Mike L. from United States, UT Public Profile

Last week I saw the storms lining up to dump on Northern Utah and just thinking about riding all that snow made my back leg start burning. So, I knew I had to pull the trigger and finally get a good powder board. Buying a Hovercraft was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve ridden the last 3 out of 5 (powder) days and this board shreds and floats like a boat.

Yesterday was was epic for me but a day of carnage on the mountain for many. People wiping out and getting stuck everywhere, skiers losing skis & gear left and right to The Deep. But I only wiped out once and floated right past all the sorry souls with a big frosty grin on my face.

I grew up surfing in SoCal but have been landlocked in Utah for 2 decades and am always looking for that surfy feeling in powder and I found that in the Hovercraft. But not only that, this board felt great in a variety of conditions. It’s great at carving the groomers, super stable, forgiving and nimble in tight trees.

For reference I’m 5’8,” 145lbs, size8boot and am riding the 156cm

I've been out trail running, hiking, biking and working out in the gym while wearing these. They've proven to be quite comfortable while keeping things dry and in place.
So far they are really durable as well. So, I will definitely be purchasing the Saxx Kinetic Boxers again and plan on trying out some of their other styles as well.

I recently took the Zeta SL jacket on a climbing trip where I got rained on and snowed on. The water virtually jumped off the fabric and kept me nice and dry. It also held up amazingly well, coming away without even a scuff after bushwacking and scrambling around rock all week. It packs up small and light and I didn’t even notice it in my pack. Without a doubt this is the most durable and the most weather resistant lightweight shell I have ever use, and I would highly recommend it.

I would probably give this five-stars, but, putting forth an effort to be as honest & critical as possible I would knock off 1 star for two reasons only. One, the price tag is hefty and had I not been given this jacket I would have bought something more affordable. In fact, I have another nice rain shell to compare the Zeta against. Though my other jacket is not as bomber as the Zeta SL, it was more affordable and was actually more comfortable when worn against the skin being made of a more breathable and stretchy fabric. But the Zeta SL jacket goes above and beyond your average rain shell and if I had to choose between the two for any serious conditions or an extended backpacking trip, I would grab the Arcteryx Zeta SL without hesitation.