Hey Chuck - these pants are highly water resistant.

Hey there! I am one of the reps for OR, so consider your comments HEARD! I like having a non-hooded option, BUT the contrast lining is actually one of the things that sells the jacket for so many people. Really.

I will pass on the option for a non-hood. I think it is a good one! Thank you!

You know, Ian, pack size is about torso length, not how tall you are. So, do this: Get someone to measure you from the bump on the back of your neck (the C-7 vertebrae. It protudes when you bend your head down.). Once you locate it, then put your head up, and draw a line down your spine to measure. The "end point" will be above your butt. Specifically, take your thumbs and put them on your side, locating the TOP of your hipbone. This is called the "crest." Literally, I want your thumbs on the side, NOT in front of your side... Once you find the top of your hipbones, in the same lateral line, come around to your spine. THAT'S the end point. Make sense? Measure that distance from your C-7 vertebrae to that bottom point that you just identified. Then, Ospreypacks.com gives you the sizing on their website.

My guess is that at 5'1", you are probably a small, but the official way to find out is to do what I listed above.

Hope thyat helps!

Tommy - Can I come?? Sounds like a blast! Both reservoirs will fit, but I recommend the larger... you don't have to fill it all the way if you don't want the weight, but the volume is there when you need it. Have a great time!

Bobby, the Western Mountaineering website is now accurate. So sorry for the confusion!

It sure does! stretch mesh on the sides will hold bottles well.

Hey Bobby, great catch. I am one of the reps for Western Mountaineering and the WM website is not accurate. The correct retail on this piece is $315. I will contact Western Mtng today and get that changed. $300 was Fall 2010 retail pricing, and I tell you, prices have gone UP! Backcountry.com is a totally above board retailer, and they have never done any price gouging... I have been working with them for 17 years! Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Leta Sharpe

Evan, OR overbuilds its products, and then backs them with an "Infinite Guaranty," which no other vendor does. It's full Gore ProShell, 40D body and 70D shoulders for added durability. I own one. It is awesome. I LOVE the "torsoflo" concept which opens up the jacket to vent either from the hem or from the pit, giving your heat a very easy place to dump.

This is a SCREAMING DEAL because its last year's color and they want to move it out. You should snag it before everyone else does!

Hey Ian, the hood goes right where you want it. Adjustment on the back crown of your head, and two adjustments at your jawline. You will NOT be disappointed. I promise you!

One more thing, Gary - you can buy both and return one, just to be on the safe side, but I am leaning towards medium. It's a kille jacket!

hi there! a 5 liter bag would be tight, but doable, a 10 liter bag would be better, and plenty roomy. Hope that helps!

No, they flip up.

Gosh, there really aren't temperature ratings for garments... However, depending on how warm or cold you run, and depending on what you are doing (sitting on your butt belaying or skinning up the mountain...) you should think of this piece as a "system" piece. It can be by itself, but is light and thin enough to layer. It stuffs into a small ball (a stuff sack is included)and is great to have in your pack at all times in the colder months. If you need something warmer, try the OR Virtuoso Jacket or the Maestro Jacket. Those are big and huge and are great stand alone pieces. Hope this helped!

Center front length: 20in
Center back length: 24 1/2in

So yes, longer in the back. This is absolutely one of my most favorite pieces of apparel from OR. It is an incredibly versitile softshell, can stand alone, or be worn as another layer. You will love it!

Thank you to the fine folks at OR who helped with the specs on this!

No, sorry - this is a "closeout" deal, hence the awesome price. This is all that is left, so their won't be more anytime soon.

Yes to a backpack. Try the Osprey Momentum or the Metron. Both designed for carrying what you want it to carry, plus, the weight is distributed to BOTH shoulders and also your hips. Great bags!

Yes, easy to do. The number above is correct and they will take care of you!

You should be good with the small for a 32".

Osprey makes a Raptor 14 and an Raptor 18. Go with the 18. It also depends on the size of your computer.

Thanks!

Plenty... It would work even better with an Osprey reservoirs because the bag doesn't slouch down after you drink out of it. It has a frame backpanel to support the water and prevent bulging in your pack. Also makes it easy to load!
http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-hydraform-hydration-reservoir

The straps are adjustable so you find the right placement for you. However, what Kate said is right on... the Sirrus 24 has "curvier" harness straps to accomodate a woman's chest area even better. The Stratos 24 is good. The Sirrus 24 is even better!

Tyler, I have a Talon pack with a similar material and it gets bruised, but no performance issues. The best this is that Osprey has an All Mighty Guaranty, meaning that they will repair any issue for any reason on any pack, no matter when you bought it. If they can't perform a quality repair they will replace the pack at no cost to you! Best warranty in packs in the business!

Actually, by the Osprey website, the weights are Argon 70 M = 6/1 vs. Aether 70 M = 4/15, and Argon 70 L = 6/6 vs. Aether 70 L = 5/2.

There is difference, but the benefit is additional comfort in padding and suspension. Both are great choices, but the additional weight of the Argon might be more than you are looking for!

Correction again! Spring 2012 will have padding, Spring 2011 did not. Thank you.

Rebecca, the XS will be perfect. It will cinch around your pack.

Phil nailed the answer. Megalit is my call too!

Carol, it is not made in the USA, however, it fits the physical description you have here, minus the words and emblem. Does that help?

26x13x9, so no, not technically. However, I know that the airlines ofter don't check smaller looking packs. Good luck!

CORRECTION! Yes to padding, no to underwire. GREAT top!

I don't know how much insuation is in the Marmot, but this one from OR is really sweet for warmth. It's not your "sub-zero" Alti Mitt that they do, but it is warm on any given day. The liner is a glove line, separated out. Waterproof, breathable and great dexterity!

For a 13, I would go with the XXL. You MIGHT be able to fit into an XL, but why risk it... even though you know Backcountry will take care of you on the return! 13 is the cutoff to go from an XL to a XXL. Because these sound like large volume boots, go bigger. AWESOME gaiters. Just used mine on Shasta this summer!

You could go with either. More versitile with the Aether, though!

great question and ABSOLUTELY! BPA and PVC free. Thank you for asking the question. BPA is nasty stuff!

Hey William, Western is the MOST conservative on temp rating, and because most of their bags have changed little in the past 20 years, they have a really good history with temp rating. The EN rating has some flaws, and we think consumer history on temp rating is the best way to call it. Certainly, if she sleeps cold, get a little warmer bag. Either the Versalite or the Antelope would be my call. It is worth every single penny. If she feels like after using it, she would like to get it just a little warmer, no problem. Call Western Mountaineering in San Jose, CA (where they have been made since 1970!), and ask them to give a little more down fill to the bag. The cost is inexpensive, but you cannot do that with anyone else's bag on the market. Enjoy your Western!!

The harness is super comfy and is made of EVA foam. The backpanel is a spacer mesh foam to allow for breathability and comfort.

Hey Brett. The board lashes to the outside of all Kode packs very securely and easily. Also, whether you are a medium or a large will depend on your torso size. Please see this link to help you determine which is right for you:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

You will love this pack!

Pablo, the Raptor is not the right pack for urban commuting. Try the Momentum 26 or the Metron 25. Both have sweet raincovers and awesome features for the bike commuter. ENJOY!!

Agreed, but it is waterproof and seem taped. It's also a membrane, not a coating, so its more durable. However, going with Gore and a more duarble outer fabric would be a better choice for serious rain protection.

That sounds about right!

yes, you can do it, but think about protecting your base in some way.

Not as designed, but anyone can wear it. If you are looking for a cool OR chic's sun hat, please consider the Oasis Sombrero or the Solar Roller.

hey Billy, this pack does not have specific straps for carrying your board, but it has a ton of lashing points, and you can certainly make it work.

Hey Zach, not specifically designed for that but you sure can rig it if needed. The Kode / Karve packs are a better option.

From the Western Mountaineering catalogue, I got:

5'6" = 1 lb 14 oz
6'0" = 2 lb
6'6" = 2 lb 2 oz

Thanks!

Agreed! I will speak with the buyers!

Hi Mary, yes, depending on what you are looking for (what you want the pack to do for you - day hike, overnight, etc...) this pack is great. Follow the suggestions above and find your right size. link for sizing below:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

Enjoy!

Hey there, osprey has seen some of these. You are 100% covered to get a new one!

Confirmed!!

what are your dimentions?

No, I think you'll get busted... You should just check it, but get the Osprey Airporter to put it in before you do - it will protect your investment!

Hey there - there IS a subtle difference, not in the frame, but in the cushioning / thickness of the harness and hipbelt. To make the larger Atmos 65 carry more comfortably with heavier loads, Osprey increses the thickness of the harness and hipbelt by 2mm to make it more comfy on your body.

absolutely! NO BPA!!! :-)

Hi Shelly, these packs are two different animals. The Sirrus will give you more cush and more suspension, but more weight. It will also carry more weight better. The Talon is one of my favorite series, so you can't go wrong either way. Its really up to you: lightweight, or more featured?

Hey Matt,

The Aurora, Alpine and the Advanced bivys use Gore fabric for the most waterproof, breathable fabric you can get. Proven technology, 100% backed by Gore AND by OR. The Aurora does not have a pole, the Alpine has one pole, and the Advanced has two poles with a foot vent. The Highland Bivy is also good, made of Pertex which is WP/B too, but Gore is more proven technology. Check out the OR website to see a video about the Bivys: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/browse/Shelter%20Systems.html

Thanks!

The fabric is coated, but the seams are not taped and the zippers are not waterproof.

Yes, China.

Hi there! Actually, its behind the airscape backpanel which has a foam framesheet, and right in front of the back of the pack. Not exposed. It is one layer of fabric away from being inside the pack. Does that make sense?

No, verry different, although the shape is similar. The Transit is cotton canvas, made to dunk in the water and serve as a swamp cooler on your head. The Helios is lightweight synthetic, UPF 50. Both are great hats. Let me know if you have other questions!

The moldable option is an added bonus if you can do it, not necessary, but really nice if you can do it. The belt will feel like any other belt off of the shelf, not any stiffer than that. And certainly not uncomfortable. The molding just gives you that "broken in" feeling right away.

Absolutely... really good ones, too!

Absolutely... really good ones, too!

small for sure! I am 5'5", 147, and I take a medium. You are definitely smaller than me. i LOVE these shorts! Great choice!

Yes, same as the Bison WS. Gore WS is their same laminate without the PU coating... its not as WP as what they have now, but they can still use this laminate and call it water resistent. It is HIGHLY water resistent! You will love either the Puma or the Bison, depending on where you're going, Garrett. Have fun!

This is a roomy bag. Seriously. 64" gives you enough space without feeling confined and not too much space so that you are wasting your heat trying to warm an oversized bag. I don't know about the Marmot bag dimensions, but you'll be very happy in the Bison!

Yes, it uses Gore WindStopper which is incredibly water resistent, and close to water proof, but not seem taped.

It's toned down from the image you see here, but still a good visible yellow. Hope that helps!

There are 2 rear pockets with hook and loop closure, but no zip pockets.

hey there - great choice all year! And, on August 1st, Osprey is introducing their own insulated tube to make that pack truly all season. Have fun!

Large for sure!

Hey Bill, go with the 85. Osprey has a great way of compressing your load, even if you are not all the way filled up. So go with the 85, and you will be psyched!

YES!!! There is a zip pocket specifically for a water bottle. When you open it up, it has the mesh on the inside to hold your bottle in place. Then it zips away to keep it clean! VERY COOL!

The only thing about the Mentor Jacket is that it is a trim fit, so it fits closer to the body. If the Helium was a little snug in a Large, then try the XL. If it is too bigm the folks at Backcountry.com are the best at swapping things out so you get just what you need.

Really good choice for your trip. Be sure to utilize the "stow on the go" feathure for your poles so you can scramble with your hands if necessary, and hopefully, you won't have to use the raincover! But it's included if you do!

The Viper (men's) has a "detuned" hipbelt, harness and packpanel, and a slightly different "hydra lock" system on the inside to carry your reservoir. The inner pocketing is the same as the Raptor. The Raptor comes in two sizes, S/M and M/L. The Viper comes in one size only, and fits like the Raptor M/L. Let me know if you have other questions!

Yes!there is a shock corded Delrin pole that holds it up. GREAT bivy for the money!

Dawn, I really agree with Phil here. It might be a tad big right now, but if you went smaller, he will probably be out of that size by next year. Great pack. Go Medium.

Hey Pat - totally. Be sure to secure both the top and bottom straps on your shoes and you are good to go!

Hey there - I like the OR AirPurge. It is burlier, and the compression works great. The orange band around the bottom is actually a Gore membrane, so the air purge works really well and it is completely dry. Also, OR's warranty can't be beat: "Infinite Guaranty." No matter what, OR will take care of you!

Hey there, I think the sweet spot for this pack is 25-35 pounds. It can handle 40+, but remember, it is a lighterweight pack, and one of the ways that this is achieved is by lightening up the harness and hipbelt. So, to carry loads much over 40 "comfortably," personally, I choose a cushier hipbelt and harness, found in the Aether and Ariel Series. But then it might be too big for your space requirements.

Absolutely! Super comfy!

Hey there, The size will depend on what you are carrying,but you can totally cinch down the Atmos 50. The comfort is awesome and it has no durability issues. I wouldn't consider the Granite Gear pack that Jason lists above, unless you would like to go ultralight. And in THAT event, go with the Exos 46 by Osprey. The other thing to always consider is the warranty by the vendor. Osprey has an "All Mighty Guarantee" that they stand by 100%. Your fault, Osprey's fault or the "bear's" fault, Osprey will repair or REPLACE your pack for any reason. That is my kind of warranty!

Yes, it's the largest size prior to compression.

Hey Natalie. Yes, look at the Osprey Ariel 65. You will love it. Like Eli says above, you can add a detatchable daypack called the Daylite. The other awesome thing about Osprey is the Warranty: All Mighty Guarantee. NO MATTER WHAT. They take care of you. It's not a "limited lifetime" or "manufacturers defrcts" warranty. It's anything: You're fault, Osprey's fault, the bear's fault... :-) Osprey has you covered! here's a recent pic of me with the Ariel 65 - Stairway to Heaven!

Natalie, The stretch pockets on the detachable pack will fit a Klean Kanteen / Sigg 27oz bottle. There is no bottle pocket on the main bag.

Hey there - I am not sure what kind of stuff you are carrying through the airport, but I am thinking for general carry on stuff, this is great. awesome for day hikes!