Amy. Good catch. The picture on the Backcountry site is correct. Check out the gear guru picture for confirmation. Hope this helps!

Due to the cut it is a little bit... but, it is pretty uniform all the way around.

Easy Mr Carlile... Stick with Arcteryx and I'll stick with Hardwear outside of comparison questions. Besides, the Gamma LT is much thinner and way more expensive. Barry - Check out Hardwear's Dragon Jacket, Alchemy Jacket, Kramer Jacket, and Synchronicity Jacket for other softshells that might better suite your computing needs. Plus, it's hard to get better batteries and faster processors for $64.95...

Yes it does. Cheers!

No. The Cloud Jacket does not have a powder skirt. It was designed more as a general purpose mountain parka rather than a ski specific shell. Check out the Mountain Hardwear Dauphine Jacket if you would be more into a more ski specific and insulated shell. Hope this helps!

Sarah. It's pretty white... but, coupled with the brown powerstretch panels it looks a little more creamy. It's possible that the woman in your class has a different vintage? Hope this helps.

Hard to say. The Denali is made with a 300wt fleece that is pretty warm. The Monkey Woman Jacket is made with a Thermal Pro Fleece from Polartec... also very warm. Due to the higher loft of the Thermal Pro Fleece on the Monkey Woman Jacket I would have to say that the Monkey Woman is probably warmer. Especially, if layered under another jacket. My .02
Cheers!

Here are some measurements that might help your decision:

Small: Chest = 36-38" Sleeve = 33"
Medium: Chest = 39-41" Sleeve = 34"

I'd probably get a small.
Cheers!

Adriana. The Synchro Pant is a 'softshell' pant in our line that utilizes our waterproof/breathable Conduit Laminate... essentially a less expensive option to Gore. If you are looking for a GoreTex Pant specifically from Mountain Hardwear... check out the Lyra Pant. I hope this info helps!

Just to add to the answer below...Also, the Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket utilizes the Conduit SL membrane in its fabric making it extremely weather proof. The regular Sub Zero Jacket does not have this feature but both still have a great DWR. Otherwise, all the other info is correct!

Judith. Yes, it has a two way front zipper.

Yep. They are waterproof and breathable and they even have a little bit of insulation as well. They have been designed to keep you dry and warm on chilly ski days no doubt. Cheers!

This would be a great jacket for the use you describe. A couple of other options would be the Mountain Hardwear Women's Nitrous Jacket (down insulated) or the Mountain Hardwear Woman's Compressor Jacket (primaloft insulated.) Both are lightly insulated with little bulk. Hope this helps!

Yes. It has a beefy two way zipper. Cheers!

Marcel. Not sure on the best way to measure yourself... but, we have a sweet sizing chart on our website that you can access from the product pages. If you want to skip that measuring part at 5'10" and 180 you would more than likely be a large in the Kramer Jacket. Hope this helps!

Ariel. I would go with a small. I think you'll be happy with that size. Cheers!

ad_guy. There is 593 grams of the finest 800 fill gray european goose down stuffed into the Absolute Zero Parka (Large). Hope this answers your question...

Victor. As you say, all the jackets you are considering are great jackets. The Beryllium, Vertical Jacket, and Theta AR are all made with ProShell from GoreTex and will keep you dry in just about any conditions you could throw at them. The Vertical Jacket is festooned with ski features such as a zip out and removable snow skirt, pass holder, and a zip out and removable hood which is nice for skiing and makes it a very versatile jacket due to the removability of the features. The Stingray is a Gore Softshell and may be a little warmer than the other Proshell Jackets due to the light fleece lining. As for the midweight, or middle layers you are considering, the Compressor PL or the Atom LT will work the best under your shell. The Compressor is made with a 15D Nylon and insulated with 120grams of Primaloft PL 1. The outer fabric will slide nicely under a shell. The Atom LT is made with a combo of 20D nylon and Polaretec Powersheild which is more of a softshell fabric. Not sure how much 'coreloft' is in the Atom. The Vinson is an insulated softshell jacket that would work the best as an outer layer... maybe a little to heavy as a mid-layer. The Alcove Jacket is made utilizing over 200grams of Primaloft PL1 insulation making it a phenomenal outer layer perfectly ideal for cold belays under long ice climbs. Maybe to warm as a mid-layer. Hope this info helps!

Eric. I would go with an XL. Especially considering your height. Hope this helps!

Yes. It should fit even long bags... Cheers!

Liz. That would work great. I have layered the men's version (Dragon Jacket) over a down jacket on cold days and been happy. Your system will probably work great and would allow a lot of versatility. Cheers!

Johanna. Not sure which 'cheaper one' you are referring to but the difference in cost may be because the less expensive on is from last year. The Eco Primaloft is used in the F'09 jackets. Last year regular primaloft was used. Hope this helps...

Glen. This bag is not a waterproof bag. But it would work well if combined with a bivy sack. There are very few bags on the market that would be considered waterproof with out the help of a bivy sack or some other shell to go over it. The closest bags I have seen on the market that could be considered virtually waterproof are the Expedition bags from Mountain Hardwear. This is due to the fact that they are made with a Conduit waterproof /breathable shell and are 'welded' together (No stitch lines for water to wick through.) Check our Expedition Bags and Bivy Sacks out on this site or on our website mountainhardwear.com . Hope this helps!

bri. I would suggest the Mountain Hardwear Compressor Jacket. The Microchill Jacket is nice but I would bet that the weight of this fleece will not be warm enough for your Father. Here is the link from the Backcountry site:

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Mountain-Hardwear-Compressor-PL-Insulated-Jacket-Mens/MHW0227M.html

Cut and paste it into your browser... window. Hope this helps!

Yes. The Synchro fabric is waterproof and the construction of the Synchro pants is practically waterproof due to the tape on the outside of the pants. Hope this info helps!

19Lives. The difference in weight between the Megalight and the Kiva is solely due to the difference in fabric. The Megalight is made with a 30D SilNylon. The Kiva is made with 75D 190T Polyester Ripstop with a 1500mm Polyester Urethane coating and DWR. The square footage on the Kiva is 85sq.ft. and the Megalight is 81sq.ft. ... so the Kiva is slightly bigger as well. Those are the main differences. Hope this info helps!

Check out the sizing chart on the Mountain Hardwear website (mountainhardwear.com) It is a PDF that you can download with all of our measurements. Consulting this chart will ensure you get the right size. Hope this helps! Hint: the sizing chart is located on the product page!

al. It is a little more slim fitting than some of our other softshells. Due to the stretchy-ness of the fabric most folks seem to appreciate the cut and don't mind the fit. See some of the comments below. Hope this helps!

Jeff f. Most pants are not given a temperature range due to the variation in individual metabolism. With that said, the brushed fleecy back of the Synchro Fabric would feel pretty good down to probably mid to low 30's? Any colder than that and you'll want a base layer as well. Hope this helps!

It is water resistant with a very good DWR applied to the outside. Cheers!

Micael. I am not sure exactly of TNF's measurements but if you fit well in a medium I would bet that you would fit well in a medium Typhoon Jacket. Cheers!

mmarrcin. If the Exposure II fit well in XL then that is what I would stick with in the Escape Jacket. Enjoy!

Mike. I can't tell you which jacket to buy but I can tell you that the only difference between the down is the higher the number the lighter it is and higher the loft for a given volume. Another way to think of it... the higher the number the 'closer to the goose.' Down is warm whether it is 500 fill or the extremely elusive 850+ fill. I have jackets with both and they are both warm. If you are looking for a jacket to stand up to wet/icy weather... I would consider something with a waterproof/breathable laminate. Check out the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Hooded jacket for an example. It is made with waterproof and breathable laminate called 'Conduit' that keeps the majority of the weather off when it is wet and icy out. Hope this info helps!

Linda. It is very hard to say which jacket will be 'warmer' as every person has a different metabolism. I would imagine that the down fill in each jacket is similar in amount therefore making the warmth gained from the insulation similar. The TNF jacket weighs 545g and the Sub Zero SL weighs 745g so it could be said that the Sub Zero has more down insulation but I don't know that for sure. The difference in weight more than likely comes from the fact that the Sub Zero SL is made utilizing the Conduit Laminate from Hardwear which is our waterproof and breathable laminate. The Sub Zero SL is not a waterproof jacket due to construction (not taped) but it will provide superior weather protection to snow and light rain when compared to the TNF jacket. Also, the Sub Zero SL is baffled like a sleeping bag (no cold spots)... not sure about the TNF jacket. Hope this info helps!

amy. I am not sure of your measurments but the best way to see if the xs will fit is to go to our sizing chart located on this product page on our website: http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1828&prod=958&cat=1879&viewAll=False (hint: cut and paste into your browser), click on the sizing chart PDF and go from there. Also, if you are constantly finding things to big for you... check out the measurments on our youth sizing as well. I know a few women who buy youth product regularly for better fit. Hope this info helps!

Tonatiuh. It works. I have one and have been using it. The shell does have a DWR but for really snowy days on the mountain it would probably work better as a mid-layer. On sunny days its weather proofness wouldn't matter and it would work perfectly as an outer layer as well. Enjoy!

blantonator. The Mountain Hardwear Dragon Jacket is made using a three layer Windstopper Softshell material and is Zwelded together. It will provide complete wind protection and is water resistant. It will keep the majority of weather off when skiing or climbing and has a phenomenal DWR. It is not a very thick fabric but in conjunction with insulating layers (fleece, synthetic, or down) it can work well down to the coldest of temperatures. I have had it out in -20 F weather with a Phantom Jacket underneath! Cheers!

kda. The '08 Arcteryx Scorpion was made last year with Gore Softshell material which is essentially a woven softshell face with a Gore membrane and brushed tricot lining. The Mountain Hardwear Escape Jacket is made with Gore Performace Shell fabric which is a shell fabric that is soft and almost cottony in feel. The Escape fabric is probably a lighter feeling fabric than the Gore Softshell, perhaps a bit lighter in weight as well, and will keep you just as dry. Hope this info helps!

Coconut. This is a re-design from last years model, new lines and all, and I think you will find it a bit warmer as well. The amount of down in the jacket was slightly increased which will help a bit with the warmth. Very different jackets... Sub Zero vs. DownTown Coat and due to the extra length and increase in down you'll find the DownTown to be a bit warmer. Hope this info helps!

Bryan. Here are the care and feeding instructions... cut and pasted from our website:

Washing

Professional Cleaning: Your down garment can be professionally washed, but should never be dry cleaned, because the chemicals used are harmful to the fabrics and filling and will severely reduce loft and thermal efficiency. Check the yellow pages under Camping, Backpacking, or Mountaineering Equipment for folks who specialize in cleaning outdoor products. Your local retailer may also be able to refer you. Be sure to ask if they specifically wash down clothing.

Machine Wash: Zip up all the zippers, attach all Velcro® and turn your garment inside out. Wash in a front-loading machine only, using cold water on a gentle setting. Use a minimum amount of a mild powder soap or special down soap (available at outdoor stores). Use at least two rinse cycles to get all the soap out of the garment.

Drying

When moving your garment from the washer to the dryer, do so carefully by carrying it from the bottom. Tumble dry in a large commercial dryer on low heat. The dryer must be large enough for the garment to flop freely around. Drying could take several hours and your garment should be checked often to make sure it is not overheated. As it dries, look for clumps of wet down and gently shake to redistribute the down.

No-No's

* Do not use a top-loading washing machine (the agitator will destroy the channels).
* Do not use liquid soap or detergent. Do not use strong soap or detergent.
* Do not use your home dryer (they have been known to melt holes in the fabric).
* Do not lift your garment from one end when wet (lift the entire thing all at once from underneath).
* Do not dry in the sun (the UV will damage the nylon).

And as for fires, this jacket is DEFINITELY NOT fire proof! If you wear it around fires you WILL get tiny burn holes in the shell. Most of my down jackets have these... adds character. This would be the same for any down garment on the market. Hope this info helps!

Chris. I think you would find the Large to fit you the best. Especially with layers underneath. Hope this helps!

Jeremy. The fit on these has improved from the old Torsion Gloves. Also you'll find the flat-lock seams on the palm side of the gloves makes it so the seams feel virtually invisible. Definitely a great update on already phenomenal gloves! Enjoy!

BZ. These are not waterproof but we do use a Conduit Softshell fabric on the gloves. It is the same fabric that we use in the Synchro Jacket and the G50 Jacket. So, although they are not waterproof I have used them for ice climbing for a couple seasons. The goat skin palms really durable as well. Cheers!

marylynne. In the women's gaiters they are sized: S= 5-8.5, M= 8.5-11
Hope this helps!

Joben. I would stick with the XL in the Typhoon as the sizing is similar between the two jackets. Cheers!

Well, let me take a stab: The MontBell is made with a 30D nylon, utilizing 800 fill down, and is about 11.3oz and costs about $160 bucks. Mountain Hardwear's most similar jacket to this is the Phantom Jacket. The Patagonia Fitzroy is made with a 50-denier 100% all-recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. They use 700-fill down and it costs $250 bucks according to the Patagonia website. The most similar jacket in Mountain Hardwear's line would probably be this Sub Zero Jacket.

All of these jackets will keep you warm while standing still as they are all very similar, with great features, and all very nice. It really comes down to how much money you want to spend and which brand you like. If you want to be extremely warm... I would check out the Absolute Zero Jacket from Mountain Hardwear as it is the warmest thing we could come up with and still call it a jacket! Hope this helps!

The inseam on an XS in regular length is 30". If it is a 'long' length it is 2" longer and if it is a 'short' length it is 2" shorter. Hope this helps!

jsung. Just answered your question on the Transition Super Power jacket product page. Check it out!

jsung. The Transition Jacket w/ hood is 100% windproof all the way around. The Super Power Transition is made with a combo of Transition windproof fabric (on the front) and lightweight power stretch fabric (on the back) This allows for protection in the front when running or skate skiing and phenomenal breathability through the fleece fabric on the back of the jacket. So, for running, skate skiing, cycling or other high output activities... I prefer the Transition Super Power Jacket. For backcountry skiing or climbing I prefer the Hooded Transition Jacket because of the increased weather and wind protection... and this explain why I have both in my closet! Hope this helps!

Both Mountain Hardwear and Black Diamond make great gaiters that would work perfectly for general backcountry usage. I am obviously biased one way... but, if you want more specific comparisons between products more info and product names would really help. Also specific info regarding how you are going to use them would help a lot as well. One cool thing about our gaiters is that we have simplified the strap/buckle inter-face by getting rid of the post in the buckle and strap holes on the straps themselves making a relatively unbreakable system... pretty cool and unique to Mountain Hardwear. Hope this helps!

Devin. Short answer? Yes. Long answer... it depends on what else you are wearing, how you have it layered, temps outside, your specific metabolism, and last but not least... the weather. If you are looking for a warm, relatively durable, and versatile down jacket... look no further. If you think you might need one with a little more weather protection check out the Mountain Hardwear SL Hooded Jacket. Hope this helps!

The only difference between the Parka and the Jacket are a couple of pockets and the overall length itself. The material package is exactly the same between the Jacket and the Parka. Not sure why there are more issues with the Parka over the jacket. It must nothing more than a coincidence...

BeeSB. We use 120grams of Primaloft Eco (50% recycled) in our Compressor Jacket. The Nano uses 60grams of Primaloft PL One. 120grams vs. 60grams... more insulation = warmer. The Nano uses a 15D Polyester Shell... the Compressor uses a 15D Ripstop Nylon Shell. Nylon is more durable than Polyester when it comes to shell materials. Both the Nano and the Compressor would provide a similar water resistance considering both use a very good DWR. I hope this info helps!

Steven. Unfortunately, the vest does not exist yet from Mountain Hardwear. We are working on developing more Moshi powered products for the future so stay tuned!

These mittens do not have gloves in them... just regular mitten-style fleecy inserts that are not removable. Hope this helps!

Scott. The Flume Jacket is a hardshell utilizing the Conduit DT laminate coupled with strategically placed fleece on the inside of the jacket for extra warmth. We call this well placed fleece - MicroClimate Zoning. The Kramer Jacket is a hardshell/softshell combo that utilizes a Conduit 3-layer Shell fabric coupled with a Conduit softshell fabric (fleecy back) all packed together in one sweet jacket. It also has the strategically placed fleece as well. The feature set is similar between the two jackets. So, in short, one is a hardshell and one is a hardshell/softshell combo. Hope this helps!

Fietsrider. Due to the liners the gloves may feel a little more snug than normal when you first pick them up. If you pull out the liners and then put them on I think you will find that the large is the right size for you. Once you use the gloves a bit and they 'break in' the fit will get more and more dialed! I hope you like them as I think this style in particular are brilliant especially when you consider the OutDry technology!

Jimmy. These fit true to size so a large should fit you just fine.

Garrett. Due to its stretchy-ness it is a little more slim fitting. With that said, it will fit a variety of body types due to this uber stretchy-ness! Hope this helps!

Chris S. These would be a great solution for what you are looking for. If you want something that blocks a little bit more wind and may be a little more durable... check out either our Gravity Glove, which is made with Windstopper Fleece and has a leather palm or the Torsion Glove which is thin and light and made with Conduit Softshell material and Pittards Goat Skin leather. If you just want fleece, stretchy and light... stick with these. Hope this helps!

Based on the sizing chart found on our website - mountianhardwear.com... I would say that you fall directly into a medium. However, depending on how you want to layer you might just might be more comfortable in a large. For reference, I'm and inch shorter than you and 20lbs. lighter and wear a medium. I fall right in-between a medium and a small but sized up because of how I use them. Hope this helps with your decision.

Scott. Depends on the brand of ski helmet. With that said, we did design the hood with helmets in mind. The hood is also removable for those days when just the ski helmet is enough. Cheers!

Luke. I think you would be more comfortable in a large. I am 5'9" 150 and wear a medium. Hope this helps!

It does not. It was designed more as an all-mountain parka... and not specifically for skiing so the powder skirt was left off.

The Ardica Batteries are now available on Backcountry.com. Pick up a MOSHI power system... and you'll be good to go!

Kasper. The Dragon Jacket is made entirely of a Windstopper Fabric from Gore called 'Torch Softshell'. Here are the details of the fabric: 100% polyester, 50 denier, full dull microfiber knit in a soft, stretch jersey construction. Backer is a 40 denier, brushed warp knit tricot. Gore WINDSTOPPER® laminate and DWR finish. 5.4 oz/yd2. Everything that is light green (in the product photo) is this Windstopper fabric. I have been using a Torch Jacket, made with a similar fabric, for 3 years now and have had no issues with durability... and believe me I have beat on it. Another detail is that the Dragon Jacket is welded together using our patented Zweld technology which is essentially a waterproof and welded seam. We are not calling the Dragon waterproof however due to the fact that it is made with Windstopper Softshell... but it is extremely weather resistant especially considering the Zwelded seams. The Alibi Jacket seems to be a hard shell soft shell combo (not sure if it is taped) made with OR's Ventia fabric which I assume is similar to our Conduit... combined with some sort of stretch Cordura in the body (according to their website.) Lots of info here... hope this helps!

This would work well for your specified use. It blocks the wind with Windstopper fabric from Gore in the green fabric (in the picture). The black fabric is lightweight powerstretch that breathes really well and allows for a very versatile jacket. Using it as a layering piece or on its own for high output activity is a perfect application of this piece. 6ft., 170.. I would consider a large. Hope this helps!

Andy. There are pit zips in the Beryllium Jacket. It even states this in the Tech Specs. Also, the pockets can act as vents as well...

These zips are meant to work on faulty tent zippers not the jackets. If you need your zipper repaired on your Parbat Jacket give a call to the warranty department at Hardwear.

Andy. They are similar in length. If you find the Windstopper Tech a little short in medium... you might want to consider a large? Good luck.

Timbo. This Terra Shell is extremely lightweight and durable. But, one area where ProShell out performs this particular Conduit face fabric is in durability. If I were going to work in Siberia and needed a durable shell... I would look towards Proshell Gore. Proshell is typically made with a 40 D shell. The Terra Shell is made with a 20 D shell. Higher the number typically the more durable. The Beryllium Jacket is one of Mountain Hardwear's top of the line ProShells. The other jacket to consider would be the Amalgam Jacket from Hardwear as well. It is made with a 70 D face fabric coupled with Paclite from Gore which is extremely breathable. This 70 D fabric wears like iron. Hope this info helps!

Also, to add to Angus's answer... the hood is removable on Mountain Hardwear's Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket, it is made with Conduit SL fabric, which is weather resistant, and it is baffled like a sleeping bag. It is one of the best values for its feature set on the market.

Stretchy.

You can have these jackets embroidered but only by 3rd party embroiderers. Backcountry and/or Mountain Hardwear won't do this for you. One thing I would consider though is the light weight nature of the fabric this jacket is made with. I don't think it would embroider as well as fleece or something of the like but most embroiderers would be able to advise you in this. Hope this helps!

6'8"? Even though you have a slim build... I would check out an XL. Simply to fit the assumed length of your arms and torso. It will be big around your torso but the length will be more important. If the XL is to short... check out the XXL. What size do you normally wear in this kind of stuff? Good luck!

eez. The Conduit fabric used in the Synchro Jacket is Conduit Softshell fabric. The Conduit fabric used in the Terra Shell... is Conduit Terra Shell fabric which is the most breathable hard shell fabric we have ever come up with. 'Conduit' simply refers to our proprietary waterproof and breathable laminate that we use in many of our fabrics from outer shells to tents to sleeping bags. So, laminate the same... face fabric different. In addition, this Terra Shell fabric actually out performed Pro Shell Gore fabrics in breathability tests and is absolutely amazing. The days of Gore being the most breathable laminate are over. This jacket will fit more like a Dragon and less like a Synchro... tighter in the body like the Dragon with similar arm length. Hope this helps!

Not sure how you are used to wearing your jackets... but, I am 5'9" and 150 and wear a medium. If you want it to fit a little large... buy a large. If you would like it to fit more true to size I would bet the medium would fit you fine.

Ricky. I would bet a large would fit you just about right. I am 5'9" and about 155 and wear a medium. Hope this helps!

Scott. A powder skirt in jackets refers to a flap or skirt of fabric that sits on the inside of many ski jackets at waist level which is designed to keep powder snow out when skiing... or more precisely when crashing while skiing. There is usually an elastic element incorporated into the design to keep them snug around the waist while skiing as well. Some people like them... some folks don't. All of the powder skirts in Mountain Hardwear ski jackets are removable via a zipper interface for this reason. Hope this helps!

No... but, it will keep the wind and sun off of you next time you are spending 3 months at the 17K Everest Basecamp! I would also wager it would out last all those other competing tents as well. They are priced this way for a reason... if the materials we use were less expensive, heavier, and/or not as strong, the tent would be less expensive. The titanium oxide coating on the fabric, the uber-geodesic pole design, and overall strength of the entire package makes this one of the most popular basecamp tents around.

Debbie. Yes and Yes. Also, the hood is removable as well as adjustable. Checking on the length. I will tweak my answer later when I get the right measurement. Cheers!

pko26. I do not have the gloves in front of me, and no washing instructions, but I would imagine that they say 'spot clean' due to the presence of the leather palm. I would bet that if you washed them by hand in the sink they would probably be okay. After all, they will get wet throwing snowballs right? Air dry. No heat.

They may be getting it in on a later shipment. Not totally sure but the colors that they carry are dictated by their buyers. More than likely the Pale Orchid color will be coming in soon...

Simon. I am 5'9"... 150 and wear a medium. So, I would say that a medium would be right for you as well. I definitely would not go small or large. Hope this helps!

Exactly. Good answer Ian...

jsung. Depending on how you layer for your runs the Alchemy and the Leadville might be a little heavy. The Alchemy, like the Leadville, is made utilizing Gore Windstopper fabric and is extremely weather resistant. However, the seams on the Alchemy (not sure about the Leadville) are not taped so the jacket is not waterproof. If I were looking for a more running oriented jacket for the DC area with weather protection provided by Windstopper... I would look no further than the Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket. It is lighter weight but perfect for high output activities like running. Check out the reviews. I live in Colorado and use the jacket here year round for running, nordic skiing, and on windy climbing days! Hope this info helps!

Titanium is more like a light gray. Not the brown shown in the product photo. If you can't find it here... check mountainhardwear.com for product color details. I would imagine Backcountry is working on getting the proper colors displayed on the site.

Tall and skinny... well, in order to fit your arms you may have to go with a jacket that is a little larger in the body. So, I would say @ 5'11" you would probably be the most comfortable in a large! A medium might work as well but I think you would run into the sleeve length issue. Good luck!

Odin. These Mitts would probably be enough for Everest. But, the true 8000m Mitt in our line is the Masherbrum Mitt. It simply has more insulation and was designed with the high, dry and cold rigors of climbing at high altitude in mind. Hope this helps. Good luck!

The Beryllium Jacket is cut more generally than its cousin the Argon Jacket in our line as it is intended for a variety of uses and not just climbing. Based on your description I would say stick with the medium as it should accommodate layers with out a problem! Hope this info helps!

Ian. There were minor detail updates (zipper pulls, velcro tab on the cuff etc.) to this jacket for fall. The shell fabric and overall design are unchanged.

Mmmmm... if I lived in Fairbanks I would want something with a little more insulation. Check out the W's Sub Zero SL Jacket or the W's DownTown Coat for possible options. Both would be a bit warmer than the Wanderlust Parka due to the down insulation. Hope this info helps!

This jacket will come down to just above your butt. If you are looking for a jacket to cover your butt... check out the W's Sub Zero Parka from Mountain Hardwear. For us, Jackets are shorter than Parkas... so, the Parka should work well for you. Hope this helps!

Lee. Fabric? Wondering what it is made out of? If it is waterproof? More detail in questions always makes for better answers. With that said, I'll give it a shot. The body of the coat is made with a fabric called zRip... which is a ripstop poly. Here are the details:
100% polyester 55D microfiber ripstop. Cire back, downproof by construction and very soft. DWR finish. 2.1 oz/yd2. The shoulders and abrasion areas are covered with a Taslan that is more durable and makes for an extremely long lasting down coat. Hope this is what you were looking for. Cheers!

Fred. I would probably go for a XL if you tried on an Alcove and it fit fine. I would stick with the same size. Hope this helps! Prepare to be warm!

Sunflowerpower. Love the name. There is a tower named "Sun Flower Tower" in the Bridger Jacks in Canyonlands... FYI.

Would this be warm enough for W. New York winters? Yes, in conjunction with other layers. If you want a one jacket solution... I would consider a down jacket with a hood. Check out the Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket from Mountain Hardwear to see what I am talking about. Hope this helps!

These would be considered a 3-layer shell pant made with the Conduit laminate and are extremely versatile, waterproof, and breathable. There is no insulation built in these pants so you would have to layer properly for warmth during the cold months... and wear less during the warmer months. Hope this helps!

Zach. They are both very good jackets. It all depends what you are looking for when it comes to bells and whistles. Depending on the model one might have more than the other. The fabric and coatings in both jackets will perform similarly in waterproof-ness and breathability. Good luck!

Odin. I would consider getting a small. You may be right on the cusp of a small/medium... but, I think you will find the small to be just right as it is a little over sized to begin with. Hope this info helps!