This is a great coat. If you are looking for a functional and LIGHT-weight jacket, look no further...especially if you see it on SAC like I did. 70 dollars for a coat like this is a steal! Not only is this jacket only 8oz and super compressible, it blocks the rain/wind and breaths like a champ. The only thing I would change would be to add a couple more ounces and attach some Velcro or something similar to the sleeves so that you can batten down ALL the hatches:-) I am extremely pleased with this purchase and will update in a year or so regarding durability.

I've used everything from cheap wally world bladders up to camel back and I love the bite valve on this drinking tube! Platypus is the way to go!

This a great lightweight synthetic bag, not sure about the temp rating as I don't know what the temp was when I used it for the first time. However, we were up on a ridge.(Mt. Pleasant, VA)..i think around 4,000 ft the forecast called for temps in the 50s in a nearby town...not positive though...and it was super windy! With my Ibex wool beanie and my clothes on wrapped in a tarp I was more than comfortable. I ended up having to take my beanie off at one point because I started sweating!

I've taken these on a couple trips so far, backpacking and hiking. Walked through shallow creeks a couple times...no leakage. They are super comfy and for Gore lined sneaks they breath well. Try not to stub your toes on junk in the trail though...on my first hike they were nicked up pretty well...I'm diggin' em.

I have had this pack for over a year and though it is a little pricey (fortunately for me it was a gift;-)...I love it. I use it as my "briefcase" for work, day hikes, mountain biking, and you name it! It is super light and very comfortable.