Just got the dark purple jacket yesterday late afternoon and I love it already. Since it's made of Polartec fleece, it's super soft and cozy (just like those fuzzy fleece Bershire blankets). The hand gaiters help keep your sleeves from bunching up and protect the cold from "climbing" up your arm. What the photo doesn't show is that the two large chest pockets extend to about 4-5 inches from the bottom. You can kind of use the pockets like a kangaroo pocket or just store stuff in there. As for the hood, it's fitted to my head which is great.

I've had these for a year, and they are really great. But sometimes I need to pull them up because they slide down. There is also the problem of bunching around my knees, especially when I'm running. If you are skeptical about compression leggings, give these a try and you might just change your mind.

Chacos are truly great, but they need to have a disclaimer attached to them about breaking-in the sandals. Please do not make the same mistake that I did and immediately test-drive them the next day. I had blisters on the tops of my feet from the chafing of the straps after walking around campus for about two hours. My recommendation is that you wear them for a couple of hours each day for at least a week to make sure you (1) like them and (2) get used to the straps. Also, buy a shoe size down from your normal size (I wear an 8 and got a 7).

This is my second Canada Goose jacket, and it definitely is awesome. In comparison to my Expedition Down Parka, this one is very fitted and doesn't make me look like a sausage. I'm 5'1" and have an athletic build, so I bought a medium. Because it's fitted, you can't really wear too many layers underneath. I usually just wear a thin fleece or a cashmere sweater underneath only. Another feature that I like is that you can attach gloves to the ends of the sleeves or the inside of another jacket. I will say that the sleeve length to torso length may pose a problem for tall people. There are two minor negatives for me with the jacket: (1) because of the ripstop material, you have to be careful about what you brush by; (2) don't spill beer on it because it will definitely stain.

I love my Laken! Amongst a sea of Sigg and Oggi stainless steel bottles, it's refreshing to own Laken. Plus, the bottle colors are more vivid than my old Sigg and is by default wide-mouth.

I love this jacket because unlike the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro this has insulation. You still need to wear some layers in frigid temps, but it definitely keeps you warm--trust me since I have Raynaud's syndrome. The pit-zips are especially helpful in not overheating. I'm 5'1" and have broad shoulders, but I opted for a medium. The arms are a bit long, but I don't mind. I would consider buying another one in a brighter color.

Rainbows = made of leather, comfortable and waterproof, but no arch support
Tevas = make my feet look weird
Flojos = no arch support
Reefs = squishy but last only 1.5 seasons
Havianas = no arch support
Chacos = happiness (and great arch support, durability, easy to clean, looks good)

There is a reason why this jacket is THE jacket issued to scientists and workers in Antarctica because it is AWESOME and warm. Once you buy one, you'll never want another down jacket again.

I was originally excited about Sigg's new stainless steel bottles and even more excited about how it's wide mouth. However, the bottle I bought started pitting and rusting inside after about 4 months despite hand-washing and the occasional running it through the dish water. Then there is the rusting along the top lip of the bottle. I definitely will not be buying this type of Sigg bottle again.

From South America to Ghana to the Philippines, this is the best duffel that I've owned--even better than a standard issue military duffel bag. They are soo good that I own several of them in various sizes and I won't buy anything else. Best features are the d-rings and loops on the sides, which are good in tying them down on you car; backpack like straps to easily transport; bright colored for those annoying luggage carousels; durable zippers that can take a beating; and a simple main compartment to stuff to the limit. Just be careful that you don't go over the weight limit for check-in baggage.

I love TNF fleeces because they can take abuse and it still looks good. Recommend for travel and school.

I usually wear TNF, but this is way incredible! The fit and comfort is great. Recommend at least buying a size larger than TNF.