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Michael Facciolo

Camper // Hiker // Backpacker

Michael Facciolo: #1,023 of 167,331 More Information

38 Reviews:

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71 Yes

5 Questions:

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73 Answers:

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45 Yes

0 Photos:

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0 Videos:

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1 Wishlists:

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1 Yes

0 Field Tests:

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0 Yes

  • Stomping Grounds:

    The trails, mountains, and rivers of the East Coast.
  • Bio:

    I first got into camping/hiking while in Boy Scouts, and I've been passionate about adventuring ever since. I've been all over the southeast on lots of camping/hiking/backpacking/kayaking/rafting trips.

    Currently, I'm planning an AT Thru-hike and am really stoked about it!

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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.

Essential Gear

CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack - 200cu in

CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack - 200cu in

Rating for this product: 5 September 2, 2009

This pack really is great. 3L reservoir keeps you going all day, and 200cu in. is great for holding whatever you need for a day hike or trail run. Removable hipbelt lets you trim some grams off. All in all the thing is great. Best feature though, the reservoir can be externally filled meaning, like the Unbottle, you don't have to remove the reservoir from the pack to fill it up. Awesome stuff.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Perfect Sandals

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 27, 2009

There's a reason these are so popular. Not because they're status symbols or anything like that, but because they deliver great results. Velcro has trouble when wet, so the continuous strap solves that problem. There's great ventilation (obviously), the sole gets good traction, and is actually self-cleaning. If the sole wears out, Chaco will resole them for you. Also, you can wear them around town or around the river which is a not-so-common feature for outdoor footwear.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Completely Awesome

Backcountry.com Stoic 2.0 Shell - Men's

Backcountry.com Stoic 2.0 Shell - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 May 27, 2009

I really love this shell. I'm a thinner guy, so the super-athletic/tailored fit is nice. It is, as one reviewer put it, an "upside down triangle". So it works great for broad shouldered, narrow waisted guys like me. Moving on from the fit (Cyrus Baumgarten analyzed it well), the complete bombproof-ness of the jacket is great. It holds up in heavy rains, and the pit zips provide lots of ventilation where you need it to keep you from getting wet inside out. All in all, this is an excellent buy. Period.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

0 Comments

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Good Poles

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Pole

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Pole

Rating for this product: 4 May 27, 2009

I'm really happy with these poles. The handles are nicely angled for easy gripping. The cork doesn't get slimy like plastic does. FlickLocks are a definite win (as always). The weight is good if you want to save 50% on CF poles. All in all, I like these a lot and don't think you can do better for the money (unless you can get a sweet deal on some CF poles).

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Vasque Mantra GTX Hiking Shoe - Men's

April 30, 2009

I'm planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and I was wondering what the thoughts are for that application with these shoes? Any specific comments about expected mileage, water resistance, or blisters would be great.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Merrell Chameleon Evo GTX XCR Hiking Shoe - Men's

April 30, 2009

I'm planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and I was wondering what the thoughts are for that application with these shoes? Any specific comments about expected mileage, water resistance, or blisters would be great.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe - Men's

April 30, 2009

I'm planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and I was wondering what the thoughts are for that application with these shoes? Any specific comments about expected mileage, water resistance, or blisters would be great.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Chaco Z/2 Pro Sandal - Men's

April 20, 2009

The pro sole for sure. It has much better grip than the Unaweep.

Adding on to what Steinweg said, if the sole wears out, you can get them resoled by Chaco for free.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Marmot Trestles 20 Semi Rec Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Spirafil

April 6, 2009

I'm exactly 6' and I got a regular bag. You can stretch out some still, as the bag iteslf stretches some. Plus, you have less space to warm up with your body heat so you get warm faster.

The regular is also 1/4 lb lighter, though since it's a heavy bag, you probably aren't concerned about weight.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Kelty Ouray 2 Footprint

April 5, 2009

Just set the tent up on top of the footprint. "Attach" it by putting tent poles through the provided grommets or webbing.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Mountain Hardwear Ghisallo 1 Tent 1-Person 3-Season

April 5, 2009

No problems with moisture and condensation in moderate-high humidity. I haven't tried it in the rain though, but I doubt there will be problems.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy

April 2, 2009

Yep. 20 degrees is no problem, but remember that it is emergency gear. I wouldn't use it as a replacement for a sleeping bag.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Restop Commode

April 2, 2009

None of it. It's a 5-gallon bucket with a durable trashbag liner and a seat.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Sierra Designs Antares 3 Tent 3-Person 3-Season

April 2, 2009

It does come with a footprint. It's listed in the description underneath the picture of the tent.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

Sold Out

Eureka Autumn Wind 2XD Tent 2-Person 3-Season

March 31, 2009

Actually, it's not so much the case with 4 season tents. Three season tents, however, utilize the mesh as ventilation so as to keep condensation at bay while camping in the summer. The fly covers the tent and offers wind/weather protection, but yeah, the top of the tent body is mostly mesh to increase ventilation.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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GoLite Odyssey Expedition Pack - 5500-5800 cu in

March 26, 2009

There should be a sleeve at the back of your pack (the part that's against your back) that you can slip a hydration bag into. Alternatively, you could check the outside and find the hydration port (where the hose is supposed to come out) and look on the inside near that site. The hydration sleeve should be close to it.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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CamelBak Cloud Walker Hydration Pack - 2L DO NOT USE

March 26, 2009

This bag isn't waterproof, but it's not mesh either. If you're in a downpour, your stuff will get wet inside the pack. If you're in a drizzle (maybe up to a light rain) you'll be fine. Plan on getting a pack cover or using a jacket or poncho or trash bag to cover the pack if you'll be in heavy rain.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

Sold Out

Sea To Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack

March 25, 2009

My bag came with the a similar 7x13 bag, and I found that putting it into the XS took too much time and effort. I use the S and like it a lot. The compression sack swallows the bag easily, and then I can cinch the straps down to get it pretty small. I haven't measured it when it's fully compressed, but it's a little bit smaller than in the stuff sack it came with (football-size instead of bread box-size).

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Outdoor Research Helium Quick Sacks

March 25, 2009

I'd say get the [1], try it out, and if it's too small, get the [2].

I'd also get a dry+compression bag to be sure it didn't get wet and to compress it smaller than you can with a cinch cord.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Marmot Synthetic Yurt Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Synthetic

March 25, 2009

Yes, but you'll want to get one left zip and one right zip.

Actually, since this is a rectangular bag, you should be fine with 2 left zips.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad - Rectangular

March 25, 2009

If you get a bag with a pad built in, side-sleeping is very uncomfortable (read: impossible). I have the Therm-A-Rest Prolite 4 and just add about 2 breaths once it's self-inflated to get it really firm. I'm a side sleeper too, and it works fine for me.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Marmot Eco Pro 30 Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Synthetic

March 25, 2009

Another thing to keep in mind is that, generally speaking, 15-30 degree bags are traditionally 3-season bags. Meaning they're good for spring/summer/fall. However, if you're in southern/central CA (not sure about northern)it should be good for the winter too. Use a pad and put on clothes if you get cold.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Great Bag

Sea To Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack

Sea To Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack

Rating for this product: 5 March 25, 2009

I bought the XS originally for my down sleeping bag, but I could only get it to close after 15 minutes of effort, so got a S and it works perfectly. Keeps everything dry and well compressed. The eVent on the bottom is awesome. I kept the XS and it works really well for keeping a spare outfit dry. I also use it on kayak/canoe trips to hold my lunch, camera, sunscreen, etc.

Really a great buy, and I've had no problems with leaking even though I completely submerged it.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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X-Bowl

Sea To Summit X-Bowl Collapsable Bowl

Sea To Summit X-Bowl Collapsable Bowl

Rating for this product: 5 March 19, 2009

The X-Bowl is a legit backcountry bowl. It's highly collapsible, lightweight, and the bottom can be used as a cutting board. These things are food safe, can go down to 40F, up to 356F, can be used with boiling water, and are dishwasher safe. Talk about bombproof. These things rock!

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

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X-Plate

Sea To Summit X-Plate Collapsible Plate DO NOT USE

Sea To Summit X-Plate Collapsible Plate DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 5 March 19, 2009

The X-Plate is a legit backcountry plate. It's highly collapsible, somewhat lightweight, and the bottom can be used as a cutting board. These things are food safe, can go down to 40F, up to 356F, can be used with boiling water, and are dishwasher safe. Talk about bombproof. These things rock!

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

0 Comments

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X-Mug

Sea To Summit X-Mug Collapsible Mug

Sea To Summit X-Mug Collapsible Mug

Rating for this product: 5 March 19, 2009

The X-Mugis a legit backcountry mug. It's highly collapsible and pretty lightweight. These things are food safe, can go down to 40F, up to 356F, can be used with boiling water, and are dishwasher safe. Talk about bombproof. These things rock! Plus, this stacks perfectly with the X-Bowl.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

March 18, 2009

The bags are rated the same on warmth, the difference is all in the weight. The Helium uses 850-fill down and the Pinnacle uses 800-fill down. This results in the Helium weighing 1lb 13oz and the Pinnacle weighing 2lb 8 oz (an 11oz difference).

The fill rating attached to down describes its insulation properties. It tells the number of cubic centimeters taken up by one ounce of insulation. So 1oz of 850-fill takes up 850cc. This means that less weight of a higher grade fill can be used, thus reducing the weight of the bag while maintaining the same level of warmth.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Let me know if you need some more clarification or anything.

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes

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Black Diamond Anarchist Winter Pack - 1953-2563cu in

March 18, 2009

Depends on how you pack, but it should be fine for overnight in the summer.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Good Compass

Brunton 8097 Compass

Brunton 8097 Compass

Rating for this product: 5 March 9, 2009

Good product, I like this compass. It's accurate and user-friendly. The declination adjustment on the back is very convenient. The compass actually comes with a a whistle attached to a lanyard that you can insert in the bottom of the compass itself. A nice feature, but have a backup whistle. There is also a provided clip for maps and stuff, you might be leaving that at home too.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Great Towel

MSR Packtowl UltraLite

MSR Packtowl UltraLite

Rating for this product: 5 March 9, 2009

This towel is awesome. Super light, very quick to dry, and the texture isn't sandpaper-y like I was imagining it would be. Yet another great MSR product.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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All Around Winner

MSR Dromlite Bags

MSR Dromlite Bags

Rating for this product: 5 March 9, 2009

I bought the 6L version of this bag, and it's great. It's really, really durable while still being light and manageable. It folds up small for when it's not being used, and the grommet at the top is great for enabling you to hang it from stuff. Good buy for sure.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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SAM Splint

Adventure Medical SAM Splint

Adventure Medical SAM Splint

Rating for this product: 5 March 9, 2009

This is a really good splint. It's lightweight, reusable, radiolucent, waterproof, compact, and versatile. And, at 36" in length, you can use it for basically anything. This is one of those things that you owe it to yourself and your group to buy, but you hope you never have to use it.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

0 Comments

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The North Face Dome 5 Tent 5-Person 4-Season

March 5, 2009

According to the tech specs on the right side of the screen, it weighs "31lb 7oz (14.3kg)".

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Marmot Helium EQ Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

March 5, 2009

The version of the bag without the coating packs down to 7.5" x 15". That's a good starting place to get a feel for how big this one is. This bag is 6oz heavier so figure it to be a little bigger. Maybe 8" x 16" or something like that. It's still super-compressible for sure though.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Kelty Orb 3 Footprint

March 4, 2009

Well, the single reviewer was not happy with his purchase, but that doesn't mean you won't be. If you don't get a footprint though, you can do what he did. Just go buy a tarp and set the tent up on it. Fold the excess at the edges of the tarp under itself so as not too pool rainwater on your tent floor. That's all he did.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Kelty Gunnison 2 Footprint

March 4, 2009

Put the footprint with the coated side facing up, and put the tent poles into the grommets on the footprint. Then use the clips/loops to anchor the footprint to the tent to keep it from shifting around.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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The North Face Backpacking Bivy 3-Season-Do Not Use

March 4, 2009

You might not be able to fit a dog with you in a bivy. Bivys are basically tents for your sleeping bag and not much else. There MIGHT be enough room for the pup, but it'd be tight for sure. If he can curl at your feet for the night then that would greatly increase the chances of y'all fitting inside together.Seriously though, you might want to look in to a 1-man tent instead of a bivy. You'll have a lot more space and be a lot more comfortable.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

Sold Out

Big Agnes Three Wire Bivy

March 4, 2009

The mesh part zips kind of like a tent door. That's how most of them are anyway, and this one looks the same as most bivys.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eureka Tetragon 1210 Tent: 8-Person 3-Season

March 4, 2009

The doors are mesh, there are 6 mesh windows, and 4 mesh roof vents on this tent. Plenty of ventilation, which you definitely need if you put 8 people in here.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Big Agnes Elkhorn 2-Person Tent w/ Footprint

March 3, 2009

It is probably just the weight of the tent, but either way, the footprint weight is negligible. Like 2oz or less, which is 2.5% of the overall weight. So negligible.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Big Agnes Elkhorn 2-Person Tent w/ Footprint

February 28, 2009

Two-person tents, in general, are quick and easy to set up. The only tents that ever take me longer than 15 minutes to set up is a 8-man or bigger tents.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eureka Tetragon 9 Tent: 5-Person 3-Season

February 28, 2009

The Tech Specs panel on the right-hand side of this page lists your requested statistic. "Interior Height: 6 ft".

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Bottle

CamelBak Better Bottle w/ Bite Valve - 1L

CamelBak Better Bottle w/ Bite Valve - 1L

Rating for this product: 5 February 27, 2009

I already have the .75L version of this bottle, but I wanted to have the choice to carry more water with me sometimes. These bottles are great, and I absolutely love the bite valve. Having it, instead of the regular screw-off cap, allows you to drink while moving without spilling all over yourself. Really nice on the treadmill and just walking around campus.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Complete Repair Kit

Therm-a-Rest Universal Hotbond Repair Kit

Therm-a-Rest Universal Hotbond Repair Kit

Rating for this product: 5 February 24, 2009

This has everything in it you need to fix your pad if it gets a few holes in it. Practice at home some before you try it in the field as it takes a little getting used to. This kit is complete though, except for valve replacements/repairs.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Him 35 Tent 3-Person 4-Season

February 23, 2009

In all my experience, 3-season tents ventilate better than 4-season ones. This is due to the fact that most 3-season tents have a ton of mesh on them, making them bad for the cold, but good for ventilation.As far as which one to choose, I don't have either one so I can't really weigh in on that part of your question.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Good Product, Not Great

Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair

Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair

Rating for this product: 4 February 23, 2009

I like this chair, I do. I'm all for creature comforts when camping, but at 10.5oz (298g) the thing is just too heavy for anything but car camping or a heavily burdened weekend hike. It's cool for what it is, it stores really small and you can leave it on your pad, well, the top part if you have a regular length one. The comfort is great, and I know this isn't for long distance backpacking. I just wish it was lighter so then it could be.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Awesome

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Rating for this product: 5 February 23, 2009

This is a little heavy, but to me it's worth it. I can live with 9 extra ounces for the comfort this brings. I got the medium which is 18" wide, so it works great with my 20" wide pad. It compresses to about a fourth of its fully lofted size, and really is way more comfortable than balled up clothes.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Bomber Pad

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Sleeping Pad

Rating for this product: 5 February 20, 2009

This pad is awesome in every way. It's light, supportive, highly compressible, and tough. I don't have anything to say about this pad. It really is awesome.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy Sack

February 18, 2009

Black Diamond sells a "Ground Cloth" for $25 for use with their bivy sacks. You sleep on the ground or a matress and inside a sleeping bag.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset

February 17, 2009

Titanium is really good on weight, but what you gain in weight you lose in cooking prowess. Titanium is notorious for its hotspots when heated. Aluminum is, in my opinion, the best cookware to use because it's lighter than steel and is a better heat conductor than titanium.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Ultralight

Marmot Helium EQ Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

Marmot Helium EQ Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 5 February 17, 2009

Awesome bag. Seriously, one of the lightest bags on the market, as well as one of the most comfortable I've been in. Get a compression sack to go with this bag though, the stuff sack it comes with is super thin and seems like it would tear easily.

All in all, a great product.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Ultralight

Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 5 February 17, 2009

Awesome bag. Seriously, one of the lightest bags on the market, as well as one of the most comfortable I've been in. Get a compression sack to go with this bag though, the stuff sack it comes with is super thin and seems like it would tear easily. All in all, a great product.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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The North Face Backpacking Bivy 3-Season-Do Not Use

February 10, 2009

The weight is 1lb 13oz, the packed size is 16.5in x 5in, and the setup dimensions are 33.5in x 92.5in x 25in.All that info is in the Tech Specs box on the right side of the screen.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

Sold Out

Big Agnes Elkhorn 3-Person Tent w/ Footprint

February 10, 2009

You definitely want something durable, waterproof, big, well-ventilated, and with a footprint.I would suggest a 3-person tent to maximize living space and to enable you to put all your luggage inside. That being said, a giant vestibule isn't necessary, but having one for shoes or something small is important. Weight isn't important since you're flying, unless you will go over weight limit for your airline.I'd just look around a little, get an idea of your options, and then ask some more questions if you're still not sure. But definitely look for 3-season, 3-person stuff. You could get by with a 2-person, but the bigger it is, the more comfortable.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Sold Out

The North Face Rock 22 Bx Tent 2-Person 3-Season

February 9, 2009

This tent (Rock 22) is better to me than the Vector 22 because of two main things:* The Rock 22 has two doors and vestibules.* The vestibules on the Rock 22 are 8sqft instead of 6sqftIf you're getting a tent for two people, I'd go with this one over the Vector 22. However, if you're mainly going to do solo backpacking (or at least solo sleeping), then I'd get this one.Hope that helps man.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Terra 40 Backpack - 2450cu in

February 7, 2009

I would definitely get the small if I was going to buy it in your situation. Measure your torso from the vertebrae that you can feel at the back of your neck down to the crest of your hips. If that measurement fits the torso measurement provided, then you'll be fine with the pack.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Terra 40 Backpack - 2450cu in

February 7, 2009

I would definitely get the small if I was going to buy it in your situation. Measure your torso from the vertebrae that you can feel at the back of your neck down to the crest of your hips. If that measurement fits the torso measurement provided, then you'll be fine with the pack.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Black Diamond Oneshot 1-Person 3-Season Tent

February 7, 2009

Ventilation isn't amazing in this tent (it has some smaller top vents), so if it's humid really you may have a little bit of an issue. However, if it's hot as well as humid, you can unzip the door a little and increase the ventilation by a ton.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Black Diamond Oneshot 1-Person 3-Season Tent

February 7, 2009

Ventilation isn't amazing in this tent (it has some smaller top vents), so if it's humid really you may have a little bit of an issue. However, if it's hot as well as humid, you can unzip the door a little and increase the ventilation by a ton.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Stove

MSR WhisperLite International Multi-Fuel Stove

MSR WhisperLite International Multi-Fuel Stove

Rating for this product: 5 January 29, 2009

This stove is awesome. It really is great, and after using it, it's obvious why it's such a popular model. Great for novice users, lifetime users, field maintenance, pretty much everything. Great product.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Bombproof Bottle

MSR Fuel Bottles DO NOT USE

MSR Fuel Bottles DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 5 January 29, 2009

Sweet bottle. Totally bombproof. I really like being able to store the pump in the bottle.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Pretty Sweet

MSR Alpine Kitchen Set

MSR Alpine Kitchen Set

Rating for this product: 5 January 29, 2009

I really like this kitchen. It's got everything you need for making meals that actually taste good in the backcountry. Well, it comes with a place to store everything you need I should say. Great product. Cutting board is nice, as is having a sponge.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Good Cookware

MSR DuraLite Classic Cookset

MSR DuraLite Classic Cookset

Rating for this product: 5 January 29, 2009

Lighter than steel. More durable than blacklite. Better heat dispersion than titanium. Really my personal favorite line of MSR cookware. This is good stuff.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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CamelBak Hydrobak Hydration Pack - 1.5L

January 28, 2009

You probably will get some weird looks, but if you don't want to carry a water bottle and stop to drink from that, this would work. I'd go with the "Estate Blue/Charcoal" instead of the "Hi Viz/Graphite" to avoid some of the looks.Or, you could just get a 32oz water bottle and just drink out of it while you walk from one machine to the other. You're taking a break then anyway. That's what I do.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Primero 85 Backpack - 4880-5200cu in

January 25, 2009

On thenorthface.com you can look at things closer up. I can take and upload some pictures of it if you'd like I suppose.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Osprey Packs Atmos 50 Pack - 2800-3200 cu in

January 25, 2009

You're carrying all the gear for both of you? It might be close. Depends on how much stuff you pack though. You can go with just a tent and two sleeping bags and be fine with this if they're all pretty small. You'll probably want to get something a little bigger though.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Osprey Packs Talon 22 Backpack - 1200-1300cu in

January 25, 2009

The most important element of fit is your torso length. I would get the small with your size.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eureka Apex 2XT 2-Person 3-Season Tent

January 25, 2009

The dimensions listed here are 89x59in. That's actually not a "huge discrepancy" from 90x59in. At 6'7" you are 79" tall; therefore, you will have either 10"-11" of space between you and the walls. The dimensions, as listed on Eureka!'s website are 7'5"x4'11" (89x59in).The dimensions of the Apex 2, not the Apex 2XT, are 7'2"x4'11" (83x59in).

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Snow Peak GigaPower BF Stove

January 25, 2009

Canister stoves normally have a good bit of trouble at and under freezing temperatures. Liquid fuel doesn't have that problem so much. If you're going to be doing a lot of cold weather stuff, I'd go with a liquid stove.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Restop 2 Disposable Solid Waste Bag - Single

January 24, 2009

I couldn't find iPee anywhere but this is a good product if you require such an item.Here's where I found that you can buy the iPee (it's also the official site):http://www.shop.theipee.com/main.sc

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Snow Peak GigaPower Stove, Titanium Manual Ignition

January 24, 2009

The weight of the other stove is listed at 3.75oz, so technically you're saving .75oz. Other than that though, you're reading it all correctly. Sometimes weight is that big of a deal. And yes, titanium is way lighter than stainless steel, but it isn't lighter than aluminum (just sturdier). There two important reasons why the stoves don't have a high weight differential with the two materials. Firstly, the standard stove incorporates stainless steel and aluminum. Secondly, there isn't a lot of metal here to shave weight from. This may help illustrate that point:Aluminum - 170 lbs per cubic footSteel - 490 lbs per cubic footTitanium - 280 lbs per cubic foot

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp

January 24, 2009

You could try sending it back to Black Diamond and getting them to repair it. Check out their website for warranty/repair info. Actually, here's a link:http://blackdiamondequipment.com/warranty.php

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp

January 24, 2009

The Brunton RL4 headlamp has white and red LED lights. Check that one out.http://www.backcountry.com/store/BRU0141/Brunton-RL4-Headlamp.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Backtrack 50 Backpack - 3050cu in

January 24, 2009

This is a good pack for sure. It's a quality pack by a quality brand. In response to the second part of your question however, this doesn't have any wheels. I think you might be looking at a different product that does have wheels. Be sure before you add it to your cart that you're positive you've got the right thing. This is a good pack though.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Solaris 35 Backpack - 2150cu in

January 24, 2009

This pack does not come with a rain cover. The fabric is 420D ripstop nylon though, and ripstop nylon is actually very water resistant. So, while the pack isn't waterproof, it will hold up just fine in everything except a torrential downpour. In said rainstorm, the inside may get damp or even wet.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Black Diamond Big Wall Bivy Bag

January 23, 2009

This bag is waterproof (ToddTex and completely seam taped), and the Winter Bivy is not. The EPIC coating in the Winter Bivy is more breathable than Gore-Tex (or ToddTex I think), but not waterproof.Big Wall:Packed Weight- 1lb 12oz (805g)Packed Size- 6in x 12inArea- 15sqft (90in x 35in)Fabric- Canopy (ToddTex); Floor (PU Laminated)Winter:Packed Weight- 9.9oz (280g)Packed Size- 3in x 5inArea- 14sqft (85in x 35in)Fabric- Canopy (EPIC); Floor (EPIC)

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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The North Face Backtrack 70 Backpack - 4250cu in

January 23, 2009

If you're going to go for 6 months you'll might need something at least 5000cu in. That way you can put all your gear and week's worth of clothes in there and have some room left over for extra goods. This pack may be fine (it's a good product made by a good company), but you really need to think about the space needs you have.For a couple different options, check out packs like the Osprey Argon 110 or even some JanSport varietals (e.g. Klamath 85, Big Bear 82, etc.).Just shop around a little. If you decide this one is what you need, then that's awesome. But be sure you exhaust all the possibilities before finalizing. The worst decision you could make would be to by something quickly, get to Europe with it, and realize it's not quite what you wanted.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Kelty Mantra Tent 5-Person 3-Season

January 23, 2009

The ventilation is good due to all the mesh (roof, doors, walls). If you have 5 people in here or the fly on it'll probably get a little warm, but not too bad. That mesh roof is serious business.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Big Agnes Big House Tent: 4-Person 3-Season

January 23, 2009

The extended vestibule is sold separately. I didn't see it on backcountry.com, but you can buy it directly from Big Agnes here:http://www.bigagnes.com/str_tents.php?bid=11It won't be available until January 30th though.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eureka N!ergy 1310 Tent with E! Power 10-Person 3-Season

January 22, 2009

You have to buy the Power Pak (http://www.backcountry.com/store/ERK0071/Eureka-E-Power-Pak.html), and they outlets on the Power Pak are AC.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Dome 5 Tent 5-Person 4-Season

January 22, 2009

To find out if backcountry.com ships to your country, place an item into your shopping cart. Proceed to Checkout. When entering your shipping address, if your country does not appear in our dropdown menu, we cannot ship to your country.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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CamelBak Better Bottle w/ Classic Cap - .75L

January 22, 2009

That's very unfortunate. The better bite value is suppose to come with the slit pre-cut into the silicone, you are not suppose to make the hole yourself, so yes, they are defective. Its up to you whether you wish you try it yourself, or send them back for a refund/exchange them for new ones.If this is the bottle you ordered, it doesn't have a bite valve. This one has a standard screw-off top. If you did get one with a bite valve and it doesn't have a hole in it, they're defective. However, if you got the bottle on this page, just unscrew the lid and enjoy your drink.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Big Agnes Crater Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down w/ Mummy Pad

January 21, 2009

You pick what you want in the pulldown menu when you add it to your cart.If you're trying to decide which zip to get, go with the opposite of your dominant hand. That way you reach across your body to unzip instead of awkwardly grabbing the zipper beside the same shoulder.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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NRS OtterBox for Apple iPhone - Armor Series

January 21, 2009

The case probably wont work because the iPhone 3G is a different size (in every dimension) than the original.iPhone version 1 measurements:Height:115.0 mmWidth:61.0 mmDepth:11.6 mmiPhone 3G measurements:Height:115.5 mmWidth:62.1 mmDepth:12.3 mm

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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MSR BlackLite Classic Cookset

January 21, 2009

This is from the official MSR website about the BlackLite Classic Cookset under "more info":Nonstick CoatingEliminates scouring, scrubbing, scorching.Grooved BottomsHelp pots stay where you put them.Rounded CornersHelp heat travel up sides of pot more quickly, boosting efficiency 5%.Black ExteriorBoosts heat absorption, which improves cooking times and saves fuel.Snug-Fitting LidHas a Snap Lock handle—stays up while cooking, folds down for packing.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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CamelBak Bite Valve and Straws

January 21, 2009

At backcountry.com - http://www.backcountry.com/store/CAM0182/CamelBak-Bite-Valve-and-Straws.html#question_69608They are temporarily out of stock though. I couldn't find it when searching a few other sites either.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

January 21, 2009

the EQ is water proof - kind of, and it's good if you going to wet places - help to protect the down.The EQ is also more expensive and heavier. But since "wet down" means "useless" it's not a bad trade-off if your going to be in wet weather for extended periods of time.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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MSR Dromlite Bags

January 21, 2009

I've got a few questions about this bag:1. The description says "food-quality polyurethane" so I'm guessing this is BPA free. Is that true?2. How's the taste out of this bag?3. I have an MSR SweetWater Microfilter, and it comes with a "watter bottle adapter" to let me fill directly into a bottle. Will that fit one stage of the 3-in-1 cap? [The adapter has the same thread as my 750mL Camelbak Better Bottle if that helps.]

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Sterling Minor Cord Mini Spool

January 20, 2009

Does anyone know how much a full spool weighs? Of either 3mm or 6mm.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles - 1 Pair

January 20, 2009

Yep, they sure can. I'm pretty sure the BD Powder Baskets work on any pole except maybe on an elliptical shaped one. They might, but I'm not positive. Since these poles aren't elliptical, you shouldn't have that problem.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Outdoor Research HydroLite Pack Cover

January 20, 2009

I would go for the large in this situation. You definitely don't want a universal fit pack cover that is too small for your pack. As you probably know, the small for the TNF Crestone 60 Women's pack is 55L. That means you'd be stretching the cover 5L if you get the medium, but the large cover starts at 45L so you're good in that regard. And that's why I'd go with the large.Honestly, if you wanted you could order both and send one back. Backcountry.com is pretty good with stuff like that. I'd let them know that's what you planned to do first though. Just in case.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Sea To Summit Pocket Trowel - Reinforced Nylon

January 20, 2009

It says it on the packaging and it comes w/ a storage sack which says it also about 3.5cm long. There is also an "ipood!" logo on the end of the handle.Mine did not come with a storage sack, but it does say "iPOOD!" on the handle of the trowel itself, and a small logo on the end of the handle. There is also a "Leave No Trace" logo at the top end of the handle, closest to the trowel blade.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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