Absolutely. Sorry for not including that in the original answer.

If you really think it's going to be cold (weather and water) and have some extra money to spend, check out the Arc'teryx Rho AR shirt, if you are on a budget, the Marmot Power Stretch Half-Zip Fleece Jacket or Vest. All three are made of Polartec Power Stretch which is an amazingly warm material, and when soaking wet would function closest to a wet suit. Here's the catch though, you'll want this layer to fit snugly to your body so make sure you size appropriately. Having even contact with this layer prevents cold air pockets to form when you're wet which would make you uncomfortable. Think how a wet suit fits.

Polartec really won me over with this material because of how durable and stretchy it is. It will last you for a while.

If it isn't going to be too cold weather wise, but water wise, then The North Face XTC Midweight Crew would be ideal. It uses Bamboo fibers which are antimicrobial so if you'll be out all week, you can wear this shirt the whole time and not smell too bad. I had bamboo socks out on my thruhike of the AT and they were super tough. At the very most I'd change them once a week because they kept the stink down that much. Bamboo fibers are awesome.

Hope this helped!

You would save more weight by just using a sleeping bag, man. These don't pack down any smaller than what a 10-15 degree down bag would pack down to. If you were going to use these and a down jacket together, you'd probably be looking at around 4+ lbs. of weight and all kinds of bulk. If you brought along a 15 degree down bag, you'd be looking at a sleek 2.5 lbs.

There are sleeping bag suits that you can wear made by a British company. Here's a link to their website.

http://www.lippiselkbag.co.uk/

I have both the Sub Zero and the Compressor PL. If you want compressible warmth, it will absolutely be the Compressor. It packs down to fit inside 3/4 of a 1L Nalgene bottle, the Sub Zero when packed all the way down is 6"x9". If you do anything active at all besides stand around outside in the Sub Zero, you will literally sweat your balls off no matter how cold it is outside. The Sub is just sickening warm. The Compressor is also extremely warm for how light and thin it is. I would say with a lot of confidence that for it's weight, 15 oz, it is the warmest jacket of it's kind out there. Primaloft really is superior in warmth to Mountain Hardwear's synthetic insulation Thermic Micro. The material used with the Compressor is highly, highly wind resistant. Highly. The material used with the Sub Zero is very tough for a down jacket. Both will last you at least 3 years with significant wear. My Compressor has survived at thruhike of the AT and it's still in very good shape. Mountain Hardwear is just a great company.

Bottom Line: The Sub Zero will keep you HOT in Sub Zero weather. Truly. The Compressor will keep you WARM in sub 20's.

It does exist and it's known as The North Face Solaris 40. Here's a link to it on Backcountry.com.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF2015/The-North-Face-Solaris-40-Pack-2450cu-in.html

It meets your 30-40L capacity, is hydration system ready, has mesh side pockets that can hold 1L water bottles, a 3 pocket system that houses your wet stuff in the bottom, a main compartment w/ side access. It doesn't have a lid, but has instead an outer pocket on the main body that can house your smaller items. It has a hip belt so you can go the distance and it also lacks a molded frame sheet which would hinder you folding this backpack up and stuffing it in your kayak.

This thing is really nice, and I have actually been wondering if something what you are asking for existed for a while now. It's nice to know it does!

Namaste

The 50 uses Ripstop 210 fabric and the 55 uses Ripstop 330. Also, the hipbelt and suspension on the 50 supports a max pack weight of 40 lbs whereas the 55 can support a max pack weight of 55 lbs. A heavier suspension is used on the 55 vs the 50 and the 55 uses heavier more durable material and fabric.

Only on the actual tent there are vents which you can close or open by way of a zipper. The fly is completely closed to strengthen the structure for high winds, snowpile, or driving rains.

Big Agnes makes better lightweight tents than North Face, period. The Copper Spur is 3 lbs. lighter and gives you an extra 2 square feet of space inside. The Minibus has a bigger vestibule and 4.5 inches more of headroom. It just comes down to preference on your part, do you want a 7lb house in the Minibus or do you want an ultralight 3 person tent in the Copper Spur? If weight isn't an option, you'll have a home away from home with the Minibus. If weight is a hindrance, the Copper Spur.

For those activities I would look for something more form fitting and a little thicker. The reason I would go thicker is because when you're hiking or canyoneering you'll be warm and by being in a wet environment you'll want a more substantial material that will act as a wet suit in a way. It will retain the sweat, rain, water but by your body warmth, it will keep that water warm, and you warm. Just make sure to have a dry piece ready because if you stop, you will get very cold when your body heat dissipates and you're soaking wet.

You are in the right ball field though by looking at polyester, that is the best material for keeping you warm while wet.

No, it would be slightly colder because down will always be warmer than synthetic material. The only perk this vest would give you is the security in knowing that if you were wet, this vest would keep you warm whereas the ultralight down vest would not.

You got it.

It is an interesting material actually. Imagine garbage bag dexterity and flex consistency and the toughness of 15 denier nylon weave melded together. It should do fine worn shirtless.

The biggest problem of shopping online is not being able to try things on before you buy them. I have several pairs of pants by Patagonia and they run large it seems for men, and if you have a pair of pants that also run large, it seems to be a trend of theirs. I've had Backcountry pay to ship things back that do not fit when I order two different sizes of the same item, I don't see why they wouldn't do it for you too!

The Hubba Hubba would be more waterproof. Everything is seam sealed and the bathtub floor would keep you dry if you pitched this thing in a shallow creek. The ventilation is outstanding. If you get this and you ever wake up wet in the morning, come find me and I'll give you the money you spent to buy this tent. MSR dominates Marmot in the tent realm. Always has, always will.

I would like to say that this tent is nice, but it outweighs the Hubba Hubba by 2 lbs. You make the call.

So you are 5'9" and 216 lbs. I'd go with the XL because you have a broad chest and probably an athletic build. The Large might be a hair restricting through the chest. Cheers.

I agree with Bryan on his weight assessment and recommending the bigger tailed Denalis, but your question was the EVO vs. the Lighting Ascent and I'd go Lightning. Here's why: Instead of buying a tail at all, size up from the standard 22" to the 30" and lose the worry of having that tail clip off and making things awkward for you. The Lightning is the bomb, dude. It digs deep on all sides for maximum grip, although it is .2 inches narrower than the EVO, the single piece aluminum crampon is tooooough and allows a more symmetrical step. Both have the Televator but it's been my experience that a lighter shoe is better for steep inclines, and that's once again the Lightning.

For cycling this would be great because you wouldn't experience the jostling that accompanies running. I've seen this before on a runner and they were constantly tugging the front of their jersey back down from around their neck because the water reservoir on their back was starting to sag down and pull the front of the jersey up. It would also be nice on your ride if you put in alot of ice. Very invigorating and core cooling.

They do come in size 11. Check it, check it, check it out.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/womens-kenosha-shoe?p=79628-0-241

All of you are mistaken!! This 5 gallon bucket has a story behind it. The plastic is flown in from the plastic fields of Italy's Sardinian Coast. It is then smelted together by a magical African Shaman and the paint which comprises the RESTOP graphic and verbage underneath this mythical and wise 5 gallon bucket is the coagulated blood from a virgin boar captured in deepest dark of the Peoples Republic of the Congo. Because of all the time and effort it takes to orchestrate such a production, they feel that this $117.45 is a meager price to pay for such a lavish and comfortable conversation piece whilst in the backwoods.

Maybe if they built up the price that way, you wouldn't feel so bad about buying a FU**ING 5 GALLON BUCKET FOR A BENJI!!

Because of Backcountry's great warranty, you can order them and see if they work. Break them in, hike a few hundred miles in them, and if you decide they aren't for you, send them back and get a full refund.

It says they use PolarizedPlus 2 Technology.

Refer to the sizing chart above for chest measurements in inches. But it would depend on the weight of the fleece. I'd think anything under a 200 weight fleece would be fine, but something 300 plus could get a little chubby. The arms look long only because this jacket isn't a parka cut. It's more athletic by being hip length and in turn gives you a greater range of motion for active activities.

Diver, it comes down to how much you're going to be carrying, how long you'll be carrying, and what weather you expect. Firstly, how much you carry with both packs is important because if overloaded the pack will never fit you correctly and the straps will slip and you will be readjusting two times for every one step you take. It's no fun and even though I wasn't overloaded, the Deuter slipped the straps way too much. Two pals thruhiked the AT with the Atmos and loved it because of all the features it had including the mesh panel on the back which kept the actual backpack from making too much contact with their back so they would stay cool in the hot hot months. If you are going a long distance, you will shed packweight and want something small and manageable, which in this case, is the Atmos. If this pack made it through the AT, did well in the hot, hot heat, and is lighter than the Deuter, I think the answer is obvious which one you should choose. I personally still haven't gotten over a 3-day hike in which I had to readjust my Deuter pack 10 times every mile. The Atmos is also tougher, that Cordura is the bomb.

Diver, it comes down to how much you're going to be carrying, how long you'll be carrying, and what weather you expect. Firstly, how much you carry with both packs is important because if overloaded the pack will never fit you correctly and the straps will slip and you will be readjusting two times for every one step you take. It's no fun and even though I wasn't overloaded, the Deuter slipped the straps way too much. Two pals thruhiked the AT with the Atmos and loved it because of all the features it had including the mesh panel on the back which kept the actual backpack from making too much contact with their back so they would stay cool in the hot hot months. If you are going a long distance, you will shed packweight and want something small and manageable, which in this case, is the Atmos. If this pack made it through the AT, did well in the hot, hot heat, and is lighter than the Deuter, I think the answer is obvious which one you should choose. I personally still haven't gotten over a 3-day hike in which I had to readjust my Deuter pack 10 times every mile. The Atmos is also tougher, that Cordura is the bomb.

If the 5'10" is accurate, why wouldn't the 6'4" be also? In the very worst situation you get it and it doesn't work you ship it back and get your money refunded. My thruhiking buddy had the long and when he would dry it out over a door the bag looked monstrously long. This leads me to believe that this will work for you just great.

I have this bag and I absolutely love it. It is hoodless but the airpad, make sure it is mummy cut of course, goes all the way to the top of the bag. I am 5'10" and the regular comes 2" above my head. There is a built in pillow case near the top so you can stuff a jacket into it for your pillow. Most importantly!!! There is no down underneath you where your pad goes so only the top portion of this bag is insulated. I used the BA Primaloft insulated aircore for this bag and together it's good like Batman & Robin. Because of the Primaloft, it insulates you from your body's warmth. I've used this bag in 30 degree weather and it kept me warm.

Unless specified as a double bag, they won't zip together.

It holds 17" laptops or smaller. Here's the link to TNF's webpage with that info.

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10514&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11748&variationId=001

Merrell usually runs wide. Best advice, order them and if it doesn't work out, ship them back for your refund.

No softshell is completely waterproof and the Apex is no exception. Water will get through and the garment and it will be very heavy once water logged. Waterproofness could be rated as 3.8 out of 5 stars and the breathability of this jacket could be rated as a 3 out of 5 stars. It would be lovely to have pitzips so one can better regulate their core temperature while going to the limit. Apex is a very nice bargain buy for the technology you're getting, but as per usual, better things are out there. (clears throat and coughs; Mountain Hardwear Alchemy)

I've noticed it, and I'm with you. 'Tis a bit big through the body.

Steve Tibbitts answered "There are a few differences. First off the EVO is a heavier duty boot made for more of a range from heavy backpacking, glacier travel to mountaineering. It does have a little bit more advanced lacing system with a locking mechanism. The sole is just a little grippier on the EVO for ice or glacier travel. Also the EVO has a 3/4 shank where the other has just a 1/2 shank. One thing I do like better about the regular glaciers is that they are using Perwanger leather which I'm a huge fan of. Both are great boots. Just a little different in a few areas.Hope that helps."

For Rainier in July, I'd think the EVO would be best.

I am a huge fan of La Sportiva for two reasons; they have great customer service and every single product they make oozes with quality craftsmanship. I think that the Nepal, with the large rubber rand, would stand up much better to the scree fields on your approach and the straightforward build of the boot would offer a more secure fitting for your crampons. I've always loved the fit of La Sportiva and their minimal break in times. I am guilty of not knowing much about this boot and wish I knew more so I could discuss it with you. One last advantage the Nepal may offer is the boot's Impact Braking System which decreases foot fatigue on long downhills and uphills. I took the Halite which also employs the IBS on my thruhike of the AT and had great results with it.

It would function as a very tough rain/wind shell for the spring/summer months. If you get too hot, it has pit zips to vent with. As this has no insulation it shouldn't be too hot to wear, but there are always lighter weight options. Just think of this jacket as an extra strength condom, you won't even notice the weather you're in while you have it on.

Well, I hiked it and my pack was 30 lbs. They were great, offered awesome support, but my foot spread out from all the miles so I had to get another boot. These were perfect though for the AT and I give them my blessing.

But...

At the end of it all I was in trail runners and wish I had been the entire time. Go trail runners!

Completely.

No way. I have wide feet and it gave me the worst blister I've ever had in my life on my pinky toe. The toe box is pretty narrow and every step would grind my toes together. It was pain at it's finest. They are a great boot though. It was completely my fault and I still give them 5 stars.

What you'll hear from Arc'teryx enthusiasts is, it's construction and material make it so worth the price. What you'll hear from someone who has used this, capilene, merino wool, etc. is, nah...just another baselayer, dude. But you'll look really cool in it because it has the dead bird logo right between your tits.

I've noticed that Quiksilver is usually true to size. It fitting slim depends on how much pectoralis majoris you have.

My local gear guy uses these and has been super happy about their performance. The support holds up throughout the life, only because the life isn't that long. He said he used them strictly for trail running through Cherokee Park, which is mild terrain at best, and after two purchases averaged them to have a 450 mile lifetime.

yes. chafe, i've noticed, comes from seam placement and how high or low the actual leg is. there are no seams in high rub, high friction areas and the material can glide back and forth over and over again without fraying. in fact, that's what this material is meant to do. these are good.

This is the only pack you should take with you on the AT...everything else is overkill. Once you are about a month in, your pack weight is sub 30's with three days of food and 1.5 liters of water. You have only the necessities you need to survive and this pack carries it comfortably. Trust me, I hiked the AT and this thing is peeeeerfect.

These are about 6".

If you're going to the summit, buy a half size up and bring liners and wool socks for insulation. It's doable. These boots will require some break in time and the best way to get these comfortable on your feet in as little time as possible is by completely soaking them and walking them dry. They will last you for years, a buddy of mine has had his Makalu's for 4 years and they are still going strong.

What do you plan to do on Rainier? Hike it's circumference? Summit? You answer helps give an idea of whether or not this would be something for you.

Well there are a couple of things you should also address. Where will you be hiking, meaning terrain and climate. How hot do you expect it to be, how wet, dry, steep, etc.

I've noticed waterproof boots are great for cold weather, but not so much for hot. In the warm months I like using lightweight super quick drying boots so I can walk through creeks and enjoy cooling off, then hiking them dry. Go for something with light mesh uppers and a medium weight rubber sole. To be specific, Keen makes a good boot that offers no break in time, is lightweight and quick drying, but their craftsmanship is crap. Be ready to only put in about 300 miles for their boots before they fall apart on you. I took the Keen Voyageur on the AT with me and had to replace them after only 400 miles, and the customer service they offered was shite. I did like that I didn't need to break them in though. This is neither here nor there though.

Best advice, go for something light and fast drying. I just use trail runners now though, even in the mountains, even while hiking with a 40lb load on my back. I think trail runners are the way to go.

Yo Dave. Go to the top of the page, select your size and click add to cart. Go to checkout, enter your info, and press submit order. Because your order is over $50, you can get free shipping. You'll get your shoes in about 10 business days.

and if you just need the converted size from size 8UK to your 'American' size, you wear a size 10.

Let me answer your question, with a question. In what aspects are you needing a comparison? How does it fit? Which material is better? What's the difference in temperature ratings? What's the best environment to wear this in?

C'mon and specify, brah.

Yes, it will do fine in below zero temps. Especially if you are riding and keeping your blood moving. You'll probably get hot in this thing which is why they gave it pit zips. Nice touch, Sessions.

Only in the picture does it look like a Members Only jacket. In real life it's one name patch embroidered with Roy shy of being a mechanics cold weather garage piece.

This jacket is a no frills insulation piece. Outside of the front two pockets and zipper to keep it closed, this jacket is for ultralight enthusiasts. That said, the cut is not baggy. At 5.7 ounces, MontBell uses only enough materials to cover your body and keep it warm.

Not really a benefit, but a difference. The Patagonia is more of a t-shirt cut, while the ibex has more of an athletic cut. Both use 100% Merino. Think of the Shak Sport as what you'd get with the thickness of Capilene 3, but instead it is made of !00% Merino vs. recycled plastics into polyester, and it has a body hugging cut.

The shell on this jacket is a 30 denier nylon weave which will give you 4.5 out of 5 stars on the wind blocking ability and about 2 out of 5 on water resistance. Now if you apply a DWR to this jacket, it will be a 5 out of 5 on water resistance. Because it is a down jacket, I would suggest using a DWR because down takes a while to dry when it gets wet. MontBell uses a 15 denier on their synthetic filled thermawrap which is a lighter material than the 30D, but the wind blocking capability on that thermawrap is easily a 4.5 out of 5.

If you are looking for a jacket that has wind and water resistance as well as insulation properties, as well as being lightweight which I'm under the supposition you are interested in lightweight because you are looking at MontBell, then check out the Arc'teryx Kappa AR. The Kappa has Gore WindStopper and uses Primaloft insulation, which unlike down, insulates you even when it's wet.

Hope this helped.

I've used both Capilene and this piece by Arc'teryx, but not anymore. When I thruhiked the AT I wanted something warm, durable, and lightweight; so I purchased the Quantum Dry Base Layer from 180s. You know that company that used to only sell the wrap around earmuffs? They've moved into base layers, and have a product that trumps both this and Capilene, while being cheaper than both.

Check it out, and a word to the guys at Backcountry... get your hands on some of these things. I'll be the first to give it a 5 star review.

http://180s.com/pages/catalog_view.aspx?g=1%2c2&y=4&i=118&c=36

I did the AT and the only durability you'll need is that of being tough enough to stow away and bring it out every single day. There are no sharp outcroppings or branches that will snag you. You want to go as lightweight as possible and this jacket does the trick. I used the 12oz Marmot PreCip on mine and felt that it was too tough and bulky for what I could've used. I would order this if I were you and if it doesn't pack down to the size of a tennis ball, softball at the largest, send it back. You can go lighter. Trust me, the durability won't be the issue, the weight will be.

Furthermore, a fellow hiker had the Typhoon and while it was Goretex and very tough and lightweight, he lusted over my PreCip because when you hike in the rain for 4-5 days, no jacket will keep you dry. It once again comes down to weight, my man.