This is my favorite headlamp. I've worn it at my last 2 100 mile runs. I use Lithium batteries to cut some of the weight from what 3 normal AA batteries would weigh. It's not a lot but when you are wearing something on your head for hours on end a few ounces make a difference.WIth this headlamp and Lithium batteries I was able go the entire Leadville 100 without ever needing anything else. I wore it two hours at the start of the race in the morning then almost another 8 hours to get me to the end and never changed batteries once. I ran it on high beam the entire time.It also comes with another strap that you can attach to have a strap on top of your head from front to back to add a little more stability if needed.

Are they magic? I am not sure of that, but I was coming off a hamstring injury in my left leg as well as ITB syndrome in my right going into Ozark Trail 100 mile run and while I dropped at 68 miles, it was not because of either of those 2 leg issues (oddly enough if you don't eat enough during a 100 mile race things go bad). My legs felt good the whole time. These tights also seemed to breathe pretty well. The temps jumped close to 80 during the middle of the day and I did not one time feel overheated. I do not know how much the stabilization of the tights played into all of this, but they felt good to wear. The crotch area is a little low so I ended up folding the waist band over and it worked. I like these a lot and wear them a lot more than I thought I would. Though I am not usually the sort of person to wear tights (for modesty purposes) I tend to reach for these a lot because they just feel good to run in. I have ordered the full version for winter running.

I wanted to like these shoes, but could not. They cage on the outside of the shoe that anchors the laces to the midsole rubbed my foot just behind my big toe. The traction was awesome and they felt great except when I was going up a hill and the forefoot area would flex a lot and that is when it would rub. I have the Imogene and the Crosslite and neither of them causes this issue. They get tons of great praise by other reviewers and I am sure it is a good shoe; it just does not fit my foot.

This is an odd pair of shorts. The material is nice and seems durable and there are vents around the waist to let the heat out. That is about all the positive I can give these. The stitching where the shorts come together at the crotch is horrible. The spot where all the pieces of the shorts come together is stacked up about the size of a small pea, which does not seem like much, but you'll notice it. They also rode up the entire time I wore them. I have other PI's which I love, but these are not to be used unless you are into being annoyed.

At 12.35 oz (size 9), I think calling this a featherweight shoe is a bit misleading. However, it is a lighter weight shoe and because it is low profile it feels even more lightweight. The uppers on these are awesome. Very sleek looking and streamlined. The scree gaiter keeps the snags down and of course keeps the grit out. I do wonder what I will do if my laces break because you can't get to them below the top 3 eyelets. The laces that come with the shoes do seem to be good quality. I don't recall ever breaking a lace, but it’s something to think about, though if I was in a race and it happened, I’d just cut the material. The upper is pretty breathable, but not airy. Meaning it's not bomb-proof, but it's also not flimsy. The outsole lugs are nice for 2 reasons. 1- Great grip on lots of different surfaces. 2- They provide extra cushioning on hard pack. The toe box is medium height. This is good as a lot of low profile shoes do not have that. They run about a ½ size small compared to my road shoes and other trail shoes.

Overall, I think this is a great shoe for those looking to transition to a lower profile without jumping right in or you want a faster feeling shoe with monster grip. To go super lightweight, I’d check out the Skylite (9.45oz) which is the same shoe as this with a less aggressive outsole.

This is one of my favorite running shirts. Its super lightweight, wicks well, the fabric is smooth, and does not chafe. I wore it for a 12 hour run in 70 degree weather without the need for bodyglide or anything. And the price... under 20 bucks, that's tough to beat.

These are great running shorts, lightweight, thin fabric, comforable liner and as the line says in the description "keeps the boys in line." I like the 4'' inseam as it is long enough to have some coverage, but not so short that you are left feeling like you could offend a family that you might pass by. The full pockets are a nice addition especially on the long run. The only thing that keeps me from putting these in the "Love It" category is the lack of a pocket on the back.

Update:It's been 2 years since my initial review and I like them not better than ever. I've worn these for 50ks, 50 mile and most recently the Kettle Moraine 100 mile run and never took them off. Best all around trail shoe out there in my opinion.

I've wore these for some solid training runs and when my feet were destroyed for the last 20 miles of the McNaughton 100. When my feet were wet and mushy from 20+ hours of running in the muck and crossing streams these shoes locked my foot in place and kept the friction way down.

These things are crazy stable for as light as they are. The fit is really secure. I have a narrow heel and a wide forefoot and after messing with the lacing a little I was able to lock my heel in and still let my toes wiggle. They drain well except for at the toe where there is some extra protective material on the sides or the very protective toe cap. It's not a deal breaker, but it does hold a little more water than I would like. The bottoms are light, but protective against roots and rocks. The traction is also way better than it looks. I thought they gripped very well in mud as well as on the packed down dirt single track and grassy areas. Lastly, the medial posting (which you can’t see in the pictures) is a plus for a runner that is not neutral, like me.

If you are trying to compare this shoe to another... I would say its like a combo of the Montrail Highlander and the Continental Divide

This is a very well vented shoe. That is the first thing I noticed when I put these on. Lots of mesh, so if your run has a lot of sand it’s going to get in your shoe, but if your run has lots or stream crossings these things are going to drain well. Very aggressive tread on the bottom. Large lugs that dig in well. Lots of cushioning too that feels good, but not overly mushy. Lastly as stated above a large toe box that lets your toes wiggle.

The good - large toe box, well cushioned, moderate protection, hugs the foot well, good traction on lots of different surfaces, and a wide stable base.

The bad - a bit clunky feeling, a wider heel then other trail shoes I have tried from North Face, Montrail, and La Sportiva.

Overall this is a great training and race shoe for someone looking for a middle of the road combination of weight, support, cushion, and pronation control. It's just the right amount of everything for the long haul without being too stiff or too flexible. There is a fair amount of cushioning that could feel a little mushy but not so much that I feel vulnerable to rolling my ankles. I've ran everything from a rough all day affair 50k with lots of loose gravel, large rocks, and roots to a sub 4 hour marathon (somewhat fast for me) on well groomed rolling prairie trails.

This shoe is alright. I'm glad they did not leave the exposed spot in the middle of the forefoot like the first Arnuva 50. It's lower to the ground than something like the Montrail Hardrock and its not super heavy, but by no means is it light. It's wide and stable and has a good amount of cushioning. This shoes is at least a half size too big. Overall it's ok, but I would not turn to this as my go to shoe for an ultra distance run.

This is a great shoe for those looking for a lighter weight shoe. It's got great tread and is low to the ground for those fast trail runs. The cushioning would be in the middle, its not super cushioned, but its not a racing flat either. It has a nice snug fit as well as good padding around the ankle. It's flexible in the forefoot and gives a good feel of the trail without feeling too exposed to rocks and roots. If you like the fit on Montrail shoes but want something a little lighter, this is the way to go

This is an all around great hat. It's thin fleece, about 100 weight that fits snug. I have a small head (7-1/4 fitted hat) and this hat fits well but not tight and there is plenty of room left for someone with a larger noggin.

I've got 200+ miles on these shoes. My terrain has varied from road, gravel, dirt trail, mud, and even ice (with the assistance of a traction device) and they have done great. I would say the only place where these shoes might not perform well is on very hard varied terrain for a long distance since they are not a hard-core stability shoe. Light-weight, with some stability, and a pretty cushioned ride, make this a great mixed terrain shoe. Add the BOA lacing system (at first seemed gimmicky and now I love)which greatly allows for adjusting fit quickly and you've got a great comfortable fit. I've run 2 50k's in these with no blisters. I'll buy another pair when these wear out.

This is a great addition to any collection. It works well by its' self or as a top layer over a long sleeve shirt. It breaths well and allows for non-restrictive movement. It fits a little big. I ordered a small and it’s a bit bigger then I am used to, but most The North Face clothes seem to be that way.

I have this one as well as the Optimus Mesh. This one seems to be a big lighter and a less boxy fit. I wear it when a tank top is not enough, but long sleeves are too much.