Tony Pearson

The dimensions on this guy are 66"x93" and 46" head space. You shouldn't have any problems fitting two people plus two 45 lb dogs.

Since there is not actual single authority that says what is and isn't approved for all National Parks there is no blanket answer. Each park has their own process for evaluating bear canisters and bags, You're best bet is to get in touch with the actual park you want to visit and get a list of approved containers.

I've had a 2 1/2 inch pad fit. It was a tight fit. None of BA's pads are bigger than 2 1/2. So I would say the thickest pad your going to get in there is around that size.

This pack would have no problems with 70lb loads.

Big Agnes mats are pretty comfortable. If you're going to be camping in exceptionally cold weather, I would check out an Exped Downmat for even more comfort.

Most thermarest pads are pretty good quality in general.

If he is just going to leave his pad in the barracks then any of the inflatable ones would be a good choice. They are generally thicker and more comfortable. However, if he plans on taking it out I would suggest a closed cell (foam type) one. It's going to be more rugged and won't have to worry about it getting a hole.

Your best bet would be to contact Kelty directly.

Warranty/Repair Inquiries
Warranty and repair instructions can be found on our warranty page or by calling

https://www.kelty.com/t-contact.aspx
https://www.kelty.com/t-warranty.aspx

PH: 866-349-7225

Corporate Headquarters
6235 Lookout Road
Boulder, CO 80301
Fax: 800-504-2745

Canada
Double J
5575 Royalmount Ave.
Mont Royal, Quebec H4P 1J3
PH : 514-739-3122
Fax: 515-739-1649

I have both a camalback and platypus bottle and have tried the both out in this pack. They both fit in the inside pocket. Basically any that has a drinking tube. Though when packed it can be hard to get to that little pocket inside your pack.

Tip: I usually just pack my whole bag then toss the water bottle on the top and push the tube out the opening so it's easy to access if I need to refill.

Kinda of an old question but answering for anyone else interested.

Garmin has a webupdater on their website that you can download. Just connect your device to your computer, turn it on and run the updater and it will check for upgrades.

If you're talking about using your SP maps in this device, all your maps on your computer (or the discs they came on) they should be able to be uploaded via the included software.

No rainfly, I think they intend for you to just use a tarp setup if it starts to rain.

It's made from different materials, has a different frame/suspension, '10 has gear loops, '10 is a few oz. heavier, '10 has a zipper in the middle for getting to gear in the middle of the pack.

Overall is it better than the '09, Yes. If you're planning on using the bag a lot, I would invest the extra, if not the '09 can probably do just as good a job hauling your gear.

If you can fit everything you want to take on your two week hike, it's pretty good. Decent weight for a 5k cu in. If you don't have a resupply point don't forget you need to save space for the full two weeks of food.

I have never purchased a tent that came with a footprint. I don't know exactly why they leave them out but you don't have to use the one that is made directly for any tent, you can make your own or use a tarp.

Your choice, you can pay $40-50 for the one made for the tent, the ups of this is that it's made for the tent and usually snaps or stakes into it in some way. Perfect Fit. Or you can buy an alternative like a tarp or cut up some cuben fiber or some other cloth to size.

You mean like this?

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Optimus-Crux-Lite-Stove/OPS0008M.html

That really is subjective to how you pack. I know people who use a full 4000cu in. for an overnight and some who use a day pack. I would use this for an overnight, it doesn't really matter if you have extra space.

The best thing is to determine if it will fit everything you want to take and how much room is or isn't left over in the end.

The green is close but not exact.

here is military green:
http://images.google.com/images?q=od%20green

This thing is comfortable enough on it's own without use of the lumbar pack, which is the detachable top piece i talked about in my review, it's not really easy to detach. I have put it on though to see how it fit. Works ok, stuff something soft in it, adjust to your need and I am sure it will probably give you the support that you want.

If you don't like sleeping with satin sheets you might not like these. But really, you can't slide around to much inside your sleeping bag. It will add warmth to your existing sleeping bag. You have to gauge it on how comfortable you already are in your bag.

I have one but I only use it when my bag "isn't" keeping me warm enough.

I own a BA tent and I am pretty sure they use the same stakes on all their tents. They work pretty decently, I haven't had one bend yet. It's not a bad idea to carry a spare or two though just in case.

This particular one is the old style.

New 2010's are here:
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Osprey-Packs-Aether-70-Backpack-4000-4400cu-in/OSP0180M.html

Second on the Exped Downmat for super cold environments. They even come with attached pumps now.

I actually sometimes roll mine up in my sleeping bag if I am not using a compression sack. No stuff-sack needed.

I have two Big Agnes mummy bags and a regular size NeoAir. Fits perfectly, though to save yourself a little trouble, I would stuff the mat inside before you start blowing it up (or blow it up just a little). Otherwise it's a lot of push and pull.