This synthetic Rab Xenon is really light and doesn't look like a blocky boy bag! I am stoked to find something I can wear on the trail that fits me and is under 9oz for the large after I chopped the tags off. My only complaint is the funky elastic on the hood. The down version has a bill but this version sticks to my forehead. Maybe it will prove to be great in blowing snow, but I think I will be wearing my baseball cap under it to make it feel less like an insulated swim cap. This jacket does have a really soft liner near the chin and excellent pockets. I'm off for a hike of the Japhy Ryder Route to see how it holds up & will report back. This might be my favorite new piece of gear for the season!

Light, but stopped breathing and almost killed me after 2000 miles. This fabric just doesn't really push water through it- especially if it is humid at all. The Isotope worked on the CDT, but NOT on the AT. The hood fit needs work (maybe a bill or better drawstring), pockets are great, as is it's weight. Good idea but needs refining. If you are heading out in the West go for it, but if you are going someplace humid and want to stay dry this isn't the right jacket to use.

This pack is really breathable, very light, and has enough space to fit a week's worth of ultralight gear and food. I carried it for 4,700 miles this year and I was able to use the same shirt the whole time. I never had any problems with chafe because I hardly sweat at all with it on. That's right- no hip hickies, no neosporin in my ass crack, no problems at all! The downfall of this pack is that it is only rated to 25 lbs. I pushed it over the weight limit and busted the hipbelt stitching a few times. Osprey was really good about replacing the pack each time it blew, but I wish it was just a little more durable. To be a good thru-hiker pack it needs to be able to hold the weight for an 8 day carry or a big waterless stretch through the desert. I'm not saying it needs to be comfortable with 35 pounds in it, but it shouldn't fall apart. This pack is more than perfect for what it's made for (day hiking and light weekend pursuits) and is my pack of choice for wandering long trails.