to be too loose or baggy.

These are probably the sturdiest pair of shades I have owned. They can really take a beating. The polarization and optics are excellent, and they fit well on a medium/medium-large sized face. At least on me, they fit tight enough that there is little slippage.

As others have said, this is a really nice shirt. It's one of the Columbia "Titanium" products and is very well-made. It dries quickly and works great as an all-purpose outdoor shirt. The button-up sleeves and zippered chest pocket are useful. It is also sharp enough to wear to work.

I spend a lot of time fly-fishing, and have been very happy with these shoes. Typically, I walk up to a mile or two, go up and down steep stream banks (dirt, rocks, or sand), and then spend a lot of time wading in rivers. These shoes are comfortable enough while hiking, and do well going up and down hills. They provide adequate stability and traction on dry rocks, but (not surprisingly) don't provide great traction on either submerged mossy river rocks, or wet, smooth rocks out of the river. But as compared with technical sandals, the whole-foot protection is nice, and these shoes help to keep the annoying pebbles and dirt from collecting under my feet (both in and out of rivers). If they could find a way to make these with a "stickier" sole for in-water use, they would be just about perfect.

This bottle really rocks. At 40 oz, it's bigger than a Nalgene, but the diameter is a little smaller so that it more easily fits into bottle pockets. It does not leak, even when filled with carbonated beverages. The mouth is big enough to fit ice cubes, but not so big that you find your beverage flowing down both sides of your neck. It's stainless steel, so I don't have to worry about bisphenol A or other toxins leaching into my water, coffee, carbonated beverage, etc. The color on the photo is accurate (i.e., the color is *not* powder blue). Other than the cool looks, I don't think that the powder-coated bottle has any advantages over the regular stainless finish. For those of you who really like to hydrate in the backcountry (you know who you are) this is a killer bottle.

OK, so I admit it. I'm lazy, and it's nice to have just one strap to fasten. These bindings securely fasten my feet to my board (as well as any two-strap binding have). Yes, they did take a while to get properly adjusted (using the video that others have linked to, or that you can access from the Ride website). My boots are Burton Ions, and they almost seem too big for these bindings (size 11 boot, size 11/13 bindings). Even with the straps maxed out, I still can't get the toe strap to come directly over the front of the boot (it still comes a little from the size). Even so, the strap keeps my toe very stable. My experience is that this works fine for an all-mountain binding, but other than the easy in/out, doesn't have any real advantages over more traditional bindings.

These are my favorite shorts. They stand up to years of use and abuse, and the zippered cargo pockets are very useful. They have a mesh liner, and dry quickly (so I use them a lot when I'm in and out of the water). The web belt allows you to tighten your waist so you don't lose them in the waves (or pool). I wear these for pretty much any activity, although on long hikes/backpacking the liner stand a chance of chafing. They seem to fit true-to-size.

This is a very thin jacket; thinner than my other softshells. Really, it feels like one of my older windbreakers (before the softshell revolution); but, obviously, breathes much better. It does well in wind, and I recently stayed very dry during a rainstorm. There are Velcro tabs to adjust the cuffs. The gusseted underarms allow good range of motion. There is a waist drawstring (accessible from the pockets). The "numerous" pockets are actually two hand pockets and one smaller (cell phone-size) internal chest pocket. This is a great jacket for wind or occasional showers during aerobic activities, but isn't really designed to provide serious warmth.

This is a sweet knife. While I'm not much one for flashy knives (or anything else) I think that the gold accents look really cool. The OutBurst opening mechanism works really well, in that it just takes a little thumb pressure to cause the knife to quickly lock into place. There is no lock to prevent accidental opening, but I have yet to have a problem with this. I have the Combo blade, and while the serrations are more than half the length of the blade, they are more gradual (and less saw-like) and cut very well. This is a very sturdy knife, and as a result of this is indeed on the heavy side. But besides the weight, I can find nothing not to like about it.

I've had a few of these over the years, and they are my favorite of the wicking tees. They are soft, and fit a little looser than some other similar shirts. Yes, they snag easily, but I have cut out 90% of my snags by making sure that I don't wash them with any clothes that have Velcro fasteners. These shirts are great when I'm putting off heat, great when I may get wet and need to dry quickly (e.g. on the river), and even great as a baselayer in the winter.

These keep my lower half toasty warm under a shell/ski pants. They fit true-to-size, and are supposed to be a little on the snug side (which is one reason they are so warm). They breathe really well. I suppose that they could probably be worn without a shell (for running, or trying to sleep in a 30 degree sleeping bag when it's 10 degrees out). The only way to improve them would be to give them a pocket, but not having one is not that big of a deal. If your lower half tends to get cold when skiing/boarding (or at other times) I would seriously consider these pants.

I've had this for about 5 years, and never had a problem with it. It is really nice to be able to adjust the flame for different cooking/heating needs. Yes, it could be a little lighter, but there are other ways I can save weight other than going with a less reliable stove. It heats water fast, and folds down to be relatively compact. The only downside (besides the price, which is worth it) would be that it is indeed noisy when turned up all the way. But I just view the noise as obvious evidence what a good job it does in combusting the fuel. Following the instructions, lighting it is a snap. Needless to say, I really like this stove.

I have owned two pair of these for probably 5-7 years, and there's really not much to say that hasn't already been said. The footbed is very comfortable, and they do provide good arch support. The toe-loop seems a little funky, until you're crossing an incline and you realize just how much lateral support it provides. They do well in and out of the water, and are very sturdy. Hiking in them is not a problem, unless there's a lot of mud or rocks/scree. They are good for wading in rivers, although (like most sandals) they don't have great traction on submerged mossy rocks. My experience is that they fit true-to-size. If you are a die-hard sandal aficionado, you likely already have a pare of these. If you don't, I'd recommend that you give them a try.

This bottle is great. I often fill my 'water' bottles with other beverages (carbonated, or coffee--don't ask). With my Nalgenes, even a good washing couldn't remove the taste/smell, and carbonated beverages would leak out the top. That, and I do have health concerns about putting any beverage (especially hot ones) into a plastic container. The Klean Canteen doesn't retain smells/tastes and doesn't leak with carbonated beverages. It is 40 oz (larger than a Nalgene) yet its somewhat narrower diameter makes it easier to get in and out of bottle pockets. It's mouth is big enough that putting ice cubes in is no problem. What's not to like?

If you're going to buy a duffel, why not get the best? No, there are no wheels, but if you need wheels on your bag, then maybe you don't need a duffel of this quality. The bag is very durable, and the backpack straps can be very useful (but you can tighten them down when necessary if you don't need them). For being so bomb-proof, the bag is surprisingly light. I have a small (which works great as a carry-on), a medium (which I use the most), and a large. I can't imagine ever needing an XL, and with how these bags are built, I doubt I will ever need to replace them. This bag is a time-tested winner, and more than worth the price.

This is a really sweet shirt. It wicks and breathes very well (like the MH Wicked-T), but has a collar. Why would I want a collar? Well, it provides some sun protection for the back of my neck. It also looks a little dressier than a regular t-shirt (e.g., I wore it to play volleyball last week and had no hesitation keeping it on to go out to dinner afterward). Yes, like my other Mountain Hardware wicked tees it snags somewhat easily. But I have all be eliminated this problem by making sure that I don't wash/dry it with any of my clothing that has Velcro pockets (because washing with clothes with hook-and-loop fasteners has caused most of the runs in my shirts). The zipper is useful and unobtrusive. And the fit is nice, without being too 'fitted.'

This is not a bad knife, but for the price I'm sure that you can do better. It does open easily (with the opening assist), and the blade seems high-quality and sharp. But the plastic seems rather flimsy. Yes, it's light-weight, but I'd be afraid to do any serious cutting with this. This might be OK as a just-in-case occasional-use knife, but if you are planning on using the knife on a regular basis, I'd get one a little more sturdy.

I have this knife with the Zytel (plastic) handle. At first, I was put off by the plastic, but have come to realize that not only is it sturdy, it is very light for knife of this size. The description is accurate, in that a little pressure on the thumb stud causes the knife to quickly open and lock in place. But there is a safety switch to help prevent the knife from accidentally opening in your pocket and groining you. The sliding piston lock is easy to disengage (so I have an easier time closing this knife than I do my CRKT's that have AutoLawks). The light weight of this knife makes it easy to bring along a full-size knife on backpacking trips. This is a good, all-purpose knife.

This is a serious knife. The titanium handle is comfortable and sturdy, and the holes in the handle can really help get a firm grip. It is easy to quickly open (using your index finger on the "Carson Flipper," which is much easier than using the thumb studs). The blade is very beefy, and just a bit under 4 inches. The AutoLawks certainly prevents accidental closure. This not a knife for people who just like to use their knives to clean under their nails. This is a monster of a knife made to be used and abused.

Update: Yes, they run a little small, but once I got the right size I really like these boots. They were comfortable right out of the box (needing little break-in), and are easy to get on and off. It's nice to have upper and lower zones on the laces (and having two zones makes it easier and quicker to fully tighten them). They are warm, and the lower center of gravity and smaller footprint are nice. Yes, they are on the stiff side, but that works for me. Of course cost is an issue, but having comfortable feet is so very important.

This is a well-made, workhorse of a knife. It's a bit on the heavy side, but that's not really a drawback (unless you don't like carrying a heavy knife, or are look for a knife for ultralight backpacking). I have the serrated model (the M4-13) and as compared to some knives, the serrations really are serious (think saw-like). The OutBurst assisted opening makes it very easy to quickly open it with one hand. Closing it with one hand can be done, but takes some practice (the technique is described on the CRKT website http://www.crkt.com/m4.html ).

Most boots need a break-in period. These felt great right out of the box. Lacing to the toe allows you to have them as loose or as tight as you want them, although people with wider feet may find them a little tight around the toes. They breathe well, and seem just about waterproof. I've had them for about 2 months, and have used them for day hikes and everyday use (working in the yard, shoveling snow) to make sure that they will be comfortable enough during multi-day backpacking trips. I've purposely walked through slush and puddles, but my feet stayed completely dry. Great boots!

OK. I was all set to give this 5 stars and a glowing review. I've had it for about a month, and have worn it (under a technical or soft shell, or by itself) boarding, hiking, fly-fishing, and at other times. Today, I wore it under a soft shell, and was warm enough despite snow and wind, but when the sun came out I didn't overheat. This product gives the warmth of wool, but no wool against your skin. The (mesh) lining is soft and breathes well and the polartech sleeves are comfortable and dry quickly. It fits me well, and the logo and letters are still in place. So what happened? After I took it off today, I noticed a hole in the back (the same place where other people have had the problems, where the wool meets the polartech). The design is revolutionary, the materials seem top-notch, and I love the fact that it's made in the US by a US company, but the stitching could use some work. Of course, Backcountry.com is a great company and they are very willing to give me a refund. But the thing is... I like this piece so much that I'm just going to exchange it and try my luck again. If the new one gets a hole, I'm just going to live with it (or fix it) because this piece has quickly become my indispensable midlayer.

These are billed as swim trunks, and they do work well for this (they are quick-drying and have a mesh liner). But if you're going to really be using them for swimming (rather than wading) the front pockets do billow out. But for rafting, wading, playing in the surf, etc. they work well (I have had two pair for several years). I also routinely use them for short hikes and just bumming around town (for longer hikes, as someone has noted, the mesh liner can cause some irritation). These shorts are well-made and have stood up well to hard use. While I really like these shorts, I probably prefer the Class V Cargo Trunk shorts because they have two zippered front pockets.

I have had 2 pairs of these for several years. The nylon is quick-drying, and the mesh liner keeps your junk in place. I use them rafting, fly-fishing (wet wading), hiking, and as all-around comfortable shorts. They even will work as a bathing suit (and the webbing belt will keep them from falling off). For all activities, it's really nice to have the zippered pockets (especially if you are going to be in and out of the water). They have held up to several years of hard use without any problems. All-in-all, these are my favorite shorts I have ever owned.

I agree with much of what has already been written. Yes, this is thin (and it packs small), but water rolls right off of it. Its fit is a little snug, so don't plan on putting it over a thick mid-layer (unless you size up or are very thin); but this makes it a little warmer, and you don't have extra material flapping around or getting in the way. It is on the short side, but this makes it easier to wear under a hard/technical shell. At first I was disappointed by the lack of interior pockets, until I realized just how useful and accessible the chest pockets are. If it sounds like I'm making excuses for the jacket, that's only because I really like it. I use it with a t-shirt (or thin baselayer) on warmer days, throw it in my pack if I may be confronted with some stray showers, and wear it as a versatile and comfortable mid-layer under my shell. If you're looking for a completely waterproof, long, roomy shell to wear over other layers, this probably isn't the right jacket for you, but otherwise it's a sweet jacket.

I bought the tortoise/brown, and these really aren't bad glasses. Yes, I agree with others who have noticed that the bottom of the frame does tend catch the sunlight and light up, but I haven't found this to be too problematic. Actually, I think that some of the problem is that the frames are small, so the bottom of the frame is closer to my eye than with most other shades. For a male with an average-sized face, these shades are on the small side. However, the lenses/optics seem pretty good, and the polarization is nice.

I know it can be tricky buying boots on-line, but I couldn't find these boots locally. I usually wear a 10.5, so I figured that I would be OK with an 11. Nope. With the 11's, my toes go to the tip of the boot (with thin socks) and I'm sure would eventually cramp up. With the Ion's, I guess that I'll need an 11.5. The boots otherwise seem great, but I obviously can't really review them. Just be aware that they definitely run small!

This is a very versatile sandal. With the strap loose, they are pretty much like a flip-flop (but, of course, with much better support and stability). But crank the strap down, and these will stay on your feet (in or out of the water). If you are used to flip-flops (and the feeling of the 'thong' between your big and second toes) these will feel very natural. On the other hand, if you know that you are going to be doing a lot of scrambling in these (or frequently going in and out of the water) I'd go with the Chaco Zong, because they stay on better and have better lateral stability.

I had high hopes for this shoe. When I got them, they looked well-made (and even stylish). The left shoe was just fine (and fit true-to-size, if slightly narrow). However, my right shoe had problems. On the inside, near the side of my little toe, there was a bump. Upon investigation, it seemed to be where the stitching was (covered by an inner lining). This was very uncomfortable, and my hope is that it was just a bad day at the shoe factory (and not a design flaw). Unfortunately, the shoes had to go back.

There's little to say that hasn't already been said. Of my (too many) jackets, this is the one I wear the most. I tend to run warm, but I am comfortable wearing this with a t-shirt in 30-50F weather (the lining is soft and comfortable). If it's colder, then there is certainly room to layer up. Although there are no pit zips, it breathes well and the hand pockets function as core vents. It repels water without difficulty, and the inner sleeve fleece cuffs are a nice touch. For skiing or boarding I prefer a coat that is a little longer (with a snow skirt) but if you can ride without falling I'm sure it would work well for this too. It has stood up to 1 year of hard use, and is the jacket I wear most when I'm just kicking around town.

I have had a couple of pairs of these for the past several years. It's just really nice to be able to slip on sandals without worrying about a backstrap. But even though they are slip-on, I can still do anything I want in them (with the exception of hiking in mud, because you can slip out the back). Chacos provide excellent support, and the toe loop not only helps keep the sandal from falling off, but provides lateral stability. I even hiked Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica in these with no problems at all. I recommend them highly!!

No, it's not wind-proof, and the wind cuts right through it (especially if you are wearing a short-sleeve shirt underneath). But on non-windy days it can still be warm enough. Yes, it can make a decent layering piece, although the hood may (obviously) bunch up in back. But what I really wear this for is a casual jacket/sweater (when it's not windy). It looks great, is very comfortable, and gives me something to wear when I don't want to look all teched-out. I wouldn't pay $200 for it, but at $100 it has been a good addition to my collection of (too many) outerlayers.

This is advertised as a fleece shirt, and it certainly could be used as just a shirt. However, it is pretty heavy, and awfully warm. I've been wearing it as a (fairly stylish) light to mid-weight jacket and been very happy with it. Obviously, it is not water-resistant, but I've taken to wearing it when I want something that looks a little nicer than a fleece jacket.

This is a nice travel bag. It has many pockets, and seems sturdy, but what really sets this bag apart is its shape. As compared with most daypacks, it is squared-off at the top, so my (15") laptop--in a protective sleeve--fits in it comfortably, leaving ample room for a couple of books and even a jacket. My other daypacks are more tapered toward the top, so after shoving my laptop in there is little room for other stuff. There is an interior, padded sunglass pouch, and a nice, smaller pocket on the top that's perfect for your wallet, iPod, phone etc. (e.g. when going through airport security).

This is a very sturdy, well-made knife. One-hand opening is very quick and easy. The blade is sharp out of the box, and thick enough to cut anything you would want to. What really sets this knife apart is the grip. It is a hard, ridged/textured plastic that provides probably the best grip of any knife I have seen. This could be very important if you are in a situation when your hand is wet while doing some serious cutting. The handle design also significantly improves grip. If you need a beefy, heavy-duty knife that won't slip out of your hand, this is probably the one.