Reviews by User: blueskychica (49)

This is my first high tech rain jacket, and I love it. The water ripples off it, packs down tiny, it's a killer color (red glaze). Sizing is true and the jacket is cut to be form fitting for max movement—the cut is my fav part of the jacket. I bought a M, and still can get a M fleece under it, but mostly just wear it alone.

Holysmokes I love these skis. The core is more rigid than other skis, so they kill it on the groomers, and I don't get the chatter I get with other skis that are this wide. In powder they're about as good as it gets, super floaty. I absolutely love the graphics. I got a little longer length than I've gone before- and even getting used to that, I'm loving these. There's a lot of room to grow on these skis- I'd totally recommend them.

I’ve beat this sleeping bag to death for years- from desert to cool alpine, couch surfing, both wet and dry climates, in summer, spring, and fall, in tents, and outside on a tarp, waking up in the dew. I’ve got it wet inadvertently many times, and it still serves me well. I got the left and right zip bags too- they’re fab.

I love the super plushy fleece on the R4- it looks cool and feels great. I've worn the R2 for years (love it- Patagonia's midweight breathable fleece), and the difference between having the windstopper makes it 100% a different jacket. I've worn this skiing under a shell on the coldest day of the season, and was toasty warm all day- the windstopper is awesome. Other friends that have owned this jacket either love it adamantly or are too warm in it-- but since I'm almost always cold, it's perfect for me- I absolutely love it. The only thing that keeps this from being as versatile as the R2 is the cut of the arms- which taper in the forarms to be a true athletic cut, and they don't really stretch. It's perfect if you have a thin baselayer or no sleeves, but if you're expecting to wear this casually with a big sweater underneath, it's not really your jacket.

My first snowboarding boots- and the boa has me spoiled. Super comfy and easy to tighten up with gloves on. Perfect choice for someone getting into the sport. Super cool lookin too.

Great boot for XCountry touring. A comfortable boot straight out of the box- but also has great support and control for focusing about technique. Medium/wide width and roomy toebox. I toured 10 miles before getting my first heel blister (which is really saying something for a new boot...)

This bag is unbelievably warm and cozy—especially considering how lightweight it is. I tend to run a bit colder than other folks—and down is absolute luxury. In this bag, I've stayed warm, I've slept well- the most important stuff. I fell asleep early one eve on top of my bag with just my feet in the head hole, and couldn’t believe that I stayed warm enough to sleep 1/2 way through the night before waking up. Crazy! If you’ve ever been cold—you have to switch to down. And when it’s this lightweight- you're going to have a great, versatile bag with this one. Diggin’ it- highly recommended.

Cute, warm, cool color and knit pattern. I love the fleece ear lining, love the super big pom! Definitely a sassy lit'l number...

For the first month I used this- I couldn't believe it didn't leak. It's super convenient to flip the stem and be drinking (great for driving). I've had it tip over in my bag and not leak... until the day that I started putting soda in it. Just don't do it. I've tested this a few times- and if there's anything carbonated in it, it will leak even standing upright. Crazy. Otherwise, an excellent waterbottle to add to your arsenal- I'd recommend it.

My first snowboarding boots- and the boa has me spoiled. Super comfy and easy to tighten up with gloves on. Perfect choice for someone getting into the sport. Super cool lookin too.

What can I say; I'm a girl who likes to be warm. With a name like expedition pant I thought these might be bulky, but they're form fitting, super soft, and actually a pretty thin fabric if you're comparing it to cotton thermals. I love the low rise waist too, you can get away wearing these under jeans, as well as ski pants without bulky wrinkles. They're super comfy, I have some mid-weight ones too. They fit true to size.

I love this tee—love Patagonia—love the graphics. Size wise, I’d opt to go one or even two sizes smaller than you’re used to, because the scoop neck makes it feel a bit too large throughout. I’m a size M and fit both the S and XS. I bought the XS for me, and am careful to air dry it. I’d probably get the S if I were doing it again- seeing how cotton shrinks a bit. Super cute- one of my fav shirts!

I've put three bikes on this rack, and it was super stable. I like that it has foldable arms, an easy click open and they bend down and click into a locked position when a bike's not on it-- a cool function for a hatch based rack. A bomber rack- the best in it's price range. Easy to take off in the winter.

Fun twins. Super soft, manuverable, easy to turn, lots of float in the powder. I'd recommend them for jibby skiers. Awesome in the powder, but kind of chattery on the groomers. The super cool graphics are the BOMB. I love these skis.

Lots of support, good fitting shelf bra. Amazingly—this one backpacked with me for two days straight and didn’t reek like the other tank I had over this one. Cute cut too.

This fleece is the best fitting fleece I've ever had. I thought I was going to get the R4, but the R4's didn't give me the same range of motion that this one does and seemed to fit a bit smaller. This one fits me like a glove- it's super comfy, warm, and the stretchy side material makes it great for movement and layering under my rain jacket. For versatility, this is the best purchase I've made all year!

This is the best hydration pack that I've had. It is made well, lightweight, great color, nice sized bladder. However, I'll admit that it fits my guy friends more comfortably than me. I'm going to try out a girl's cut pack and see if I like it a bit better for fit.

I thought this was stupid until I started paying attention to all the places my tube end was ending up. Dirt... ground... mud... outhouse. Yuk- that did it. I love the camelbak's easy access to drinking when I'm biking... but for hiking, camping, and backpacking- I'd recommend adding the cover.

I'm a skier who's just getting into snowboarding- but this board makes me want to get out and ride it- it's super fun, and super cute. It was univerally recommended for a beginner who wants to advance- and I'll totally agree. K2's graphics are so cool.

Finally- a boot that fits well right out of the box. I have difficult feet to fit and I'm a notorious blisterer- so I'd say I'm extra sensitive to tight fitting boots. These are comfy, light, and breathable with a decent sized toebox. I've actually spent the past 2 seasons backpacking lightweight in trail running shoes or Keens, which has been fine, but I've been trashing my shoes too quickly. After half dozen backpacking trips with these, they're holding up well, and light enough that I can bring sandals too and transition in and out of them without being too burdened with extra weight. The only downside to their breathability is that I get a lot of sand in them (in sandy conditions I have to unload them every few minutes). On hardpack, it's no problem. Perfect desert and dry condition hiking boots.

I've been reading about this duffel forever, and finally laid down the bucks for one of my own. I have zero regrets-- it's worth every penny. The Small size is absolutely perfect for traveling on the airplane with. I could stuff it full and still fit fit in the overhead. The straps fit the shoulders almost as comfy as a full on backpack- totally versatile for international travel. Additionally, the zipper is solid (even when stuffed full). I've tested in both rain and blowing sand- and it kept my stuff protected better than any other bag I've ever owned. I'd like another one in a larger size- would definitely recommend the small one for it's versatility.

I don't know how I lived for so long without this one- its truly the perfect size. After using it for two seasons, I can say that it's truly one of the most versatile and recommended pieces of gear I own. Love the size, the locking bite valve. Big enough to stuff a light jacket, all my bike tools, a few tubes, protein bars. Awesome to have the larger bladder too- I use it when backpacking, hiking, biking (filling up as much water as I'm going to need). Love it love it love it. You can't go wrong with this one.

This is my first piece of Capilene, and I’m hooked. You should believe the hype—this is great fabric. These are perfect undies for long hikes or hot days. Light, breathable—sooo comfy.

I've always been a fan of the camelback bladders- but now am also a fan of the Platapus bladder- not interchangibly, but as an addition to your backpacking gear. I love that it's lightweight, leakproof, rolls up tiny when it's empty, and the size of the opening make it easy to pour into other containers or drink from directly (can we say, easy mixed drinks on your outing?) Enough said.

Coal makes such cool hats- I'm never let down. The cut of this hat and fit are true to size, the army green nubby fabric is super cool. The inside is lined with a black satin- one little detail that make this is a long term, well constructed hat. It'll stick around for a while... it's definitely my favorite military hat.

Coal makes such cool hats- I'm never let down. The cut of this hat and fit are true to size, the army green nubby fabric is super cool. The inside is lined with a black satin- one little detail that make this is a long term, well constructed hat. It'll stick around for a while... it's definitely my favorite military hat.

I know these are ski socks, but I wear them everywhere- I absolutely love the stripes and bought both the pink and the blue. They fit well, perfect height for the ski boots. They're mid-lightweight I'd say-- a little thicker than my thinnest ski socks, but not bulky at all. Cool snowflake graphic detail too. Buy one, buy two- you can't go wrong.

Coal makes such cool hats- I'm never let down. The cut of this hat and fit are true to size, the army green nubby fabric is super cool. The inside is lined with a black satin- one little detail that make this is a long term, well constructed hat. It'll stick around for a while... it's definitely my favorite military hat.

I love these shoes - they're super comfy- stylie- awesome fit for a wide foot. My fav new activity for them is mtn biking on platforms. Skate shoes for the mtn- yeah!

I've been reading about this duffel forever, and finally laid down the bucks for one of my own. I have zero regrets-- it's worth every penny. The Small size is absolutely perfect for traveling on the airplane with. I could stuff it full and still fit fit in the overhead. The straps fit the shoulders almost as comfy as a full on backpack- totally versatile for international travel. Additionally, the zipper is solid (even when stuffed full). I've tested in both rain and blowing sand- and it kept my stuff protected better than any other bag I've ever owned. I'd like another one in a larger size- would definitely recommend the small one for it's versatility.

I don't know how I lived for so long without this one- its truly the perfect size. After using it for two seasons, I can say that it's truly one of the most versatile and recommended pieces of gear I own. Love the size, the locking bite valve. Big enough to stuff a light jacket, all my bike tools, a few tubes, protein bars. Awesome to have the larger bladder too- I use it when backpacking, hiking, biking (filling up as much water as I'm going to need). Love it love it love it. You can't go wrong with this one.

This is by far my most used and adored spring/summer jacket. It has a great cut, a super cute color, it’s very feminine and still gives you a great range of motion. I bought this as a rain jacket and it’s been amazing for that (the water beads right off). I love its versatility—I find myself using it as a windbreaker, a mosquito deterrent, a lightweight layer, and a rain jacket. It packs down so small that I’ve been taking it everywhere (my friends have been jealous when I’ve pulled it out). Pit vents are nice, pockets are roomy, this is a great jacket!

I usually go for a bigger pack, but needed something a little smaller and this is a great sized bag. It’s worked perfect for my weekend backpacking trip. I dig that the pack itself is so light, and 3000cu in works best for me when I’m going light. I also liked that when packed, it doesn’t rest against the back of my head/neck (my cowboy hat thanks you). This is the first women’s pack I’ve used, and it’s a great basic, top loading, small to mid-sized pack.

Very lightweight and easy to set up. The tent goes together quickly, though the vestibule takes a little muscling to get it nice and tight, thus it’s unlikely I’ll keep the vestibule off if eve showers are possible. Cool little details: 4 built-in interior pockets that lie flush with the tent walls, glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, and extra loops that attach from the vestibule to the ground for a stable defense in case of a windstorm. And for two of us- it was roomy for a backpacking tent. It’s a great tent—the only thing I’d change is adding a second door/vestibule.

I love the concept of this bag, (yes, sleeping pads are slippery little suckers,) but after sleeping in it for a few nights (and a great, warm, comfortable sleep too,) I'll have to admit... Years of sleeping in a mummy bag have me in the habit of sleeping in a little ball, with my sleeping bag fitting my body. Having the pad in the bottom sleeve of the bag forced me to curl up within the bag, or sleep stretched out. I still had a great night's sleep it was just a bit of an adjustment.

I love this jacket. The fabrics feel really soft, the lining is soft- but it’s all breathable. Very cool color/design too, I love the stripes! Size wise, I’m usually a Medium for North Face jackets, and I had to go one size up for the cut of this one, it’s a little longer cut and fits a bit snug/stretchy on the upper hips. Even with its fitted cut, you still retain an awesome range of movement (can we say hiking, biking, backpacking?) I can see myself using this jacket for a good many years.

Bought it for winter xcountry ski tour- and it worked just as it said. The other folks with me were struggling with frozen water in their tubes and nalgenes, and minus one little slurp of half frozen water, it flowed perfectly. I highly recommend it.

Rockin helmet-- not too big, fits just right. The sizing is a little different though-- the Smith is sized one size smaller for me than the comparable Giro helmets-- (I wear a Giro Medium, but wear a Smith Small).

One of the best fitting ladies beanies I have. Soft and pretty delicate yard, it looks distinctive instead of the same ol' same ol beanie fare. Though it claims to be reversible, I don't use the inside at all (it's kind of bland), but the outside two tone is dope.'

Rockin helmet-- not too big, fits just right. The sizing is a little different though-- the Smith is sized one size smaller for me than the comparable Giro helmets-- (I wear a Giro Medium, but wear a Smith Small).

These bags have a great patent on them for being leakproof and have some sort of natural suction that makes them air locking on themselves- pretty cool. For me, they were recommended for wet/dry canyoneering- and they're perfect for that. They are leakproof (and sandproof too- great for protecting electronics in the sandy deserts that destroy everything). They don't like high heat though- I brought these out on a trip in 110 degree heat, and they melted shut. Bummer. I'd totally recommend them, except for use in high summer heat.

Super soft and warm for a lightweight fleece, it layers well under other things but I love to wear it alone. Cool overlapping stitching at sternum too.

Super cool applique details set this apart from other military hats. The size runs small though- I'd recommend ordering one size bigger than you normally do.

I'll give these 5 stars for style and visual fit, but downgrade them a star- because their arms are made for men's super wide faces. No, I'm not petite, but if I lean over they fall off. I keep wearing them- but end up using them more as a car sunglass than a mountain biking one.

Besides making a custom bag myself- in my humble opinion, this is the cutest and most functional bag on the market for all you closet style mavens. Practically speaking- bright blue with white flowers is pretty easy to locate (yes I lose things in dark lit'l corners, and leave things behind- ahem). Also practically speaking, it holds a ton of chalk. Soooo, um, practical. :)

I've been getting into lightweight backpacking, and consider this a luxury item. The ratio of added weight to plush, lounge living is so worth every ounce.

I love this harness. I've gear tested several, and hands down this is the most comfy for my body- especially around the thighs. Sizing was true for me (12 pants, 12 harness). I love the purple too- though the inside light grey does gets dirtier pretty quick compared to the standard black harnesses. Worth considering- but worth cleaning too. :)

I'd recommend sizing up at least one size. I opted to go big. While both the L and XL fit me, where a M or L would normally- I went XL and it's comfy. Cute fit, girlie cut, thin summer tee, awesome graphic.

After four days of backpacking, hiking, layering, and sleeping in this shirt, it did indeed stay almost odor free—light years ahead of synthetics. It's warm but as light as a thick T-shirt with a feminine cut, and the fire/mango color is super cute! After machine washing and hang drying, the size stayed exactly the same. I'm super diggin’ that it's high performance and looks great casually too.

I’ve always used filters/purifiers, so I was enormously reluctant to just fill my bottle and add the tabs. My filter had busted the day before my trip, so I went with it. I was surprised—the water tasted just fine, not really any different than tap water in a good city. The second tabs that change the water back to clear made me feel a ton better about it, and a day after drinking that water, my stomach was still doing fine. This was ridiculously easy- I’ll have these on me for all my next outing, even for safe measure in case the filter has a problem again.