No. The hood on The North Face Venture jacket is not concealable. It is just a part of the collar. It looks cooler that way anyways. I think "concealed hoods" are just too bulky to be comfortable or stylish.

The Armada ANT Pro Alpine Ski weighs 6 lbs each or 12 for the pair.

We are currently selling the 2008 version of the Easton XC One Disc Wheelset

The Danner Exo Edge GTX Hiking Shoe weighs 3.1 lbs.

Freestyle USA strongly suggests that you have batteries replaced by a jeweler, authorized dealer or you can send the watch directly to Freestyle USA. Backcountry.com does not offer battery replacement. Freestyle USA can be reached at:Customer Service #: 800-776-6449 Fax #: 800-776-5997 Freestyle USA 333 N. Newport Blvd. #3 Newport Beach, CA 92663

Yes. The AlpineAire Blueberry Pancakes is a dry batter. It requires water and cooking. How is this different from store brands? AlpineAire does not use preservatives, MSG, coloring or any artificial flavors.

I went and grabbed the Black Diamond Deploy 3 Shovel and it fits perfectly into the Bandit pack with the handle collapsed.

Black Diamond Megawatt Alpine Skis weight 10.85 lbs (pair)

The Blurr Biz Bandolier is 16" high and 11" wide. It is only about 3-4" deep. It is not a very big backpack but if you are looking for the right item to show people at the bar or coffee shop that you rode there on your fixed gear bicycle, then this bag is for you.

The Oakley Monster Pup Sunglasses come in only one size. It is definitely for small to medium sized faces. The width is 5.25 in if you measure from hinge to hinge.The lenses are 1.5 in tall at the highest point.The arms are 5 in long.

The decision between a backpack like The North Face Terra 60 Backpack and using rolling gear bag or suitcase (for example...http://www.dogfunk.com/dogfunk/group/308/Rolling-Gear-Bags.html) is entirely one of personal preference. Do you want to carry 30 - 40 lbs on your back or do you want to wheel it behind you? I think most European Travelers use backpacks. You are right, volume number is the capacity of the bag. The majority of backpacks we sell display this information in either cubic inches (cu in) or liters (L). The North Face Terra 60 Backpack comes in two sizes. A medium at 3700 cu in and a large at 3850 cu in. These are referring to how long the pack is and you should determine that based on how tall you are or more specifically how long your torso is. If you click the "View Sizing Chart" link which is right under the price and to the left of the main product picture you will be able to figure out how to measure your torso. If you need any more assistance call 1.800.409.4502 or use the "Chat Now" feature at the top of the page.

Most helmets are goggle compatible, but yours might be a bit different. If you really like these goggles, I'd snag a pair and try them on with your helmet. If they don't work, simply return it.Give Smith Optics a try. I think they produce a significantly superior quality product for a better price.-------------------------------------Obviously every goggle will not fit with every helmet. The best way is to buy the goggles and helmets from the same manufacturer. That being said the Oakley A-Frame Goggle is what Shaun White wears with his helmet. So if it's good enough for gold medalists, then its probably good enough for you. See pic:http://snowboard.colonies.com/WhistlerBlackcomb/blog/post/82638/

You don't HAVE to heat mold the Intuition Liners that are used in the Full Tilt Bumble Bee Ski boot. Some people prefer to just let the natural heat of athletic movement "break in" the boot, which should take about a week of general use. If you don't have that much time then definitely heat up the liners in your oven and then slip on the boot to mold it to the exact shape of your foot. There is no better way to get a custom fit.

The North Face Pamir WindStopper Fleece Jacket is a great jacket that will definitely help your son stay warm this winter, especially when used in conjunction with his shell from The North Face. The Windwall 2 Fleece Jacket will also work well. They are pretty much identical jackets. With the main difference being that the Pamir Windstopper uses a fabric designed and manufactured by Gore (of the legendary Gore-Tex fame) while the Windwall 2 uses The North Face's own version of the same fabric that is comparable but not as good (hence the price difference).To be honest, in very cold environments I prefer the insulating warmth of either down or a synthetic down such as Primaloft. Such as:http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF3596/The-North-Face-Redpoint-Hybrid-Insulated-Jacket-Mens.htmlor http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF2435/The-North-Face-Nuptse-Down-Jacket-Mens.html

I know it is hard to tell from the pictures. I just went and looked at our inventory. I would describe the "silver sage" color of the Columbia Roc ll Jacket as being lighter, more silvery, almost khaki. While the "sage" color is a dark gray. I hope this helps.

The Aire 4 inch Barrel Pump is a great pump but is designed for inflating larger vessels such as full on river rafts. If you are just inflating a small kayak (such as http://www.backcountry.com/store/ARE0003/Aire-Lynx-I-Inflatable-Kayak.html) I would suggest something smaller (and cheaper) like:http://www.backcountry.com/store/NRS0043/NRS-Bravo-2-Foot-Pump.html?RSC_ID=WR_NRS0043

two totally different binding systems, both great in their own way. what you should get depends on what you will be doing. the marker is a beefy low to the ski power binding, so if you would rather huck cliffs and do a little skinning on the side then they are great. you need to remember the biggest drawback is the weight and the fact you can't switch from ski to hike when you are in the binding, you must take it off and flip the switch. the freerides (my choice) are great! i have been using them for five years now. patrolled in them, skied over 150 days a year, dropped cliffs, and hiked back up. in my mind they would be easer to fix in the BC if you needed to (though i have never needed to MacGyver them). I hope this helps and remember, it's never to early to pray for snow!

Yes. The Black Diamond Glidelite Nylon Standard Skins have no tail clip so you are relying on the glue to keep the skin attached. You can cut the skin to the shape of your swallow tail. If the skin glue wears out you can reapply with:http://www.backcountry.com/store/BLD0004/Black-Diamond-Ascension-Gold-Label-Skin-Glue-4oz-can.html

For the Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding I would suggest the small for your girlfriend. Usually a ski boot's shell size is printed on the bottom or sole of the shell. Heck, depending on how ambitious you are feeling you could even break out the ol' tape measure. The boot sole length is just measured from the tip to the tail of the ski boot in millimeters (mm).

without doubt, if you are asking this question you need to take it to a shop. if you love your knees then you will take them to a shop. the twenty bucks you will pay for a binding adjustment is far less than an emergency department bill. also remember to bring your boot!---------You can get an idea of what your proper DIN setting is by going to: http://www.dinsetting.com/Keep in mind that if you choose to not enlist the services of a ski binding technician (one that is properly trained and certified on your brand of bindings, in this case Marker), then you will void any and all warranties or liability that are either expressed or implied by the manufacturer. Adjust bindings AT YOUR OWN RISK.

With an inverse camber ski, you can go even smaller if you want. I ride skis that are typically below my chin and above my neckline.Rossignol's S7 Caballero ski is on its way too, and it's a mighty fine ski. It's on its way in to Rossi's warehouse last time I checked, and here are the (super-secret!) specs:http://rdtus.procommunity.net/actions/catalogpdf.php?productids=102I personally prefer Rossignol over K2, I find the skis to be slightly stiffer and all around freakingly awesome. Your mileage may vary.-----------------------------I ride reverse camber skis (or rockered or banana)in about the same length as a normal ski. All my skis are between 175 cm and 185 cm. In the K2 Hellbent I prefer the 179. I am 5 foot 9 inches and 145 lbs. I think you should just go with what you normally ski. Between the K2 Hellbent and the Rossignol S7 (Sage) the main differences are that the S7 is not a true twin and it has a truly progressive shape. While the Hellbent has a more traditional sidecut and is much closer to being a true twin tip. If you want even more of a true twin reverse camber ski look at the Line EP (Eric Pollard) Pro. It is truly awesome. We have it in stock and will be selling it online shortly. For a great website detailing graphics and dimensions of almost all of next year's skis check out:http://global.skipass.com/gearguide/ski/2009/

Yes! The DAKINE Pro 2 Backpack has both a sternum strap and waist belt. The waist belt is padded and has a small pocket for those easy access items.

The POC Receptor Helmet meets both CE and ASTM requirements.

The kettle and dark navy colors of the Columbia Ballistic Insulated Jacket are 2007 models (hence their discounted price). The black is the 2008.

I am sure that your lady is full of muscle and an excellent skier and while I am sure she has skied her fair share of mens skis in her day there is one major difference. Today's womens skis are not just softer versions of mens skis with pretty graphics. The best womens skis will have a different flex point than the male equivalent that will accommodate the female frame (hips) and a women's lower center of gravity.

The weights are as follows:POC0001 - Skull Light XP Helmet - 2.1 lbsPOC0002 - Synapsis XP Helmet - 1.6 lbsPOC0003 - Receptor Helmet - 2.25 lbs

I measured straight down the main zipper to get an approximate length. That length for The North Face Furallure Tweed Down Vest is as follows:XS - 22.5 inchesS - 23 inchesM - 24 inchesL - 25 inchesXL - 26 inches

I'm sorry but at this point the largest size that The North Face Furallure Tweed Down Vest comes in is XL.

Definitely not. At any temperature below freezing you will be cold in The North Face Khumbu Fleece Jacket. It is just normal fleece (not windstopper) so the wind rips right through it. To stay warm in the winter I would recommend the Khumbu with a nice waterproof/windproof shell over it. Such as:http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF2165/The-North-Face-Venture-Parka-Mens.htmlIf you really want to stay warm in the winter try the McMurdo:http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF3606/The-North-Face-McMurdo-Down-Parka-Mens.html

A pro bump ski is going to be almost straight (i.e. have little to no sidecut). While the Salomon Teneighty SPK Alpine Ski is narrow enough to rip zipper lines down bumps it still does have a significant shape to it that some traditional mogul skiers don't like. That being said I think you will be very happy with this ski as it does great in the bumps - as one review points out - has a twin tip, and is very well made.

Unless all of those things work over Bluetooth, this helmet won't work for you. Additionally, I imagine you need a DOT certified helmet, which this obviously wouldn't qualify.All of Giro's helmets specifically say "Not For Motorcycle" in their packaging.

The DAKINE Heli Pack is a perfect backcountry companion. It will hold a shovel and a probe and pretty much nothing else except maybe a granola bar or two and some water. This pack is designed for the backcountry skier who doesn't like to wear a pack. It is great for taking laps in resort accessed out-of-bounds where you don't need anything more than your shovel, probe and a beacon.

The DAKINE Guide Pack is a very comfortable pack that comes highly recommended but most backpackers in Europe use something bigger to carry all their stuff. Don't forget you will be literally living out of your backpack. You did say that you will be on a "minimalist" trip so maybe this will work. It is more low profile then other packs out there but pretty much anyone with a backpack in Europe looks like a "Backpacking Tourist" as Europeans don't walk around cities with large packs on a regular basis because, well, they live there.

Even though the DAKINE Guide Pack is 3000cu in you would have to be an expert packer and be good at minimalist backpacking in order to fit all your supplies for several days in this pack. It has been done but the type of people who get by with this small of a pack on extended trips are the same type of people who take the pulls of their zippers and drill holes in their tooth brushes to save weight. I would look for something in the 4,000 - 5,000 cu in range. http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/42/Weekend-Packs-3000-4500-cu-in.html

"Go big or go home." In all seriousness I would say the 185 would be right if you are the East Coast and the 192 would be better for the west. The G3 El Hombre Ski is a very popular ski that you will love.

Yes these would make a great replacement. Putting ski pole baskets on is about as easy as putting on your shoes, you just put them on. Some shops will put them on so they stay in place using a box with a hole drilled in it (you then slam the pole in a downward motion, thrusting the basket on to the pole).

It will be "all right" in the park. The wide waist width will be a nice landing platform on big jumps and the wood core will withstand plenty of abuse. But if you are skiing only park I would probably go for something a little smaller and narrower just because that will be lighter and have less spin weight, therefore it will be more maneuverable. It is also a big ski to be sliding rails and boxes with as most people use something smaller. The Movement Baggy Alpine Ski will not be out of place in the park but there are more park specific options out there if that is your main focus.

Both boots you mentioned are great options. Try them both on and see what fits your foot better. I think you will see a big difference from you high school boots mainly in stability at higher speeds, as well as in comfort. Nordica and Technica are two of the best boot companies around.

The Fischer Watea 101 Alpine Skis weight about 10.5 lbs for the pair or 5.25 lbs each.

If you click on the sizing chart underneath the price you can see a general conversion chart from US sizes to Mondo. A 25.5 is about a US Mens 7 or Womens 8.5.

If you are going to Thailand I think you will be very happy with the Marmot PreCip jacket. It is made from Marmot's PreCip material which is VERY waterproof and will also breathe well so that you will not overheat. It is very lightweight and it packs down small in your backpack. Plus with the Marmot name you know you are getting quality.

I'm sorry that we have the wrong sizing chart listed for the Columbia Thunderstorm Jacket. This will be fixed immediately. For now you can see full size specifications for all Columbia products at:http://www.columbia.com/sizeChart.aspx

Unfortunately the hood on the Marmot Minimalist Jacket is NOT removable. It is all one piece that forms the collar. It does not roll up into the collar and zip away like some other jackets. Overall it is a great jacket because it is made from Gore-Tex PacLite which is the lightest fabric that is guaranteed to keep you dry and with the Marmot name you know you are getting a quality product.

The Hestra Anthony Boronowski is a very well made glove and will definitely keep your warm. Hestra is a Swedish company that is just now coming to the USA. The Swedes, like hardy Chicagoans, know cold weather! Keep in mind that these are designed for skiing which is a highly aerobic activity where you body generates a lot of heat. Unfortunately tailgating is not. So you might feel a little bit of chill around 0 degrees. On those coldest days I would suggest a mitten such as:http://www.backcountry.com/store/ODR0131/Outdoor-Research-Latitude-Mitten.htmlBut the well made leather palm will definitely help you keep a tight grip on your beverage of choice outside Soldier Field.

The Cocoon Silk Travel Sheet is not your typical flat sheet that you would find in the linen section of a department store. It does lie flat but it has a double stitched seam on one side and an opening on the other with a velcro closure. It also has an insert at the top that acts as a pocket for your pillow. It packs down VERY small. Its full dimensions when laid out are 86" x 35" (220cm x 90cm) and it weighs just 6.3oz (180g). When you stay somewhere where you do not trust the sheets this is a great item to have with you. I know international backpackers that use a variety of hostels in 3rd world countries who refer to these as "Bed Condoms." While I don't know how effective they are in preventing the spread of disease, the Cocoon Silk Travel Sheet definitely offers some degree of comfort and peace of mind. While it can be used to add warmth to a sleeping bag (the tag clams it adds 9.5F or 5.3C). The Cocoon Silk MummyLiner that Josh is referring to below http://www.backcountry.com/store/COC0009/Cocoon-Silk-MummyLiner.html does not have a velcro side or pillow insert. It really is just a liner for a sleeping mummy bag. A true bag condom. ;-)

Yes. The newest version of The North Face Beeline Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Down and what we have in stock comes with 1/3 length side zip.

Yes. The Osprey Packs Aether 60 Pack has two lycra sleeves on either side of the bottom that can easily hold a Nalgene or similar water bottle (or trail mix or map). There is also a clip for your keys in the top compartment and a whistle on the sternum strap buckle in case you need to signal for help.

If you can not find the non lifter version then it is totally possible to mount this binding without the included lifter plates. Just keep in mind that the included screws will need to be shortened or otherwise you will dimple the base of your ski by drilling too far. I mounted the Look PX 14 Ti Lifter Legend Wide Alpine Ski Bindings (sans lifters) on my K2 Pontoons two years ago and have had no problems. You need to bend the brakes to fit around the 130mm waist width. I actually prefer the lowered, next to ski, feeling. It is definitely the way to roll on super wide skis.

Arc'teryx Bird Head Beanie has the following materials:Outer = 50% Merino Wool / 50% Acrylic Lining = 100% Polyester

The Dansko Margrete Casual Shoe is made from Latigo Leather. The brown pictured is the same as the brown we have in stock. I just went and double checked it for you. Since color is a subejctive thing and everyone has different tastes don't forget backcountry.com's return policy. If you don't like anything for any reason at any time you can return it. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

I went measured this skirt for you Lauren. The Columbia Ashtanga Skirt in the short length is 20" long in all sizes.

There's nothing wrong with a white snowboard. I think "wooddigedydog" is just expressing his personal opinion on color choices. Hey some people wear black jeans while others want stonewash. Apples to oranges. No particular color snowboard is better than the others. Unless its neon pink, then it is just awesome.

The Nixon Enamel Wings Belt is about 46 inches long (not including the buckle).

Sorry that there is not a sizing chart on this page. You can see a complete one for Outdoor Research at: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/peruvian_hat.html--- S - M - L US 6 7/8 - 7 1/8 - 7 3/8 inches 21 5/8" 22 1/2" 23 1/4" cm 55 57 59Based on that chart I would suggest that you order a large. Keep in my mind that the Outdoor Research Peruvian Hat is made from Gore Windstopper Fleece which is not only guaranteed to do exactly what it implies (stop wind) but is - like all synthetic fabrics - also very stretchy.

Yes the design in the Flourish color DOES go all the way around the band of the Nixon Vega Watch. Also the inside of the band has a repeating imprint of the Nixon logo.

Unfortunately the Nixon Dictator Watch does NOT tell you the current time. It is able to record any audio you would like for later playback. You can also set recorded messages to be alarms or hourly chimes. Total storage space is 3 minutes and 20 seconds that can be broken up over 8 different messages. But there is no way for it to "speak" the current time.