I love these! Work great on both steep overhangs and more vertical climbs. The velcro works great to cinch them down tight-- but still allows me to put on/remove without hassle.

It took me a while to find the perfect fit-- I ended up going with 7.5, half a size smaller than my tennis shoe size. They were really tight straight out of the box, but stretch out for a perfect fit after a a couple of wears.

I'm on my third pair of these and, no matter how many other climbing shoes I try on, these continue to be the ones I pull out when I'm really going for a "send."

Though... I have to agree with my fellow reviewers: after being worn for a while, these tend to create a little...er... perfume. ;)

I love these! Work great on both steep overhangs and more vertical climbs. The velcro works great to cinch them down tight-- but still allows me to put on/remove without hassle.

It took me a while to find the perfect fit-- I ended up going with 7.5, half a size smaller than my tennis shoe size. They were really tight straight out of the box, but stretch out for a perfect fit after a a couple of wears.

I'm on my third pair of these and, no matter how many other climbing shoes I try on, these continue to be the ones I pull out when I'm really going for a "send."

Though... I have to agree with my fellow reviewers: after being worn for a while, these tend to create a little...er... perfume. ;)

I was excited about the quality of this jacket after reading so many reviews. I wanted something versatile that could be worn around town or worn climbing to keep out the wind/water.
I ordered an XS, my usual size in outdoor gear (5'9, 120lb), and was really surprised by the strange fit of this jacket. First, it is surprisingly short for a sporty softshell-- a bit of a bummer, but something I could have overlooked if the rest of the jacket fit well.
The jacket is flared at the bottom (though you could cinch it tighter with the drawcord if you'd like) and fitted through the waist. The strange thing is that around the the chest and upper arms the jacket is super roomy-- too roomy. And the stiff fabric makes the upper portion look and feel restrictive and boxy.

And the hunt for the perfect soft shell continues...

I think the shirt gets the job done-- though I'm not super thrilled with it.

Bad things first:
The fit is a little funny-- snug in the torso and at the wrists, but strangely very baggy around the upper arms.

I'd really prefer darker colors-- say black or dark blue or brown.

Besides those-- mostly superficial-- issues, the shirt is nice. I'd say it's true to size (5'8 120lbs-- an XS works). I like how long the torso is and the merino fabric does a great job of moderating my body temperature. It's a great underlayer for bouldering in the chilly winter weather or for just lounging around the house.

Overall, I'm not unhappy with the purchase-- though I don't know that I'd buy one again.

We've used a Freino with a Grigri for a couple years now. I haven't used it with any other belay device. We've used it (and the Grigri) mostly for overhanging single-pitch Sport climbing. It works great - it adds friction. That's all that extra spur is intended to do. The extra friction is really useful when lowering someone heavier than you. After seeing the Freino, and using it whenever I wasn't, a friend of mine who's been using a Grigri for the last 8 years purchased a Freino for himself.

Bottom Line: If you belay with a Grigri, consider the Freino as the locking 'biner to go with it, especially if you'll be lowering someone heavier than you.

For the most part chalk is chalk. Helps my hands stick. I would say that I'd like it with fewer chunks-- sometimes it seems like I'm wasting more of it when it isn't powdery, as the little chunks in this roll right off my hands. But, I'm overall pleased. Nice big bag saves money and packaging.

As always, thrilled with Backcountry's customer service.

I'm 5'8" and 125lbs. I usually wear and XS-S and got the jacket in XS. It fits perfectly. The sleeves could be an inch longer, but I think its probably just because the puffiness of the jacket makes them ride up a bit at the shoulders. If I tighten the velcro around my wrists, they fit just fine.

The fleece lining makes the jacket even more cozy-warm. Perfect alone for a chilly day, or with layers underneath when the temperature drops below freezing.

It isn't the most form-fitting jacket, but for a down, its one of the least-michelin-man ones I've seen yet.

Overall, its a great price for an excellent jacket.