There are a lot of fancy poles out there... carbon, graphite, suspensions, etc. When it comes down to it, your body and preferences dictate what you need, but if you weigh more than 150 lbs, dont mind a few extra ozs, and prefer the stability of solid aluminum, these are what you want.

I wanted to like this - light, super packable, nice fit, good colors. But as others have noted, the Pertex coating creates ridiculous humidity issues. While it might be a good option for the price, you're better off looking for some more breathable fabrics on sale (I'm quickly becoming an eVent convert). Had to return after a few months of use because it just didn't qualify for a fall/spring jacket when you're actually doing some exercise.

I wanted to like this - light, super packable, nice fit, good colors. But as others have noted, the Pertex coating creates ridiculous humidity issues. While it might be a good option for the price, you're better off looking for some more breathable fabrics on sale (I'm quickly becoming an eVent convert). Had to return after a few months of use because it just didn't qualify for a fall/spring jacket when you're actually doing some exercise.

This jacket tries to do too much. For the sale price that BC is currently offering (about 150) it was appealing enough for me to dip in and buy it. But trying to take this truly winter-coat for anything but some serious climbing and winter activities just doesn't do the chore. For the original price, you're better off looking at some eVent fabrics or even going up a scale and going all GT Pro. Sometimes the hybrid just doesn't really excel at anything.

Nice glove - warm, blocks wind great, comfortable. However, Swany makes another glove with a better cuff cover if your jacket is a bit bulky. Works better for racing and shells than any insulated jackets with thicker cuffs

Super comfortable, not too hot but still warming, tough, stretchy, and nicely weather resistant. Not only is there nothing not to like about these pants, there are plenty of things to REALLY like about them. I own a pair of Marmot Scree soft-shell pants and bust these out when temps drop below 30.

One of my favorite parts about them are the suspenders. They come up higher than traditional pants (warmth maybe?) but the suspenders make them feel almost weightless and so comfortable.

I had pretty low expectations when I got this jacket - no reviews here, only a few on Patagonia's own site, and recycled insulation. From the pictures here it also looked pretty clunky. Then I tried it on.

This is without a doubt the most versatile jacket I own, and I've never been a huge fan of 3-1 systems because of their propensity to break (zipper issues) or not really serve any purpose very well. What you get with this jacket, however is a perfect hybrid that works equally well in each of the 3 stages and then some.

Shell alone - very sturdy feel, truly waterproof, does a nice job keeping out the wind, and can layer over anything from a button down, to a sweater, to a blazer. Although it doesn't seem purposefully built for the city, it doesn't get a lot better in terms of a commuting jacket across seasons.

Insulation alone - it's not great looking, but is a perfect layer under something a little more technical - a shell or base layer. I tried pairing it up with my Hyllus (fit just right) and was very toasty.

Combo - great for temperature range from about 30 - 40. Below 30 and you'll probably want some more layering, and above 40 and you'll probably want to pull out the insulation.

Considering it does all of the above, getting this on sale is easily one of the best decisions I've made all winter. I couldn't give it 5 stars because a) would love to see Patagonia with other zip-in options (maybe down?) for when it gets colder, and b) the neck (while nice and high and comfy) has trouble closing sometimes.

Couldn't agree more with the rest of the reviewers here - these inserts were a huge boost to my already great boots. A few tips I've heard:
- like regular soles, always separate boot and sole after you work up a sweat (it will help both dry faster and avoid squeaking and other issues)
- probably better to buy a size up and cut down if you're close. I didn't have to trim mine but they just fit the Euro 42 boot.
- these need breaking in just like anything else, so Backcountry is a perfect place to buy it (e.g. you've got some time to figure out if you like them or not)

The pack is a very spacious 2000 cu - it easily holds my light synthethic down jacket + fleece + shell and a few more goodies. Hydration pack works nicely and straps and pack are all comfortable.

The flip side is that when it comes to features that could make this a stellar overnighter bag on the trail, it just doesn't cut it. Not many places to latch things on the outside (poles?!), awkward access to water bottle holders (they're too high), and oversized main compartment with top access only means that it's hard to get at some of the goods crammed in without taking everything out.

For a sub $100 bag it's pretty good, but I'd recommend checking out some of the new Marmot, Osprey, or Gregory bags in the same price range that handle your backcountry needs a little better.

If you're looking for something to throw on as you walk around a cold city, or sit by your tent then the R4 will definitely keep you warm. I had to return mine, however, when I stepped up the exertion (or even when the temps hit the 40s). It's barely breathable and fits like a box (I'm 5'11", 195). I even tried going down to a medium, which was closer, but just wasn't right. As others have commented, at least for the 2011 model they still don't have the cinch on the bottom or arms.

With the extra heat, the poor fit, and lack of technical features, it just wasn't for me.

I picked these up on sale at EMS and recently took them out for a hike up Mt. Wittenberg in the Catskills. No baselayer, and they were perfect in 20-30 degree weather with constant action. Spent a fair amount of the icy decent on my cheeks, so was really glad to see how sturdy the material held up. Fuzzy pockets, good breathability, but still warm. Not the most technical pair (I personally love the MHW Sarpa details and fit), but a great lightweight pair for your next trip.

With so many softshell pants on the market, I'd keep your eyes open for something on sale.

If that's what you want, then great - the bc.com description hit the nail on the head. On a recent hike up Mt Wittenberg in the Catskills in about 30 degrees, I threw this on when we got to the summit (about 25 and windy) with a light shell and felt pretty cozy. I tend to run warm, so didn't really need it on the way up (although appreciated it fully on the way down when the sun dropped and we were doing some night hiking).

The fabric is definitely breathable, almost to a fault because the fuzzy lining generates heat without keeping out enough of the wind to make it a true stand-alone jacket, but it works really well as a mid-layer (which, btw, it was built for).

Not sure it's worth retail price (I've seen it on sale in a lot of different places), but would definitely recommend as a solid mid-layer that can stand on its own in the 30s

To call this a shirt is a disservice. It breathes like a soccer jersey, but blocks wind like a thin soft-shell (and it even has some water resistance). Although you might look like you belong on a bike or Mars, use it as a first base layer and you'll save yourself a lot of weight and bulk by eliminating many others. Combine this with a thin vest under a shell (if the weather is really nasty) or a light fleece (if it's just cold) and you're good to go.

A medium fits a wide range (fits me perfect at 5'11 and 185), but the sleeves do run long. Long collar also helps keep out wind up top. Bonus pocket on the right side makes it easy to take keys or some cash while you're out getting your workout.

I am usually a devotee to Mountain Hardwear equipment and outerwear. I own a tent and a fleece of theirs and love both. I got this jacket as a layering piece to put over my fleece when I was hiking/running/skiing. As others have mentioned, it's fine in a light drizzle and has some wind resistance, but when the rain comes, it does a poor job of beading and the thin protection soon gets 'clamy' as another reviewer mentioned and, especially if you're wearing it next to skin, rather uncomfortable.

No matter what I'm doing outside, my arms are usually the last to get cold - and the first to get all funky. I swear by vests when it comes to mid-layer protection. I usually stay away from The North Face, but I was impressed by the fit, material, and windblocking features of this vest. I got it on sale, so I'm not sure it would be worth the 100 dollars, but if you're looking for a windproof layer under a wool or simple fleece, this is a great option. The smooth surface reduces friction, the high pockets are great for backpacking, and the collar goes nice and high. Great choice.

I'm not somebody who gets cold easily, and my arms are, oddly enough, the last to get cold, so I decided to ditch the fleece and who knows how many layers and opt for this jacket with a windproof vest (The North Face Apex to be specific) underneath. When I'm hiking, I stash a light shell (Mountain Hardwear typhoon) in my bag and bust it out when it's super windy or rainy. What's great about this jacket is that it's much warmer than most fleeces, and fits much better. It's got an athletic trim and slightly stretchy fabric that hugs you in the right spots. The fleece pockets are a nice touch too, as is the little fleece protector at the top of the zipper. I was also tired of having to carry around an extra hat. The folks at the goat took care of that. With the inner cuffs that seal in the warmth in the sleeve, this is a great choice if you don't need perfect wind/water protection, but want something a little warmer than a fleece and want to avoid the alien look of the superfabrics. Only reason I didn't give it 5 is because it only has about 25% wool, which leads to a fair amount of wind leakage (hence the vest I wear anyway). So if you're looking for an all-in-oner, this isn't quite it. But if you're looking for something in between a fleece and the marshmallow insulated jackets, this is a great choice.

I have been looking for the perfect winter jacket for a long time. I've experimented with many, from MHW fleeces to some of backcountry.com's own softshell work (which is impressive, but not quite what I wanted). I needed a hood, waterproofing, wind resistance, and warmth, and I wanted to limit the bulkiness, weight, and clutter that usually comes with either layering or heavily packed down. This takes care of it all. At 5'11 and 185, the L fits great with room for some moderately heavy layers underneath if needed. The hood is even insulated, which is a big plus because you want your noggin warm when making the ascent. The pockets are nicely lined. Only downside that I can see is that there are only 4 pockets. A mesh pocket on the inside would have been great. Everything else is wonderful.

The hardest decision I had with this jacket wasn't whether or not to get it, but which color to go with (ended up with the Sangria). I had a 8 year-old MHW windstopper, which worked great until it stopped stopping the wind. I went with a material I knew I could trust (Polartec) and service I could count on from this site. I'm 5'11 and 185, and this jacket feels like a second skin - a waterproof and windproof one. I have yet to take it out into the woods, but walking in NY's chilling winds and rains all but a constant flow of heavy water will wet this jacket. Throw a good base layer underneath and you're ready for a sub-freezing expedition.

I've had this fleece for 7 years. It's seen everything from Killington ice to Ithaca sleet to high-elevation hikes in Ecuador to snow downpour in Colorado. It's sylish, it compacts well. It's essentially the perfect layering tool. Buy a breathable, waterproof, light shell for when it really rains or snows and you'll be perfect. I usually don't even put on a shell when I ski - it keeps moisture out quite well on its own. It really is wonderful and worth every dollar. When my old one dies (hopefully never) I'll buy another.

I've taken this bag on hosteling trips across Israel and E. Europe and on weekend trips in the woods. It's great. Here's the breakdown:
Pros: Lots of room for a mix of conditions; lots of hooks and latches for attaching bags and extra gear; detachable hood great for eliminating that second bag; front access lets you get at all the gear without pulling everything out; 'sleeping bag' compartment doubles as a great space for dirty clothes/shoes; very adjustable harness balance most weight at waist
Cons: fair amount of back-to-panel contact means it can get sweaty; some weight rests on shoulders; water pouch, when full, takes up a fair amount of space (just use bottles); not the lightest bag on the market

Amazing tent. It packs small, is completely wind and water proof, has great features (lots of pockets, nice vestibule), and is light. Only 'complaint' is that after a few nights in it, my gf and I couldn't have imagined how another person could have snuck in. When the rain hit we even had some foot room to stow our bags off the ground. (will get a footprint) Worth the price tag.

Instead of rattling off the many good things I could say about this bag (read the other comments for that), here are my only cons:
1) extra foot space means that unless you move around, I did find some cold spots throughout the night
2) if you roll up the pad with the bag, it takes up quite a lot of room
3) takes up a lot of room in a tent, but if you have the space, not an issue.

Felt like a bed. Almost.