A C

Depends on where you are climbing, the types of routes/difficulty, personal preference and skill.
The larger sizes are certainly useful.
You may find that a whole rack of these is useful and then double up on the sizes that are used the most in your climbing. And leave behind sizes that never get used.

No, you would need to get the sabretooth clip version for those boots.

Just about any modern crampon will work with this boot.
Your best bet will be getting an automatic binding or semiautomatic/hybrid binding crampon for this boot (not a strap on)
other than that, the crampons you choose will depend on what you want to do with it.
sabretooth for all around mountaineering/climbing,
bd bionic for pure ice/mixed climbing

Those boots aren't going to be be great for crampon use. They are very flexable and will not be very secure gonig up anything even a little steep.
Also they won't be the best on softer snow slopes that you might want to kick steps in.
But for basic walking around on a low angle glacier or frozen snow field, these will be perfect.
Just make sure and get the "strap" version which will work with just about any footwear from sneakers to double plastic boots.

No, they just need to fit the length of your boot. The small fits 265mm to 320mm long boots.

according to the sizing chart you're an XL which they have

They would work fine for both, but be super careful about using these on regular hiking boots with soft soles.
Its very easy to get yourself over your head going up something that you won't have the performance of stiff boots to safely get down.
The strap binding isn't really that much more difficult to put on but its harder to be certain that you have a good connection whereas the newmatic feels a little more secure and is easier to verify.
Of course if you plan on using these with hiking boots occasionally you can only get the new classic (strap version).

sometimes you buy something, barely use it over a couple years and then it fails
luckily if you bought them here you can send them back anytime for a full refund. either log on to your account or click on "chat now" at the top right corner.
if you didn't buy it here you need to contact columbia and they may or may not fix or replace it

Colorado is generally a lot "drier" of snow than other places. Generally you need to manage your internal moisture more there than exterior moisture. Don't go to bed with too much clothing or you'll just sweat and wake up hours later moist and freezing. And if you don't need to don't curl up in your bag totally zipped up with the hood cinched tight.
Did you build your snowcave correctly? It shouldn't be that cold inside, the sleeping area should be a bit above the entrance to get the full protection of one.

If you are hiking a bit to camp I'd get a down bag. If you are camping by the road or in your backyard go with a cheaper and bulkier synthetic.

Its impossible to know whether an 8 or a 7.5 will fit you just from "I wear a 7 1/2"
Find some merrells locally even if they aren't this exact shoe to see how they fit on your foot.
You can use these for snowshoeing. But if you plan a doing a lot I'd recommend a boot without the mesh sides. Even though they have the gore-tex, they will eventually break down a bit and water/wet snow, will get though.
Also, if you are going anywhere chilly it would be better to have a boot with some insulation as the only warmth from these boots will be your socks.

maybe but they aren't super durable if you don't have some pants over the top.
Mine have holes but I'm a bit rough on clothes.

Since its more important to have better climbing ability on the havocs even though you don't use them as much, why not keep them as is.
And either pick up an inexpensive skinny set here or check out ebay. There are lots of people selling skinnier 60/70mm skins all the time.

Make sure you are looking at fuel "bottles" not canisters. The 20oz size is pretty useful if only bigger than I need for most trips.

This stove really only runs on white gas, of which coleman fuel is.

As long as your plans aren't just to walk along packed trails or spring hiking, definitely get the larger version for utah conditions. If you are breaking trail its hard to have snow shoes that are too large in powder.

Sure it would work fine for that. Just make sure to size it to go over the warmest clothing you will have on.

If you already have a jacket that has an appropriate amount of warmth why not just throw on a rain jacket on top when the weather turns sour? You just need to size a jacket to be large enough to fit over your down jacket. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, a Marmot precip jacket would do the trick.

On whether this would be warm enough, I don't know how your down jacket compares. The 700-fill doesn't indicate how much down it has, just the quality of the filling. But being that this is a 3 lb jacket with synthetic fill it should be warm for most days in the city that its warm enough to rain.

No you'll want something like this:
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/CamelBak-Thermal-Control-Kit/CAM0016M.html

Its out of stock here but available elsewhere on the net.
But read the reviews of this thing to understand the pros and cons and techniques for making it work.

If you're feet aren't strong they'll get strong with these.
They'll edge great IF you get the correct size for you're feet.
The leather la sportivas stretch like crazy and for some reason they sell them so that you have to size down 1.5 to even 3 sizes down from your sneaker size.

With a shoe like this you can really feel whats going on and can work on accurate foot placement. Quiet feet!

While I personally can't imagine bringing this big a bag for 4 days of sightseeing I realize that most people see this as normal.

I'd set out everything you plan on bringing, put it into a box and measure how much space it takes up.
If its around 2500 cubic inches (this pack holds up to about 3000) then this would be a good size.
Length times width times depth=size.

I use this size of pack for trips with full camping and climbing gear, so for traveling I take a day pack (about half this). My girlfriend does not have this philosophy and lugs around a giant pack.
I have no idea what's in it.

They will stretch a bit, but nothing like say la sportiva shoes.
Unless you just want a pair for really long and easy trad routes I'd go with the smaller size. Probably be tight for a couple uses and then feel great if these fit.
Just remember these are pretty true to your street shoe size.

Its not really insulated so keeping warm will have more to do with your socks and keeping your feet dry.
That said I've never had cold feet in above freezing temps with wool socks on, even if they did get wet as long as I'm moving.

definitely not.
You need to hand wash down with woolite or a special down soap.
It can be machine dried though, takes absolutely forever.

Its probably plenty warm on nice days on the upper end of your climate.
But on super windy dark days where you are sitting around a bit (chairlift?) I'd want another sweater or 2 underneath.

In colder weather its plenty water resistant but in warmer weather with very wet snow or continuous hard rain it would eventually soak through.
The idea is more that if you are working hard that your sweat won't build up as badly and get you wet from the inside.
So decide whats more likely, hard exterior moisture or interior condensation.

In spring they're no problem but in colder windy conditions a bladder is more challenging.
Even with the insulated versions (this is not) you have to be super careful about blowing out all water from the tube and generally need to tuck the hose inside your jacket.
The bladder itself won't freeze, just the tube and especially the mouth piece.

Also, you don't need to get this version, look at the plain camelbak bladders without straps and what not.

It helps a little not to use the "on/off" switch at the end of the hose. You can either buy one without it or just remove it.
And consider the insulated version if you wish.

Any of the balaclavas that completely cover your mouth can get iced over. I use something similar to this and just put up with it.

My girlfriend has had good luck with a Seirus Combo Clava, It has neoprene with holes over the mouth that cut down on the icing.
They make all sorts of combinations of mouth covers, gaitors and full balaclavas.

definitely less than that, maybe 5 degrees.

You could get an XL here but thats still a bit small (20l). I'd get an XXL (about 30L) which isn't available at backcountry but they appear to have one at summithut.com.
Or just grab on of the huge blue bags at IKEA, they're plenty big.

no, just a shell

no, just a shell

regular 22.25in
large 23.75in

I travel with a similarly sized bag and it'll fit under the seat if its not totally overstuffed.
But its plenty small to get on the plane with.

Even if you're pad doesn't fold in half, you can strap it underneath the lid. I'd prefer this to on the bottom if you have some sort of luxurious heavyweight pad for better weight distribution.
As long as its not very heavy (just a basic foam pad) strap it to the side under the compression straps.
This works better if you are hiking anywhere that it might catch on anything.
Whatever you do don't strap it vertically on the back. It will leverage your backpack and you'll have to lean forward a very small but unnecessary amount.

This is an 11oz jacket so no way unless you're way more hardy than me.
Its basically a wind resistant jacket that has a lightweight fleecy interior that is meant to be worn close to the skin.
If you're pumping out a lot of heat on your runs then a lightweight fleece and a wind jacket might cut it.
Otherwise if its really really cold and you're running try something like the mountain hardware compressor jacket AND a basic wind jacket on top.

I'd say this is pretty good if you are working hard outside but I'd get a bit chilled sitting around or leisurely walking around town.
The denail is quite a bit thicker and will be significantly warmer.

Its actually just 6oz.
You could get your friend this or a silicon nylon tarp or an alcohol stove.
The stoves can be made your self from a soda can or you can buy one off a couple guys on ebay for like $7. I've had one for years that still works great. Fantastic cheap gift.

There's not a dedicated pocket for the crampons or anything. You could add an external pouch though.
The rope can be strapped over the top under the lid and held with the side compression straps. Or, although it may make the bag carry worse, you can strap a rope to the bottom.
But to me if I'm carrying an 85 liter bag, I better be able to fit a rope and crampons inside the thing.
With this much space its not like you're climbing technical ground that you need to be able to rip off the crampons at a moments notice.
I always keep the crampons on the top of the backpack in a plain stuff sack and wrapped with one of those "reusable" shopping bags to stop it from puncturing anything.

The shank is polyurethane. Walking around NYC in steel shanked boots not only is overkill but would likely be unconfortable as the boot won't be able to flex at all with your gait.
A steel shank is more useful for walking on snow/ice or endless talus.

I believe the "duo asoflex" thing is talking about the construction between the insole and the rubber outer sole.
No stock insole is going to be terribly fancy or it wouldn't fit the majority of peoples' feet. If you find it helps you can add a superfoot or similar insole.

To your last question I never find that you overheat with a non-insulated boot, gore-tex or otherwise, as long as you aren't wearing super heavy socks. The boot will probably insulate you a bit more from really hot pavement than a thin tennis shoe would.

This would cook you. Better would be a very lightweight long sleeve light colored dress shirt (with a collar) sized very loosely.
I prefer a polyester one so when you go inside the sweat won't chill you as much.

Its just polyester which doesn't really shed.
You should be safe.

Like GB said the grivel new classic crampons are strap crampons which means they will work with anything from ski boots to tennis shoes.
Most people prefer a neumatic crampon to the strap as its a little easier to get a secure fit.
So if you're buying a crampon at the same time consider the neumatic version of the g10. but the new classic will work great too.

If you really know what you're doing, sure. Or if you're staying in a hut or something you can make it work.
But for most folks a 45+ liter bag is more versatile.
Unless you're using a simple tarp and a really light down sleeping bag then you'll end up with a bunch of crap strapped to the outside which absolutely sucks.

Also, I'd figure out what you're priority is.
If you really need a durable winter tent for camping in places with heavy winds and high snow fall then get something like this.
If you envision yourself camping more outside of winter and occasionally snow camping a much cheaper "3-season" tent will work fine and be more comfortable in rainy and hotter conditions.
You certainly don't need a winter tent for camping below tree line in good conditions.

These have a pretty modern design for the straps too.
I've had some older crampons with a less intuitive system and after 8 months of not using them it would take me a second to figure it out in the dark in the tent.
These pretty much just stay together and you pull one strap and you're done!

I'd try a men's 8.5 or 9 on locally. Even if you can't find this exact boot, I find that the footware among north face has pretty consistent sizing.

the 90 should fit your skis perfectly

You can use just about any kind of shoe with these snowshoes. Look at boots by sorel to give you an idea on what would work great.
Also, a leather hiking boot with warm socks is also fine in not too frigid climates.

mens sizes are only 1 size off from womans. so you're looking at a shoe that would likely be 1 size too small.

sure itd be great for that.
The fabric isn't as heavy or durable as some coats but I've used a simple marmot precip coat for skiing for years.
The good thing about a jacket like this is you can pack it year round.
If its cold where you're going size the jacket so you can get another sweater underneath though.

yes, but don't overdo it. repeated washing can wear on synthetic insulation

they should fit fine in place of the liners that come with these gloves. Just get the same size as your gripper gloves.

Whether something is a softshell isn't defined by whether the material feels "soft" or not, its more of concept on how you dress yourself for variable conditions.
But this jacket is made out of a softer durable material like you are looking for, not like the nylon on a typical parka.

absolutely nothing cept $76

Um, at 25 degrees there can be plenty of liquid water on the ground. And those not from Colorado are aware that snow isn't always light and fluffy but wet and slushy.

No, nothing of the sort.

While you could use these for snowshoeing (you can use just about any shoe for snowshoeing even sneakers), they would likely get soaked and start to look trashy with any use.
I'd look more at a boot by sorel if they fit you.
Or if its not that cold and you have some regular hiking boots those will work too.

The belay loop is rated to 24kn.
The harness itself is UIAA certified which means it can withstand a force above and beyond what your body can handle.

It doesn't look like they do but you can click on "Chat Now" on the top right corner to see if they are getting any in.

They have different bindings.
You can see a video of each here:

http://atlassnowshoe.com/snowshoe/e9
http://atlassnowshoe.com/snowshoe/e8

Both work fine, it comes down to personal preference.
But you can see that the video for the 9 series is about half as long as the 8.

no glove that has good dexterity will really be waterproof in an extended downpour.
try a neoprene glove, it will get wet but will keep warm.
I don't see a simple one for sale on this site but check a general sports store. Fishermen and kayakers use them.

45 isn't that cold if your running a half marathon. Personally I'd burn up in any sort of insulated tights with that amount of exertion. Unless you are walking 12.1 of those miles I'd get the uninsulated ones.

The length is about 10" longer than a typical rain jacket according to the center back length measurement here.
Maybe try on a normal sized jacket for you and see if this comes close?
My guess is it will still be a little above the knees for you.

Chacos are maybe a little heavier, but you could use both these and the chacos for the same activities. The chacos' soles are replacable though.
One of my climbing parters uses these for approaching climbs and they've been super durable for her.

I personally DON'T fit the keens right but am wearing my chacos right now as I usually am. So maybe you'll be the other way around? one can hope....

No, you need to wash down garments by hand with woolite or a special down wash or take it to a speciality dry cleaner.
You can dry it in the machine but it takes a surprisingly long time.

Also, I understand using these things to keep your sleeping bag dry, but remember when you compress the heck out of stuff it becomes a hard shape that doesn't sit down and fill the voids of your backpack.
Its kinda like how a bear canister is impossible to pack, not because its so huge but because its a hard unforgiving shape that can't flex.
I find that my sleeping bag will compress just fine and take up less space once I pack all my other junk on top of it in my little pack.

No, this is wrong. A 6'4" guy using that measurement would have about an 80cm axe which is HUGE.
The length of the axe is primarily based on what you are climbing and secondarily your height.
I'm 5'10 and use a 60cm combined with a single ski pole for lower angled slopes.
Just remember an ice axe is not a walking stick and should not be sized as such. I'd rent one on your first couple outing to get an idea what works best for you.

These snowshoes would work best for packed trails or more consolidated snow. If you find yourself going out in fresh deep powder then you would do best with a larger non "running" snowshoe. Although in these conditions even a huge snowshoe can sink way in. (only big skis would work better in this case)

But if your goal is to mainly explore groomed trails that might still be too unconsolidated for just a boot then these should do great whether walking or running.

The Deuter bladders have a similar tube diameter as the camelbak ones. So it should work no problem.
Yeah thats mold, never bothered me though.

And its super useful for situations like leading in blocks, parties of 3, any situation where making an anchor out of the rope doesn't work so well. Also great for clipping into rappels.
I've tried the purcell prusik and didn't like it. The adjustability wasn't as good, it can slip occasionally, and is actually more difficult to adjust.

These things are pretty form fitting. You can fit a light fleece or 2 underneath but not much else if you get your normal size.
Once you start hiking this jacket would keep you comfortable for much of the cooler weather you'll encounter.
You'll want a fleece or sweater to put on underneath for hanging out at camp though.

The Rab down jacket will be significantly warmer. But this thing is a better choice for higher moisture environments.

Also make sure you're doing everything you can to promote ventilation. If its truly heavy rain consider hanging a tarp above you're tent. This will keep the outer fabrics dry and promote much better ventilation.

Of course eventually you'll figure out that just sleeping under the tarp is the driest option.

If car camping then any old cheap blue plastic tarp will work.
If backpacking you can get a silicon nylon tarp that weights next to nothing.

This one isn't by columbia but is pretty much as you described. If he doesn't mind the mesh on the sides it might please him.
Columbia doesn't seem to sell something just like you described right now.

click on view sizing chart under the price.
See if the combination of your hips/waist and inseam matches a size here.

Also, make sure you really want this style of crampon. This is more of a steep ice climbing piece, not a slog up rainier or shasta product.

By itself, unlikely.
You'll need to wear a decent sweater or two or an insulated jacket underneath.

Unless you're super stocky, I'd call this a bit baggy.

The LEDs in this headlamp are not replaceable. If the bulbs died in this thing it should be under warranty.

If you are really bothered by a backpack in hot weather, some other models have a hollow space between the back of the pack and your back. There are others but I believe all of the Deuter packs have this feature.

Some other pack brands don't but all of the camelbak packs come with reservoirs.

3.8 kg, 8 lbs 6 oz

should be no problem

the spring for the tabs that lock the shaft to the blade take up room in the shaft, so no. you can't really store anything inside it.

Its at most as thick as 2 thin fleeces. If her jacket has enough room underneath for that then she should have plenty of room for this as long as you get the proper size.

these are pretty fitted.
That size guy is likely an XL but check his closet or measure him if you can.

no, absolutely not. in fact when ropes are wet they swell up and can actually add more friction to ascenders and descenders

Be aware these jackets are just shells. They are not insulated. To be "comfortable" at -20 you'll need a pretty hefty insulated down or synthetic fill jacket.
kinda like:
http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Mountain-Hardwear-Sub-Zero-Down-Jacket-Mens/MHW0018M.html
If you are truly sitting around at -20 then you'll need something warmer but this is fine for walking home from the bar.

click on "view sizing chart" underneath the price.

The smallest size they have is children's 13. Thats more of the size of a 5 year old.