- Home
- Andrew Brandt
Andrew Brandt
Camper/Hiker // Backpacker // Road Biker // Trail Runner
Andrew Brandt:
#133
of 91,688
28 Reviews:
Helpful?
14 Yes |
3 No
4 Questions:
Helpful?
0 Yes |
0 No
53 Answers:
Helpful?
4 Yes |
0 No
1 Photos:
Helpful?
0 Yes |
0 No
7 Comments:
Helpful?
1 Yes |
0 No
0 Gearlists:
Helpful?
0 Yes |
0 No
-
Stomping Grounds:
Western burbs of MN -
Bio:
I run, camp, backpack, disc, bike, and lurk the internets. I try to put good thought into reviews (and sometimes a bit of humor.) I would be a complete gear [person of loose morals] if allowed, but since the other half is CFO of the family it is very important to me to do as much research as possible before making purchases.
Rankings 
- #6 of 587 - Men's Vests
- #14 of 697 - Men's Midweight Long Underwear - Tops
- #20 of 551 - 25 to 5 Degree Down Bags
- #34 of 3,086 - Men's Shirts
- #41 of 2,210 - Sleeping Bags
- #42 of 820 - Trail Running Accessories
- #50 of 659 - Women's Vests
- #64 of 2,738 - Sunglasses
- #81 of 846 - Beanies
- #96 of 1,294 - Men's Long Underwear
- #132 of 1,278 - Cookware
- #155 of 853 - Snowshoes
- #167 of 775 - Men's Performance Shirts - Short Sleeve
- #179 of 829 - Stoves
- #204 of 1,137 - Men's Hiking Shoes
- #231 of 522 - Men's Casual Shoes
- #234 of 489 - Men's Snowboard Jackets
- #235 of 1,860 - Tents
- #235 of 1,141 - Water Treatment
- #248 of 500 - Men's Flip Flops
- #370 of 899 - Men's 3-in-1 Jackets
- #413 of 832 - Women's Long Underwear
- #429 of 6,596 - Men's Jackets
- #453 of 2,771 - Men's Fleece Jackets
- #458 of 886 - Men's Synthetic Insulation Jackets
- #469 of 1,182 - Backcountry Snowboarding
- #520 of 564 - Lighting
- #531 of 2,500 - Women's Shirts
- #583 of 651 - Navigation
- #620 of 1,208 - Men's Shorts
- #635 of 1,064 - Winter Packs
- #700 of 1,511 - Men's Trail Running Footwear
- #781 of 829 - Climbing Accessories and Training
- #795 of 1,450 - Men's Technical Shells
- #803 of 1,547 - Men's Ski Jackets
- #809 of 1,945 - Luggage
- #901 of 949 - Headlamps
- #1,136 of 2,534 - Women's Fleece Jackets
- #1,161 of 2,180 - Men's Down Jackets
- #1,338 of 5,293 - Women's Jackets
- #1,425 of 3,510 - Backpacks
- #2,009 of 3,884 - Men's Footwear
Use your real name to add some legitimacy to your content. Real names mean real community, and real community means real knowledge. Gear Gurus who use their real names get bumped up 1.5x for each contribution - you deserve the credit. For more info check out the Help Center.
This is how you compare to all the other Gear Gurus on Backcountry.com. You earn one point for each list / review / question / answer / gear photo / comments / votes you contribute. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up, but you lose a point for every thumbs down. Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x—you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.
Change me.
This is how you compare to the other Gear Gurus within a group of products. You earn one point for each of your list / reviews / questions / answers / photos / comments / votes. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up (killer), but you lose a point for every thumbs down (filler). Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x-you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.
Works In Lake Infested with Beavers
Katadyn Hiker Water Microfilter
June 29, 2009
At Itasca State Park in MN the Hiker pump worked on the first try for a water filter newbie. The beavers were slapping their tails with applause.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
0 Comments
Stoic Merino Crew Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's
2 days ago
Not to be contrary but if it's lightweight merino wool it would be completely fine in 70 degree weather as long as you're not running sprints. I've gone hiking in Phoenix in heavier weight merino than this and had the temps go from upper 40's at base in the morning to upper 70's lower 80's after going up a thousand feet and found that the wool pieces regulated the heat very well. The sleeves should be stretchy enough to push up to help dump heat. If you're still concerned about it being too warm, get the quarter zip version so you can get rid of even more heat if necessary.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Aconcagua Down Vest - Women's
3 days ago
I posted on the equivalent question on the synthetic vest, but will add here that down feathers can leak out a little bit, but you shouldn't get poked by any (I'm assuming that might irritate more.) If you're thinking lower bulk like this vest vs the synthetic, as opposed to the higher volume Nuptse, then I'd be partial to saying go with the synthetic fill just in case--they should be nearly the same thermally. If you want to be sure, head to a big box athletic store and stick your face in on of their puffy vests. Given the probably lower quality, if you don't have problems with their vests, then this one should be even less of a reaction.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Redpoint Insulated Vest - Women's
3 days ago
That might not necessarily be true. If you size up and find out that it allows gaps to form in the torso or makes the arm holes too big then all of your thermal efficiency is left to the wind--literally. North Face isn't as athletically cut as some of the companies out there, so I don't know that I'd automatically jump a size. I think sticking to the sizing chart is best.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Redpoint Insulated Vest - Women's
3 days ago
Just like sleeping bags synthetic can be just as warm as down, just not as light for that warmth. Also the companies seem to normally design their synthetic pieces to be more layer friendly (under or over) and as a result they have a bit less loft/warmth to them. But the trade off is that these slightly less warm but slimmer synthetics will more easily fit under a shell jacket making a very warm system. I don't think down is going to be so much warmer that you should should think about enduring an allergy to use it. Just know you might need another layer under the synthetic insulation coat just in case, or a shell to go over it to seal in the heat even more so. Backcountry.com just put a little info out on this as well: http://www.backcountry.com/store/dc/801/Backcountry-Down-vs-
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Helly Hansen Odin Top - Men's
4 days ago
Over a year ago, but I can't resist answering--It looks like the Odin series at Helly Hansen is only men's products. Unfair perhaps, they don't seem to have this hybrid type top in a women's version at all. See I can keep the answer professional, but you can't stop the imagery that is floating in my head!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
GoLite Drimove BL-2 1/4 Zip Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's
4 days ago
Click the chat button in the upper right and ask one of the Reps to go check. They can go look at the actual product in house. I've pestered them enough on things like that (though they're always very friendly.)
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Backcountry.com Merino Zip Tee - Long-Sleeve - Men's
4 days ago
No one's weighed in yet that has the shirt. I have other Backcountry.com products and I have other merino base/mid layer tops and I'd say go with the XL. I'm 6'1" 185 and I'm in a Large without a lot of room to spare, but I have an XL Icebreaker 200 that fits fine as well. Since you've got me on height and size and since they're stretchy pieces XL should work well. If somehow you find XL too big (it won't be) just bump it a few minutes in the dryer CAREFULLY--but it won't get to that, XL is the way to go.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Icebreaker BodyFit200 Oasis Crew - Men's
4 days ago
Calm down. Not everything that comes out of China is toxic waste painted with lead. They've got some good information on their website about the manufacturing process. Consider it propaganda if you will, but unless it's all lies it looks like they're taking the necessary steps to ethically produce their product outside of New Zealand.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Denali Hooded Fleece Jacket - Men's
4 days ago
I would just tweak Dave's detailed answer to add on the Nuptse that rain and down coats do not mix--at all, I'd take that one out of the running. Jackets like the Bionic really rely on how well you layer for the temperature. They block wind which helps a ton in keeping you warm, but if it's below say 40 and you aren't moving, if you're just standing around, you'll get cold if you don't have proper layers on underneath. I'm assuming the hood on the Bionic hoodie is going to look a bit "scuba" not that there's anything wrong with that, in worst conditions keeping your head windproof warm would be very nice.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Denali Hooded Fleece Jacket - Men's
4 days ago
No, neither detachable nor stowable (word?). Think hoodie more than hooded jacket.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Deuter Freerider 26 Backpack - 1600cu in
October 20, 2009
Those are intended to hold your skis. There is a place for a reservoir in the pack.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Aconcagua Down Vest - Men's
October 19, 2009
To get a Rep from Backcountry click the "Chat" button in the upper right corner of the site. They respond quite promptly and I've had them check colors on things before. They're very helpful.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
MontBell U.L. Spiral Hugger #1 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
October 18, 2009
There is a Long, but even on the Montbell website it only says available "Soon" as of 10/18/09. Looks to be max height 6'4" and weight 2lbs 2oz. I'm betting given the range price backcountry has set up above they're going to sell both once it's available.
EDIT: Addition, Long is now available, the listing doesn't show the wieght but their website has what I noted above.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
Westcomb Vapor FX Hooded Jacket - Men's
October 18, 2009
You might want to Live Chat with a sales rep to confirm the posting of Absynthe as a men's color option. I only found one other reference to it as a men's color and not on the Westcomb site. Though if it is correctly posted, you should be able to go off Westcomb website which has that Women's jacket in the Absynthe color (a pale greenish it looks to be.)
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Baetis 20 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
October 17, 2009
Well, no one has chimed in yet. In looking at the three bags on TNF's website (and having a Cat's Meow myself) the specs have the Baetis slightly narrower in the shoulders but wider in the hips and foot area and it is 1oz heavier. The Kazoo and Chrysalis have identical size and weight specs and all three have the same size stuff sack. The $40 difference between the Kazoo and the Chrysalis seems to be a few bells and whistles in the construction of the Kazoo, including ground level seams, some small patches of Climashield insulation on pressure points, a watch pocket, some more technical construction of the hood. Zipper length on the Kazoo and Chrysalis will most likely be the same going down to about calf height, the Baetis looks like it goes a bit further down perhaps (given it looks less technical this may make sense). Hope that helps if you're somehow still undecided.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Lafuma Warm'n Light 1000g II Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down
October 17, 2009
Just in case no one has this bag to answer for sure, I'll just throw out there that if you've only had synthetic bags up to this point, it can seem hard to believe it'll stuff that small, but I've got a 40 degree down bag that I could stuff in a Nalgene bottle if I wanted to, so I'd believe 12x6 would be no problem for a 20 degree.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Blue Kazoo Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
October 17, 2009
Yes and Yes. I have a Mens Long Cat's Meow and my wife has a womens Long Cat's Meow and though the zippers are of a different length they mate, but the zippers on mummy bags don't go all the way to the very end of the bag, so there is still a section at the very bottom that will remain separate. Just make sure if you got the Long Left that she gets a Right zipper, or one of your bags would end up needing to be flipped upside down!
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Space Station Tent 15-Person 4-Season
October 17, 2009
You're right, it's so much more expensive than all of the competing 15 person expedition grade tents out there.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Smith Factor Max Sunglass Replacement Lenses
October 17, 2009
Yes if you mean will they fit in Factor, Factor Max or Factor D Max frames (all the same frames). No if you asking if they literally are the same as any of the polarized lenses. These are the clear lenses that came with your smith Factor frames, in the Factor Max lens shape.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Foursquare Omar Snowboard Jacket - Men's
October 17, 2009
Don't know why the 2007 review says it's removable--the BC description says no and the Foursquare website confirmed it. Drop hood that is separate from the collar so when you have it tipped back the collar can still stand up protecting you from wind.
I live-chatted a sales rep since the pictures looked different. Super helpful Zack confirmed hood does not come off the furry version either.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
SmartWool Snow Isle Beanie
October 17, 2009
(9 month's later) I have a Smartwool beanie and it's pretty deep. I'd say it depends on how much hair you're cramming under the hat more than the head size. If it's standard dude hair or even shorter then no problem. Smartwool hats are stretchy like their clothes--and nice and thick.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Icebreaker Pocket 200 Beanie
October 17, 2009
Not sure I can help exactly but I have an Icebreaker beanie, and while I have short buzzed hair, it came down over 2/3 of my ears (that is until I got stupid and threw it in the dryer after washing it...now it's about 1/2 down my ears if I crank on it.) Some of the other styles would fit further down Like the Apex for sure.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Icebreaker GT220 Quantum Hooded Jacket - Women's
October 17, 2009
Perhaps not helpful now that it doesn't seem to be an option, but looks like "swoon2183650" confirmed what couldn't be seen in the picture--the chill contrast color was on the inner hood. On the website it looks like now the black option is purely black (inner hood as well.)
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover Jacket - Men's
October 16, 2009
Beyond fall you'd need another layer. "Nano" puff is quite thin. This is like a sweater with synthetic insulation instead of wool. Chicago's going to get way too cold for this to be your actual jacket deep into fall and certainly winter, though it'd make a great insulating layer under a shell and over a base or two.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Smith Factor Max Interchangeable Sunglasses - Polarized
October 16, 2009
This is an old question on a now out of stock item, but I have to correct you. Angus has good info on like a million other items, but his reference to ordering 2 pairs must have been other types of Smiths. I have these glasses, and to describe it in detail from outer packaging to inside was :Box that says Smith, in the box was warrenty info papers and stickers etc. AND a hard clamshell zipper case. Inside that case is the frames with 1 set of lenses in place, 3 other sets situated in the velcro attached lense holder--inside the case. No baggie included at all--just the case.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Horny Toad Roark Sweater - Men's
October 14, 2009
The description on their website says its lightweight and photos on the site have the way it's hanging on the model look just looser than athletic cut, perhaps casual.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Icebreaker BodyFit260 Tech Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's
October 14, 2009
I would generally agree with mobo2112 on temp ranges and that I've done runs in a 200 weight. Though I'll add that ran a marathon in an Icebreaker competitor Smartwool Midweight which I'd place right between 200 and 260, like the 220 GT maybe, at 45 degrees and I was absolutely fine. The thing is merino allows sweat to hang around long enough to get the evaporative (word?) cooling effect in either brand shirt. Synthetic can pull the sweat away too quickly. In fact I'd say the only thing to keep in mind is that as soft as merino can feel, on longer runs it can beat up the nips.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
SmartWool Lightweight Bottom - Men's
October 14, 2009
I own the Smartwool Lightweight bottoms (they're not showing up on the site now oddly enough), and I own a few Icebreaker tops. I'm thinking it could be close to a Coke v. Pepsi type decision except in this case I like both clothing companies' products (but hate Pepsi!) I think the Lightweight of Smartwool is slightly thinner than the 200 weight of Icebreaker, that's closer to or just under Midweight in the Smartwool. My bottoms have been surprisingly abrasion resistent (or i've been insanely lucky) as I've gone down on my bike wearing them and hit my knee hard enough to take off a large patch of skin UNDER the longjohns but somehow they weren't ripped. I would assume though that given it's a woven fabric it would begin to pill up under the constant slight friction your knee brace would provide. Sorry I can't narrow the choice though I can say I'm highly satisfied with my Smartwool Lightweight Bottoms.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Sold Out
SmartWool Lightweight 1/4-Zip Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's
October 14, 2009
I'm 6'1" 185 and I go with Large. I've gotten XL in Icebreaker underlayers and had them be just a bit too big (though being wool it's not hard to shrink things) but in the Smartwool Large works great. Remember these layers work best against the skin vs being loose, AND they stretch quite well (I would recommend air-drying them regardless of the tag--dryers and wool are mortal foes.) Unless you're both taller and thicker than me I'd go Large for sure.
As to weight, Lightweight is a great base layer under everything, Midweight I'd stick to baselayer when it's 50's or cooler (though merino regulates heat most exelently!) The other day I went Lightwight crew under Midweight crew under expedition weight quarterzip under Backcountry Siphon Hoodie for a night out alleycat biking and bar hopping in 25 degree weather and it almost literally saved my life, but also never felt overheated.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
MSR Groundhog Tent Stake Kit
October 6, 2009
I would think the 3rd spine would make these a bit stronger than the TNF stakes, that and they're a snazzy red vs. the plain metal of the TNF stakes. The only counterpoints I can think of are that the TNF stakes might be just a teeny bit lighter, they nest together considering their V shape and the per-stake price on TNF is something like $.30 cheaper? Personally i've hammered in the TNF stakes into a variety of ground and haven't felt like they were in danger of going wonky on me.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Icebreaker Glacier Hat
September 2, 2009
unless you were aiming for another product, these are "one size fits all". These hats are stretchy, though that doesn't guarantee how far they'll come down on your ears.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Smith Factor Max Interchangeable Sunglasses - Polarized
September 2, 2009
I bought these glasses from REI (don't worry I buy plenty from Backcountry) and they came with a hard clamshell case out of the box. SO unless Backcountry is opening the boxes and keeping the cases for themselves they do come with a case.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
LEKI Diva Aergon Antishock Trekking Poles - 1 Pair - Women's
September 2, 2009
Two questions about the grips--are these actually cork as the descrption specifically states? Because the picture sure looks like foam. Also I just want to confirm as these are referred to as women's trekking poles that the grips are in fact smaller than standard trekking poles.
Third question: It seems like many complain about the twist-lock method of extension in general. Has anyone NOT had problems with this system?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
LEKI Luau Trekking Poles - 1 Pair - Women's
September 2, 2009
A women's specific fit runs under the general assumption that women have smaller hands (my wife is an excellent example--tiny hands!) and are often times shorter than men. They reduce the size of the grips to make them more comfortable, and they remove some of the length in the poles to save weight not unlike women specific sleeping pads (the length-weight issue.)
As to usage, my aunt does a lot of roadwork with nordic walking poles. You may want to look into those if you're not going to do any hiking offroad with these--the carbide tips won't help you as much on tar or concrete.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Backcountry.com Merino Crew Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's
August 4, 2009
Yikes perhaps you've been lucky but I would not put wool in the dryer. At least not the thinner weaves of this style. now if you're trying to shrink it, it's possible to do so (I've done it with an Icebreaker piece that got a bit too big) but micro-manage the process! Short intervals in the dryer. Last thing you want is for the width to stay unchanged but have it completely shrink length wise or some other unfortunate occurance.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Icebreaker SF190 Flight V-Neck Shirt - Women's
July 31, 2009
Almost nothing Icebreaker sells could be considered relaxed. So that option is out. Between regular (somewhat of a subjective term) and Bodyfit, it is not technically found under their Bodyfit line, but all the same every piece I've gotten on the men's side, as well as my wife on the women's side has been form-fitting. Along the lines of "athletic fit" clothing except for the slim fit pieces which cling even more but are stretchy.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Arc'teryx Gamma AR Vest - Men's
July 11, 2009
Okay to make sure my review isn't misleading, the previous version of this vest had the 2-way stretch Power Shield, the Outlet description has 2-way stretch mentioned AND the current description on Arc'Teryx's website does as well, but the description here doesn't--any BC employees out there that can confirm if for some reason this one DOESN'T have the 2-way stretch on the shoulders?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness
July 7, 2009
Just like the question about using the harness for paragliding, you have to ask yourself, would you rope in with plastic clips? The best bet would be to contact Ruffwear directly to find out the tensile strength of the clips (assumedly they would be the weakpoint, but then again I'd be doubtful of the strength of any stitching on the nylon webbing either.) As the other answer below states, the vast odds are that while Ruffwear will want to promote the strength of the materials for controlling your dog, they aren't going to sign off on lowering the dog off of a cliff.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Primus Windscreen/Heat Reflector Set
June 29, 2009
My friends used mine (which work with my stove as pictured above and they have a different looking on-top-of-the-canister stove. Depending on how the little arms of the Giga fold up you may or may not get the metal donut shaped piece lying flat just under the burner in the picture to work with your stove, but even if all you are using is the large ring of metal, just fold tabs in the very ends so it will clasp together around your stove and it should still show gains in efficiency.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Granite Gear Round Rock Solid Compression Sack
June 29, 2009
What brand are we talking about, or rather, what's the insulation like. If it's like my old discount special then it's a denser loft that doesn't compress all that well as with stuff sacks you're often literally stuffing the item in there at random orientations to keep from repeatedly folding one area every time. If it's a denser loft that "stuffing" action is going to be very difficult and it's going to be very bulky.
If it's one of the more modern techy lofts--Primaloft etc.--then you've got a good chance of using maybe the XL, MAYBE the L but I'm doubtful. When you scrunch or roll it up right now what kind of dimensions are we talking--if you roll it up, fold it in half first and then roll it TIGHT and get out a ruler.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Backcountry.com Siphon Primaloft Hooded Jacket - Women's
December 17, 2008
It's a women's jacket. They're all women's sizes.------------------He may mean that whole 8, 10, 2, 0 stuff. If he does those numbers are meaningless from company to company anyway. Use the sizing chart right under the size/color options dropdown to gauge which size she needs.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Backcountry.com Siphon Street Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - Mens
December 14, 2008
The graphite is waaaay black. I've checked the tag a few times and it does say graphite, but it looks black to me.----------I second Brian on this, I have "Graphite" and if it's not black, then the official black must suck the light out of a room.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Backcountry.com Luft 800 Down Sweater - Men's
December 11, 2008
Non essential Question: The name "Luft 800" when it's filled with 750 down....rounding up? Sounds nicer? Some other technical reason I don't understand? The womens version says it has 800 fill.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Sold Out
Arc'teryx Gamma AR Vest - Men's
December 2, 2008
They have slightly different patterns, the AR vest is basically last years SV vest.-----------------------------------------I tried on the AR and then bought the SV lured by the 50% off, the huge difference is the shoulders of the AR are the 2-way stretch which keeps the arm holes tight. The SV has the Powershield all over and the shoulders end up flaring out too far and not conforming as well to the shoulder joint making a big scoop for cold air. (I refused to believe the others who said this and I was proven wrong.) I'm sadly sending my SV back.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Smith Factor Max Interchangeable Sunglasses - Polarized
December 2, 2008
I would say I have a medium head, I wore the SL2's as noted above. I would say these are close to the head, but the glasses have more clearence from your cheekbones because you don't have frame to bump up against. You could possibly go with the Factors instead of the Factor Max's and that would raise the bottom edge of the lenses up, but would reduce coverage in windy/fast moving situations a bit. As to the crown or brow width, I think these are a solid medium especially considering they didn't change the size between the small-Factor medium-Factor Max and Large-Factor D Max lenses.If nothing else, go to a wretched SunglassHut or suitable brick and mortar/mall shop, try them on, and then buy them from backcountry!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Icebreaker BodyFit260 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's
November 26, 2008
Hi there, both M and L are pretty much same body and sleeve lenght, major diff is in chest. If you wear other gear in L in chest, stick to L in Icebreaker. Same for M sizes.---------------I'll include that if you go with any of the layers that refer to being "Slim Fit" you can size up to get extra length in the sleeves and torso without creating any loose material width wise. I normally wear a L in icebreaker (6'1" 190) and have the Oasis Crew 200 in an XL and it is just fine and gives plenty of sleeve and torso.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Icebreaker BodyFit150 Boxer w/Fly Brief - Men's
November 26, 2008
vertical, sorry man.-------------------If you look at the picture on the blue colored underwear you can see the fly opening on the right side of the underwear. I do have to say though, "horizontal fly"?? that's odd, don't worry though it's not like the edges are sharp or something--your stuff should be safe.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Mountain Hardwear Dado Jacket - Men's
November 26, 2008
According to Mountain Hardwear it has "One handed hood, waist and hem drawcords." Most synthetic insulation jackets are thinner than their puffy down jacket counterparts. Perhaps a good example is Mountain Hardwear's Compressor jacket, which has the same Primaloft One insulation and I've tried on and wasn't bulky at all. I would assume they wouldn't leave that one trim and totally bulk out this jacket. If you are really looking for a trim fit I would suggest going with more of a shell without insulation and layering underneath with low profile garments like synthetics or even better--merino wool.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Sold Out
The North Face Denali Fleece Vest - Men's
November 15, 2008
The only hooded vests on Backcountry are for women and little girls. -------------Blunt, but true. I guess you could get creative on a jacket/hooded sweatshirt that had sleeves. Layering of other hooded items, turtlenecks or perhaps a balaclava are going to be your only other options.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Canada Goose Nomad Storm Jacket - Men's
November 15, 2008
With either jacket you could pretty must go lay out in the snow in Chicago. Looks like one main difference would be the hood where the Expedition is wire braced. Of the two my opinion is the Nomad for more waterproofing and versatility. Though honestly (I live in MN) I think you could probably drop down a level to something not as extreme and save some $$$. I mean one of the reviews on the Expedition says it'll be to warm if it's above 10 degrees out!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Marmot Afterburner Fleece Vest - Men's
November 14, 2008
How is the torso length on this vest? Any one able to compare it to the Mountain Hardwear Windstopper? To be even more specific: size Large? The sizing chart is down for large, but I'm look for real person info.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Cat's Meow Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Climashield Prism - Women's
November 13, 2008
The lining is consistent throughout. Polarguard has been the standard synthetic for decades & is more expensive to produce. Neither insulation is as good as down.---------Unless you consider it getting damp (I know, you shouldn't let it) in which case it is better, and cheaper.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
The North Face Cat's Meow Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Climashield Prism
November 13, 2008
Well, I purchased two men's long, one left zip and one right zip. They zip together amazingly well and the two of us are toasty and happy. ---------------I have a mens long and my wife has a womens long, and even with a slight length difference we can zip them together fine.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No
Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down
November 13, 2008
Yes, in fact to zip together two sleeping bags, they need to be opposite side zippers (LH/RH). Also if the two bags aren't the exact same one, or the male and female of the same one, then make sure they are the same zipper type.Checked their site "Two-Way Zipper Sliders For Venting and Mating of Bags. Reversible Slider Tabs for Easy Use Inside or OUtside of Bag"
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS
November 13, 2008
You can see a general map by going from the main menu to Settings>General>Map and then select Yes for Show Map. As to Lat/Long when you then go into main menu, Navigation>Mark Location it will show Lat/Long.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS
November 13, 2008
You can see a general map by going from the main menu to Settings>General>Map and then select Yes for Show Map. As to Lat/Long when you then go into main menu, Navigation>Mark Location it will show Lat/Long.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >
Simple Loaf-Off Road Shoe - Men's
November 12, 2008
If it was on steep and cheap, the version to buy would also show on the outlet side of Backcountry.com. There it would be at least not full price (though possibly limited in size/color etc.)EDIT: Looking at the history where it should link to the outlet side--whatever overstock they had seems to be gone now, sorry. (not official info, just what I have/haven't found.)
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Sold Out
{if product_active} ${title} {else} ${title} {/if}
{if image_url_small} ${image_el_small} {else}{if product_active} ${product_title} {else} ${product_title} {/if}
${display_date}
${body}
Helpful Votes: ${helpful_count} Yes | ${unhelpful_count} No
{if product_active} {if product_status == 'toos'}Temporarily Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
{elseif product_status == 'poos'}
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
{else}
View Product Details >
{/if}
Read all Q&A about this product >
Sold Out
{/if}Answer to: "${title}"
{if answer.image_url_small} ${answer.image_el_small} {else}{if product_active} ${product_title} {else} ${product_title} {/if}
${answer.date}
${answer.body}
Helpful Votes: ${answer.helpful_count} Yes | ${answer.unhelpful_count} No
{if product_active} {if product_status == 'toos'}Temporarily Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
{elseif product_status == 'poos'}
Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
{else}
View Product Details >
{/if}
Read all Q&A about this product >
Sold Out
{/if}