Great pants! Nice and soft after a few washes. Not too bulky even though they have lots of pockets. Like 'em for climbing and just hanging out. Too bad MH doesn't make these anymore.

Nice socks. Seem to be holding up well after wearing them 10 or so times. They are very thin so plan your running shoe fit accordingly.

This pack is well balanced and does great carrying loads. It is inevitable, however, that after a few trips (maybe even one!) the straps will be falling off and your loads will be lost through the giant holes torn in the bottom. I’m on my second pack (BD replaced the 1st one). After 3 backcountry trips, carrying mostly softgoods, this one is shot as well. Shoulder straps are coming undone and there are giant holes everywhere in the bag. I don’t remember what caused the holes because all I ever brushed up against were pine branches. I don’t want to send this back to BD because even if they replace it I’ll just be stuck with another unreliable piece of crap. I’d prefer they sent me something that isn’t going to fall apart. Either that or they should sew the thing back together with something other than their current materials of toilet paper and spider web. I’m convinced that the goobers at BD do not actually use their junky stuff. I’d look at another brand (Granite Gear, Wild Things, etc.) until they finally get it right.

Okay, despite my apprehension about BD packs I really wanted to like this one. It is a great size for sidecountry skiing (holds water, food xtra jacket, avy poles and shovel). Here are the flaws: The pack carries skis well but the upper strap is fairly maxed out with a pair of fat (greater than 120mm waist) skis. Furthermore, after 20 or so carries the pack is getting worn wear the ski edges touch. There's even a seam right under the skis that is just about shot. I've always avoided packs with zippers and this pack confirms my concerns. When carrying skis, the skis tend to pull backward on the pack and open the zipper pouches. This has happened a couple times. Not only did the skis fall to the ground, but everything fell out of my pack! This can be remedied by fastening the zipper pulls together, but this is annoying to say the least. My groovy new pack pack is now sporting duct tape and little metal clips to hold it together. Get it right BD!

I'm all about the minimalist approach. This vest was just what I was looking for. Carried it several times now, even during a recent 50 miler. I am able to transport enough food (gel) in the front pouches along with a water bottle and light jacket in the back pouch. I can't stand sucking from typical hydration pack tubes, so I carry another bottle in my hand. This pack is all I need.