Sizing of poles is determined by your height. Take your height (in cm) and subtract 30cm to find the correct size (for touring poles like this set).

You need to know which of the three Salomon binding styles you have. The three possibilities are SNS Profil, SNS Pilot (which would be compatible with these boots), or SNS BC (Backcountry). It should say somewhere on your binding which type it is.

To see a size chart for this jacket, click on the "View Size Chart" link right below the price & size options. Economy shipping for this item would be free since it costs more than $50 and thus satisfies the free shipping deal with Backcountry. As for faster shipping (just for this jacket), place the item in your shopping cart and then enter your zip-code in the appropriate box and check which option you'd like.

They could be used as hiking boots for normal, non-snow conditions, but with 400g of insulation (designed to keep your feet warm down to -40*F), your feet would probably overheat unless it was still winter-like temperatures. Thus, they're pretty much limited to use during the winter, although not necessarily with snow, just colder conditions.

This jacket is not insulated. It does seem to fit fairly close, but there's still enough room to wear a lightweight fleece or synthetic jacket underneath, although not a puffy down jacket.

These boots are compatible with any SNS XA binding, such as the "Salomon XADV Access Binding" or "Salomon SNS BC X-ADC Raid Binding." The difference between these two bindings (besides the price) is that the Raid version is beefier & is manual, while the Access version is a little bit easier to use because it's automatic (you can just step in) and is slightly lighter and less beefy.

You should be looking at the 179cm length, which is based upon your weight not height. Nordic skis are sized based upon your weight because it is essential to match the ski stiffness (stiffer skis are also generally longer) to make sure that you're not dragging the grip portion of the ski (as would happen with an overly flexible ski) or can't compress the grip section (due to an overly stiff camber).

Your best bet is probably to just go into a local nordic ski shop and get them to mount the bindings. Alternatively, Rottefella (the manufacturer) may be able to supply a duplicate mounting template if you contact them & request one.

You should be looking for approximately 162cm poles.

According to the manufacturer, it is machine-washable. However, it also notes that you should first attempt to remove any stains or dirt with just water & rubbing.

Yes, you should be able to, because both are built around the NNN Touring standard.

Yes, these do have a full metal edge for greater control. To the best of my knowledge, the edges are "cut."

The advantage of the baskets on these poles (over larger surface area ones) is that it is lighter, which is possible because they're designed for use mostly on groomed trails (where the extra flotation of a larger basket is not necessary).

It is 8" wide by 4" thick (20cm x 10cm).

It is 16" (H) x 11.5" (W) x 8" (D). Also, note that despite the name of the product, it is 1550 cu in, not 2550.

Since you lie more or less exactly between a 43 & 43.5, it depends on how other similar shoes fit. When you say you "usually wear a 10", are you talking about other hiking shoes? If not, be aware that hiking shoes/boots fit differently than say running shoes because they're designed to be worn with slightly thicker socks. Thus, your best bet is probably to order both the 43 & 43.5 and compare the fits and see which fits better (& return the other pair).

Yes, the Polar F11 does have a calorie counter and info can be fairly easily downloaded from the watch to a computer.

Yes, this stove runs on nearly any fuel imaginable, including isobutane. As for which is a better choice, they will both boil water, just decide which one has the extra features you want (i.e., ability to run on virtually any fuel, built-in cleaning needle for fuel line, etc.)

This jacket is fully windproof.

No, this jacket is not zip-in compatible.

A size 42 is equivalent to a mens US 9.

These boots should fit any SNS Pilot 2 binding. As for the size you need, it looks like you'll want a UK 9 (which is equal to a EU 43.3).

Yes, you do buy skis by weight because the ski effectively just "feels" how much weight you are transferring, meaning that the heavier you are, the stiffer of a ski you need. Stiffness is important to get right because if you're on an overly stiff ski you won't have any traction (the grip area won't be compressed into the snow, which causes problems since the rest of the ski is simply designed to glide with minimal friction) and an overly flexible ski will slow you down because the grip area is constantly dragging (think of leaving the emergency brake on constantly in your car).As for the ease of release of these boots, this depends more on the binding than anything else. These bindings are fairly simple; just step in with the toe loop into the proper area and then to release, just press the tip of your pole into the little black release button directly in front of the rubber toe bumper.

A size 44.5 boot is equivalent to a US size 11. As for best length of ski, nordic skis are actually fitted by weight (longer lengths are generally also stiffer, meaning that the ski requires more weight to compress the grip area into the ground). This is important because too stiff of a ski won't provide enough grip (no contact of the grip area = no propulsion because the rest of the ski is simply designed to glide) and an overly flexible ski will have the grip area constantly in contact with the snow, slowing you down in a similar manner to having the emergency brake constantly engaged in your car.

The major difference between the Star Advanced Pant and the Powder Pant is the fabric. The Star Advanced are made of a water/wind-repellent microfiber on the front and have an elastic spandex back for breathability. In contrast, the Powder Pant has a 2-layer windproof & water-resistant membrane (with a warm brushed lining) and approximately the same back. The other major difference lies in zipper length; knee length in Star Advanced & 3/4 length (mid-thigh) on the Powder Pant. If you think your daughter actually needs windproof (& not just wind-resistant) pants, get the Powder pants. The Powder pants would also be slightly warmer due to their lining (on the front of the leg).

If you want to get the correct ski for your girlfriend, your best option would be to go to a local nordic shop and get fitted for skis since each ski will be slightly different in how it transmits her weight onto the snow and how stiff they are. The 2nd point is essential because an overly stiff ski won't flex and let the grip section contact the snow (thus, no propulsion, just slipping) and an overly flexible ski will constant drag the grip section (similar to leaving on the emergency brake constantly in your car).

While the actual installation of nordic bindings is relatively easy (just drilling holes in correct place and then screwing in the binding), it is best to have it done by a shop in order to ensure that they are mounted in the correct position (i.e., so that when you exert force, the binding loads the ski in the proper position, usually somewhere around its balance point).

Yes, these skis have full-length metal edges.

Although both SNS & NNN binding systems rely on the same basic idea (single metal rod/pin in toe of boot that attaches boot to binding & thus ski), they vary slightly in pin width and pattern of soles. Unfortunately, these difference make it virtually impossible to use a boot designed for SNS with an NNN binding. In this case, look for any binding that is labeled as NNN BC (Backcountry stocks many).

According to the standard sizing formula (height minus 20cm), you would need 147cm poles for skating. However, since Backcountry doesn't stock this size, you will need to do either: 1) buy 150cm poles and get them custom-cut to 147cm at a local nordic shop, or 2) go to a local shop and try out 145cm & 150cm poles for length (they should reach between your nose & eyebrow).

To get a general idea of what size you'll want, use the above sizing chart (just enter your height and it tells you what size you need). In general, poles for classic should reach your armpit and poles for skating are slightly longer, reaching your nose or eyebrows (usually 10cm longer than the corresponding classic pole).

No, this vest does not have a two-way front zipper. A possible choice if a two-way zipper is really important (they're fairly rare on fleece vests) would be the Cloudveil Inversion Down Vest.

It weights 13 oz.

No hood, but it does have 2 zippered handwarmer pockets.

No, the jacket is just the single layer of waterproof fabric.

It weighs approximately 7oz.

No, the hood is fully attached (although the powder skirt does detach via a zipper).

Yes, the hood is detachable via a zipper.

The front closure is a zip fly with a button at the top.

Are you talking about the Velcro just above the top of the side zippers? If so, those are there in order to provide a secure fit when the side zippers are fully unzipped and also to prevent the zippers from ending at the waistband (which could lead to a potentially painful fit when using a backpack with waistbelt).

Yes, the sleeve cuffs can be tightened down with the laminated Velcro tabs.

All of Coal's hats are made in either Portland, OR or Seattle, WA (depending on the exact product).

It is about 7.5" tall and has a diameter of 10.5". Note that both of these measurements are for the hat in an unstretched state (it can stretch to about 2 inches in diameter and ~1" in height).

These are made with 100% polyester. If you want cotton long underwear, you probably should be checking out flannel. However, consider that cotton is not very well suited for use in long underwear because it doesn't dry quickly and thus would only be appropriate if you're not going to be sweating (i.e., using them at home).

The only noticeable difference between these two pairs of boots is the lacing system. If you like the convenience of just slipping your boots on and spending maybe 10 seconds tightening the cable, the Boa lacing system is for you. However, if you're worried about it failing (which has a very, very low probability), go with the traditional laces that could easily be fixed in the field. Also, with regard to waterproofing, that is all coming from the Gore-Tex lining...so as long as the Gore-Tex remains in good condition, you're all set.

No, these boots come solely with 200g of insulation (Primaloft Eco). If you're looking for slightly warmer TNF boots with 400g of insulation, consider the McMurdo, Slot GTX, Baltoro 400 II, or Four Shadows GTX.

Yes, it zips off. However, it's not flimsy like some other detachable hoods and has a laminated brim (keeps precipitation from running onto your face) & a drawcord to adjust how tightly the hood seals with your face.

The back length of the XXL jacket is 32.4" (see the sizing chart above if you need the same info, listed under jacket inseam, for other sizes).

When I was buying these tights, I tested both the M & L (I'm 6'2"/155 lbs) because I often find the inseam to be too short on many tights. However, I found that these run slightly longer than other running tights, so the M was perfect for me because the L had way too large of a waist. As for you, I'd imagine that sizing by height is probably better than by weight since you're almost into the listed weight for a M. However, probably the best way to figure out what is best (if possible) is to order both the M & S and then only keep whichever one fits better.

No, I believe that the chest strap is included in the price (it's a package of the watch + chest strap).

Yes, it does come with the appropriate chest strap (see the above detailed view).

Speedplay cleats should be compatible with these shoes. My Speedplay pedals came with an adapter kit that allowed attachment to a 3-hole shoe like this one in addition to shoe drilled for SPD or SPD-SL.

These snowshoes are 29" long and are 9" wide (at the forefoot)

This boot is constructed with a waterproof nubuck/suede upper & TPU (thermoplastic) lower, so it can be considered to be waterproof for most ventures. However, caution should be used in that the seam between the upper & lower in my pair of TNF boots (1 year old) appears to let in small amounts of water if I am wading through frozen streams & puddles (really anytime liquid water repeatedly gets above the seam) for extended periods of time.

Yes, they are one and the same.

The newest version (2008) of these tights has a highly wind-resistant & water-repellent front panel, but I'm not sure if the version shown above is this year's model or last year's one (in the pictures on CW-X's website, the front panel is a different color for this year's model). If this is the older model, the fabric is only mildly wind-resistant because it's basically just thick spandex.

They target slightly different muscle groups for additional support. The Stabilyx tights provide support for the lower abs, hips, & back, along with knees & calves. The Pro tights on the other hand provide less support for the core (focusing primarily on the lower back/hip, with no compression over the abs), but do have much more support for the upper leg (quadriceps/hamstrings), butt, & shin/calf. Overall, both tights are made of the same material, but the additional compression panels are located in slightly different locations.

Although both jackets are made of Gore-Tex Softshell, the Scorpion is constructed with a higher loft (i.e., heavier fleece) interior so it would be a better suited for slightly colder conditions. The only other major difference between the two jackets is the number & placement of pockets; the Stingray has a sleeve pocket & 1 internal pocket, whereas the Scorpion has no sleeve pocket & 2 interior pockets (both have the standard 2 exterior hand-warmer/storage pockets).

The two pots are 5.5 x 2.25" (26 oz) & 5 x 2 1/8" (18 oz). The frying pan is 5.75" wide & approximately 1" tall.

Based on experience with a slightly different Marmot jacket made of the same material (Precip), I'd say this jacket would qualify as sufficiently waterproof for all conditions except extended downpours. My jacket hasn't let any water in during normal hiking, although Precip is a little less breathable than my other Gore-Tex Paclite jacket. The only problems I've noticed with Precip is that it gets waterlogged (the shell fabric is soaked through due to overpowering of the durable water-resistant, DWR, coating) after about 1.5-2 hrs of sustained rain and then the inside layer begins to feel wet.

These shoes are NOT waterproof. However, they do come in a waterproof (Gore-Tex XCR) version for approximately $20 more.

Compared to normal (road) running shoes, these shoes would best be classified as stability due to the posting (more dense foam) at the rear. However, within the category of trail shoes, these lie fairly close to the middle with regard to stability against overpronation.

I'm 6'2"/155 lbs & wear a M. Although the inseam is slightly shorter than ideal, the waist is perfect (I also tried on a L, in which the inseam was just about perfect, but the waist was too large). I think you might be best suited by a L based on CW-X's sizing chart (5'11" to 6'4" & 170-210 lbs) due to your height.