The biggest difference is that the Gunnison has two doors and two vestibules where as the Grand Mesa only has one door and one vestibule. The Gunnison also features a lighter weight pole set than the Grand Mesa. Hope this helps.

I would go with a Medium because a Large would be too big in the body. Hope this helps...

The Red Cloud pack features the "Shearer Cinch" waist belt which pulls forward to tighten. This pack also features an adjustable torso range so that you can really dial in the fit.

This video is a little rough but it shows you how to measure your torso length: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qvt29gv0X8
Hope this helps.

It appears that the description is wrong. These have 450 fill down insulation. The fabric is waterproof but they are not seam sealed. Minor contact with water should be fine... prolonged exposure to wet weather not so good...

It has both! The Microlight comes with a pouch or you can stuff it into one of the pockets.

Hey David, Our athlete Eric Larsen just got back from a year long expedition trekking to the North Pole, South Pole and the top of Everest using this tent. It's a solid 4 season tent that withstood temps well below -20 and winds of over 80mph. He's also from Minnesota (and apparently loves the cold!). Check out his website: http://www.ericlarsenexplore.com/

Maybe Spring skiing but it's really light weight. I'd recommend something a little bit more substantial like this: http://www.backcountry.com/sierra-designs-toaster-insulated-jacket-womens

The Gunnison Pro features a completely welded fly and grommeted corners (jake's feet on the regular) for the poles. It's an industrial version of the regular Gunnison. Hope this helps...

Because you can.

Sizing runs about a half size big.

Their legs should ride out to the sides.

The sleeve is pretty big. It will easily accommodate your 14" laptop.

Unfortunately the sun hoods are not compatible with older models. We do occasionally have some older sun hoods available in our warehouse. Give the Kelty consumer hot line a ring at: 800-535-3589.

The Red Cloud is not really a climbing pack but will work in a pinch. The top lid comes off so you could shed some weight and bulk if you need to. The fabric is water resistant but not water proof. It'll shed water for a while but if you plan on being in the rain a lot, get a pack cover, it's worth every penny.

Shorter torso length and contoured shoulder straps specifically designed for women.

The N2 does not come with a snow skirt.

It's a roomy fit. You can always return them if they don't work.

It comes with a shoulder strap that clips onto the black d rings.

Carrie - Here are the differences:
1.0 - Basic mesh back panel with minor torso adjustment

2.0 - Air mesh padded back panel, Full torso adjustment, more storage space than FC 1.0

3.0 - Molded padded back panel, Full torso adjustment, same storage space as FC 2.0, includes sunshade and diaper changing pad.

FC = Frame Carrier. All models feature the same frame and cockpit for the child. All Kelty carriers are JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association) certified and considered some of the safest child carriers on the market. For more information on JPMA, go to: http://www.jpma.org/content/safety/overview

Hope this helps.

The TC 2.0 has an air mesh back panel. The TC 3.0 has a molded back panel and includes a sunshade and diaper changing pad.

The hood is adjustable with a cinch.

50 lbs is the max load weight on all of the Kelty Kid carriers. I find by the time they're between 40 and 50 lbs, they'd rather walk anyway.

I have about the same torso length as you (around 23)and find that the Red Cloud 6650 adjusted to the max length works for me . You'll definitely max out the torso length but it will work. This is a BIG pack. If you're not going for a multi-day backpacking trip, I'd recommend a smaller pack like the Red Wing 3100. Hope this helps.

The fabric is waterproof and breathable. The seams are all completely taped. This is basically the Hurricane(http://www.backcountry.com/sierra-designs-hurricane-jacket-mens)with a light weight fleece lining.

Unfortunately the Mistral only comes in Right zip for Regulars and Left zip for Longs.

Lance - It's 2 inches wider, 2 inches deeper and 10 inches longer than the Baffin. Both have mosquito mesh.

Not a softshell. It's a nylon 3 layer 2-way mechanical stretch fabric.

The N2 does have under arm zips.

It really depends on what you're planning on sleeping in: Rectangle or Mummy bag? Temperature rating of the bag? What kind of pad are you using? Assuming that you are using a 0 degree mummy, you could sleep very comfortably in this tent in colder temperatures as long as it doesn't snow. This tent was not designed to withstand a snow load on top. Hope this helps...

A 40 degree bag is perfect for summer nights.

It does have horizontal draw cord to improve your peripheral vision while its worn.

The Redtail will work with just about any hydration bladder on the market. Just place the bladder in the sleeve located in the big compartment and fish the hose through the hole at the top.

This would be a great pack for you. The lid will extend up a bit more to fit extra gear. Having extra pockets on the outside makes organization a breeze. The Coyote pack fabric does have a Durable Water Repellent finish but is not waterproof. In a brief rainstorm your gear should stay dry. If you think you're going to be out in wet weather for a while, a pack cover is an easy way to keep your stuff dry and not break the bank. Hope this helps.

The Red Cloud is a great pack for scouts. It has an adjustable torso range and will put up with years of abuse. The other pack you should take a look at is the Kelty Yukon: http://www.backcountry.com/kelty-yukon-backpack-2900-3000cu-in The Yukon is one of the most popular scout packs in the Kelty line.

Placing a car seat in this stroller is not advised as it was not designed to hold one.

The hood does not remove and is not stowable.

80" long by 68" wide. It's got a hip length zip so it's more of a sleeping bag liner than a regular bed sheet.

The waist strap will fit up to a 42" waist comfortably.

Yes. It has a mosquito proof mesh window.

55-60 lbs is going to be the comfort limit. You can load much more but it won't be comfortable. Hope this helps.

Unfortunately it won't work. Your best bet is to call the Kelty consumer service line to see if they have any that will work with the Tour in the parts warehouse: 800-535-3589.

It's very comparable. Like the Contour, the Red Cloud has an adjustable torso range, top and panel load, double aluminum stay internal frame, sleeping bag compartment and extendable top lid with spin drift collar. The bonus you're getting with the Red Cloud over the Contour are the side pockets. Hope this helps.

The Lunar is 80" long.

Definitely! That's the best way to use this bag!

Yes. A 3L bladder will work great.

It's a three season tent so it's not recommended for winter use. That said, the mesh on the vestibule can be closed off and the fly covers the mesh on the tent body. If you have a warm sleeping bag, you should be able to use this tent well into the fall season.

Unfortunately no. It's designed as a front carrier only where your child can face in or out.

The frame won't bend in transit. I'd look into getting a pack cover of some sort to keep the straps from getting hung up in conveyor belts and protect it from getting dragged around. It can be as simple as a giant surplus storage bag with a drawstring. This will also make your pack look a little less appealing to someone with sticky fingers. Hope this helps.

This is a Men's version. For the women's version go to: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Lakota-Backpack-Womens-4000cu-in/KEL0663M.html

If you need a long light weight tent, check out the Vapor 2XL. I'm 6'5" and fit great in it (93" long):
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Sierra-Designs-Vapor-Light-2-XLong-Tent-2-Person-3-Season/SDS0475M.html

If you like the SD Hurricane, check out the Accelerator version: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Sierra-Designs-Hurricane-Accelerator-Jacket-Womens/SDS0429M.html
It has a brushed tricot lining.

Check out the Vapor 2XL: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Sierra-Designs-Vapor-Light-2-XLong-Tent-2-Person-3-Season/SDS0475M.html

It's built for tall guys...

6 stakes come in this kit. They're lightweight and tough.

Unfortunately it is not compatible with any car seats.

You can also create a little shade by pulling it straight out and securing it to your trekking poles.

The ceiling is mesh on two sides and fabric on the other two sides. You can't see through the fabric.

Down is actually pretty easy to take care of. Just don't store it in a compression sack and you'll be fine. There are plenty of articles on how to wash a down bag on the internet. You can do it yourself easily. It is true that if down gets wet, it doesn't provide much (if any) warmth. As long as you're not stuck rain for multiple days without shelter, you shouldn't have a problem in the rain. I find that down bags are much more comfortable to sleep in overall. Hope this helps.

If you want a shelter to fit over a campground picnic table, check out the Kelty Screen House or Shadehouse: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Screenhouse/KEL0388M.html

60-40

Unfortunately this does not fit any of the older Kelty kid carrier models. Call the consumer line at Kelty, they may be able to lend you a hand in finding one: 800-535-3589

It has a full fly with several guy line attachment points. It should handle the wind just fine. The fly is also white with vents so it won't get too hot inside.
Take a look at the Kelty Mantra: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Kelty-Mantra-Tent-5-Person-3-Season/KEL0359M.html
and
The Sierra Designs Meteor Light 6: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Sierra-Designs-Meteor-Light-6-Tent-6-Person-3-Season/SDS0481M.html

It is an incorrect photo. The Gunnison Pro tent body is Grey without the orange hits. The Fly is Orange and completely welded. I have the utmost confidence that BC.com will send you the correct tent.

As long as your son has good head control (can hold his head up unassisted), he's ready to be in a carrier.

Yes. The hydration bladder will fit in the under seat storage compartment.

If you plan on using it more for hiking, I'd recommend the FC 3.0. It carries a bit better for long distance and uneven terrain. For travel and around town, the TC 3.0 is better. The TC has a little more storage and fits into the overhead compartment better than the FC. You may have to gate check the FC depending on the airline.

You're right, the load lifter straps were taken off these packs at the beginning of 2009. After some feedback from folks like you, we added them back on as an inline change. The packs BC.com has in stock should have the addition of load lifter straps. A tent can be strapped under the pack.

Unfortunately, this one won't fit your Journey. Your best bet is to call the Kelty consumer line at 800-535-3589.

L/XL = 10 oz. S/M = 8 oz. The ponchos are unisex, the only difference is color. Front length S/M = 36 1/2" L/XL = 42 1/2"
Body Width S/M = 46 1/2" L/XL = 54 1/2"
Sweep S/M = 46 1/2" L/XL = 54 1/2"

Hope this helps.

The seams are not taped on the microlight. It will keep you dry in a light rain. If you're expecting a down pour, I'd recommend taking a look at the Sierra Designs Hurricane: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Sierra-Designs-Hurricane-Jacket-Womens/SDS0323M.html it's waterproof, breathable and fully seam sealed. I hope this helps.