I wish it did, but it doesn't. What you will see is a plume of steam come out of the small hole in the lid. The best part about this tea kettle is that the lid fits on tightly so as you pour, the lid won't fall off. This is a benefit over other backpacking tea kettles because it gives you a larger opening to use for melting snow, adding or subtracting to whatever you are boiling, and allowing you to use it as a pot or mug. Similar kettles have very small openings that only allow you limited access and are more difficult to clean. It's become a standard among many ultra-light backpackers...

You can actually set up this tent without a footprint (or the body). This is done by simply putting each pole in the grommets located at each corner of the fly. The cross pole also has a set of grommets in the fly near the door. This takes about 30 seconds to do and will cover 3 people based on the size of the fly. The total weight of this set-up is about 1.5lbs and is what makes the Hubba Hubba so versatile. It's true you can use a footprint if you want protection from the ground, but isn't necessary. So, in essence, there is actually four different ways you can set it up; the body, fly, poles, and footprint; body, fly, and poles; fly, poles, and footprint; OR fly and poles only. It is an awesome tent!

All the new pots from MSR do have measurement gradations at .5L increments. This particular pot was meant to house the XGK EX and is perfect for melting snow. Because it's Ti, it's lighter than most 2.4L pots put can handle a large amount of snow which will result in faster water accumulation.

The one pictured on backcountry.com is the older version of 'Blue Night'. Most likely this is the one they have in stock. They are identical other than the coloring differences. I personally like the look of both versions, but I don't know where the most current color (blue/grey) is available. You might need to contact Westcomb directly.

To add to what's been said...this tent would work in the summer, but there will be compromises. Some of these include: weight (although this tent isn't crazy heavy, there are 3 season tents that are half it's weight), ease of set up (it is a bomber tent, but can be a challenge to set up because it is made to withstand snow loads), doors are on the small side to keep spindrift (blowing snow) out, and ventilation in humid conditions might mean condensation. If you are wanting one tent for winter camping and summer camping, this tent is as good as you will find. For winter camping there isn't a better 2-man tent on the market, and winter is really where a quality tent becomes super important. I've used it in every season and have always come away impressed and proud to own one. One of the features I really like is the hooped vestibule which gives you a large space to store your pack, boots, wet gear, etc. without dragging them into the tent. As long as you understand some of the trade-offs, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

There are some compelling reasons why you would want to buy the new pump, but it isn't necessary. If the old pump is working then there's really no need to replace it. I would give the old pump a thorough inspection most especially looking at the O-rings (the big O-ring where the pump screws into the fuel bottle is the most critical). If you see any cracking of the rubber or any cracks on the pump itself I would replace it. This is not a warranty issue since it's most likely due to normal use. If you suspect it is a warranty issue, call Cascade Designs at (800) 505-9500 and they will issue you a Return Authorization Number. You will need to send it back and, after they inspect it, determine that it isn't a warranty issue then they will repair it for a reasonable fee. They can help you over the phone if you have specific questions...

The new pump will allow you to simmer better (not like a canister stove, but gives you one full rotation of adjustment vs. the old pump that gives you no rotation adjustment). It's also much more durable, won't spray fuel when you release the pressure after unscrewing it, and is much easier to maintain (no leather plunger). It also comes with a new windscreen which is a $10 value.

My opinion is the $35 for the new pump is money well spent and will upgrade your stove to the latest version of the Whisperlite. The most resent updates to the Whisperlite have to do entirely with the pump, not the stove.

When compared to the Denali Classics, MSR's entry level shoe, the 'new' binding on the Evo Ascent has a more durable polymer (vs. the hypalon-type material used on the Denali Classic) that's been proven in extreme temperatures and conditions. It allows the binding to remain flexible in super cold temps, it has a tendency to stand up allowing for easy entry, but it also collapses for easy packing. The texture on the bottom of the binding help to keep the foot from sliding as well.

The other benefit are the aluminum pieces that allow for easier strap adjustments. These are not only easier, but more securely hold the strap in place when things get wet and icy. The MSR Evo Ascents are one of the most durable and capable backcountry snowshoe you can buy...

Personally, I think the Hercules would be warmer, but I also think it's overkill for casual wear. With it's durable face material and performance fit, it's better suited as an active alpine climbing piece or backcountry mountaineering ski jacket. I would get the Atom for using it around town because it's lighter and doesn't necessarily need to be so durable. You can stuff the Atom in a small pack, it won't look so techy (something to consider when going to the grocery store), and it will give you all the warmth you need for wearing it around town. You will still have the outdoor look no doubt and I really like it because it could also be used as a lightweight dayhike or summer mountain backpacking jacket. The Hercules is really limited to fall/winter use. Just my opinion...

The way I look at a minivan, when compared to a car, is it has a ton more room to haul gear...and kids. So in that vein, no, it's not that dorky...

In regards to the whether or not the Quickback will fit a minivan, the answer is yes! It should fit nicely. In fact it's one of the easiest and quickest fitting strap-style bike carriers you can buy. It also comes with a security cable (has woven steel cables inside the nylon strap) to give it some security. The anti-sway holders are also a nice feature.

The weight listed actually is the minimum weight, or 'trail weight' often seen by other manufacturers. What this refers to is the weight of the poles, fly, and canopy (or main body of the tent). This weight does not include the stakes (some manufacturers include more stakes than others which doesn't make this a fair weight comparison...you should ALWAYS bring stakes to stake down your tent whether it be free standing or not). The reason manufacturers use this weight, along with the packaged weight, is so the consumer can compare the different weights consistently from one manufacturer to the next. A good example of this is a tent that might include a big, hefty owners manual that you would never take with you on a backpacking trip verses another tent on the sales shelf that has only a 3-fold pamphlet as the owners manual. It would be totally unfair to say the one with the big manual is heavier...therefore there are the two weights listed in most tent's specs. Again they are packaged weight and minimum, or trail, weight.

This weight does not include the footprint which is generally about 6 ounces. Therefore I would tack on 6 ounces to the total of the minimum weight to get a pretty good ballpark of how much the tent will weigh in your pack. Footprints are seldom included with the tent and are bought separately...a footprint is highly recommended because it will keep your tent investment in pristine condition. Footprints aren't necessarily needed for extra waterproofness however. They are there mainly to protect the floor from dirt, rocks, pine gum, etc. It's much less expensive to replace a footprint than the main body of the tent if the floor gets trashed...

It does! It comes with anti-sway mounting hardware that not only make it easier to secure the bikes, but keeps them in a fairly stable condition so they don't hit each other. Other manufacturers don't include this with their strap bike mounts which is a huge plus for Yakima.

The other great thing with this bike rack is how easy it is to mount to a car. In fact, it is the easiest on the market while inflicting the least amount of damage. Without even reading the directions, you'll have it on your car in a couple of minutes! It also comes with a security strap that has metal cable at it's core that locks the bikes and the bike rack to the car if you leave it for whatever reason. You're going to love the Quick Back 2!

Actually those three holes in the metal traction bars that run along the bottom of the shoe aren't meant to be used for foot size adjustments. If you do happen to force the Televator into one of these holes, the Televator won't work. The holes are there to accommodate different styles of snowshoes, not to be used as an adjustment. To help Cascade Designs in keeping costs down, they have one templet that's used to cut the traction bars on all models of MSR snowshoes.

Uh...not sure how to answer this? If you're serious, then I will tell you they are snowshoes. If you don't know what that is, I would recommend googling it.

MSR Denali Evo Ascents are on the intermediate/advanced spectrum of snowshoeing. So, if you like to climb, need durability, want to use more aggressive boots, traction is a must, and like the idea of extending your snowshoes based on the snow conditions and weight you're carrying, these snowshoes are the best available.

The 'short' size's torso length ranges from 14" to 18". The Regular size is from 18" to 22". The other critical consideration are waistbelt size and shoulder strap size. The best way to find this information is going to www.granitegear.com and clicking on the Nimbus Meridian Ki link. This will give all the sizes of waistbelts and shoulder straps. One thing to note is the women's waistbelt is curved inward to more closely resemble the angle of women's hips. This is good because more of the belt will contact the hips creating less pressure points. It will also help the pack from sliding down which puts more pressure on the shoulder straps. If fitted right, you won't find a more comfortable, durable, and lightweight pack available from anyone!

You should also check out the sponsored athlete section within Granite Gear's website (look at the very bottom). Here you will read about Justin Lichter who hiked 10,000 miles in one year using one pack, the Nimbus Meridian. It's the only pack every made to make this claim. The only issue Justin had with the pack was a couple of small holes chewed through by some mice. He had no issues with seams, zippers, webbing, or buckles. The foam was even in pretty good shape at the end. This is a really nice pack!

You shouldn't have any problems with your shoe size. This snowshoe will actually fit from women's size 4 to men's size 14. In a recent clinic, I had a woman with size 6 try on a pair to see if the Televator worked, which it did. The Televator doesn't need to be in the middle of the heel area, either. All it needs to do is give the user enough purchase to put weight on it. Obviously a shoe or boot with a very flexible sole will have problems with this. I would recommend using a hiking boot that contains a nylon or polyurethane shank, especially in the heel, to fully utilize the Televator.

If you are still concerned, the MSR Women's Lightning Ascent has a smaller binding than the Evo Ascent. This will work flawlessly with your size 6 foot :).

It depends on the car you drive. According to Yakima's Fit Guide, the most common size for a 48 inch crossbar is a 38 inch fairing. However there are numerous examples of different sizes (from 32" to 44") using a 48 inch crossbar depending on the car you drive...

You need the 44 inch fairing which fits the 58 inch bar. This should really cut down on any noise you're experiencing...

There is an incredible amount of marketing spin when it comes to w/b laminates. Gore-Tex would have you believe that it has the superior product as would eVent for obvious reasons. Based on the price of the garments offered from various manufacturers, if you're paying $400+ you had better be sure that you're getting the best, most capable piece made! Their entire reputation is dependent on how breathable their respective laminate is...

I would disagree, in part, to what the head of the Arc'teryx Soft Good Design guy has said. He has totally bought into Gore-Tex spin. The fact is the Sweating Hot Plate Test that Gore uses makes them look better. It's essentially a test done by using a porous metal plate that's heated allowing steam to work on the inside of the suspended material. This, in essence, shows how much water vapor can pass through the membrane at any given humidity level. As the steam passes through, it's resistance is recorded which gives it it's RET reading (the less resistance, the more breathable). The RET is a scale that lumps all w/b laminates into a series of categories starting with extremely breathable, then very breathable, then somewhat breathable, and so on. Gore-Tex ProShell and eVent fall into the Extremely Breathable Category, but doesn't give much detail other than that.

A better test is the DMPC (Dynamic Moisture Permeation Cell) Test developed by Dr. Gibson of the US Army. It essentially tests not only the inside humidity (Sweating Hot Plate Test only tests humidity INSIDE the jacket), but the outside humidity as well. It should be noted that there are ton of other variables, such as the face material and the person's metabolism, that can also effect the laminates breathability. Because of all these variables, the best test is the actual usage of the materials in real world conditions.

One erroneous comment made by Arc'teryx's Soft Good Designer is that eVent becomes contaminated over time with oils, This is simply false! They use an encapsulation technology that essentially coats all of the ePTFE nanofibers with an oleophobic (oil-hating) polymer. Gore-tex does this by using a hydrophilic (water loving), monolithic (solid) polyurethane membrane. The key here is that it's SOLID, meaning the water has to diffuse through the membrane. eVent on the other hand works because it is completely porous. There is no solid membrane holding back the vapor. This is the great secret! Therefore eVent will ALWAYS be more breathable than Gore-Tex until they can do away with the PU membrane! By the way, on the RET scale, eVent is 3-5 vs. Gore-Tex ProShell at 4-6.

What Dr. Gibson's findings showed eVent works from 30% (high humidity inside the jacket) to 200% (low or no humidity inside the jacket) better than Gore-Tex. The bottom line is you will feel clammy in a Gore-Tex shell and not so in an eVent one.

Event is simply more breathable! Companies can use any form of marketing they want, but in the end, the fact remains that eVent is the king of breathability, period.

Durability is a question and eVent hasn't been on the market long enough to show any superiority here. Gore-tex has been around for 30 years and has been shown to be very durable in extreme conditions. The question resides with the manufacturer. Westcomb uses a process which forces the glue through the membrane onto the face material when taping the jacket. It is incredibly durable and has seen very few delamination problems. Gore-tex's argument that over the course of time eVent clogs is simply false. There is simply no evidence of this. I put it to Gore-tex or Arc'teryx to show some real world data that would show this is the case. I call it marketing spin!

The two best manufacturers of outerwear currently are Arc'teryx (Gore-Tex) and Westcomb (eVent). You will see similar construction (i.e. 16th of an inch seem tolerance, narrow seam tape, 20-25 stitches per inch) and fit (both are the top of the pyramid in this aspect). If breathability is really important, and it should be, I would go with Westcomb! However, Arc'teryx has a huge selection of incredible jackets and outerwear that are all immaculately made. Where I agree with the Arc'Teryx Soft Goods Guy is in his comment that an 'important consideration in buying a jacket is Design, Construction, and Materials'. Other than using Gore-tex in materials, Arc'teryx has few rivals...Westcomb really being the only one (in my opinion).

There is a tremendous amount of information on the web concerning Gore-Tex and eVent. REI's Expert Advice under "Rainwear: How It Works" is one of the best I've found. They, of course, sell both Gore-Tex shells and eVent so you should expect a fair treatment of both products. They have also come to the conclusion that eVent is far more breathable. Get the Facts!!!

It won't. Currently it only works in round mugs. Hopefully there's a change coming...

Here are the DoubleDown 2's dimensions:

About 44” high & 28” extension from hitch bolt hole (13" when folded.) About 11.5” between back of mast and hitch bolt hole. Distance from the bolt hole to part of the rack nearest the vehicle is 9". Distance between arms is 12" (center to center).

The 'mast' is what you would call the upright element on the rack. So it looks like it's only 11.5" from the HITCH BOLT HOLE (not the 2" receiver face) and the MAST (or the upright element). I would measure from the hitch bolt hole to the outer surface of the spare tire to get the best idea whether the DoubleDown 2 will fit...

I would recommend the Evo Ascent snowshoes as they are tapered in back. The shape of the snowshoe can make a big difference in how well they walk. The Denali Ascents are awesome shoes, but for women, the shape of the Evo makes it much easier to walk in.

The Evo also gives you a better binding system making it easier to get in and out. The straps are easier to adjust as well (women's feet tend to be smaller than men's thus the necessity of adjusting the straps is more prevalent). The blue Evo Ascent was made available on MSR's snowshoe line because they felt it was the best, most aggressive, plastic snowshoe for women.

As far as size goes, the only smaller shoe would be a kids shoe. Twenty-two inches is the standard 'small' size available from most manufacturers (unless it's a running shoe or a kids shoe). If you want a narrower snowshoe, then the MSR Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe might be a better choice...

The initial picture is wrong. The 4 detailed pictures are the correct tent. If you'll notice, the detailed pictures show only two poles that intersect at the top. There is no 'hub' on this tent, only two carbon fiber poles. Thus it is not freestanding because it has to be staked out in order for it to stay upright.

Having said that, I've used this tent in some pretty severe conditions. The most severe was at Ticomb Basin in the Wind Rivers. Here it blew on average of about 30 miles an hour and snowed on us as well. However, when this tent is staked out, it is almost immovable. The carbon fiber poles are stiffer than aluminum and the materials are similar to those used by both the standard Hubba Hubba and Hubba Hubba HP. For the weight, there isn't a better tent that is as weather proof nor as roomy.

I call this tent a 'semi-freestanding tent' because I believe the best features of a freestanding tent is that you can shake it out before packing it up and move it to the best campsite after setting it up. All tents need to be staked, period. Most non-freestanding tents collapse onto themselves making it hard to move once set up and shake out after when needing to pack it up. The Carbon Reflex 2 Tent can be shook before packing and moved once set up. However it has to be staked out to be useable...

This is a an excellent tent, super lightweight, very weatherproof, easy to set up, and very durable for as light as it is (has a 10,000mm coated floor). No compromises here...

These would be excellent snowshoes for her! They are one of the best backcountry snowshoe options available (the other being the MSR Women's Lightning Ascents). They offer incredible traction, indestructibility, bindings that fit hiking boots to heavy winter boots, are field maintainable, and have the option to put on a 'tail' in deeper snow. These tails extend the snowshoe's length thus giving it more surface area for deeper snow...something often found in the backcountry (especially between trees). These require specific Evo Tails, not Denali Tails and come in one size (6 inch).

The other option is the Denali Evo Ascents. These are identical to the Evo's, but give the user a heel riser making it significantly easier to climb steeper terrain. I always recommend this feature to people because it really works and can make the difference in a long backcountry hike while climbing extended hills. When not needed, the heel riser simply folds down out of the way.

These snowshoes are also unisex, but are better for women than the MSR Denali Classics due to their taper in the rear. For women, a narrow tail is really important as this will greatly increase their walking comfort over the course of a few miles. The MSR Evo (only come in red) and MSR Evo Ascents (come in baby blue and black) are MSR's best women's plastic shoes.

Arc Teryx searches the globe to find new materials that distinguishes them above other outerwear companies. This vigilance also costs more money, but more often than not the result is a product that is the best of class in the category.

Although I don't own an Atom Jacket, I've checked it out pretty thoroughly and am quite impressed. The outer material (Luminara Nylon) is simply a high-tenacity, tightly woven 20D material that has a great hand. It felt like it had enough durability to withstand some backcountry use, although it still needs to be treated fairly nice.

The Coreloft Insulation is something I had never heard of, but I don't think it's proprietary to ArcTeryx. There was a hang tag listing what it's comprised of, but I don't know who is making it? It's essentially a combination of Primaloft (short staple fibers) and Polarguard or Climashield (Continuous Filaments) thus giving it both the softness of down (Primaloft) but giving it the added durability that plagues Primaloft (Polarguard). The jacket also had stretch panels and had an excellent fit including articulated, curved sleeves. For an ultra-light synthetic piece, I haven't seen it's equal (the closest being Montbell's ThermaWrap Jackets).

If you decide to go with this pack (I wouldn't recommend it) I would also recommend getting it in the Magnesium Gray color as this will draw much less attention to you and will be more conservative as required by the Church. I'm thinking the biggest problem you will face is theft. As many who have served missions in US cities knows, missionaries draw a lot of attention. I would be wary of getting something that looks expensive or is desirable by malcontents. There will be plenty of time after your mission to get the cool gear. Besides just think how much better it will be when you get the better pack after using a lesser pack for two years? I call this the 'Huffy' principle.

I would look for a general backpack with descent shoulder straps and large YKK branded (size 10) zippers (most common failure are the zippers). I would check out the North Face Daypacks on this site. They use YKK size 10 zippers. I would also get one that is black with the least amount of 'flash' possible. Don't go to Walmart or Target either. I would stick to a specialty outdoor shop or a good outdoor website (like backcountry.com) to find this type of pack. I guarantee after a few months in the field whatever kind of pack you have won't matter much as long as the zippers still work and it is fairly comfortable to carry. Just my two cents. Good luck on your mission!

They do. The universal mounting hardware on the Powderhound will fit the factory rack of the Subaru Forester. If you don't have a factory rack (naked roof), you will need Q-Towers, clips, and bars along with the Powderhound accessory. The Forester's factory siderails and crossbars are pretty strong so, if you have these, all you need to buy is either the Powderhound (only carries 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards) or Big Powderhound (carries 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards). I would recommend going with the Big Powderhound as you will regret not having the ability to carry more skis at some point.

You're in luck! The new Powderhounds are currently shipping with lock cores! These are included in the package and are super easy to install.

I would recommend getting a new pump. If anything is broken on the original pump it should be considered unserviceable and discarded. The reason is you are dealing with a very volatile fuel (white gas) and fire. If any of the fuel leaks out or the pump doesn't seal properly to the stove, you risk having the whole thing light up like a Christmas tree. I've seen it and it's not pretty. There are some neat advantages in getting the new pump anyway. For one, it's more durable. Two, it gives you better simmering capability, and three, it comes with a brand new windscreen. It's well worth the money and will update your Whisperlite significantly. It is one of the few upgrades that is strongly recommended. The Standard Pump is what you want...

Though this stove looks like it would work as a tent heater, DON'T DO IT! Most would set the heat to low (this stove burns very hot) which is the worst possible setting because this is where it puts out the most carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the lungs which results in suffocation). The reason is the flame has to get above 3,000 degrees F in order for the heat to bond carbon molecules creating carbon dioxide (harmless gas). Thus, on LOW, the Reactor puts out enough carbon monoxide to be worrisome and is seriously not recommended. Even inside a vestibule you have to make sure you have adequate through ventilation. For the record, MSR strongly recommends not using the Reactor inside an enclosure. It is up to you if you wish to follow this advice or not. If you do, use on HIGH as this will put off more carbon dioxide and less carbon monoxide.

The MSR Lightning and Lightning Ascent snowshoes are designed to bite into the side of the hill when traversing. Because of the thin frame, you get much more penetration into the snow (even hard snow) than the tube of the Atlas snowshoes. Because of this, Atlas decided to allow their binding some movement. MSR felt that a more stable, solid pivot was important and to allow the snowshoe's frame to sink deeper into the snow.

One unique feature of the Lightning snowshoes is that the whole frame articulates allowing some movement to occur, kind of like a suspension for your snowshoes. This is far different from a standard tube-style snowshoe which doesn't flex at all. So, essentially, MSR has moved the flexing from the binding and pivot (no flex) to the frame (flex), unlike Atlas which engineered their snowshoes to allow the binding to flex but not the frame. I personally feel that it is a huge benefit that the binding and pivot are solidly set into the snowshoe without movement vs. it moving or flexing. This makes controlling the snowshoe much easier (i.e. side stepping, backing up, getting up after a fall, etc.).

Also worth mentioning is the incredible traction you get with the Lightning snowshoes when compared with any other snowshoe on the market. Because it mimics a cookie cutter when slicing into the snow, you simply don't slip. Rather than relying on a couple of sets of crampons riveted on to the bottom, the Lightning's frame acts as the crampon. Nothing compares! So for traversing a snowy slope and climbing up a steep hill, even in powder snow, there is not a better snowshoe on the market!

Yes, the E-Wing could be used as an emergency poncho as it does have a hood. It is made to be an emergency shelter and isn't designed to take prolonged downpours (ie. seams aren't taped and the material is uncoated SilNylon). I've used it in light shower situations and have even been in heavy rain, although for only about 30 minutes. I didn't experience any severe leaks and was pleasantly surprised. It's super easy to set up and can be configured in many different ways. I think it's a must for anyone who doesn't want to carry a full shelter and uses trekking poles. Perfect for long dayhikes and summer weekend backpack trips (making sure the weather will be at least moderately good) where weight and pack size is critical...

I weighed my Specter LT Hooded Jacket size medium on a Sunbeam SP5 Electronic Scale and it came to 11.3 ounces (320 Grams). I absolutely love this jacket, not only for it's light weight, but excellent hood and fit. I can wear it by itself, but it also allows me to layer without feeling constricted. Obviously the Event 3-Ply material breaths exceptionally well which makes it an everyday jacket for me. Well worth the money...

It's true...over time you will save money going with a liquid fuel stove vs. a canister stove. Liquid fuel stoves also work much better when it gets really cold. Normally you don't have to prime the WindPro, but the cool thing about it is that it can be primed when you flip the canister over, sending liquid Propane/Isobutane fuel into the generator tube. The challenge is making sure the canister remains up-side-down.

I love the WindPro and believe it's MSR's best all-around stove. It's great for car-camping, weekend camping, 3 season backpacking (light and compact), and winter camping (ability to flip the canister up-side-down). I also like that it's a 'satellite' stove in that the canister isn't directly connected to the stove which allows you to use a windscreen (wind is the biggest nemesis in terms of efficiency and boil times with any backpacking stove). This is an exception, rather than the rule, compared to most canister stoves. Most canister stoves are the 'sit-on-top' type.

If you want a stove that will last you many years and will work in super cold temps consistently, along with the added benefit of saving money over time by using white gas, I would get a Whisperlite. However if flame control, lightweight, ease of use, and less mess are really important to you, important enough to cover the fact that it won't work as well in super cold weather and the fuel is far more expensive, I would go with the WindPro.

The proper nesting size of deep-dish plate for the Base 2 Pot Set is the small size. The medium and large are made for the MSR Flex Cookset.

They are not. The total volume of each is 12.5 ounces, but there is no calendaring inside the mug. For what it's worth, the strength of this mug is how it fits in your hand. I personally feel it's much better than a handle and will fit small and large hands just the same. I also like that it's just as light as my titanium double wall mug and insulates very well.

MSR recommends these shoes be used by children (or adults) that weigh up to 90 lbs. According to MSR, these snowshoes will fit foot sizes from size 7.5 to 13.5 (adults from 1 to 4.5).

The thing that makes these so great for kids is that they are easy to get on and once on (if properly secured), won't need to be readjusted or messed with. They track very well and the kids soon don't even notice they are on their feet. This is in contrast to the 'toy' type shoes that mimic 'paw-prints' etc. Paw-Print-type shoes use cheaper plastics, aren't as secure, and are too wide as the child will be constantly stepping on them. The Tykers are much narrower and thus allow the child to run, change directions, and, with the incredible traction for a kids shoe, climb just about anything.

The Length of this shoe is 17 inches (43.2cm).

I'm not trying to be anal or anything, but after measuring it, I actually got 9cm (a little under 3.5in) tall and a diameter of 12.2cm (4.75in). This more precise measurement may mean the difference, or it may not. If not, no worries...

The Apex Pro uses smaller CR123 Lithium batters whereas the Regular Apex uses 4 AA batteries. There are pros and cons to both.
Apex Pro:
Pros - Having a smaller battery pack (CR123 batteries are 3V vs. AA's which are 1.5V...this allows the Pro to put out just as much light using two significantly smaller batteries), cold weather performance due to the lithium batteries, carrying spares aren't a big deal, no need to use the center strap.
Cons - Batteries wear out faster, only one battery option.

Apex:
Pros - Longer battery output, multiple battery options (lithium, rechargeable, alkaline).
Cons - Heavier battery Pack, carrying extra batteries can be heavy, bulkier, must use the included middle strap in order for it not to slip down on the head.

Both lights put out the exact same lumens (130 Lumens is incredibly bright)!

The MSR Whisperlite will fit inside the pot, but not with everything else inside. I would recommend the MSR Base 2 Pot Set as an alternative. It uses a better teflon coating and the silicon enamel is incredibly durable. As well the Talon Pot Holder is much better at controlling the pot when it's full of boiling water than the Pinnacle's handle...

The 20 inch chair weighs in at 10.5 ounces and the 25 inch chair is 12.6 ounces.

These pots are not made to stack, but rather be a standalone option. Many backcountry users require only one pot, particularly to boil water with, and therefore do not need multiple stacking pots.

If you are interested in buying a stainless steel stackable cookset, I would go with the MSR Alpine Gourmet. It uses the same materials, but has multiple pots that do stack.

The Stowaway Pots are made for years of heavy use. Their stainless steel nature and solid construction give them top-of-class durability. They are premium in every sense of the word. The stainless steel material also gives limited non-stick qualities and good cooking performance, unlike titanium. They have remained on MSR's lineup of cookware for so long because they simply work well.

I just weighed the 2.5L Base 2 Pot with the lid and Talon Potlifter on a Sunbeam SP5 Scale and it came to 10.7 ounces (303 grams).

Short answer: yes:)...

More detailed answer: This pad is made up of durable (not-puncture proof but abrasive and tear resistant) nylon outer material bonded to open-cell foam. When it's rolled up and the valve closed, the foam is collapsed (similar to a scrunched up sponge). When unrolled and the valve is open, the air rushes in as the foam expands thus allowing it to self-inflate. The Thermarest Trail Pro Pad does this exceptionally well because of it's two inches of foam. You should see full inflation in about 10 minutes IF it is stored properly prior to use (unrolled with valve open). If the pad feels to soft after fully inflated, it is perfectly fine to blow in a couple of breaths. I usually fill it up a bit more firm than what is comfortable and then lay on it, releasing the air slightly until I hit the "sweet spot" or, in other words, the perfect amount of comfort. This is very hard to do in an air-only mattress...

Once you get the pad, take it out of the package, unroll, and let sit for 24 hours with the valve open. This will allow the foam to regain it's memory and work properly.

It actually closes by folding down the opening similar to a dry bag. The proper way is folding it three times which will give it extremely good water resistance (IPX7 or 1 meter of water for 30 minutes waterproofness). It also makes it easy to get the pad in and out. This is much easier than a zipper and much more water resistant than a draw string.

Manufacturing changes often from place to place, but because Coleman has been manufacturing for many years in China, I would believe their website. The worry is if it's a quality factory or one that doesn't uphold good manufacturing principles. I suspect because of Coleman's longtime relationship with many of the factories that it knows how to play the game and produce excellent goods coming from there.

I have a big problem with China made goods myself. It's becoming more and more a concern for me...

I would be very wary of using any fuel besides white gas. The Whisperlite International was made for this reason (which I'm sure you're aware of at this point). The problem is two fold: one, the generator tube (tube you see looping up in the burner head) is too small and will clog very easily with dirty fuels (like diesel, unleaded gas, etc.). The other reason is the jet (small brass unit inside the stove that allows it to vaporize the fuel via a very small hole) is made only for White Gas. Other fuels require different sized jet holes to work.

Varsol is a solvent and can put off extremely toxic smoke. It is a clean burning substance, similar to Naptha, but because it has aromatic substances, can be very dangerous to inhale.

Although Varsol won't ruin the stove, it could be deadly if inhaled. I would not burn Varsol in the Whisperlite.

You could get away with that depending on the width of the board. However, because of the lightweight materials, it isn't designed to take the abuse of the snowboard's edges. A better option may be the Granite Gear Flash due to it's much more durable materials. It uses the same suspension as the Vapor Meridian and they do have a women's version. I would check out http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/vaporflashki.html for more details and to find a dealer.

I don't think you could make a better choice in a thru-hike lightweight, but durable, pack. The Vapor version is identical to the Nimbus version except the suspension isn't as robust. Other than that it uses the same materials and construction. The Nimbus Meridian was used by Justin (aka. Trauma) who hiked, in one year, all three major thru-hikes (AT, PCT, CDT) and even did the extended version of the AT (from Quebec to Key West, FL)! This he did with only one pack and the only damage was a small hole in a side pocket put their by a hungry rodent. All in all, he hiked 10,000 miles in about 364 days (averaging 30 miles a day). I've checked this pack out, and although it is discusting because all of the sweat and salt stains, it's in almost perfect shape!

The Nimbus Meridian is the only pack ever made to make this claim. The Vapor Meridian is up for the challenge!

The company McNett makes Marizyme and can be found usually at most outdoor gear stores. If you don't have one in you area, online is a great place to find and order it. Here is the link to McNett that has a dealer look-up link (http://www.mcnett.com/MiraZyme-Enzyme-Based-Odor-Eliminator-P170.aspx). Hopefully this helps!

The problem with washing your tent in a washing machine (especially in a oscillating machine) is it could do some serious damage to the tent due to the soaps and violent cycles (a washing machine doesn't know when to quit:)). I know you mentioned your friend used a front loading machine, which is much better, but there could still be risks damaging the materials and construction. NEVER put it in the dryer!

There are many different ways of cleaning your tent. One way is hosing it down (or hand washing it outside), finding the dirt marks that won't wash off, and, using a nylon brush, lightly scrub them away. If you have traces of mildew or a particularly smelly tent, soaking it in a solution of Marizyme (a product that uses active enzymes to eat away mildew) is your best option.

The thing that fails the most on tents are the zippers and the Hubba Hubba is not immune to this. If you've been in a sandy or windy environment with lots of dust in the air, maintaining the zippers is critical. My recommendation here is to clean the zipper with a mild soap and nylon brush and then lube them with a silicon (can find tubes of this in hardware stores). Silicone won't attract as much dirt as wax and is much less toxic to the plastic teeth than other types of lube. Silicon will create far less friction for the slider as you zip it up and down.

Simply put, by hand washing using a soft nylon brush, soaking it down with mild detergent (dishwashing soap), Nikwax Tech Wash or similar soap, etc, and then maintaining the zippers as described above will help keep your tent clean and well maintained for many years to come. I know this is takes much more effort than using a washing machine, but you will have far more piece of mind and much less risk in damaging your investment.

It will. A better option however is the MSR Titan Kettle. The reason is because it has a lid. You can use the Titan Kettle as a cup, bowl, or to boil water. It's the perfect companion to the Pocket Rocket.

The other great thing about the Titan Kettle is that it not only will fit the Pocket Rocket inside, but a 4oz. canister if you put the Pocket Rocket in first. The lid fits on tightly and you've got a perfect set-up that's a whole half-pound lighter than JetBoil!

This depends on a number of things. The first thing to consider is the water your filtering from. Certain lake water and high sedimented water will cause the filter to slow down much faster than clear mountain river water. This will greatly reduce the amount of water that can be filtered. The other thing to consider is how often it is cleaned. Often this isn't done enough and can also reduce the filter's life. The key is as soon as you see water come out of the pressure spout, it needs to be cleaned.

Generally speaking, it will filter about 250 gallons. For most people this means it needs to be replaced about every two years. However if it's used every weekend for an entire summer, you may need to replace it 2-3 times a season, again depending on how its maintained and what kind of water is being filtered.

Fortunately there are other methods of lighting a stove without a lighter. I would recommend windproof and waterproof matches (REI branded have worked well for me). I also like the spark lighters like Light My Fire. With the Reactor, all you need is a spark.

The reason why MSR didn't include a auto ignition is for a couple of reasons. One, it simply ISN'T reliable. If the ignitor gets wet, it won't work. They easily break as well. A major worry of MSR's is that people will look to it as their sole way of lighting the stove inwhich it will inevitably fail.

The second reason why MSR won't put it on their stove is that they eventually wear out. Because it would be permanent component on the stove, the thought of it wearing out in a few years doesn't jive with their idea of quality. MSR is working hard on other auto ignition technologies and may have something in the future. However, it is a far better idea and much more reliable to depend on an outside source for ignition.

Cascade Designs makes an Urban Backpack Organizer that fits on the plastic framesheet inside the pack. You can see it here: http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/urban/urban-backpack-organizer/product. It allows the user to keep small stuff that would rattle around the bag more organized like pens and pencils, small notebooks, media, and keys. It's super easy to access inside the bag and makes the Urban Backpack much more versatile.

This pack is awesome! It's incredibly durable (600D welded fabric), simple, easy to open and close, and comfortable. Highly recommended!

Yes, it still is! Even the closed-cell foam comes from the states.

This is not made to go in a camp fire! The threads on the lid are plastic and the base is rubber. Obviously both of these would melt and ruin the bottle. The finish will also melt away.

It's a unique bottle due to it's shape and other features (rubber bottom, square and round shape making it easy to grip, the 'Stanley' quality finish, etc.). Highly recommended...

Hopefully this will answer some of your questions:
A) This tent is almost identical to the Moss Little Dipper, one of the strongest and most weatherproof tents ever produced. The reason I mention that is because of the guy-out loops it used and which are also used on the StormKing. They allow you to use cordage, or for the absolute worst conditions, climbing rope up to 11mm. There are three separate guy-out loops on each side of the tent that can be used to anchor it down. There are also several more throughout the fly which are pretty obvious and have reflective piping making it easy to find in a white-out.

This tent is very taught and is very much snow worthy. For a five man tent, I don't think you'll find anything more snow load proof. It's huge hooped vestibule will swallow up the largest packs and winter gear and everything about this tent screams winter! As you can see, it only uses pole sleeves, not clips, for the best pitch possible. The floor is super durable and has a 10,000mm coating, one of the best in the industry.

B) This tent is fully capable of experiencing the worst weather right out of the bag! All the seams are taped and it has gone through rigorous testing before it's shipped off. The only thing I would suggest is setting it up a couple of times before going out. This will help you get familiar with it if the weather gets bad or if you run out of light. It really isn't that difficult to set up, but with seven separate poles, it is more challenging than a 3-season tents.

There are very few tents that compare to the StormKing!

It will if you have a 1" 1/4 or a 2" hitch. That's the beauty of a hitch-mounted bike carrier. It will fit most vehicles if it has a hitch installed. If you don't, a good place to get one is the local U-Haul. They will do it for around $250-$300.

I also like hitch-mounted bike carriers because they can be put on and taken off fairly easy. The anti-sway attachments Yakima uses are the best available. This is an awesome product and a good reason why it's the best selling hitch bike carrier on the market!

I put my hydration reservoir on top of the pack between the toplid and the main pack body. First I close off the main pack with the draw string and then position the reservoir on top while the top lid, cinched down, holds it all together. What this does is helps to keep the water flowing (the outlet is higher than in a dedicated hydration pocket therefore the water flows easier) and is easier to fill on the trail. I have never had a leaking Big Zip when closed properly. And with the new closer system, this is easier than ever. I think you'll like this set up.

I wouldn't recommend using it as a ground cloth due to it's non-coated and super light weight material. It will wear out super fast. The best use is for moderate rainfall protection and sun protection. Once up, it will cover two sleeping bags and not much more. It's real intent is to be used as an emergency shelter (thus the 'E' in E-Wing). It can be used as an ultralight wing in desert conditions, but any super heavy rainfall will cause it to leak.

I've used this wing several times with excellent results. If used in the right conditions, it will give you just enough shelter to not worry. I live in the Rocky Mountain region of the country and often hike in desert conditions.

The hard anodization used by MSR on the Reactor Pot creates a surface similar to that of stainless steel as far as scratch resistance in concerned. That's the benefit of quality hard anodized aluminum cookware is that you essentially get stainless steel durability (in terms of surface damage, not denting) without the weight penalties of stainless. You can use any kind of utensil you want.

You're in luck! MSR has an unlimited lifetime warranty on the poles! Simply go to www.msrgear.com and go to the bottom of the page where there's a link to 'Warranty & Repair'. Click on this and follow the instructions. They will probably have you send in the whole pole set and and then replace the one that's broken. You should expect a 2-4 week turn-around time.

No... at least it's not made to. It might fit in the larger pot of the Quick 2, but not in the smaller pot.

There are a number of things better and some that are not as good. First the better... One of the things about chemicals is the fresher they are, the more potent they are. Because the user is creating the chemical on the spot he/she will have a far more potent chemical than one contained in a pill because of the radical oxidants that linger after it's created. The pill also has a shelf life (about 5 years in it's package). This is never a concern with the MIOX Purifier. MIOX is also a liquid which is more easily dissipated or dissolved in the water than a pill. The chemical produced by the MIOX (MIOX stands for Mixed Oxidants which include carbon dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorus acid, etc.) is more effective in ridding it of pathogens and pesticides than the pill which only contains carbon dioxide or iodine. The MIOX solution is also much safer. If, for instance, you where to digest the pill, it would make you pretty sick (think kids). It can also burn your skin if it's wet and exposed to the pill directly. MIOX can be consumed without much adverse effect and it can be exposed to skin without burning. MIOX can also be used to disinfect wounds, clean contaminated vegetables (often found in third world country street markets), adds an anti-microbial coating to the inside of the water container which it treats along with the water, and is as effective, and in certain conditions, more effective, in killing Giardia and Chryptosporidium (much more than idodine). The pill can only treat water. The above reasons make it more versatile than even a pump filter. It has approximately the same dwell time as a carbon dioxide pill as well (app. 30 minutes for Giardia, bacteria, virus', and 4 hours for crypto). MIOX can be used for large quantities of water where a pill is only made for solo use. The MIOX is the only chemical treatment available which can be tested to make sure there is enough chemical added to the water using the included chlorine strips. Over time, MIOX is far less expensive than any other type of water treatment available.

Disadvantages include size and weight (pills are much lighter and smaller than the MIOX Purifier). However, you can produce enough chemical to put into a small vial which will last about 9 days if you don't want to take the unit itself (the unit only weighs 3.5 ounces). Pills are less complicated to use in that you only need to drop one in a liter of water. The MIOX does take a little more effort, but it is fool-proof to operate. There is little to go wrong with a pill whereas the MIOX is an electronic piece of equipment. However, you must be sure the pill is not too old.

That should give you some things to consider. I personally use the MIOX and found it to be very reliable and easy to use. I have never gotten sick even though I've treated some pretty disgusting water! I have total faith that it works.

Included are 10 GroundHog II Stakes, a descent roll of guy out cord (not enough to completely guy it out, but enough to anchor the fly to the ground), a full-cover fly which includes a hooped vestibule, but no footprint.

The only thing you will need to buy (other than the tent itself) is a StormKing Footprint from the items on your list.

It depends upon your needs. There are many pads available, far more than ever! I would list what you want in a pad, or what's more important to you. In my opinion, the best all-around Thermarest pad is the Trail Pro. It's thick at 2 inches (for a self-inflatable, this is the thickest available for a true backpacking mattress), it's durable, it's light (2lbs for the men's regular), and it's a Thermarest! The thing that separates Thermarest from everyone else is quality. They've been making pads by hand for 35 years and have perfected the process. They are the original and will last a lifetime.

If you want an ultra-light pad, the NeoAir is the best available (although it isn't self-inflatable). If you want the most comfortable, the DreamTime is the best. There are many things to consider, but the Trail Pro is your best bet for all-around performance.

No. This is the best way to store the pad if you want optimum performance (meaning if you want it to inflate super fast), but storing it rolled up will not void the warranty. There are other things that will void it like leaving it in a hot car, putting hot items like pots of boiling water on it, using it to ward of a bear attack, using it to slide down a scree slope, etc., but leaving it rolled up is not one of these.

FYI, If you do have it rolled up for an extended period of time and want to 'revive' it, simply blow as much air into it as you can and leave it overnight. This will help the foam regain it's lost memory and allow it to inflate at it's fasted rate. Unlike popular myths, Thermarest mattresses won't lose their self-inflating capabilities by storing them rolled up. They are not like sleeping bags that if left stuffed in small stuff sacks will lose their loft. Thermarest self-inflatable mattresses can be revived...

It should work. You won't use the top large red O-ring, but instead the EX cartridge has a welded on rubber assembly that takes it's place. You still need the bottom red O-ring however. The repair kit should contain all the replacement parts for the old and new filters. For example, the old filter used a small blue ball instead of the duck bill valve in the new filter. Both are contained in the repair kit.

Yes they come as a set of 4 in a zippered nylon mesh bag. The other Granite Gear Booties (Endurance and G4) come in sets of 2.

One of the best features of this pack, but one that must be understood, is it's weight. Because it weighs in at right around 2 lbs it requires the user to understand it's limitations. It also is a top load only pack meaning you can only load it from the top. Other packs have the ability to load from the side or middle via a zippered opening. The durability of the pack is less than other more robust packs to keep the weight down. Having said that, for a ultra-light pack, the Vapor Trail is one of the most durable. It is truly a minimalistic pack that should be understood. If you get it, meaning if you have other ultra-light gear and understand the whole lightweight backpacking method then this pack is one of the best. However, if you are just wanting a pack to get started into backpacking, I would probably recommend other, more durable and traditional, packs that would better serve your needs.

The MSR Miniworks EX Filter will screw onto the opening of the Cloudliner Hydration Bag. This makes it one of the best ways to fill up your hydration reservoir.

Yes it does. I own this stove and have been impressed by it.. It is very hot and the built in cup/windscreen that surrounds the flame seems to work very well. It's also very well made. My two complaints are that it really uses up the fuel and it can be challenging to prime. Although one of it's major selling points (this stove bypasses the 'yellow' priming flame stage), it can be tricky to get it going. I would recommend practicing and understanding this stove before taking it out in the backcountry. An easier white gas stove to use, and lighter weight, is the MSR Simmerlite. The easiest priming stove on the planet is the MSR DragonFly. Both these stoves have proven their reliability over many years of hard use. The DragonFly is my current favorite liquid fuel stove.

Not necessarily, but I would use wise judgement when driving. You should easily be able to drive the speed limit on a freeway (75mph) without any problems. If there are crosswinds, I would be careful to make sure they boats are tied down very securely. If you feel good about how they are tied down, you shouldn't have any issues with driving speeds.

The HullRaiser will support the weight, but you need to make sure your factory rack will. I would recommend checking the weight limit on your Ford Explorer's factory rack to make sure it isn't exceeded by the weight of the two kayaks. If it doesn't you should be fine. Yakima warns against overloading your factory rack which should be your primary concern here.

All it requires is the recommended factory rack found in the Fit Guide (you can also check out www.yakima.com and click on the 'Fit My Car' link). The benefit of the LowRider and new RailGrab is they install fairly effortlessly on your car's factory tracks or rails, no clips required. The only thing to consider are the SKS lock cores that add a tremendous amount of security. Not included are a set of crossbars which completes the package. It's what I have on my Subaru and I couldn't be happier!

The problem with getting a shoe that has a Gore-Tex membrane is that they will hold water as well as they repel water. What you want in a water shoe is one that allows the water to escape thus giving it the ability to dry out faster. A shoe with a membrane will cause the water to be retained adding to the likely hood of developing blisters and the uncomfortableness of constantly wet feet. Gore-tex running shoes are intended to keep dew and light rain and snow from creeping in, not necessarily for walking in water. If the question is if they'll hold up to constant exposure to water, I think they would be fine. But once water gets inside, you will be wearing essentially plastic bags on your feet...

Currently Yakima doesn't have a Fit Clip that will work on your car. You do have a few options though. One, custom rack system. This needs to be done by a custom rack shop (i.e. Rack Attack) which will allow you to use a full Yakima rack and all the accessories. It's quick and painless and usually ups the resale value of your car (warning: do not do this on your own! It needs to be done by a certified custom rack installer). The other option is Yakima's new Rack & Roll Trailer (you will need a hitch installed). This trailer is awesome and allows you to put anything you would on your roof on the trailer. It's essentially a roof rack made into a trailer. The benefits are more aerodynamic, easier to get on and off than on the roof, and you can fit more on the trailer. You should check it out on Yakima.com. If you don't want a custom rack or a trailer, you can check back regularly on yakima.com and hit the link 'Fit My Car' for any updates.

First off, this jacket is incredibly well made with amazing detail! Having inspected mine, I do notice a slight stiffened collar, but it's not so stiff as to make it uncomfortable or unwieldy. In fact, the first time I realized that it was a slight bit stiffer is upon inspecting it after reading your question... The Vapor's material has a much softer hand (far less stiff) than the Mirage and thus won't be as stiff in the collar. This is an incredible shell and currently my favorite! The look of the haring bone material and the fit are the best I've ever owned! The fact that it is a 3-ply eVent jacket is awesome! There are so many details both inside and out and set it apart from other high-end shells and makes it one of the best of it's kind money can buy!

It's glass. I own this lantern and really like it, but would benefit from having a mesh shield. Having said that the glass shield has not shown any signs of wear or breakage through some pretty rough backpacking trips. In lighting the mantle, I have burned marks into the glass shield which is kind of annoying (can't clean them off). I would recommend lighting the mantle without placing the glass shield over it until the mantle's ready to be used. This will keep the burn marks from appearing...

The reason for the Prolite XS is for uber-weight conscious backpackers (those wanting to keep their pack weight from 5-10lbs). The XS weighs in at 8oz, is 36 inches long, and 20 inches wide. Cascade Designs brought this to market in response to the cottage industry's fanaticism to the ultra-light category. The small is 11oz, 47 inches long and 20 inches wide. I would recommend getting the XS only if you need the most minimalistic amount of comfort.

Absolutely! Obviously you might have to let out some air to get it into the chair, and, based on it's increased thickness over a traditional Thermarest pad, it will be more difficult to put all together, but it will work! I would recommend the Compack Chair by Thermarest if you like the NeoAir. It is the half the weight of the Trekker Chair (6oz vs. 10 oz), but a little less durable. They both work the same however.

I wouldn't recommend storing them for more than 3 years. More than this and you risk leaking canisters, deteriorating valves, and a loss of pressure in the canister.

Actually this pad does not come with a stuff sack. Cascade Designs sells their stuff sacks separately because they are good enough to be considered by themselves as a high-end piece of gear. Thermarest stuff sacks are very well made and have a lifetime warranty and many awesome features including a daisy chain, high quality materials and construction, and the right fit for the specific pad. Although they are an added expense, you should feel a little at ease that you know your pad will be protected with a stuff sack that should last as long as the pad does...

Depends on what your using it for. If it's being used as a downhill ski jacket where you anticipate glancing by trees or getting snagged on branches, then it will tear. If you plan on rock climbing with it and expect to abrade it on rock, it will show signs of wear. However, if you are using it as a lightweight backpacking jacket and are not hard on your gear this jacket should last many years.

I'm one who believes breathability (i.e. comfort) is key and this jacket just wouldn't cut it for me. I've owned a few eVent jackets that are far superior in breathability to anything else...much better than HyVent DT and even including Gore Tex, EVent can be expensive, but worth it in my opinion...

As you mentioned, the noise is greatly reduced by the sleeping bag. I consider myself a fairly light sleeper, especially while camping and I have never noticed the noise in the three or so weeks worth of use. I love this pad more for it's comfort than anything else. I have never slept better and the noise generated doesn't seem to overwhelm the comfort this pad affords. I would highly recommend it!

It all depends on your metabolism. If you're a warm sleeper, this could work as a winter pad, however, I would caution you against it. I personally have slept on a Prolite 3 in winter without issue, although I was a little chilly (acceptable to me due to the size and weight of the pad). The NeoAir will be similar. A better option would be a NeoAir and a Z-Lite in combination. Both would weigh less than a standard pad, and having two insulative barriers will increase the R-Value. As well, the Z-Lite can't puncture so even if the NeoAir does, you will still be left with some insulation. Having the two will give you about a 5 R-Value. This would work for me in most conditions.

It would fit the Men's Prolite Reg and maybe even the Men's Prolite Plus Reg as well. It's really meant for ultralite down sleeping bags, jackets, and other clothing. I use it for my Marmot Hydrogen Sleeping bag and the larger size for a 10degree Moonstone down bag. They work very well and one of the best luxuries I carry, especially due to the fact that I need a stuff sack anyway.

The way you can tell whether you have the old pot vs. the new one is how the shroud is welded on. If you notice 6-8 tac welds, then it is the old pot. However, if you see a continuous, very small weld around the circumference of the pot, then it is the new one. Another way to determine old vs. new is the heatsink which will be welded on on the new pot and forged on the old. You're pretty safe in getting a new stove/pot since the last old stove to go out was last year (2008)...

Yep. Not only Jetboil, but MSR, Primus, Snowpeak, Coleman, and Brunton cansiters will work.

Based on Cascade Designs excellent durability, you will not see air leaking out of this pad over the life of the pad! One of the things Cascade Designs does with every single pad before it leaves the factory is fill it up with air near it's bursting threshold using an air compressor and leaves it for 48 hours on a padded shelf. Over the course of these two days, it is monitored by several people using calipers to make sure it's thickness remains the same. If it passes this last QC test, it is then packed and made ready to ship. No other company takes this drastic step to make sure each pad holds air before leaving the factory. You won't have any problems with air leaking out, unless you're careless with it. Make sure that nothing pointy and/or sharp is underneath it before laying it down. lf you do this, it will last for decades.

You will probably need to contact Cascade Designs directly. The jet was improved in the early 90s with a shaker jet which changed the threading of the jet. You can call (206) 505-9500, or write them at Cascade Designs, Inc.; 4000 1st Avenue South; Seattle, WA 98134. They will most likely send you a new jet. None of the current Service Kits have the right jet you'll need.

The simple answer is 'YES'! The reason is that most modern canisters use Lindal valves which have the same threading. Therefore most current stoves will work with most canisters. The reasons manufacturers recommend using their branded fuel is simply marketing. You are completely safe to use any canister with a Lindal valve...these would include, MSR, Snowpeak, Jetboil, Brunton, Coleman (butane/propane, not the big green propane cansiters), Primus, and Markhill.

See my comparison on the MSR Reactor page...

This is a pretty general question, but I will do my best:-). There are several differences between both these stoves, most noticeably the stove itself. The Jetboil's stove is nothing more than a traditional small canister stove. It is very similar to the Alpine Lite Stove made by Primus. The mere fact that it uses a heat sink on the pot and has incorporated this stove into a system makes it different than other canister stoves. However, it is not 100% wind resistant (needs both primary and secondary air), and it doesn't have anything to regulate the pressure being generated by the canster (meaning it's performance is completely dependent on the weather and amount of fuel in the cansiter). The Jetboil isn't very light either when compared to other sit-on-top canister stoves (weighs in at about 15 oz.). I would recommend the Jetboil for those who want a fairly small, compact stove/pot system who primarily boil water. It does so fairly efficiently and quickly when compared to other stand-alone canister stoves.

The Reactor is entirely different. The only similarity between the Jetboil is that it uses a heat sink on the pot and is also a stove/pot system (meaning no other pot will work on the Reactor other than the included pot). The Reactor's stove is truly innovative in that it uses a pressure regulator (meaning it only needs about 12 psi to obtain optimum heat output compared to 65 psi for every other canister stove including Jetboil). It also needs just primary air (primary air, located below the stove's burner head, is where 60% of the stoves combustion is generated...secondary air, located between the stove's burner head and the bottom of the pot, is where 40% of the stove's combustion occurs...block either of these off and the flame will go out). The Reactor's need for only primary air makes it 100% windproof by allowing the pot to rest directly on the burner head thus protecting the heat output. The Reactor is the only stove that will give you consistent 3 to 3:30 minute boil times per liter in any condition above about 10 degrees. The pot is one of the most innovative pots for heat distribution and efficiency based on its laser-welded heatsink and 'shroud' (the shroud captures any heated air and traps it for a moment to help improve efficiency...the holes around the circumference of the pot allows this hot air to escape-it's also laser-welded on). Just to be clear, the pot has been updated and is now lighter (about 10oz.). The stove weighs in at about 6.5oz. making the complete unit (without fuel) weigh in at about 16.5 oz.

If your interested in sheer performance and efficiency, the Reactor is the stove. If you want a smaller stove system and are willing to give up some performance and efficiency, and plan to only use it for solo use, the Jetboil might be the better option. Remember, the Reactor can boil a liter at a time whereas the Jetboil can only boil 2 cups. Hope this helps....

No... The reason is the brighter 3W LED will completely drown out the 4 smaller LEDs. All that would happen is the batteries would drain faster. The center light is insanely bright! The 4 smaller LEDs are also very bright, much brighter than some headlamps with both the spot and flood LEDs, but the center light simply blows everything else away. I love pulling it out of my pack when everyone else has their Tikka Plus. Ok, I might be compensating for something...

The pot has changed. It's now about 3 oz. lighter from last year. Instead of tac welding, it is laser welded making the heatsink lighter. Whenever you lighten something up, but improving performance, gear will always be more expensive.