If you are looking for totally waterproof, then you really want a dry bag. For short hikes, one of the SealLine Boundary Dry Packs will work (http://www.backcountry.com/sealline-boundary-dry-pack), but some of them don't have a waist belt and this can be murder on the back. For longer hikes (or if you are hauling lots and lots of stuff) the SealLine Pro Pack 115 is a great dry bag, but still won't be as comfortable as a regular backpack (http://www.backcountry.com/sealline-pro-pack-115-dry-bag).

If you want a very nice, highly water-resistant pack that is just short of a drybag, the Arc'teryx Arrakis 50 (and 65) should be considered (http://www.backcountry.com/arcteryx-arrakis-50-backpack-3057-3661cu-in).

This is a great jacket, but personally, I prefer a hardshell when I am on the slopes. The Gamma MX is water-resistant (but not waterproof) so in prolonged rain or wet snow it won't keep you completely dry. It is on the shorter side, and has no powder skirt. It is more of an athletic cut, so there's not a whole lot of room to layer underneath it. It blocks most (but not all) of the wind, so lift rides can get chilly. It can be used as a layering piece, but I would use it more as a midlayer (particularly if it's wet, windy, or bitterly cold).

But I still love this jacket (even though I don't routinely use it as an outer layer on the slopes). It breathes really well, provides decent warmth on mildly cold days, is well-made, and has a very useful pocket configuration. It's great for most aerobic outdoor activities, and would likely be good for climbing (especially since it is fairly fitted). But if I were going skiing/boarding with it, I would be sure to also have access to my hardshell.

Sure, these would work fine for occasionally playing in the snow. However, they are not waterproof, so if the snow is wet/melting (or they are used for a prolonged period of time), they will soak through. These gloves are OK for overall warmth on a cold day, or for activities (like sledding) that don't involve prolonged contact with the snow. If the gloves will be used for such activities as skiing, frequent snowball fights or building a large snowman I would definitely look at gloves that have some water-resistance.

The Jett comes in both women's and mens' styles/sizes, and these are the (smaller) women's.

Small: US 6 7/8; 21 5/8 inches; 55cm
Medium: US 7 1/8; 22 1/2 inches; 57cm
Large: US 7 3/8; 23 1/4 inches; 59cm

Actually, Chacos have been made in China for a couple of years now.

The pro sole is a softer, marking sole. This is good if you will be wearing them in and out of water (such as flyfishing or rafting) or need increased traction for scrambling over rocks. However, for everyday use the pro sole will wear down much quicker than their regular Vibram sole.

If you really want the Z2's, they can be ordered from the Chaco website itself (although, like backcountry.com, it appears that they don't have all the sizes in each color in stock).

Technically, it's probably neither waterproof or water resistant. Yes, light rain may roll off of it, but with prolonged exposure to water, the vest will eventually get wet. Like most vests, it is designed as more of a layering piece and not really meant to withstand the elements (except wind).

Well, the small is 47" long, and you are 68". Some people do fine with a pad just under their torso and head (with their feet extending beyond the pad), especially if the pad is being used primarily for comfort and not warmth. Personally, I prefer a pad that is at least as long as I am.

Yes, they do come in black (although the site doesn't have a photo of this color). If you pull down the "Select options" menu in the upper right, the sizes available in black are listed.

It really depends upon what you mean by insulation. Really, this is just a thin baselayer that will trap just a little bit of heat if something is worn on top of it. It breathes and wicks very well, and works very well under clothing that does provide insulation (such as a fleece midlayer or--on warmer days--even a softshell). By itself, though, it provides little warmth.

You should be fine with a large (medium might be a little on the tight side).

Nope, no powder skirt (just dual hem drawcords).

No, the hood is not removable.

It is a single compartment (with no dividers or interior pockets).

Nope, no outside water bottle holder (just a hydration-compatible internal sleeve).

Nope. This bag just barely fits the pad itself. The chair will need to be packed separately.

The sizes are US. To the right of the price (on the upper right of this page) is a small link that says "size." Clicking on this gives you a size chart (which says that a UK men's 9 is equivalent to a US men's 10.

What I might suggest is that instead of trying to find a way to keep those 8" from inflating that you inflate the pad (to 95%) then fold those 8" back upon itself. With a normal sleeping bag, it would be difficult to keep it folded like this, but with your Big Agnes bag you can hopefully put the folded end into the pad sleeve at your head and use it as a built-in pillow.

If the sleeve is too small to accommodate the folded-over pad, then you can try rolling those 8" up and then place the pad in the bag sleeve, sliding the pad all the way up (so that the rolled up portion is pushed up against the end of the bag sleeve by your head). Hopefully, the bag sleeve will keep that part of the pad from unrolling when you lie down (but it wouldn't surprise me much if the pad slowly works toward your feet--unrolling and therefore deflating--as you sleep).

Let us know what you end up doing (and whether it works).

The waistbelt on this pack is long, and should easily accommodate a 42" waist.

Yes, this does a good job blocking the wind. However, it is very thin and lightweight, so for any warmth you'll need to be layered underneath it.

This jacket doesn't have a powder skirt, but apparently does have an "adjustable & elasticated hem drawcord."

I don't believe that backcountry sells the footprint for the Viperine 3. However, you can find it on-line (from several retailers) for $35-40.

Yep, that's what they charge (whether it's worth that is another question altogether).
On the Nixon website, it lists the price as $1000.
http://www.nixonnow.com/watches/elite/the-debutant-A138.html

No it doesn't have any special vent. For increased ventilation, you can fasten open the vestibule door (as shown in the picture). Or, for maximum ventilation, if there's no rain in the forecast you can pitch it without the fly.

No it doesn't. It has just the dual hem drawcords.

It does have a drawcord hem.

This jacket does not have pit-zips/vents.

XS: 3.9 oz (110 g)
Small: 4.5 oz (128 g)
Medium: 5.5 oz (156 g)
Large: 5.5 oz (156 g)
XL: 7.6 oz (215 g)

Yes, these sunglasses provide 100% UV protection.

In short, "polarized" sunglasses block reflected light/glare from surfaces like water, snow and glass. This can be very helpful if you spend time on water (fishing, sailing) on snow (skiing/boarding, snowshoeing, etc.), or drive on wet/snowy roads. Obviously, most people perform at least some of these activities, and (personally) I have found that polarized shades are worth the extra cost.

FWIW, the sunglasses on this page are not polarized.

Yes, backcountry.com does ship overseas.
If you go to the "Help Center" link at the bottom of this page it will tell you how to find out what the shipping costs are and what countries they ship to (they do ship to Norway!).

The three that I would recommend would be:

The one you are looking at (TNF Mountain Manor)--very nice but pricey

The Kelty Parthenon 8 (a little less expensive, but still pretty nice) http://www.backcountry.com/kelty-parthenon-8-tent-8-person-3-season , or

The Eureka Tetragon (smaller, but much less expensive) http://www.backcountry.com/eureka-tetragon-1210-tent-8-person-3-season

54 x 25 x 15.5in

"How Do I Figure Out International Shipping Rates?"
"So you want to find out what your international shipping charges will be. First, add the item or items to your cart. Then proceed to checkout (don’t worry—proceeding to checkout doesn’t make you obligated to purchase anything). Enter your address in the billing and shipping fields. Once you change the country, the page will show you the shipping charges."
(from the Help Center link at the bottom of this page)

Hopefully, this will work for you. If not, I would use the "Chat Now" live help to ask this question.

The RocketBox does use the SKS lock cores, so there is no reason that these shouldn't work.

The weight capacity is 325 lb (147 kg).

Weight is 2 ounces. The battery is a 3-volt CR2032.

Yes, the hood is removable.

From the FAQ (accessed using the "Help Center" link at the bottom of the page):
"So you want to find out what your international shipping charges will be. First, add the item or items to your cart. Then proceed to checkout (don’t worry—proceeding to checkout doesn’t make you obligated to purchase anything). Enter your address in the billing and shipping fields. Once you change the country, the page will show you the shipping charges."

This pad works just fine in Big Agnes bags (although in won't fit in their mummy bags). It takes a little work to get it in the sleeve, but it's not too hard if you insert it partially inflated (then fully inflate it after fully sliding it in the sleeve). As you've said, B.A. bags don't have insulation on the bottom. The NeoAir seems to hold heat fairly well, but in really cold weather you may want to go with a pad that has a higher R value (or a bag that has some insulation beneath you). Keeping the NeoAir more fully inflated can also help it to provide better insulation. Having said all this, I have been very comfortable in 30-40 degree weather with my Fish Hawk and NeoAir.

There is just one filter in the pack (so replacing three of them would be pricey).

It is roughly the same size as the floor of the Hubba Hubba tent (84 X 50 inches).

The inseam is 12".

No, they do not have a mesh liner. If having a liner is important to you, I would consider the North Face Class V Zip Cargo Trunk.

I agree with Donald Schmit. In general, they are designed to be hard to adjust (so that once you get them adjusted just right they don't slip). Adjusting can get a little easier over time (unless you've had them a while, in which case the dirt that gets in them makes it harder). So, in short, I would say don't worry about it. They are supposed to be hard to adjust (because if you are doing some serious scrambling in them, you don't want the strap to slip).

The Z1 Pro has a different sole. While they both have Vibram soles, the Pro sole provides better traction in and out of the water. The trade-off? The pro sole is a marking sole, meaning that it can leave marks on floors. Since it is softer, it can also wear down quicker than the regular sole.

If you aren't going to be going in and out of the water (or will be using the sandals just for hiking), then the regular Z1's should be fine. However, if you know that you are going to be wearing the shoes around rivers or other slick areas (or will be doing lots of scrambling over rocks), I'd go with the Pro (and, actually, I'd also consider the Z2 Pro, because that extra toe loop really adds to stability).

No, but it is a "roll-away" hood.

Yes, machine wash (inside out) and tumble dry low.

Dimensions: 20x12x8 inches

Width isn't that much of an issue, because of the strap configuration (and adjustability). In terms of length, they do fit pretty much true-to-size.

It really depends upon what is most important to you.

If getting them wet is a concern, go with the H2. They are made to get wet, while the Arroyo 2 is primarily made for good ventilation, and if they are submersed in water will take quite some time to dry. I have a pair of H2's that I have used for hiking and everyday wear, and have found them to be very comfortable (both dry and going in and out of the water).

If using your orthotic is more important, then go with the Arroyo 2. The Arroyo 2 is much more of a shoe than the H2 (which is more sandal-like). You even may want to consider finding a local store that carries the H2 and try them on to see whether they provide adequate support.

It's not bad, but still tends to sit in my closet gathering dust. It's thick, and it's warm (unless there's wind). Unless it's bitterly cold, I find it too warm and bulky to use as a layering piece, but if there's wind it really needs something on top of it to provide sustained warmth. Personally, I much prefer using a long-sleeve baselayer and a light or midweight fleece. If it gets colder, I throw a softshell or hardshell on top. Using just the Denali I'm either too warm, or it's windy and I'm too cold. It would probably be good if you were looking for a trendy jacket for kicking around town, but I spend a lot of time outdoors and don't find the Denali to be all that useful in changing weather conditions.

Yes, the hours can be in a 12-hour or 24-hour format.

I don't believe that backcountry.com sells these in Rx lenses, but they are available.
To find a local dealer, go to:
http://kaenon.com/dealer/us

40 lumens

They are both good lenses, with polarization and 100% UV protection. The 580 in 580 lens refers to yellow bands of light. The 580 lens (their premium lens) is supposed to block more of the yellow shades (which they claim the eye has a hard time processing). This is especially important if you are tying to see better on water (like when sightfishing or sailing). The 580 is a glass lens that comes in gray, copper, blue and green mirrors. The Costa Del Mar website describes the recommended uses for each color. http://www.costadelmar.com/SeeOutThere/Technology/PureLensPerfection/

FWIW, I have two pairs of shades with the 580 lens and find that they are excellent for sightfishing and general use (although Kaenon sunglasses would be a close second).

The arms/body of the jacket are made from several different pieces of material, and for all practical purposes feels like a gusseted jacket (although there isn't an obvious gusset insert sewn under the arms). I am not a climber, and would be interested in any climbers' opinions. However, the range of motion is excellent, and when I raise my arms directly over my head the sleeves don't pull up at all, and the bottom hem barely moves.

The sizes are U.S.

The filter pore size is 0.2 microns.

It really depends upon whether you have experience in walking long distances in flip-flops. If you have experience in doing so, then I would say that this is a good choice (it's a little more stable on the foot than normal flip-flops, has decent traction, and the toe protection is nice).

Having said this, I will say that for long distance walking or hiking, I prefer a sandal with a heel strap (there's less chance of losing a shoe, and it seems easier on the foot). The Keen Venice and Keen Newport can work well for this, as can the Chaco Z/1 or Chaco Z/2 (personally, I prefer the Venice, but have hiked in all of them). If you are sure that you don't want a backstrap, consider the Chaco Hipthong (or the Chaco Zong, if it is still available).

These are an older model of sunglass that is no longer available.

However, if you buy a pair of Oakleys from backcountry.com (at whatever price) they are sold as new and have the same warranty they would have if you purchased them from any other dealer (i.e., the standard Oakley warranty).

If you are asking if the lenses are made of glass, the answer is no. The lens is made of "Plutonite," which is Oakley's polycarbonate-like lens material (which they claim has better clarity and impact resistance than regular polycarbonate lenses).

I have several very similar prAna tees, and they certainly do not run big. Actually (like most of the men's prAna clothes I have) they are definitely on the fitted side. I would be very surprised if this shirt were any different.

For clarification, the regular size NeoAir will fit into any of the (non-petite) Big Agnes bags that take rectangular 20" X 72" pad. Some Big Agnes bags require a mummy-shaped pad; the NeoAir will not work with these bags. The Large NeoAirs will not work in most Big Agnes bags (the pad is too wide), except for the spacious Big Agnes "Park" series. Here's a chart of Big Agnes bags and their respective pad sizes:
http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Specs/Bag

FWIW, I use my NeoAir in my B.A. bag, and couldn't be happier. It does take some work to get the (thick) pad in the sleeve, but if you do it with the pad partially inflated, it's not too hard. But if you are camping in real cold weather, this system can get a little cold (since Big Agnes bags don't have insulation on the bottom). Otherwise (i.e., above 20-30 degrees) this is a killer system.

No, the soles are non-marking.

No, it is not adjustable.

I would contact Arc'teryx directly to ask about getting it repaired (since you didn't buy the jacket at backcountry.com I doubt that they can help you).

The Arc'teryx web site says: "To assist you in keeping your product in optimal working condition, we offer a variety of repairs for a reasonable charge. Contact us and we will be happy to discuss your options." 1-888-326-9900
http://www.arcteryx.com/warranty.aspx#riportear

Since the MIOX does kill bacteria (http://www.cascadedesigns.com/MSR/FAQ/Water-Treatment-and-Hydration) and leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, the MIOX should prevent leptospirosis.

I agree with Todd. This belt will fit up to about a 40" waist.

14 inches

I believe that a size 42 (EU) is equivalent to a US size 9, but with Keens they often recommend ordering 1/2 size larger. There is a link called "View Sizing Chart" on the upper right side of this page which details the sizing conversions. However, at this point in time, it doesn't appear that backcountry.com has the size 9 or 9.5 in stock, so you may wish to contact them to see whether they are expecting to get more of them.