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RockyMtnHigh

Snowboarder // Whitewater Kayaker // Backpacker

RockyMtnHigh: #52 of 99,188 Top 100 Gear Guru More Information

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Mostly Colorado
  • Bio:

    I spend quite a bit of time in the mountains looking for trout to annoy. Hiking, backpacking and floating are often involved.

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SealLine Pro Pack 115

SealLine Pro Pack 115

SealLine Pro Pack 115 Dry Bag

September 27, 2009

Here, it is less than 2/3 full. Note the ability to adjust the back suspension (which can also be removed, if necessary). It is also made in the USA.

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Katadyn Base Camp in Action

Katadyn Base Camp in Action

Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter

May 24, 2009

Can't beat it! (and it is lighter and packs smaller than my hand filter!)

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Great windbreaker

Arc'teryx Solano Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Solano Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 December 1, 2009

This is a very thin jacket that does well in the wind. It would keep you dry during a brief shower, but not in a steady rain. The polyester lining helps to keep your torso warm, but it's really nice that the sleeves don't have it (so that it's very easy to put on over a long-sleeve baselayer). Really, this is a high-quality, breathable, no-frills windbreaker. I gave it 4 stars primarily because it has only the two hand pockets (no chest pocket, and no internal pockets). It's fit is slightly fitted (similar to other Arc'teryx soft shells) so there isn't much room for layering.

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The North Face Apex Bionic Jacket - Men's

November 16, 2009

The sizing goes up to XXL. Some North Face jackets go up to 3X, but I haven't seen that size here on backcountry.com.

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Chaco Z/1 Pro Sandal - Men's

November 9, 2009

The fit is pretty much true-to-size, but the straps are adjustable to get an individual fit. If I were you, I would get the larger size (my shoe size is also 10.5, and size 11 Chacos have always worked just fine for me).

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Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

November 6, 2009

Probably the best way to wash a softshell like this would be using Nikwax Tech Wash: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Nikwax-Tech-Wash/NIK0018M.html then hanging the coat to dry.

If it seems to be losing its water resistance, either wash with Nikwax Softshell Proof Wash In http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Nikwax-Softshell-Proof-Wash-In/NIK0024M.html

or wash, hang to dry, then treat with Nikwax Softshell Proof Spray-On http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Nikwax-Softshell-Proof-Spray-On/NIK0043M.html

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Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

November 4, 2009

They are actually pretty similar. The Gamma SV seems slightly thicker, and maybe a little warmer, but not by much. As for the fit, the Shift Welder could be a little more fitted than the Gamma SV (so that there's not quite as much room to layer), and the Welder's arms and body are just a little bit longer.

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Arc'teryx Stinger Jacket - Men's

November 4, 2009

It really depends upon what you mean by warm. It is a serious shell, keeping all the elements and wind out, but it is not an insulated jacket. How warm it is depends upon how you layer underneath it. This allows great versatility, so that on warmer days you can wear just a baselayer, while if it's bitterly cold then you can add a layer or two of fleece, etc to be as warm as you want.

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KEEN Newport H2 Sandal - Men's

October 31, 2009

Contact customer service for the site to clarify this. Sometimes, there is a sale price advertised, but this is only for a particular color or size (and the dropdown "Select options" menu will tell you the price for each size and color available). They do ship out of country (I believe that you place the item in your basket and then check out, listing your address; or you can contact customer service).

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KEEN Newport H2 Sandal - Men's

October 31, 2009

The Keen website says that the Newport H2 comes in a mens 7 (and 7.5), but it doesn't look like backcountry.com carries these sizes (you might want to contact them to confirm this). If you can't get this size here, you can likely find it somewhere else.

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Oakley Titanium Whisker Sunglasses - Polarized

October 31, 2009

Here's the link to the juliet sunglasses they carry:

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Oakley-Juliet-Sunglasses/OAK2523M.html

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Mountain Hardwear Microchill Fleece Zip T Pullover - Men's

October 30, 2009

The Arcteryx Delta LT zip pullover is on the long side, and thin (but warm and very soft). It's not too fitted, and very versatile (e.g., can be worn by itself, over a thin baselayer, or even used as a layering piece). This could be just what you're looking for (available at backcountry and backcountry outlet):
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Arcteryx-Delta-LT-Zip-Pullover-Mens/ARC0136M.html

or:
http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/ARC0136/Arcteryx-Delta-LT-Zip-Pullover-Mens.html

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Great casual jacket

Scapegoat Flux Jacket - Women's

Scapegoat Flux Jacket - Women's

Rating for this product: 5 October 30, 2009

I bought this jacket for a relative. It is very well-made, and quite warm (without being bulky). It's fit is slightly on the fitted size, but very stylish and flattering. The material is soft on the inside and outside, and looks like it will wear well. It is water resistant, but I wouldn't wear it in a prolonged downpour. It's not meant to be a softshell, but instead more of a casual jacket (it doesn't have zippered pockets, it's not waterproof, etc). But it is really stylish, and can easily fit in at a bar at the base of the slopes, or even at a high-end restaurant.

Really, what let me to buy this jacket is the Scapegoat brand. This is a company founded by some clothes designers in Boulder, CO. They made quality, hi-tech, stylish clothes for an active lifestyle. They were apparently bought by Prana, and then Prana discontinued the Scapegoat brand earlier this year. This is really unfortunate, as they made great clothes. Anyway, that's the history behind this company, so if you are interested in this jacket, I'd get it while you can.

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Thin, soft, and great for layering

Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip Pullover - Men's

Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip Pullover - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 25, 2009

This top is thin, but not at all in a bad way. It doesn't have much bulk, but provides surprising warmth when layered. It breathes very well, and can be worn as a baselayer (or can easily be worn over a thin baselayer). It fits true-to-size, being neither too night nor baggy. It is on the long side, which I tend to like in my layering pieces. In general, I tend to run warm, and for this reason overheat when wearing any sort of fleece while inside. However, the Delta LT is thin enough (and breathes well enough) that I can wear it inside. However, if I throw a softshell over it and go outside, it provides as much warmth as my midweight (and much thicker) fleece pullovers. Oh yeah... and it is one of the softest pieces of clothing I own.

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Killer shades

Kaenon Hard Kore Sunglasses - Polarized

Kaenon Hard Kore Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 5 October 22, 2009

These are fantastic sunglasses. The SR-91 lenses are crystal clear, and the polarization is excellent. These are great glasses when polarization is a must (flyfishing, being on the water or snow, or driving on wet roads).

I own the Hard Kore and also the Kore, and I find myself wearing the Hard Kore more often. The Kore are also great sunglasses, but the lens is bigger. While the bigger lens does a slightly better job of blocking light reflecting from below, they also have less air circulation, and are more prone to fog up. The Hard Kore, OTOH, allows a little better air flow, yet still provides excellent coverage. But by no means is the Hard Kore a small or narrow lens; actually, it's closer to the size of other "normal" shades. As should be evident by the picture, these shades do a great job of blocking lateral light, yet they are much lighter than they appear. Of my (too many) sunglasses, these are hands-down my favorites.

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Black Diamond Bombshelter Tent 4-Person 4-Season

October 22, 2009

I always like to have footprints with my tents, and Black Diamond does make one for the Bombshelter. It's called the "Guiding Light/Bombshelter Ground Cloth" (because it also fits the Guiding Light tent). However, it doesn't seem that bc.com is carrying it at this time, but it can be found elsewhere (or you can contact backcountry.com to see if they plan on making it available).

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Mountain Hardwear Beryllium Jacket - Men's

October 20, 2009

This jacket does have underarm "pit" zippers for core venting.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Mountain Hardwear Synchro Softshell Jacket - Men's

October 20, 2009

This jacket provides excellent protection against the wind. It is built to be an external layer (with some room for layering under it) so it might be a little bulky to wear under another jacket, but it is thin enough that it could probably be done.

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Killer shirt, very lightweight

Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 15, 2009

I just really love this shirt. It is very thin and lightweight and breathes and wicks well. I really liked the old wicked tees, but they snag so very easily. OTOH, the MH wicked light shirt does not end up snagged if I brush against a bush or wash it with clothing with velcro pockets. It fits true-to-size, and is less baggy (and a little longer) than the older wicked tees, but it would not be considered fitted. This is great for hot climates or aerobic activities, but also is very comfortable as a thin baselayer. Highly recommended!

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Kayland Vertigo High Backpacking Boot - Men's

October 14, 2009

These boots are pretty close to true to size, tending toward slightly small and narrow. If you are between sizes, then I would size up. If you have especially wide feet, this boot might be too narrow. My feet are between 10.5 and 11, and a little wide. I got the size 11 and have been very happy with them (being able to lace all the way to the toes actually really helps with getting a more custom fit).

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The North Face Class V Cargo Trunk - Men's

October 7, 2009

It depends upon the size of your package... ;-)

Actually, the mesh liner is fairly roomy, and not constricting. Thinking about it, it is probably a little more roomy than similar Columbia shorts that I own. I've worn these shorts for a number of years, and really haven't ever felt too constricted.

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Mountain Hardwear Bebop Backpack - 1200cu in

September 30, 2009

"Backpack" is a generic term that means, not surprisingly, a pack worn on the back. This could be anything from a small rucksack to a week-long, expedition pack. "Daypack" essentially implies a smaller pack that can keep what you need for the day on the trail, at the park, at school, or going to and from work. Some are "technical," designed for specific outdoor pursuits, while others are more designed for students or work use. The size of daypacks can vary greatly, so when shopping for one it's important to know both how you want to use it, as well as how large you want it to be.

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The North Face Hot Shot Backpack - 2000cu in

September 28, 2009

Like most everyday daypacks, this is water-resistant and not waterproof. If it is really important to find one that is more waterproof, I would also check out the technical daypack section:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/100000046/Daypacks-Technical.html

Some of these packs are constructed to do better in the elements (but they won't have as many pockets or organizational features). Better yet, some technical daypacks come with a built-in rain fly.

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Icebreaker BodyFit260 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

September 28, 2009

The largest size they make is the XXL, which apparently fits a 46" chest (and most Icebreaker tops are on the small size, although this one has a little more room). At 54", the XXL would likely be pretty snug.

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Backcountry.com Shift Softshell Jacket - Men's

September 25, 2009

This jacket really doesn't have much insulating value (although it is a killer softshell). If it's really cold out, you'll need to layer underneath it. Having said this, I will also point out that it is also fairly fitted (and runs a little on the small side), so that there's not a whole lot of room for other layers. If you are between sizes, I would definitely get the larger size.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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MSR Hubba Hubba Tent 2-Person 3-Season

September 22, 2009

I've never had much problem with condensation. Since it is a full-mesh tent, the most likely place for condensation would be on the inside of the fly, and I haven't seen much of this (even in rainy weather).

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond Bombshelter Tent 4-Person 4-Season

September 20, 2009

Only if you get the one with fire retardant coating (and keep the doors zipped up).

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Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite T-Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

September 20, 2009

You can find which colors are discontinued by going to "Select Options" above and looking to see which ones are at the discounted price (at this point, it appears that the Union Blue is a discontinued color).

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Big Agnes Dual Core Sleeping Pad - Mummy

September 19, 2009

I can understand your confusion. You are correct; typically, sleeping pads do go *under* the sleeping bag. However, Big Agnes (the maker of this pad) has a system where the underside of their sleeping bags have a separate sleeve into which you slip the pad (you don't actually put the pad into the main compartment of the bag). With this system, you don't roll off of your pad. Also, since the pad is attached to the bag when slipped in the sleeve, they don't put insulation on the underside of the bag, decreasing the weight and packed size of the bag. However, this pad will also work with/under regular sleeping bags, although the mummy shape could be a little narrow for some people. In this pad (for you) I would definitely get the long if you were going to buy one.

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Sherpa Adventure Gear Sardar Short - Men's

September 19, 2009

Good question. As this model is from two years ago, backcountry.com is no longer selling them, and I'm not sure that Sherpa Adventure Gear is still making the Sardar/Sirdar shorts (or any shorts, other than the Sheetal convertible pant) you may have some difficulty. If it is real important to you, you may be able to google them and find someone who still has them. Otherwise, you'd probably be better off just browsing the Men's Hiking and Climbing short area on backcountry.com to find another brand.

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Nice, but I wouldn't call them a swim trunk

Kavu Rally Fest Swim Trunk - Men's

Kavu Rally Fest Swim Trunk - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 17, 2009

These are nice, comfortable shorts, but I really wouldn't use them for swimming. They have two hand pockets, and a rear velcro pocket, none of which will keep anything in your pockets if you're in the water (however, there is a small zippered pocket on the side). The "surf-style tie" does make them look like swim trunks, and they do dry quickly (so they would be good for splashing in rivers or on the beach, or on a boat or kayak). But--with the pocket configuration--they do work well for casual shorts (if you don't mind the look of the tie). Like many Kavu products, they tend to fit on the small side (possibly even smaller than is listed in the sizing chart) so if there is any doubt, I would size up. As is evident in the photos, they are also on the long side (with a 12" inseam).

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The North Face Primero 70 Backpack - 3950-4600cu in

September 17, 2009

I would guess that a medium would be OK for you. If you look on this page (or go to the TNF site) and click on the "See Sizing Chart" link on the upper right side of the page it would suggest that with a torso of 18" and a waist of 35" the medium should fit:
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/primero-70.html

If the hipbelt is too small, I believe that TNF does sell them separately, but I don't think that you can get them through backcountry.com.

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Nice, long shorts

The North Face Desolation Rapids Water Short - Men's

The North Face Desolation Rapids Water Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 16, 2009

These shorts are so close to being really good. The material is soft and quick-drying. The fit is good (if slightly on the large side). They are long (12-inch inseam) but this is really not a problem. It's really nice to have zippers on the pockets.

So what's the problem? The waist. There is a webbing belt (that is exceptionally long) but it doesn't go all the way around the waist. Instead, in the back there is elastic. While this may be OK for regular shorts, in water shorts it means that you can't tighten them enough that they won't fall off when swimming. It would be much better if the webbing belt went all the way around (like it does in most TNF water shorts).

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Old Town Cayuga 110 Kayak

September 12, 2009

With adjustable foot braces, you can get most kayaks to 'fit' regardless of your height (unless your legs are exceptionally long). Weight would be the more important concern. The Cayuga 110 is rated at a weight capacity of 250 pounds, so (weighing 220 pounds) this doesn't leave a whole lot of leeway for gear. Actually, the Cayuga 110 is the smallest Cayuga (there are also the Cayuga 130 and Cayuga 146 http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/kayaks/product_list.html).

You would likely be OK in this kayak, but if you are planning on packing quite a bit of gear (or are planning on using it on rough water) you may wish to consider a bigger boat.

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Marmot Eco Pro 30 Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Synthetic

September 12, 2009

It really depends upon your preferences, and your size. If you like being snug in your bag (or are very interested in saving weight) a regular would likely be OK. If you may be pushing the bag to its temperature rating or beyond, a snugger bag may help keep you warmer. But if you want a little more wiggle room then get a long. The long is not only longer, but also a little wider, so if you are a stocky 5'10 then a long might be more comfortable. Personally, I prefer my bags a little on the longer side, because for me the extra wiggle room is more important than the slightly increased weight.

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Very light and useful

Outdoor Research Zip Sack

Outdoor Research Zip Sack

Rating for this product: 5 September 10, 2009

These are great sacks. They are very lightweight (e.g., only 1.4 ounces for the medium) but surprisingly durable. The long zipper (that goes from side to side rather than just along the top) makes it very easy to visualize your items. The side handles make it easy to pull the sack out of a pack, and the price is very reasonable. What's not to like?

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The North Face Prophet 35 Backpack - 2150cu in

September 10, 2009

Much depends not just on your height, but on how long your body/torso is.

This page will give you a link to a sizing chart for TNF packs (based upon torso length): http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/prophet-35.html
(click where it says "see sizing chart" underneath the sizes)

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Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3 Stuff Sack

September 8, 2009

Yes, you can find it here:
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Therm-a-Rest-Prolite-Plus-4-Stuff-Sack/CAS0514M.html

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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KEEN Waimea H2 Sandal - Men's

September 7, 2009

Yes, the straps of all three colors are lined with polyester webbing.

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Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero

September 6, 2009

There are velcro tabs to keep the sides of the brim flipped up.

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Klean Kanteen Water Bottle - 40oz

September 5, 2009

Yes, it fits just the same as a Nalgene. The diameter of both bottles is the same. Actually, with my Bora 80, the 40 oz Klean Kanteen is a little easier to get out because of the loop on the cap (and the longer neck).

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Katadyn Mini Ceramic Microfilter

September 5, 2009

Yes. They're $49.95 here on backcountry.com:
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Katadyn-Mini-Replacement-Element-Ceramic/EXT0037M.html

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If you really NEED a waterproof pocket...

The North Face Desolation Hydro Water Short - Men's

The North Face Desolation Hydro Water Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 4, 2009

$120-150 for a pair of shorts!? Yep, but what you're really paying for is is the waterproof pocket. It does seem to work. I recently went on a multi-day rafting trip, and kept my camera in the pocket. It was nice to have easy access to the camera, but know that it was relatively safe when I was splashed or wading (I didn't get it 1 meter deep, but did fully wade into the water). It was nice not to have to dig the camera out of a dry bag or waterproof case each time I wanted to use it. I would agree with the recommended uses of kayaking, canoeing and rafting.

As for the shorts themselves, they seem to fit true-to-size. There's no liner, but the material and cut are such that you don't need to wear anything underneath them. They are comfortable and quick-drying. There's a drawcord, but this still doesn't allow much leeway if the size is off. Probably the only complaint I have is that other than the waterproof pocket, there are no other pockets. I'm used to having a number of pockets on my water-shorts, so there were times that this was a little annoying (and this also limits their use when you're not in a kayak or raft). Other than this, these are excellent shorts that do what they are supposed to (provide an easily-accessible, protective dry space for situations when you are likely to be around or briefly in water).

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Sold Out

Killer 1 1/2 person tent

MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 5 September 4, 2009

OK, it could be a 2 person tent, if the people are small and don't mind being close. But, really, it's a comfortable 1-person tent, with room for some of your gear. Obviously, it's ridiculously light, and this makes it much easier to justify having a 2-person tent for just one person. It is not free-standing, but is quite sturdy (even without being guyed out) and easy to pitch. At first, I wasn't sure about the vertical zippered access to the rear vestibule, but found that it provides decent access. It has ample headroom, and generally feels about as roomy as my older Hubba Hubba (except there's not as much elevation in the corners, which is not a problem unless you're trying to sleep two people side-by-side). If you want to try to shed some pounds (yet still have a roomy, double wall tent), and you have some cash to spare, this would be a hard tent to beat.

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The North Face Big Shot Backpack - 2100cu in

September 1, 2009

It doesn't have a dedicated pocket for a hydration bladder. However, it does have a "elastic compression padded laptop sleeve" which would work for a bladder, and does have a hydration port.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter

August 29, 2009

It's interesting that you had this experience, because with fairly clear water you should be able to filter much more water without having to clean the filter. However, I have had a similar experience. When I first got this filter, I was able to filter probably 30-40 gallons of murky water with little problem. However, I eventually replaced the filter, and on my last trip I had to clean it after only about 20 gallons of relatively clean water.

Yes, it can be cleaned in the field (without fully dissembling it). Drain the water, turn it inside out, and then take the mesh off of the filter and clean it (there is a tubular netting that slips off of the filter and allows you to unwind the mesh). Then, I put the filter in the water and (underwater) scrub it with a sponge or clothe. This can improve the flow for a while.

One other trick I have found is that if the filter begins to slow down, with the bag still full of water I will pinch the bag and 'rub' the filter through the bag. This usually speeds up flow for a little while.

When this filter works, it works great. However, I am always sure to have another filter (or water purification method) just in case.

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Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Parka - Men's

August 29, 2009

This jacket would probably work for this. However, it is really just a shell, so while it will protect you from wind/snow/rain, for any real warmth you'll need to layer underneath. With a mid to heavy-weight fleece you'll probably be OK, but there's really not much that can make you toasty warm when it's -35F and windy.

This shell is made out of Mountain Hardwear's Conduit material. While this does pretty good against the elements, it's not as good as Gore-Tex shells (but it also is much less expensive).

One question is really whether this shell is too "technical" for your needs (e.g., will you really use the pit zips, or will they just irritate you?) Will you always have on enough clothing underneath to keep you warm? If warmth is your primary concern (and you want to stay with a Mountain Hardwear product) I would give consideration to a jacket that has some insulation built-in, such at the Mortise or Dado Jackets. When it's seriously cold out, an insulated jacket not only keeps you warm, but allows you to have fewer layers to take off once you get inside.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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The North Face Liberation Pant - Men's

August 28, 2009

The North Face pants I own (including ski pants) tend to be fairly roomy (but not baggy) in the thighs.

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Patagonia Nine Trails Jacket - Men's

August 28, 2009

This is a thin, lightweight shell that provides wind protection and mild water resistance. For any real warmth, you'll need to be layered underneath it (but, even then, this is not designed to provide serious warmth).

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Black Diamond Tripod Bivy Bag

August 28, 2009

You are making sense. :-) Yes, there is a mesh panel. You can find a better picture of it here:
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/tripod-bivy

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Chaco Z/1 Unaweep Sandal - Backcountry.com Exclusive - Men's

August 28, 2009

Both the Z/1 and the Z/2 are made in wide versions. The footbed itself is wider, but I can't say by how much. Also, with both the Z/1 and the Z/2, the straps usually go around (rather than over) the widest part of the foot, so by adjusting the straps it is usually possible for people with wider feet (or even a bunion) to get a comfortable fit. For people with narrow feet, it can be a little more difficult.

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Columbia Dragonfly Shoe - Women's

August 27, 2009

These might actually work for fly fishing, depending upon how you use them. They would probably work best if you spend most of your time fishing from shore, only occasionally wading into the water. The sole looks fairly grippy, but all bets are off on slippery river rocks. One concern would be that if you are going to be spending a lot of time in the water, gravel will tend to accumulate in the shoes (and there don't appear to be good drains to help prevent this), then you would need to untie them and take them off to get the gravel out.

One problem in finding good shoes for flyfishing (including the ones made specifically for this purpose) is that the ones that seem to work best in the water look like, well, water shoes (which limits their use when not fishing). The best shoe that I have found (based upon comfort and traction) is the North Face Padda http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/The-North-Face-Padda-Amphibious-Shoe-Womens/TNF2843M.html

Other water shoes can be found here:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/170/Womens-Water-Shoes.html

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The North Face Electra Backpack - 730cu in

August 26, 2009

No, I don't believe that it is (i.e., there is no inside sleeve for a reservoir, or a portal for a sip tube).

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Backcountry.com Goat Klean Kanteen - 27 oz

August 26, 2009

Yep. It does great with hot liquids (except that the metal itself gets hot). I like to fill my Klean Canteen with hot coffee (I always worried about doing this with my Nalgenes, for fear that the plastic would leach into the fluid). Of course, it has no insulation to keep beverages warm, but it also doesn't retain the smell or taste of previous beverages.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 1 No

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Oakley Livestrong Radar Path Sunglasses

August 26, 2009

Many Oakleys can be purchased with prescription lenses, but it usually needs to be through a prescription dealer (and not backcountry.com). Here is where you can find which ones are available in prescription (and I don't think that the Livestrong Radar Path is on this list):
http://www.oakley.com/search/men+prescription+sunglasses

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CamelBak Racebak Hydration Jersey - Men's

August 26, 2009

I'm sure that it would probably work. However, this system is really for people who are running (or on a bike), to make it easier to carry and access water. If I were in a canoe, I would probably rather have my water in the canoe, rather than having to wear it (unless it were a non-stop race, where this system could have some advantages).

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Big Agnes Lost Dog Sleeping Bag: 50 Degree Synthetic

August 26, 2009

20 inches wide (and 72 inches long for the regular bag, 78 inches long for the long bag). So most regular pads will fit, except for the large (25 inch wide) pads.

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Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping Pad - Mummy

August 23, 2009

This pad would probably work for you (but, given your height, you would probably want to get a long one). It is made to be slipped into the sleeve of a Big Agnes sleeping bag, so when using another bag there is a chance that you'll slip off of the pad (particularly if sleeping on any sort of incline). Since you are not slipping the pad into a sleeve, you can also consider getting a non-mummy pad (either regular or long size) and this would decrease the chances of you falling off. But if you are sleeping on level ground, for comfort and price this pad is hard to beat.

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Oakley Half Jacket Sunglasses - Polarized

August 23, 2009

"All Oakley Eyewear meets or exceeds ANSI Z87.1 standards for optical clarity and impact resistance."
http://www.oakley.com/customer_service/faq

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Therm-a-Rest LuxuryCamp Sleeping Pad

August 21, 2009

This is a self-inflating pad. Essentially, that means that you spread it out and open the valve, and (over time) it mostly inflates. You can then breathe into it to get it to your desired firmness.

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Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping Pad

August 20, 2009

Yes, it comes with a stuff sack and a repair kit.

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ALPS Mountaineering Leisure Chair

August 20, 2009

The description states, "The durable polyester seat fabric holds up to three hundred pounds..."

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Therm-a-Rest Neoair Sleeping Pad

August 20, 2009

No, you really don't have to have the stuff sack (and I agree that it really should be included with the pad). For a while, I just put a rubber band around my NeoAir, then put it in a plastic bag (that my newspaper was delivered in). But then I decided that since I spent so much on the pad, I should probably try to protect the pad with the stuff sack (and it does work well for a stuff sack, and the pad fits in it very easily). I realized that if $15 was really that big of a deal, I probably shouldn't have forked out all the cash for the NeoAir in the first place.

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Kelty Yellowstone 6 Tent 6-Person 3-Season

August 19, 2009

The fly does extend to the ground. You can find a photo of it here:
http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/products.php?type=8&cat=62&id=146&image=382

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Big Agnes Savery SL Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Synthetic

August 18, 2009

Yes, it would probably work. This bag will fit pads that are 72" by 20" (http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Bag/SaverySL), and I believe that the SynMat 7 Pump is 70" by 20" (but the SynMat 7 Pump DLX will not fit, because it is 26" wide and 76" long).

The only question is that since the SynMat 7 Pump is 2.8" thick, it may take a little work to get it into the sleeve (I use a 2.5" thick NeoAir with my Big Agnes bag, and it is somewhat of a tight fit).

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KEEN Calistoga Shoe - Women's

August 18, 2009

When it says "$21.24 - $84.95" what it means is that some are $21.24, and others are $84.95. When you pull down the "Select Options" menu it will list the color, size, and price. Currently, it appears that the only ones that are $21.24 are the Size 6.0 Sandy shoes. So, really, the price at the top only tells you the price ranges, and you have to check the actual price based upon the color and size. (I, also, found this confusing at first)

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Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody - Men's

August 18, 2009

An XL would probably be just about right. With a light fleece, there won't be too much room to spare (and there probably wouldn't be room for a bulky midlayer), but this jacket is not quite as fitted as some other backcountry.com clothing. The sleeves are on the longer side, so you shouldn't have a problem there.

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Big Agnes Two Track Pad - Mummy

August 18, 2009

This pad should be OK with the Edna SL. The Edna SL description says, "Half pad sleeve with adjustable strap holds ANY 20" wide rectangular or mummy shaped pad." http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Bag/EdnaSL

However, the Big Agnes Roxy Ann, Ethel, and Lulu petite bags require a pad that is shorter (20 X 66 inches). Here's where you can find the specs and requirements for Big Agnes bags: http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Specs/Bag

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Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season

August 18, 2009

No, it doesn't come with a footprint (and I'm not sure that backcountry.com sells one for it). However, you can buy a footprint from other retailers (usually for $40-50).

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Nice shirt, interesting fit

Backcountry.com Cocona Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Cocona Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 August 17, 2009

This is a comfortable shirt, that breathes and wicks well. However, like others have noted, the fit is a litte strange. I followed the recommendations of others and sized up. Most of the shirt fits fine, but it is tight on the top of the shoulders. This tightness is especially noticable when lifting my arms up to the horizontal position (to say nothing about lifting them over my head). I would definitely recommend sizing up, but even then, if you have broad shoulders expect some tightness.

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Fantastic sandal

KEEN Venice Sandal - Men's

KEEN Venice Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 12, 2009

These are just great sandals. They allow more air circulation than the Newports, but are still very stable and comfortable. They don't run quite as small as most Keen sandals, so if you need them to be tight on your feet (e.g., doing a lot of hiking, being in rivers or going through mud) you probably don't want to up-size. Otherwise, they can easily be tightened. If you know that you are going to frequently be getting them wet, I'd consider the Venice H2.

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Nice, but interesting sizing

KEEN Yogui Sandal - Men's

KEEN Yogui Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 August 12, 2009

I am a big fan of Keen shoes, so I had high hopes that the Yogui would replace my Crocs for lightweight slip-ons. However, unlike most Keens (which tend to run about a half-size small) these are almost a little on the large side. While the shoe itself fits, the toebox is very tall, so sometimes it feels like the shoe will fall off. Overall, this is a nice shoe (with good traction), but be aware that the sizing could be a little tricky.

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Oakley Flak Jacket XLJ Sunglasses - Polarized

August 10, 2009

According to Oakley, "all [flak jacket] lenses feature the unbeatable clarity of Oakley’s HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS® (HDO®)."
http://oakley.com/pd/4672/15241

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Sessions SSC Co-Op Jacket - Men's

August 8, 2009

How waterproof a fabric is can be described in 2 ways: either PSI, or mm/24 hours. The 10K is mm/24 hours. What this apparently means is the fabric can withstand 10,000 mm of water/24 hours before you get wet (that's a lot of water). 20K would have twice the water protection.

More information can be found here:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/newsletter/a254/Waterproof-Breathable-Explained.html

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Oakley Titanium Whisker Sunglasses - Polarized

August 7, 2009

Oakley does make prescription lenses for the titanium whisker. The question is whether or not your existing pair can be retrofitted (I would think that they probably can). However, I don't believe that backcountry.com sells prescription Oakleys or their lenses. If I were you, I would contact Oakley (at 800-501-5899) and they will likely refer you to an authorized prescription Oakley dealer to have this done.

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Granite Gear Toughsacks

August 7, 2009

I believe that you just order one bag at a time. If you order "Assorted #1" you will get one of the #1 size bags. What is "assorted" is the color, so that you specify the size and they surprise you with the color.

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Patagonia Footwear Drifter Shoe - Men's

August 6, 2009

I'm really not sure what you mean my vibram technology, but this shoe has a Vibram Ecostep sole.

Of Ecostep, Vibram says, "Developed for the soles of casual footwear, ECOSTEP is an innovative eco-compound, capable of reducing waste and the use of virgin materials by up to 30%, while still offering the kind of high quality product for which Vibram is known."

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Kayland Apex XT Boot - Men's

August 6, 2009

The sizing is US. You can click the "View Sizing Chart" link in the upper right to get the sizing conversion.

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Columbia Youngs River Falls Water Short - Men's

August 5, 2009

Lots more pockets than the description says. Two velcro cargo pockets, and a zippered cargo pocket on the right. Hand pockets, and two back pockets.

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KEEN Cimarron Water Shoe - Men's

August 4, 2009

Keen does apparently make these in size 7.5 (and 7). I would contact backcountry.com to see whether they can get this shoe in a size 7.5. You may be OK with the 8's, but Keens generally run fairly true-to-size (and a little wide) so while you can tighten the drawcord the 8's may still be a little big. If they can't get the 7.5's one other option would be to order the 8's and if they are too big you can send them back.

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The North Face Sieve II Water Shoe - Men's

August 1, 2009

Yes, these are U.S. sizes. To view the size conversion, click the "View Sizing Chart" link in the upper right.

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Awesome sandals

KEEN Venice H2 Sandal - Men's

KEEN Venice H2 Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 31, 2009

These are without a doubt my favorite sandals. They are very comfortable and very stable (I ordered up a half-size and have room to spare). They provide excellent traction in most all circumstances (except for slippery river rocks) and do great in and out of the water. They ventilate better than my Newports, but this also means that it is a little easier to get rocks under your feet if you are walking in gravel. I haven't had any problem with them getting funky, even when wearing them day after day. Of course, the toe protection is very nice to have, both when hiking and when wading rivers. Probably the only downside is that my Chacos are now gathering dust in my closet.

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Katadyn Base Camp Water Filter

July 31, 2009

The replacement filter is the Hiker Pro replacement cartridge:
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Katadyn-Hiker-Pro-Replacement-Cartridge/EXT0047M.html

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Columbia Cascade Creek ll Water Short - Men's

July 31, 2009

The mesh lining isn't especially tight (and the leg-holes can be stretched out even more if you desire). However, like most liners it can chaff if you spend long times hiking in them.

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Sold Out

Oakley Crosshair Sunglasses - Men's

July 30, 2009

Usually there's not much that can be done for scratched lenses (and the Iridium coating can scratch fairly easily). Even though you've had them for less than a year, Oakley states:
"Scratched lenses are not covered under Oakley’s warranty policy. Replacement lenses can either be purchased through your local Authorized Oakley Dealer, Oakley.com, or by calling toll free (800) 431-1439"
http://oakley.com/customer_service/warranty_policy

If it bothers you enough, you can get replacement lenses for about $40 from Oakley. I would consider contacting them to discuss your situation.

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MSR WhisperLite Stove

July 29, 2009

Actually, you can buy one from backcountry.com (under stove accessories):
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/MSR-Windscreen-and-Heat-Reflector/CAS0088M.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Men's

July 29, 2009

It is a Gore-Tex Pro hardshell (so it is waterproof). It doesn't have a powder skirt, but it does have an adjustable hem drawcord.

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Kaenon Rhino Sunglasses - Polarized

July 29, 2009

Of course, it's hard to tell how sunglasses are going to fit without trying them on. Having said this, these are large, full-coverage glasses. If you go to the Kaenon web-site, you can see how they look when they are actually being worn.
http://kaenon.com/product/11_rhino.html

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Kayland Contact Boot - Men's

July 29, 2009

No, Kayland is still making the Contact boot.

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Chaco Z/2 Pro Sandal - Men's

July 28, 2009

From what I can tell, the weight appears to be similar: 29 oz for a pair of size 9's. The older Z/2's are about 3 oz heavier.

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KEEN Waimea H2 Sandal - Men's

July 27, 2009

Yes, backcountry.com is very good about this. Their return policy is:
"Unconditional 100% Guarantee
We guarantee complete satisfaction and an unlimited lifetime warranty. If at any time -- now, next month, in 30 years -- you're not 100% satisfied, send your gear back for a full refund. No questions asked."

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Marmot Delta Short - Men's

July 27, 2009

Yes, they have a "built-in mesh brief."

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The North Face Padda Amphibious Shoe - Men's

July 25, 2009

The HydroTrak soles of the Padda are non-marking.
http://www2.thenorthface.com/eu/technologies/technologies-FO43.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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