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Rick Agostin

Skier // Camper/Hiker // Climber

Rick Agostin: #289 of 167,234 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

24 Reviews:

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8 Yes

8 Questions:

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1 Yes

107 Answers:

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11 Photos:

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0 Videos:

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1 Comments:

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1 Wishlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Dallas, Texas

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Cerro Chato, Costa Rica

Cerro Chato, Costa Rica

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

April 14, 2011

This was the first big Test of my Chaco's. Slippery/Muddy/Wet/Rocky/very steap hike up Tree roots, Rocks and mud in Costa Rican rain forest to a lake in a dormant volcano... Very Impressed with my choco's. never felt unstable in them on problem was the occasions small rock that found it's way into the footbed.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Lightweight Sack survived 20 miles of paddling.

Lightweight Sack survived 20 miles of paddling.

Outdoor Research Lightweight Stuff Sack

April 5, 2010

Very impressed with the water resistance. Everything was dry thought it received constant splashing.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

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Freerides hold up.

Freerides hold up.

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

February 4, 2010

My Freerides have held up to lots of air and big falls on hard pack and power with no problems.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

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Informant

Informant

Anon Informant Sunglasses

February 12, 2009

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

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Nikwax Glove Proof

April 14, 2011

The leather palms should be fine with this stuff, it's designed for leather gloves (as well as fabric).

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Ruffwear K-9 Dog Overcoat

February 14, 2011

Medium.
Our Lab, he's in the photo in the green overcoat...
He is about 65lbs and is wearing a medium in the photo.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

January 4, 2011

I've heard mixed reviews about the current version of Chaco's (made in China) also It seems like neither Back Country nor REI is restocking any of them.
I'm I out of luck of ever getting a pair of Chaco's?
If I'm not out of luck what's the difference betweeen the different soles (Unaweep vs Unaweep pro)?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Gregory Baltoro 70 Backpack - 4149-4638cu in

October 6, 2010

There is a "sleeve" inside that will hold a hydration bladder. there there are a couple of ports that you can run your tubing through.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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The North Face Mountain Manor 8 Bx Tent 8-Person 3-Season

September 16, 2010

Depends on your cold weather... are you talking snow storm or just cool temperature?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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SealLine Storm Sack Dry Bags

August 20, 2010

I just go straight into the dry bag. You can roll these down and "compress" your bag pretty well with them. Down is a lot easier to compress than synthetic in my opinion. Keep in mind you'll need to Roll the closer a few times to keep the contents dry (but you probably already knew that).

9 x 21in [25L] = Might be a tight fit depends on if your 8x17 leaves room to compress or is pretty tight to start with.

7 x 25in [35L] = Would probably fit pretty well.

10 x 28.5in [60L] = Would be plenty big and leave some room for other stuff.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Stoic eVent Stash Shell - Men's

August 18, 2010

It's made to block the wind and the water... two things that will keep you cold in any season. Layer underneath according to the activity and the temperature. You made the right move.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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The North Face 2-Meter Dome Tent 8-Person 4-Season

August 18, 2010

Different materials, lighter, Chimney vent, sleeves vs. clips... This one is made to take a little more constant abuse for a longer period of time.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Ruffwear Cloud Chaser Dog Softshell Jacket

August 18, 2010

XL = Girth of 35"–48" (89–122 cm)
from Ruffwear http://www.ruffwear.com/Cloud-Chaser-Soft-Shell-Jacket_2
Our black lab loves his softshell!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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KEEN Venice H2 Sandal - Men's

August 17, 2010

They shouldn't KEEN claims they are "Non-marking" so you should be safe.
http://www.keenfootwear.com/product.aspx?sku=5211

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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MSR MIOX Purifier w/ Batteries

August 17, 2010

It basically uses chemical reaction between salt and electricity to kill bad stuff...
Take a look at MSR FAQ's about MIOX to see all the details about treating more that 4L of water at a time etc.
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/MSR/FAQ/Water-Treatment-and-Hydration

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Ruffwear Mt. Bachelor Pad Dog Bed - DO NOT USE!!

August 12, 2010

Both... it could insult your pup from cold snow, Wet ground, hot pavement.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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MSR MiniWorks Ex Water Filter

August 10, 2010

On MSR's Site they claim it'll filter down to .2 microns... so you should be in business.
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/water-treatment-and-hydration/expedition-water-treatment-and-hydration/miniworks-ex-microfilter/product

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Ruffwear Knot-A-Leash DO NOT USE

August 10, 2010

Not having arthritis myself, I can't speak to the difficulty of of the clip, I know it's a lot easier to use than the standard clips on dog leashes, it's bigger and might even be over kill for a 20# dog. As for the "chew-proof"ness. It would take him a while to chew through it, but your mileage may very. Try it out, backcountry.com has an awesome return policy so if you get it, and it turns out it's not what you were looking for, send it back, hassle free.
Hope that helps.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Kelty Lakota Backpack - 4000cu in

August 10, 2010

This isn't a women specific pack, it's more of a Unisex option.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Nathan Vector 2.0 Lumbar Pack - 500cu in

August 6, 2010

based on what you've said, I assume your current hydration pack doesn't have a waist-belt (or much of one), so you could wear them both, but most people wear their back packs a little lower on their backs and this will ride a little higher on your hips. Honestly, you go for day pack with a decent waist-belt, Gegory make an awesome one that my GF love, love, loves! It's light and holds everything you'd want for a day plus plenty of water (sleeve for a hydration bladder, and 2 external mesh pockets if that's your thing), but you can compress it pretty easily if your not filling it up.
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Gregory-Miwok-Backpack-1090cu-in/GRE0073M.html

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Eureka Titan Tent: 8-Person 3-Season

August 6, 2010

See the little triangles of tan fabric on the sidewall? They pull the side walls out a little when you take/guy them out so that you "get the most out of your tent space."

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eureka Suite V6 Tent 6-Person 3-Season

May 12, 2010

Nope.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Outdoor Research Mentor Pant - Men's

May 11, 2010

Yes. "Removable suspenders keep these versatile pants from dropping when you drop in."

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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MSR Dromedary Bags

May 11, 2010

If your referring to the Hydration kit or Shower kit they both replace an existing small and large screw cap respectively.
Not sure i entirely understand how you plan to mount it to the canoe, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet - 2011

May 5, 2010

"Steadiest image" is going to have more to do with the fit of the helmet, the mounting of the camera and the steadiness of the head it's on then the model of the helmet.
If it fits well it should be perfect.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 Tent 1-Person 3-Season

May 5, 2010

Make sure you're using stakes to stake out all for corners. A Footprint is going to help add a layer of protection to the tent from sharp rocks but the floor is waterproof without a footprint.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Nixon Rocio Watch - Women's

April 30, 2010

If by second hand you mean the hour hand(as opposed to the one that actually measures seconds),then Yes I think you got it.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Kelty Lounge 4-Person 3-Season Tent

April 28, 2010

Guy lines can be tricky and there's not always only 1 way to secure them. Here are some tips I found that should get you an idea of how to guy this one out for your particular situation. Keep in mind the way you guy it out in your back yard may not be the way you need to guy it out in the wild.

http://amcequipped.blogspot.com/2009/07/tent-tips-guylines.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Reef Fanning Sandal - Men's

April 27, 2010

Agreed.
They are pretty dead on. I usually wear an 9.5 to 10 and the 10's fit perfect.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Big Agnes King Solomon Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down

April 14, 2010

If you like down there is... compressibility and comfort are probably the two big bonus' with down.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Sea To Summit Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter

April 12, 2010

No built in bottom. The idea is that the mesh piles up wt the bottom and keeps the bugs out. seems like that is the sticking point on this one from some of the other reviews... if your looking for something truely enclosing check out some of the Golite Nests, they've got full bathtub floors, zippers etc. but also cost a bit more.
http://www.backcountry.com/store/subcat/28/Tents.html#app=price%7E+group%7E+brand%7E100000020+sortby%7E+cat%7E3+subcat%7E28+offset%7E+on_sale%7E+page_name%7E

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eureka Suite V6 Tent 6-Person 3-Season

April 12, 2010

The goal of the footprint is to protect the bathtub floor. While this tent doesn't require it to function, it will prolong the life of the tent, saving it from sharp rocks sticks, etc. Footprints are always a good idea with any tent.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Snow Peak LiteMax Stove

April 2, 2010

Short answer, the relatively high pressure of propane,
which results in the need for Heavy Steel Canisters.

Long answer...
http://zenstoves.net/Canister.htm#Fuels

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

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Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Pro Shell Jacket - Men's

April 2, 2010

They had some hideous colors on steep and cheap for a lot less recently. not sure if it was this exact model but it was definitely cheaper.

Your probably not going to get this exact jacket for less (unless you pay phil, he'll hook you up). But there are plenty of comparable jackets for a lot less out there.

There a similar womens version for closer to 300... if you're a little man.
http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/NRA0022/Norrna-Lofoten-Gore-Tex-Pro-http://content.backcountry.com/images/bcs/buttons/answer_it.gifShell-Jacket-Womens.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak

April 2, 2010

depends on what your plan is for the Guadalupe....
What part and what time.
If your just planning on fishing or hanging out with the tubbers/floaters this should be more than enough boat for you 99% of the time.

You can float in an inner-tube with beer coolers, you'll be fine.

But like Cory said, check out some local info before you jump in.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Oakley M Frame Array Sunglass Case

April 1, 2010

I don't think this is going to do what you want. It doesn't have a way to attach to a belt and has foam slits for the different lenses, not just one big opening, if that makes sense.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Nathan HPL #008 Race Vest

March 31, 2010

Magda Lewy wears one and she is 5'3" and 110... sounds like its a perfect fit.
http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/le/magdalena-lewy-boulet-1.html

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Pow Gloves Royal Glove

March 26, 2010

Based on the reviews Stealth are warmer...
but that depends on what you are wanting a recommendation for...

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Deuter EH Edge Backpack

March 22, 2010

Not sure about this particular version as it's out of production but the new version
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Deuter-Freerider-26-Backpack-1600cu-in/DTR0072M.html

is 20.5" x 11" x 6"

I'd bet the old one is similar

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Snow Peak Titanium Single Wall Cup 450

March 22, 2010

I believe this is what you guys are looking for:
the 700ml pot/mugs can fit a nalgene.

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Backcountry-Titanium-Pot-w-Lid-700ml/BCC0133M.html?RSC_ID=WR_BCC0133

But Titanium

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Merrell Moab Mid GTX XCR Boot - Men's DO NOT USE

March 22, 2010

Hey Timothy,
Don't own a pair but as you know, anything goretex is going to wear and need cleaning an re-waterproofing ocationally, I'd think shoes are no exception. I'm currently trying out a pair of Asics trail running shoes that have a goretex liner, i had them for a couple of months and haven't had a problem with leaking yet. I heard of problems with Goretex shoes leaking along flex points like where your toes bend. But again, I don't have these in particular so my answer may not be what your looking for.

looked into it a little more... and on Merrell's site someone complained about them not being waterproof and looks like it might be covered under warranty...
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/ViewProduct.mvc.aspx/12464M/0/Mens/Moab-Mid-GORE-TEX-XCR?galleryId=M-F

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Best Boxers ever

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer - Men's

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 22, 2010

By the far the most comfortable, lightest boxers ever. Dry very quickly and hold up well.
Will be replacing all my boxers with these.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Costa Del Mar Turbine Polarized Sunglasses - Costa 400 Glass Lens

March 18, 2010

It looks like they are sold out of the CR-39 lenses.
These are Glass (blue mirror) not CR-39, they need to put some punctuation to differentiate the two types of lenses offered.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Costa Del Mar Turbine Polarized Sunglasses - Costa 580 Glass Lens

March 18, 2010

You are correct, they aren't both.
That's an either or. If you look at the options one cost $70 more than the others. Blue Mirror is glass.
for more information:
http://www.costadelmar.com/SeeOutThere/Technology/WhatMakesThemCostas/

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Osprey Packs Aura 35 Backpack - Women's - 1900-2300cu in

March 16, 2010

Check Osprey's sizing chart here:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/PackTech/SizingandFitting/

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Spyder Dolomite Hooded Down Jacket - Men's

March 12, 2010

I'd just use some Nikwax
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Nikwax-Down-Wash/NIK0017M.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Lafuma X 950 Pro Sleeping Bag: 30 Degree Synthetic

March 12, 2010

Get a bottle of this (Nikwax down wash) and follow the instructions...
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Nikwax-Down-Wash/NIK0017M.html

Just to clarify, that for Down bags, this particular bag is synthetic.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Marmot Stockholm Down Jacket - Men's

March 11, 2010

Though I've never seen a purple trash bag, this is what i would imagine it to look like.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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DAKINE Heli Pro 20L Winter Pack - 1200cu in

March 11, 2010

probe on the side, handle inside. or the other way around, looks like the description suggests "slide your avie shovel and probe into the quick-access front pocket"

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Prophet 45 Backpack - 2500-3000cu in

March 11, 2010

It expands at the top. i.e. it gets taller, if that makes sense. It's the same way most toploaders expand, there is more fabric at the top that normally you would cinch down, then the straps for the lid are long enough to accommodate a fully loaded/expanded pack.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Black Diamond AvaLung II

March 10, 2010

Ok, Brennan...
Here is a step-by-step on how to put your avalung into whatever backpack you want.
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-convert-any-pack-avalung-avalanche-safety-pack-273244/view/
Hope this helps.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Black Diamond Agent Avalung Winter Pack - 1098-1220cu in

March 10, 2010

Best is subjective.
Ask a more specific question get a more specific answer.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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The North Face Khumbu Fleece Jacket - Men's

March 10, 2010

You can get any shell you want... but if your looking for Zip-in Compatible Any of TNF shells that are "Zip-in compatible should work for you.
http://www.backcountry.com/store/search.html?mv_session_id=VBdI9pfQ&aff=1&q=The+North+face+mens'+shells+zip-in#search=%26path%3Dcbcs%2523%2523%252d1%2523%2523%252d1%257e%257eq546865204e6f7274682066616365206d656e7327207368656c6c73207a69702d696e%26items%3D20%26scroll%3D0

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Backcountry.com Merino Wall T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

March 10, 2010

Probably never...
From what I understand backcountry.com brand stuff (the goat) is being replaced with Stoic. But I'd love to hear from a BC representative on that.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Arc'teryx Axios 25 Daypack - 1648cu in

March 8, 2010

depends on how far over six foot you are... I would think the tall would work fine if your a little of 6' but check the sizing chart and measure your torso.
http://www.arcteryx.com/sizing-charts.aspx

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Gregory Drift Backpack - 1300cu in

March 8, 2010

Goggle Pocket - No pocket specifically for Goggles
Helmet carry - No specific helmet carry feature
Hydration compatible - Yes

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Mountain Hardwear Ropeline Backpack - 1600cu in

March 4, 2010

yep it's just a sleeve to hold your hydration bladder, which you'll need to purchase separately.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Marmot Limelight 3-Person Tent w/ Footprint and Gear Loft

February 26, 2010

It might be a little tight if your dog is a stretch out and sleep dog. Should be fine if he curls up in a little ball.
The vestibule will keep it dry from the rain, but keep in mind it doesn't have a floor so water on the ground can be a concern especially if you find yourself in a hole or low area. So pick your site carefully if it's going to rain. Hope that helps.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Burton White Collection Division Jacket - Men's - 09/10

February 26, 2010

The short answer, 5k is less waterproof than 10k.
The long answer, http://www.backcountry.com/store/newsletter/a254/Waterproof-Breathable-Explained.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Down - Women's

February 25, 2010

Mountain Hardwear clams 1 lb. 15 oz. looks like a typo on BC site.
http://mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=2038&prod=3975&cat=2100&viewAll=False

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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GoLite Shangri-La 1 Shelter 1-Person

February 24, 2010

Floor and nest sold separately.
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/GoLite-Shangri-La-1-Floor/GOL0288M.html

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Sea To Summit Long Titanium Spoon

February 23, 2010

8.5 inches
"This 8.5-inch spoon weighs less than an ounce thanks to durable, rust-proof titanium."

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Mountain Hardwear Phantom Down Jacket - Men's

February 22, 2010

They make sticky back ripstop, (google ripstop repair kit). You my try contacting Mountain Hardwear (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/FAQ.aspx)and i bet they can fix it a little prettier if that matters. or if your referring to the MontBell jacket mentioned above... (http://www.montbell.us/custserv/faq/)

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Click to read all of Rick Agostin's contributions... Be patient. It might take a while.