Christopher Minguez

One addition goes on top (cervical) for neck protection and one goes on the bottom (coccyx) for coccyx protection.

By sensor, I assume you mean the pressure/temp sensor. It's at 12:00 on the outer rim of the caseback, rather than the 9:00 outer rim of the Core and the very odd inset 7:30 of the Vector.

This is the Ambit HR, with the heart rate belt. The standard Ambit is here, for $550.

http://www.backcountry.com/suunto-ambit-altimeter-watch?rr=t&cmp_id=&rrType=ClickCP&rrProd=SUN0245

The Suunto Quest or the Suunto Ambit would both work for your purposes. Outside of Suunto, the Tech4o Traileader series has the ABC functions + distance, but uses an accelerometer to measure distance, rather than battery eating GPS.

If these are still cut like my Paramounts from 5 years ago, the small reg or small short will do you just right. The short has a 30 inch inseam, the regular has a 32 inch inseam.

Kühl's Sueded Twill is made from 98% combed cotton, 2% Spandex.

Oakley's way of saying these models are for smaller face features. "Narrower interocular spacing" doesn't have the same ring to it.

http://www.oakley.com/asian-fit

Dana is still designing packs, if you're interested in another great pack from him. He formed Mystery Ranch after he sold Dana Designs to K2.

http://www.mysteryranch.com/learn/dana-gleason

Suunto says about 9 months with average use, probably 9 months to a year with general timekeeping duties. The battery change is going to be a little more involved than say the Core or Vector, which can be done in the field. The Elementum will either need to go back to the dealer or a jeweler, or sent back to Suunto for a battery change. The caseback for the Elementum has four Torx screws holding it, rather than screwback, as other Suunto models.

You -could- use this for three season use, but at one and a half pounds, waterproof zips and fully taped seams, the bulk might get annoying after a while. But if you needed a do all jacket for a decent price, rather than multiple jackets, this should fit the bill.

You'd have to ask a question John, or I'd have to vanity search, like I'm doing now, haha. The band is a PVD Aviator from Panatime.com: http://www.panatime.com/24mbpvdpi.html Mine is the Dark Brown.

Absolutely. This will add quite a few features to the Observer's already capable list, namely, GPS and accelerometer capability to accurately track your movements, a 3D compass, which works at any angle, heart rate monitoring and full feature logging and upload capability.

Vectors are manufactured in Finland.

Haha! I think you found a pricing error, everywhere else is 45.00.. It's probaby supposed to be 44.95.

At 5'11" I'm not far behind you, and ALL my bags are longs. The extra room is mostly at the bottom on my bags, which is helpful, since I put my boots in at the bottom to dry.

The shoulder circumference for this bag in Long is only 2 more inches, so you're not gaining a significant amount of space around you.

Body heat does affect it Barry, as it does with all alti/baro/comp (ABC) watches. After all, 98.6F is pretty hot. The procedure for ambient air temp is to remove the watch and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Depending on the temp and weather around you, it might be as fast as five minutes or so. The Core is very accurate, in all of its functions, and is one of my favorites. Just bought a new strap for it as well:

According to NikWax, it works great:

http://www.nikwax.com/cmsdata/Downloads/leaflet/BikeMPL2-1.pdf

I didn't know this, so my .mil, motorcycle and sled gear are all getting this treatment soon!

Yes, Sam, they would. Merino is a natural flame retardant, and so would be a great choice for a fireline. Darn Tough is a great company as well.

The "regular" inseam for Mountain Hardwear pants is 32" so these will probably be much the same. The "long" is 34" so you might consider ordering those, although it will be from somewhere else, since BC doesn't seem to stock these in the 34 inseam.

I'm out by Eklutna, Anthony, so I know where you're coming from. The successor to the Sub Zero SL, and the Sub Zero are the Chillwave and Hunker Down parkas. Apparently MHW had some naming conflict and had to change the name of the product, despite having had it for over a decade. They updated some of the fabrics, but they're still the same super warm, tough, and well constructed jackets. I think the Absolute Zero might be overkill, but it's undoubtedly the warmest MHW in the lineup. I wear my Sub Zero SL jacket regularly with just a T shirt under it in zero degrees, and would be comfortable doing that in the Chillwave, as well.

Dave, you totally blocked me for an insane in the membrane joke. Curses!

Roy, the Quail Grey is a lighter grey, similar to the Carbide color of other Arc Teryx items.

They clip onto some ski jackets so you never lose your gloves.

The only major company I know of committed to sourcing humane down is Patagonia.

http://www.thecleanestline.com/2011/12/the-lowdown-on-down-an-update.html

Bite valves come that way, just chew on it carefully and it should split open normally.

Mine work great for cool weather runs. Pretty well thought out design, with the id/credit card and key pocket.

There isn't a depth gauge on the Vector. The compass does work under water, but it times out after a short period of time to save battery, so not a good replacement for a compass underwater. The Suunto Core has a depth gauge, but it isn't automatically activated. It takes a manual profile switch from either Alti/Baro, Compass, or Auto to engage the dive mode. The mode is good for 15m under, which is a pretty shallow dive. You're better served with Suunto's D series watches, which are dedicated diving devices.

No questions about safety are stupid. Alibaba covered it quite well.

I use the Windstopper Tech Jacket from Mountain Hardwear over my Gnar Hoody. The length is a little shy of the Gnar's length, but the Gore windstopper, DWR, and pitzips make it a great soft shell.

Believe me, removing and installing the sleeve is freaking painful. Not a process you want to go through. On the underside of that sleeve is sticky foam that holds the hose extremely well. Finding an insulated Camelbak setup that would fit your Osprey or adapting this hose to the Osprey bladder would seem to be the way to go.

Michelle, Wranglers require either a hard top specific rack, such as this one:

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92024_2000_07.htm

or a 'cage' of sorts for mounting a basket/rack on, like this:

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12028_7100_07.htm

which will also work with most soft tops, as well. Then once you have those, you can pick a basket such as this one to mount on the crossbars, which will be specific to each different type of rack/basket.

This is a pretty nifty idea, I think a mechanic would dig it. As for tool belt, a thicker and wider leather belt would be better if he's planning on using it to carry a tool holster on it.

300 weight fleece is a good weight for that temp range, but the Khumbu isn't windproof, so in windier weather, it could get cold. If wind is a factor, you're going to want a jacket with Polartec WindPro, or Gore Windstopper, for example. If wind isnt an issue, this would work.

Judi, it stands for "The North Face" black. It's a North Face black, a specific shade of black North Face uses.

It will be warm enough for that temp range, the question is will it be water resistant enough, as it sounds like you will be using this as an outer layer. This type of jacket is best used as an insulating layer under a waterproof hard shell, where it will perform perfectly for what you describe. Wearing this as an outer layer in the rain runs the very real risk of getting your down wet, and wetness is downs one weakness, as it clumps and compresses and loses its insulating abilities.

Sort of depends on where you are, Claire. Here in Alaska, no they would not. :) Winter in southern California, sure. If you are somewhere where winter has teeth, Carhartt makes lined work pants that would be super warm.

Absolutely, Loren, Backcountry's customer service is top notch.

Martha, these are highly compressible booties for use in backpacking and camping, so the bed of the bootie is much like the sides, baffled chambers holding 700 fill down. There isn't a footbed as there is in a slipper or moccasin. You might think of these as baffled and insulated socks.

Well, windproof fleeces don't breathe as well, by design, but with the pit zips, this is a great casual jacket with performance potential. If you run hot, the pit zips definitely help.

No, Matt, atmospheric calculations are suspended after submersion for a while. The Suunto Core, however, does have a 15meter depth gauge.

Not without uploading shapefiles to the device, assuming any are compatible, Alison.

Yes. That small Phillips screw visible on the band is how the band attaches. There are four, and they unscrew and the band slides out. The bands can be changed with a small jewelers screwdriver, but only Casio specific bands fit as replacements. Meaning this band is only able to be replaced with the same band, and not a different style without strap adapaters.

i just shove a soapy sponge down there on my Primus bottles and work it around with a wooden spoon, but I'm decidedly low tech..

Sizing is generally related to torso length, since the measurements are working to correlate the shoulder straps with the hip belt. If your height is mostly in your upper body, I'd venture you could get away with either a medium adjusted to its upper limits, or work with a large cranked down until you grow into it... presuming you've got another five or six inches of height coming. If not, the medium is probably your best bet. As for the capacity, I find 3000 is a bit on the low side for much more than a weekend backpacking trip, unless you have some very compressible gear, or are rolling ultralight. But with some creative strapping, I think this pack could do all you want it to decently.

This is best considered as a layering piece under a shell. As a standalone piece this is going to be a little light for that kind of weather. For temps like that, you're going to want a heavy 300wt windproof fleece with a semihardshell outer -or- a down/synthetic insulation with a super tough shell for use in your theater. North Face Triclimate, Patagonia Rubicon Rider, or the Mountain Hardwear Downtown would be some examples. For military specific items, try 782 Gear, Arc'Teryx LEAF, Wild Things Tactical, or Tactical Distributors.

Not without a watch strap swap, I'm afraid. Backcountry carries the other straps (rubber, leather, steel) to swap or change strap types.

I'm your size and prefer an alpine fit, so all of my Arc'Teryx stuff is small. If you prefer looser fitting or want to layer some bulky mids, then medium might be better.

Usually strap mine on the sides on a pack like this, Louie. I roll the poles up in the sleeping pad and roll the tent tightly in a long roll and strap them on both sides to balance the weight.

For up here in AK, this is an early winter/late winter jacket. Good for temps around 20s, when you don't want to wear the bulk of big down jackets. Not for deep winter cold, you'll want something like the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero or what James mentioned.

Backcountry's return policy is unparalleled in the industry. If you're ever unhappy with it, send it back, and they'll take care of you.

If the distances you mention 100' to 1000' ft are vertical distances then yes, the Vector will log them. But the Vector's altimeter resolution is 5 meters, roughly 16ft, so it's not going to be the best for logging the very small elevation changes. The Core, however, has a resolution of 1m, or 3.2ft. My Core will accurately show my elevation changes from going downstairs in my house. If you're needing that kind of accuracy, you're better served with the Core.

It would take an extraordinarily long time, but it is possible, Peter. Ryan makes a good point about Goal Zero, because they are designed to be linked together to take care of heavier charging tasks like a boat battery.

Matt, the manual says 750 liters, or when it becomes hard to pump. The filter for the Hiker Pro is glassfiber/carbon, not paper, as well.

Here's the manual.

http://katadynch.vs31.snowflakehosting.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/katadyn_products/Downloads/Manual_Katadyn_HikerProUSA.pdf

Depends on what you consider bright. If you're wanting to use it as a flashlight, forget it. It's not that bright. But it's orders of magnitude brighter than my Suunto's backlight.

It has both a stopwatch and a countdown timer. I have yet to actually come across a Vector that failed underwater, or a Core, and I've had two of them. Most of the hoopla comes from Suunto's conservative 30m water resistance rating. Most watches rated 30m aren't wearable even in the shower. More on the myth of water resistance here:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=239664

Fresh from reading that, you should know that Suunto builds quality watches, but their marketing department didn't want the Vector and Core lines to compete with the D Series dive watches, and thus got a lower 30m rating, rather than the 100m it would likely be otherwise.

My Cores have survived rafting the Kenai River, snowmachining 160 miles inland, climbing, hiking all over Alaska. Not to mention a lot of hot tubs. It'll survive just about everything you throw at it. It's only weak point is shock and impact resistance. The case isn't quite as robust as the Casio Pathfinder/Pro Treks. The fact that they're way more accurate is worth it.

Yes it has a stopwatch, and a countdown timer.

There isn't a compass on this watch, Lyndsey. If you want a smaller watch, look for the Suunto Lumi, or the X-lander, or the Timex Expedition Compass watches. Otherwise, the larger Pathfinder and Pro Treks from Casio will fit a smaller wrist, but be pretty large on the wrist. Same with the Vector and Core from Suunto.

As I recall, on the main time display, hold adjust until the time is blinking, and use the comp and alti buttons to advance or decrease the time. From there, I believe pressing mode should cycle you through the rest of the menu to change the time zone and date. Just remember that Comp and Alti are the buttons that adjust forward and backward.

I don't know that I'd recommend the Windstopper as a mid layer. That windstopper Gore comes at the expense of breathability, and would get -super- hot. Just my preference, but I like my mids to be either primaloft (Nano Puff) or 200wt Polartec (Arc'Teryx Covert) that dump heat better through shells pitzips and front zip.

They both have total altitude measurements, and the Vector will be fairly accurate on altitude, with regular calibration. The Core will not have the heart monitor functions, but it will have a depth gauge, a storm alarm, and an altitude lock, which is where the Core's incredible accuracy comes from. I'm not familiar with the Vector's log format, but the Core will display a graph, and it progresses across the screen, showing your height at a particular time, with the timestamp at the bottom. It's a fantastic way to visually see how high you were.

Like Kretzky said, I've never seen an average height on any ABC watch, Core or otherwise.

It looks a lot thinner than some of the other Kuhl sweaters, to me. The Stovepipe sweater is super thick Alfpaca and it's unbelievably comfortable. This looks like a much slimmer fleece. If you're looking ultralight fleece, the North Face Annapurna is superlight... almost too light. If you want something that can double as an outer layer, the Arc'Teryx Covert Cardigan is DWR treated outside, with Polartec 200wt fleece inside.

It shrugs off the wind easily. As for rain, it's good for a light dusting, but as with anything, the water resistance fades if not treated regularly. Its warmth isn't its best feature, in my opinion, although it's fantastically warm. It's comfortable in temps as high as the 50s, all the way down to around 20s. It's best feature is its wide range of use. I use mine as a seat warmer, as a head wrap in sub zero sleeping temps, as a pillow layer, and take it just about anywhere. I've worn it and a Mountain Hardwear Windstopper jacket and snowmachined 80 miles in 20 degree weather. Mine is holding up great, and Alaska will shred gear real quick.

Hahah! Best question this week.

The Highgear is a 46mm case, slightly smaller than the Core at 49.3mm.

Boot cut for Arc'Teryx means length of the inseam, not diameter of the hem that most of us are used to. It's cut to fall at the tops of your ski boots.

They are unisex, but most of the Juliets I've seen, guys are wearing them.

I'd probably go with a large, too. At 5'11", 155, the medium is just perfect to pull over. I think you might appreciate the extra room. I definitely advise trying one on locally first, if possible.

I pick out a feather or two a month. Nothing I'd consider remotely serious.

You need a separate unit to hold a charge, Josh.

I believe there is a loop under the shoulder straps on either side, but I'd have to double check on my friends vest. If your blade has an attachment for a TekLok clip, you could just clip it across the shoulder strap itself.

This kit is big. The picture is a bit misleading. The main bag is about the size of a shaving kit bag (roughly 12"x6"x6"). The other Ultralight kits are much smaller. In fact, the Ultralight .9 kit is the one you see being pulled out of the bigger bag in the picture. For just day mountain bike trips close to the road, this kit is overkill. With a Laerdal CPR mask, a SAM splint, and some other expedition gear, I think a smaller AMK kit would do you a bit better for bumps and scrapes on a MTB ride. I'd probably get the Quick Clot Adventure Medical kit. For multiday backcountry camping trips, this would be the best kit. I added some Clif bars, water purification tablets, diphenhydramine, advil/tylenol PM, a heat reflective blanket, a couple chemlights, more sterile gloves and a Sharpie to mine, and it works well for the backcountry in Alaska.

Fjallraven's bushcraft pants (about 40 different types!) have no equal in versatility, but they're hard to get, and pretty expensive. I'm wearing a pair of Kebs right now, and I could not be any more stoked about a pair of pants. They're -the- most comfortable pants I have -ever- had. If, after research, they're something you're interested in, www.route62.eu will ship to the US. I rarely carry rain pants either, stopping to put on -another- pair of pants has always seemed ridiculous. I'd recommend quick dry nylon RailRiders, which are tough enough for anything, but they're not completely waterproof, just water resistant.

Cord or cable sliders are what they're called, technically, but finding them sold separately is going to be next to impossible, if that's what you're trying to do.

The inside is sized to fit narrow mouth Nalgenes as well. Like Phil said, the end adapter is removable, and your only limit is the size of the hose. I use a CamelBak adapter, and with the quick change plugs, can fill my CamelBaks with minimal fuss.

Ryan, the X6 has unique lugs and shoulder shape, like most Suunto watches, and unfortunately generics rarely work on them.

CG, the Observer straps should fit, if I'm reading right. The X6M and X6HRM should be similar enough to fit. Which means that the X6HRT strap should fit as well, and that's the titanium and elastomer one. You'd have a tough time breaking that one.

http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-Wrist-Top-Computer-Replacement-Observer/dp/B000I19N18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310075617&sr=8-1

There's a link to three, the elastomer, the stainless/elastomer and the titanium/elastomer.

Not particularly. You're right about that being the difference. The jacket is shorter to allow easy access to backpack hip belts and climbing harnesses. If ice climbing, cold weather camping, and other like activities aren't something you do, there's not really a reason to have both.

The perception kayak on Amazon available with free shipping (which I doubt) is not sold by backcountry, it's offered by another company.

Derek, I don't have an X-lander, just two Cores, but if the module is similar to the Core, the seconds indicator disappears after two to five minutes, except when the display is in seconds mode. The prevailing theory is battery life savings, but it would be nice if it would stay on. As a WFR, I get where you're coming from. The Pathfinder I have has the seconds indicator on all the time (PAW-1500T) but the altimeter accuracy is godawful. So I split wrist time between the Core and the Pathfinder, and occasionally the G-Shock Riseman.

I would recommend a Core over the X, the storm alarm and the greater accuracy from the altimeter lock make it a better tool, in my opinion.

Yep, in fact I recommend it. It cools your back amazingly, during hot activities and hot climates. It does shake around and rattle a bit in the larger reservoirs, but the cooling benefit way outweighs the noise.

Thanks Randy. Mine measures 24.5/25, so I'm thinking medium.

No, the Lumi straps are specific to the Lumi.

No, it's just the band adapter for the nano.

If the size you're looking for isn't listed, Backcountry doesn't have it in stock at the moment. They're continually updating, so check back regularly!

Sorry I missed your question, Alex, the RSS feed doesn't extend to other answers, just new questions. The midlayer I use depends on conditions. In the picture, it's an Arc'Teryx Apache AR. On that trip, I also had a Patagonia Nano Puff pullover that I used as a mid, which, when paired with the Windstopper, was a really solid and warm combination. If you can find a good deal, I'd totally recommend the Nano Puff pullover. It is phenomenally useful, not just as a mid or outer, but for almost instant warmth anywhere. I use mine as a face shield for my sleeping bags. Keeps my face and shoulders warm, without drafts, and regulates the temp inside the bag. The temperature range it covers for unexpected cold snaps combined with the packability makes it super useful. The Apache AR from Arc'Teryx is useful as well, with 200wt Polartec fleece, reinforced elbows, and DWR finish.. but it's not quite as versatile as the Nano Puff.

If that's all you're using it for, this jacket will be overkill. I'd recommend a Bug-a-boo from Columbia if your requirements are warmth around camp and light hiking. That'd save you some money, this jacket is a ski/snowboard jacket, and the functionality that comes with that is a bit more expensive.

It's doubtful that the Cores will get the Heart Rate monitor. Suunto already has an ABC watch with an HR capability with the Vector HR, and the X6HR is still able to be found. Backcountry carries the Vector HR, as well.

I would also second Dean's suggestion of the Tech4o, they are some excellent innovators for serious outdoor watches.

The lowest profile ABC watch I'm aware of is the PRX/PRW 2000 from Casio @ 11.3mm in height. The altimeters on the Casio's are somewhat limited in accuracy, however, and the resolution at 5m/20ft increments, isn't as helpful. The Suunto Observer would be my recommendation in a lower profile watch @ 14mm. I believe the Tech4o Traileader Pro is around that measurement too, and adds the unique feature of an accelerometer in a watch, which adds a new layer of functionality in measuring distance, as well as altitude, barometer, thermometer, heart rate and azimuth.

As an Alaskan, I'd have to hope the PFD is more than 700 this year, but I echo what Eli said. Even though buying winter gear in the summer is good buying sense, owing money isn't. You should be able to find a comparable deals on Backcountry OCT 6 when the PFD is disbursed this year.

After looking at the Trient, I don't think I would layer this jacket under it, as I don't think you'd need to. The Trient is a great jacket whose capabilities overlap the Windstopper jacket only slightly. Standalone, the Windstopper is more of a 30-50F jacket, that blocks wind and rain effectively, with good core venting. As you noticed, the jacket, when paired with a midlayer becomes even more capable. I've gone snowmachining in 15F with a Nano Puff pullover and the Windstopper and been comfortable, even a bit too warm. The Trient is going to be a 5-30F jacket, with super insulation, water resistance and mobility. If I had to only pick one of the two for your trip because of budget, I'd go with the Trient. If you can afford the Windstopper and another piece of gear for your arsenal to cover more climates, I'd get the Windstopper and a good midlayer.

It'll fit down to a 6" circumference wrist with the factory strap, so it should fit yours. Mine isn't that big either, and I find that the utility of the watch far outweighs what it may look like. Generally anyone who notices your wristwatch will note that it's a Core and appreciate it for what it is, rather than the size.

Thick as in height off the wrist? Around 17mm.

The Cores are one of the most accurate ABC (alti-baro-compass) watches on the market. With proper calibration to known altitudes, I'm confident that my Core is consistently accurate to that level of resolution. That said, any altimeter based on atmospheric pressure has its limits. Expect some altimeter drift, based on atmospheric pressure changes from heat, weather patterns.. things like that. The watch is best used to track trends over time, baro pressure over time, altitude change over time, and is not recommended for altitude accuracy critical activities like skydiving or paragliding.

Functionally, not really. The anniversary editions bezels do not turn, but all of the functions are the same. The colors and bezel are the only things changed on the Anniversary Cores.

Country of origin is Austria, Allegheny.

At 50mm diameter this watch isn't for the faint of heart, Mike. I wear a Suunto Core, also a big watch. I've noticed that most people that wear these don't care how they look, they're using them as a tool. Even if you don't depend on the features, it's a super solid functioning piece. It will work all over the world, like Phil said, its sensors are dependent on atmospheric pressure and the earth's magnetic field.