Phil Maher

Yep, ice axe on one side, crampons (definitely with a case) lashed on to the compression straps on the other. I'm not sure if you've ever seen the way the water bottle pockets on the Bora work, but screw bad opinions, these are the only way to go. I carry at least 1 40oz Nalgene in one and could carry another in the other pocket just as easily (and I can reach them on-the-fly). With the hood- I usually use it for other stuff, like my rain gear.

Armpit zippers- aka, pit-zips/core venting. No, it doesn't. I don't know that RAB uses pit-zips in anything. The idea is that the eVent breathes well enough that it's not necessary (it does!). I have a couple of their jackets and I've never needed to do anything more than adjust my base layers or open the front zipper to cool down. RAB makes awesome jackets. You won't regret it. Hope this helps.

Strictly speaking, no they're not "waterproof". That's not to say that they won't hold out water in the form of rain or snow for a long time, just that they can't be submerged and expected to keep the contents completely dry. Have a look at Seal Line or Sea to Summit's dry bags with roll-tops if absolutely waterproof is what you really need.

Hi Sid,

The AutoFlow is more of a camp type of filter system than one for the trail (see some of the photos of it in use below). That's not to say that it wouldn't work (especially if you're filtering for the whole group at once as you travel), just that the MiniWorks is more suited to just getting to pumping water on the fly. The Autoflow needs to hang or be held up...dependent on gravity, not mechanics.

Either of the MSR filters use 3/8" tubing. So does the Hydroform. A couple of sets of quick connect fittings strategically placed in the
lines should give you full compatibility with any of the systems you mentioned. hope this helped.

HI Karen,

"Lights" as in how using the push button ignition goes?: No, it doesn't, bring a lighter. No electronic ignitions on any stove do at that altitude. Also, depending on what the temperature is during the time of year you plan on using it at 14k, Isobutane begins to burn very poorly below about 25 degrees F. The altitude and colder temps make either a stove that burns white gas or at least one that allows you to invert the canister better choices, IMO. Another thing to consider is that the volume of the cup is generally what many would consider too small to melt enough snow for drinking water and cooking without going through lots of fuel and long burn times. Snow is 90% air, 10% water, and the recommended fill line of the cup is half way. Hope this helps.

Yes, Anne, the small cover will work if you have no gear strapped to the outside of the pack. For reference: the Porter 46 is 2800 cubic inches.

Nope. Besides not being jetted for it (needs bigger), you can't pressurize the alcohol in the same way you would white gas, K1 or gasoline. However, you can manually preheat your stove with alcohol if you needed to. Alcohol also burns poorly, if at all, in cold temps, and it has a much lower heat output/weight ratio than petroleum based fuels.

Hey Peggy,

Could be for lots of reasons- not the right sock combo, or more specific to the footbeds- because your soles are being realigned into an unfamiliar (but more correct) position. Try using a silk liner under a mid-heavy weight Morino wool sock and then walking when you're not so committed to having to be someplace (aka- breaking them and your feet in). It does take a little while.

As far as EN ratings go- I have never, ever found any sleeping bags that have met of exceeded WM's in accuracy. WM has never let me down and cost me a single night's sleep because I was cold....the only problem is not wanting to get up in the morning.

Rule of thumb- take the original stuff size and use that as the basis for sizing your compression sack. That said, we have a couple Cat's Meow longs and we always use the large version of the STS Dry Sack for ease of stuffing with the synthetic fill. You might get an extra 1" in the width, but you'll have a much easier time stuffing/rolling/compressing, and, you won't lose anything in your ability to get it as compressed as it's going to go. The medium is just too tight and too much work.

It doesn't appear to be available in a compliant form. Try Drive Medical Solutions for their version of a folding toilet. It's not quite so specialized for the outdoors or contained environmentally, but it is the right height, lightweight, and it folds down to a relatively compact size.

That would inevitably come back and bite you in the ass.

Hey Mike, aside from the actual rating and the lightweight nature of the tent, high winds require you to use your guy lines properly with any tent. Sustained winds and bigger gusts might cause some weird distortions at times, but you would be amazed at how rigid a structure you can get when you set up the extra anchor points. I use an even lighter weight 3-person MSR tent of similar design, and I've found that it holds up great against all the elements, including winds.

Yes, you can use the rechargeable NiMH batteries. I'll tell you though- the proprietary BD rechargeable battery pack is a lot more convenient- plug it in, charge it, done- no need to ever open the case. Hope this helps you out.

Hey Jeff,

If you're just now buying the stove, the pump is included. If it's a replacement you're looking for, Backcountry has them as item #CAS 0376. You want to make sure you specify the standard model for the WhisperLites.

Hey John,

The initial signal goes out to the satellite using 406 MHz, localized ground and air rescue then track your location to a much smaller radius using 121.5 MHz. This device transmits a signal only, no voice communication.

Same basic deal as always: spread the footprint, spread the shell, clip in the poles, add the fly, stretch and stake it all out starting at the primary corners, fill in the other stakes, pull out and stake the guy lines as needed...boom, pitched tent in a matter of minutes. Or, do like I do and since it's a 3-person tent, make someone else do it. I actually bore children for just this type of thing.

Kate is right, 6"-0" is max user height. I'm the same height as you and I find the 6'-6" a much more comfortable length- let's me hunker in or stash my clothing down in the foot box without having my feet jammed up.

Here you go-

Western Mountaineering

1025 S. Fifth Street
San Jose, CA 95112
408-287-8944

Hey Rob,.

If you're simply asking why you would want to use this in addition to something like Micropur tablets, try using one in a 1L Nalgene and leaving it in the sun for a couple hours and have a smell. This tastes infinitely better. I generally only rely on the tablets for emergencies, filter malfunctions, or when I'm being seriously lazy. But to answer your question: No, you don't need to do both.

Yeah, great skillet for sure, although I don't really use it as much as I used to. It'll work fine on the Jetboil, but the only real problem you'll have is that without a wider support, the skillet will be unstable. Also, with a Jetboil, the actual Jetboil kits are much more efficient with their stoves.

I'm really jaded towards Osprey and Arcteryx packs, but all features and comfort considered, the Aether 60 is the one I would go with, especially for your mixed uses. Just remember, pack comfort and function are incredibly subjective, so Thomas is absolutely right, if possible, try them both out before you commit.

You can actually cook and control your flame on the Dragonfly...better all around stove for most practical uses. The XGK EX is pretty much just a jet engine that melts snow and boils water fast. Another good stove is the Primus Omni-Fuel (it will burn multiple fuels, including canisters...handy at times).

Way old question, but here you go- Coleman #51-104 mantle

This lantern will work with any cartridge that has a Lindal valve (standard EN 417), including Jetboil, MSR, Primus, Snow Peak...

I call bullshit on that one. Sure dual-antennae beacons give you better accuracy, but I've used single-antenna beacons for years, and I can crank down on multiple targets within minutes consistently. Practice, practice, practice...Some of us with experience using any 457kHz transceiver, are better than somebody with all the digital technology in the world that has no idea what they're doing. A 'smarter' beacon does not necessarily translate into a competent operator, especially in a critical situation. Earn those turns and be mindful of where you are and who you ski with. That's my opinion anyway.

No, there's no atmosphere on the moon, space is a vacuum, and you and it would implode.

Hey Bert,

The body panel is the nylon shell that zips up behind the large mesh panel you see at the front of the tent. It basically allows you to either leave the whole front of the tent open, or to close it off. There's also another semicircular mesh panel at the back which zips closed completely. Hope that helps.

Yes, Primus makes a folding canister footrest. Look up item# PMS 0006. Definitely adds stability to the system.

Hey Harold, yes you can. The regular green 16.4oz propane canisters are the usual fuel type without a few extra parts that allow you to use the larger cylinders.

Get a maintenance kit, disassemble the pump, replace the o-ring and lube it all up. You might have some sort of crud in there, but it sounds like simple deferred maintenance is the likely culprit.

Follow this link. When you get to the page, right next to the product description it says "MSR pump maintenance"- click on it and it will give you a full video tutorial on how to do it.

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/stove-accessories/msr-fuel-pumps/product

No problem whatsoever. Ti handles heat very well, and the typical stove that this is designed to work with has a considerably higher BTU output than a candle.

The Bushbuddy dimensions are 4 1/4"d x 3 3/4"h. It will fit, but it's going to be slightly on the snugger side in the diameter. As per Bushbuddy specs, it is fully compatible with the Snow Peak Trek 900, so an 1100ml pot shouldn't be a problem. Hope this helps.

Hey Nick, the Sprinter does not have a red forward LED, just a rear LED strobe for visibility when running on the road. Without the top strap, two other BD models that are fairly lightweight and that have a red LED up front are the Storm and the Spot. Hope that helps.

Actually, the CV270 plus canisters will not work with the Pocket Rocket, but I do know that it is compatible with the MSR Superfly because of the stove's multi-mount. Gaz uses a proprietary "Easy-clic" valve system, not the Lindal valve required for the Pocket Rocket.

No doubt, I'll second the Alpha SV as the one.

They're 1 1/8" diameter.

The 5'-6" on the short bag is max user height, so yeah, right there. You would be more comfortable in the regular 6'-0" bag. It's nice to be able to hunker in a little and by the time you figure a few more inches for plantarflexion when you're on your back, you'll be better off going longer. Hope that helps.

Yeah, O4F hit that right. In say something like the Sea to Summit eVent Dry Sack, I would definitely go with the Small size (10-3.3L). Rule of thumb with comp sacks and sleeping bags- start with the original stuff size, let the straps do the work and compressing for you. Hope that added to the conversation.

Hey JK,

The Denali is a heavier weight fleece, but it is virtually worthless in blocking wind. That said, it is a good jacket that I own a couple of, but I generally either use them as a base layer under a shell, or on top of a windstopper. I don't know about the LL Bean gear, but TNF does make quite a few styles that also use Windstopper, and of course Mountain Hardwear makes some great pieces such as the Windstopper Tech. Hope that helps.

Not sure what frequency PIEPS was using back pre-1986 (when were yours made?)before the universal international standard was changed to 457 kHz. If your transceivers can't find each other from a few feet away, it definitely sounds like a frequency problem.

I can't find the specs on the PIEPS 2, so best to give them a call to see what they have to say- http://www.pieps.com/en/contact

Hey B,

It has an internal bladder/laptop sleeve and hydration port.

Hi Stephen,

That is an Ergo Pump. In a true multi-fuel stove, this is absolutely my favorite- years of reliable and solid operation without a single problem. You will NOT be disappointed.

BTW- the pump fits the easier to obtain MSR fuel bottles perfectly.

30oz= 10.3oz

50oz= 14.6oz

It will with any beacon post 1986 when 457kHz became the international standard frequency for all manufacturers.

Dear Santa,

It's 8500 btu

Tip of spike to top of axe head.

Hey Warren,

The Mamook GTXs have the front and back welts required for the
Pro. Should be no problem.

Ti handles heat really well, but it is thin. For just reheating and quick cooking, you shouldn't have any problems. You start trying to do mini-casseroles or something and you're going to probably get some warping, and definitely some discoloration. Obviously no microwave, but for tableware, etc, very classy and functional.

Sounds like just the propane in the fuel mixture is burning based on your 10%. That's normally a temperature issue. What was the temperature? Were you hooking up your friend's PocketRocket under the same conditions? Seal is good?

weighs 8oz

Depends on what you're going into. There are definitely lighter weight alternatives to the Arcteryx covers. The finish and waterproof zippers on the pack itself do take a pretty fair amount of rain to soak through, but when it's heavy and consistent, or as the pack gets beat up and ages, it's nice to have the cover. I'm not much on hauling my pack into my tent to protect it at night, so when it's all opened up at camp, it's nice to be able to just throw the cover on it and lean it against a tree or rock.

If you're talking about the ceiling panel, yes it does zip up over the mesh.

Call them. Lafuma has a phone # for ordering parts directly- 800-573-4457. The elastic bungees are readily available, come in a variety of colors, and should be easy enough to replace yourself. Their website appears to be under construction and down right now, but their email is: customerservice@lafumausa.com

Can't verify it at home, but the 450 is 3.4" outside diameter, and the PCS pot is 4.1" o.d.

Works in theory, but it will kill the nesting capabilities of the rest of the PCS system and your 100g canister.

It weighs 1lb 5oz and measures 9x27" when empty.

You shouldn't have any problems. Remember that any canister with a Lindal (EN417) valve will work.

This might help- http://www2.ing.puc.cl/~cseebach/mountain/stores/index.html

A quick Google search for climbing equipment stores in Santiago, Chile turns up lots and lots of other options. Basically, it doesn't look like anyone has any problem finding what they need with much of anything. Patagonia and Aconcaqua draw in lots of people, so you know that if there's a demand, there's always a supply.

Try this from Jetboil or give them a call (888-611-9905)to see if they have more distributors in Santiago.

Andes Gear
AV 11 de Septiembre 2214 of 173
Santiago Providencia Chile
+56 2 3356113
nvg@andesgear.cl

Good luck, have fun, wish I was going with you, hope that helps.

Yeah, the Sprinter would be a good choice. With running, unless you really want to crank down the headband until it crushes your skull, you either want something very lightweight or with a top strap. Between this and the Icon, I would go with the Myo. The Icon is great and all, but it's heavy. I've also been happy with my BD Spot...not too heavy, bright, stays put, batteries and lamp all up front.

Hey Paul,

I've used an SL2, and would definitely rather use this than a bivy from a space standpoint if I can help it. Typical limitations with snow loads apply (maybe handle a couple inches or so if you get up and smack it from the inside every once in a while to clear it, depending on accumulation rate), although the sides are pretty steeply angled. The top pole is pretty rigid and tough, and if you guy it out fully, it can handle some pretty serious cross winds. The biggest drawback is going to be the full mesh, especially fully guyed out. Find a protected place to hunker in or berm it up on the windward side. Hope that helps.

Get yourself a couple of ENO Slap-straps and a couple of carabiners. Easier on the trees, easier for you, faster to rig.

Hey Aaron,

I found a couple micro fiber bags at home, but then came across a really nice one made by Suncloud at REI today, so I picked it up for you. It's a little thicker and more durable than the others, and I sized it with both the PocketRocket itself, as well as with the case...perfect fit...exactly what you're looking for! Merry X-Mas.

Drop me a line and I'll send it to you.
pvmaher@gmail.com

They're only sold in pairs, but that wouldn't stop you from only using one at a time.

Hey Tim,

The shell can be washed in a front-loader, then preferably air dried. You can also wash the fly in the same way, but even though a one time (occasional at most) washing won't usually hurt it, it's generally better to wash it by hand in order to keep the waterproofing doing its job.

Hi Shawn,

That's normal and completely safe. Nothing to worry about at all. It's called a generator tube. What it does is allow the fuel to be preheated and vaporized prior to being expelled from the jet. When a liquid fuel is vaporized, it burns more cleanly and efficiently. Primus has been making stoves since the 1800s...longer than anybody.

Thanks Tom. I had a mix and match challenged moment. All better now.

Yeah, thread pitch is just different enough that it'll leak.

Hi Charlotte,

Did you wash it first? If not, do. Best to apply the spray-on while the garment is still damp. You normally spray on at least two even, lighter applications rather than one heavier coat. Toss it in the dryer on low-med heat when you're done.

The weight won't change no matter what you do. With a compression sack, you will probably end up taking the stuff size from 9x16" down to about 8-9" x probably 12-14" or so. Or, like Ryan says, if you go to a down bag with a similar rating, you'll get much lighter and much smaller when compressed.

You should really just go straight to the source for that sort of info- http://www.ospreypacks.com/

I'm going to go ahead and use the Large and Medium sizes on the Argons and Aethers for comparison, but generally, the Argons run about 1lb+ or so more than the same size in the Aethers.

Argon L= 6lbs 6oz
Aether L= 5lbs 2oz

Argon M= 6lbs 1oz
Aether M= 4lbs 15oz

These are Osprey's official specs.

Yeah, Kirk pretty much nailed it, but even though you can sit up and stretch out just fine, the Seedhouses are pretty narrow at the top if you don't clip the shell to the fly and use the guy lines to spread it out. Still, I have no complaints, but if you can afford the extra 1.5 lbs or so on the packed weight, for a single person, the Seedhouse SL2 is a really nice, roomy option worth considering.

The specific water bottle pocket is actually the mesh on the far side of the photo above. It has a draw-string top. The strap I believe you're referring to, along with the other two above it (and the three on the other side) is for load compression.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/zealot-85.html

No, you want a pair of ice tools for that. This will work on alpine routes that do have some vertical elements, but it's more just a fancy ice axe with a curved shaft and a leash for general alpine mountaineering use.

With the Megalite, you can shift the down around to load up in cold spots and have a bit more circumference, it has a draft collar and full length draft tube, wider cut and a full-zip, but the Highlite is less expensive, narrower, lighter, different material, about the same stuff size, rated 5 degrees higher. Comparing specs side by side, both sound like they would suit you just fine. Nothing that Western Mountaineering makes will disappoint if you appreciate quality and know your needs. That said, my personal preference would be the Megalite, if for no other reason than the extra room.

The eternal conflict between car camping comfort and backcounty weight. This one isn't too bad for being a 3-person, so of the many choices you could make that would serve both purposes, this one could easily be a top candidate in the weight/price dept. (but you will have to seal all your own seams by hand). Although, if that second backpacking tent is definitely in your future anyway, and you want to mostly focus on the car camping at this point, also check out the Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 3.

Aaron included all the right caveats, but really, don't use it inside. People die that way, and carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless.

Use your chest and waist measurements too, but this jacket runs to the fitted side. Really depends on how your body mass is distributed. You might get a little more in the sleeve than you need, but my thought is that you'll get more of the fit that you want with the XXL.

And when the tines discolor, it adds character. The only thing you need to consider is that running a stove on high is less efficient and burns much more fuel than spending a little while longer to boil the water on a lower setting.

Hey again Aaron,

Give me a couple of days to see if I can find it, but I'm pretty sure I have a few hanging around somewhere that I can send you.

Cool, thanks for the update Aaron. For future reference, was it specific to the PocketRocket?

Coleman's part/model # is: 2000004122

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000004122&categoryid=2010&brand=

Hey Alicia,

Hard to say exactly what date whatever you ordered today was actually made, but MSR's shelf-life for the solution is 2 years. Probably best to call Backcountry customer service and ask them if they can read you the expiration date off a bottle from their most recent batch. If it's a recent shipment, go for it, but for the freshest solution, it might be something that you would want to order directly from MSR.

Hey Aaron. The MSR WindPro comes with a stuff sack. It'll be a little bigger than you need for the PocketRocket, but I bet if you called MSR, they would send you one. Heck, it might even have the logo on it.

Customer service center- 800-531-9531

If you have one of those pictures handy, paste it and maybe we can all help you figure out exactly what those people are using.

I forget what brand they are and how much they cost, but see if somebody on the Ski Patrol (same basic activity requirements) can hook you up with the NSP catalog. Seems like you should also easily qualify for some nice pro deals from a lot of manufacturers.

As for these, I can't speak of them specifically, but my old TNF pants with HyVent and a thin insulation layer underneath them worked out pretty well in most conditions.