The fuel canister is sold separately.

SAC is bc.com's "Steep and Cheap." It's designed to sell certain merchandise @ ridiculously low prices! You've got to sign up to receive the special deals & most of them go quick!

No if you're referring to the 16.4oz Coleman green propane bottle.

The Optimus Crux stove uses ONLY Lindal valve (screw-on) type, compressed gas, fuel canisters made by @ least nine manufacturers including Brunton, Coleman, Jetboil, Kovea, Markill, MSR, Optimus, Primus, Snow Peak, etc. These canisters can be found in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, western Europe, Japan, & Korea.

Another good question sar.

I don't know of another one that would work but try Campmor by calling them direct @ 1-888-226-7667. That's where I bought the one for my Ridgerest & also my square Z-Rest. They were the only one's that had them. Good Luck!

Good question.

Since the diameter of the Ridgerest is larger than other pads, you need to get a specific stuff sack or one large enough to fit. I had one a few years ago but they don't seem to be as readily available now as they once used to be.

After doing a little research, I found this. Hope it helps:

http://www.technicalbackpacks.com/brand/Thermarest-Ridge-Rest-Deluxe-Stuff-Sack.html

"The fiberglass pre-filter removes bacteria and protozoa as well as particles larger than 0.3 microns The new 3-layer filter medium ViruPur blocks viruses and the smallest particles based on electrokinetic depth filtration."

This purifier bottle doesn’t require chemicals like iodine or use batteries to make it work. The element can filter up to 100 liters, depending on water quality them the unit needs to be replaced.

I don't know when bc.com is getting the Mega again, but both edges of this pad feature "rip-and-stick" strips so can you attach two pads together.

The head of the Copper Spur UL2 is 10" wider than the foot. That gives each person 26" of room where you need it most. A Therm-a-Rest is 20" wide x 2 is 40" & you have an extra 12" left over. The tapered floor is 52" @ the head & 42" @ the foot. Each person has their own door & vestibule. Very comfortable for two.

Open the valve all the way. Lay the pad in direct sunlight & if necessary blow some air into it for the first time, This allows the inner foam core to expand back to it's original size. Remember it's been totally compressed for a certain period of time.

In my opinion this tent is heavy. There are many other 2-person tents that weigh two & three pounds less. In fact there are three person tents that weigh less. Check out the Copper Spur UL2 & Emerald Mountain SL2 made by Big Agnes. Here are the links to them:

http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/CopperSpurUL2

http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Tent/EmeraldMountainSL2

The HelioLite HD ripstop nylon shell is water repellent/resistant to normal condensation build-up. Nothing more, nothing less. It should not be considered to have the same properties as microfiber, Gore-Tex, or Gore Windstopper. It also has excellent breathability along with being durable & abrasion resistant.

Have no fear, the new MSR fuel pump will work even better on your older stove, especially simmering. Select the all red one. It is Dragonfly specific. You should also consider purchasing the maintenance kit @ the same time if you don't already have one. It contains all the necessary parts you'll need over time to keep your stove running to optimum performance.

Select the Dragonfly specific maintenance kit:

http://www.backcountry.com/msr-expedition-service-kits

The SmartWool Heavy Crew Trekking socks are a great choice for three seasons plus light to medium winter use. I always wear them with a silk or polypro liner. For cold winter activities, an insulated boot is your best insurance against cold feet plus a heavier sock. I wear a pair of boiled wool Dachsteins for snowshoeing. Here's more information:

http://www.sweatersintl.com/store/norsocks.html

The big difference is in the sole. The 200 GV uses a "Power Matic" sole which consists of a rubber bottom, Asolo/Vibram midsole in PU triple-density. The 520 GV uses a "Triple Power Structure" Asolo/Vibram rubber sole in PU (dual-density). The 200 GV is also slightly lighter.

This is from the manufacturer about the 200 GV: "Highly technical and one-of-a-kind, the Asolo POWER MATIC sole is comprised of three different PU densities that are co-injected and molded together. The high-density front portion secures and guarantees maximum stability. The medium-density heel reduces shock and resulting fatigue during take-off and landing. Further shock absorption is obtained through the four strategically placed low-density cylinders that are linked from the outsole to the midsole. Gripped with a dual-density molded rubber outsole produced in conjunction with Vibram®, the arch area uses a very high-density rubber to maximize support over the long-haul while the balance of the outsole has self-cleaning lugs designed for optimum performance on varying types of terrain."

This is from the manufacturer about the 520 GV: "The new TPS sole, designed by Asolo in partnership with Vibram®, incorporates three shock absorbers that correspond with the areas of foot that receive highest impact during activity. These shock absorbers can be identifi ed by their different color respect to the sole. The shock absorbers are created by combining two polyurethane layers - one of high and one of low density. These layers are individually coloured using a new and innovative technology. The TPS sole improves comfort, stability and has a very distinctive look."

These mesh storage sacks use a drawcord in a sleeve & cord lock.

Robert & Phil, the only change I'm aware of from the first/prototype model is the "self-purging flipstop pump." This was added prior to 2010 but I don't know exactly what year. You are however correct about the cost. For whatever reason, this stove has very erratic pricing. For example the OEM MSRP is $227 & most retailers sell it for prices all over the board, way less than the MSRP.

It certainly won't compress like down, but with a compression stuff sack, you should be able to reduce the size by about 25%.

It has more to do with size than age. The Kelty Tioga Junior has an adjustable torso range from between 9 & 14 inches. To find the torso length, measure your back along the spine from the the top point of your hipbones to the knobby bone at the base of your neck. This will give you a measurement in inches that will determine the correct pack size.

This stove burns butane, white gas, kerosene, diesel #1, unleaded gas, & jet fuel but not alcohol.

Most snowboard boots have a higher profile & larger footprint making it more difficult to near impossible getting into a snowshoe binding. I would suggest taking your snowboard boots to a retailer who sells snowshoes & trying it. If it does work, you'll be close to maxing out the binding adjustment.

At the very least get the large which fits packs 70-95 Liter or 4300-5800 cu in. & if your pack is 6100 cu in., even that will be a tight fit!

I know this can be frustrating. Apparently the previous answer didn't solve your problem so try cleaning the jet/fuel orifice, if you haven't already, with the CORRECT size jet cleaning tool. I stress "correct" because too small won't get the inner walls clean enough & too large won't fit. It should be a size 35. If this procedure doesn't work, call Brunton @ 800.443.4871 or 307.857.4700 & explain your situation in detail. I hope this helps.

I've never found a pack to be totally waterproof even the $600 ones. Eventually water will find it's way inside during a sustained downpour. The best insurance against this is a rain cover. If it's any consolation to you, some pack cloths are more water resistant than others like 210D Ripstorm, 100D Invista Ripstop, & 420ACT. The first two are impregnated with silicone and PU coatings, cost much more, & arguably increase overall pack weight. My suggestion would also be to purchase a suitable rain cover & get a less expensive, lighter weight pack that would still suit your needs.

It all depends on what pack & side pocket you're talking about. I carry the two liter in my side pocket & not filling it all the way, then using the lower side compression strap to secure the top of the Platy. When it contains less water, I then fold it in half & stuff the entire bottle in the pocket.

Pictures to follow.

The women's Trail Pro packaged/rolled size is actually 28 X 15cm or 11 X 7in. bc.com got the centimeters & inches mixed up.

If you don't want your sleeping bag to be too confining & you are on the line between medium & long, go for the long & be more comfortable.

My wife & I have been using these recipes for quite awhile. It is specifically written for, like the title says, a one burner stove. You'll find the ingredients used are heavier than freeze-dried meals but much tastier. It also incorporates fresh ingredients. Here's a link to the book:

http://www.amazon.com/One-Burner-Gourmet-Harriett-Barker/dp/0809258838/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1296579419&sr=1-1

I find it to be not so much cold as it is accumulated snow fall. Three season shelters are designed more for ventilation. Your sleeping bag determines more of the cold temperature factor & especially if it has a Gore Windstopper, GoreTex, Microfiber, etc. shell.

I don't like to recommend a compression stuff sack for anything above & including 750 down fill. Instead I prefer to let the clusters remain as full as possible without being compressed. Just a personal thing. You can stuff your sleeping bag into a day pack & have plenty of room left over for other items without crushing the down, however if you must use a compression stuff sack for the WM VersaLite, choose a medium size or 13-16L.

Absolutely! That's what it's designed for. It's a great sleeping bag for backpacking. 10 degrees F @ two pounds. Not many sleeping bags can make that claim.

Kimber,
The Kelty Tioga has been around since the 60's & I believe it is one of their original products.

You can't beat the price for such an comfortable, indestructible, & easy to organize backpack. It's size will allow you to carry everything you'll need for your extensive trip & since you won't be carrying all the food you normally would on a backpack, you'll have even more room.

I personally own a Kelty Serac that is quite old now which still see's occasional use when a friend visits & shows up without any gear.

I think this backpack would be a good choice for all your travels.

You'll bring home extra fuel after six days out using the MSR 22oz fuel bottle. This is using the stove four times a day. It's relatively fuel efficient for what you get in return. Essentially all the MSR liquid fuel stoves consume the same amount of fuel while putting out 10K BTU's.

Ray,
Sorry this took so long but I just found your question.

The Coleman "Insta-Clip" mantle part number for your 335P lantern is:

21A132C

I hope this helps.

These snowshoes have good flotation on all but the freshest, deepest powder. Great on trails & packed powder. They also work well in both wet & dry conditions.

The dimensions are 8" x 14" in the regular stuff sack. A compression stuff sack would get this package even smaller.

This is a nice 3-season tent, but Minnesota in the winter? I don't think so. The mesh walls are for maximum ventilation which work great in the summer. I'd suggest a solid wall tent with fly for what you could expect during a Minnesota winter.

I'm sending you a link to the MH Trango 2 which I feel would be much more adequate but, @ the same time, more $$ & heavier:

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Trango%E2%84%A2-2/OU9444,default,pd.html

I hope this helps.

The Optimus 99 burns only white gas. I actually had to think about the carbide gas thing for a minute.

It was first introduced early to mid 70's & sold for about $25. Similar to the Svea 123 in function & 8R/Hunter in appearance & size, it is a self-contained stove where the cookware is part of the actual stove. I can't tell you the exact age & worth of your stove, but the Optimus 99 was only manufactured for about ten years.

At 5 ounces, the below ground cloth is very versatile protection plus it doubles as a canopy. If you don't want to carry the additional weight, you'll unfortunately have to deal with the ground as it is plus any type of reinforcement would only add extra weight.

http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/tarps-and-bivis-and-ground-cloths/globe-skimmer-ultralite-ground-cloth.cfm

The regular size has almost 12 ounces, 335 grams, of 800+ goose down fill.

I would also have to say no to the WhisperLite fitting into a one liter pot.

See the pictures of my Internationale, same physical size as the WhisperLite, nesting in a 1.3 liter pot. No matter how I placed it, either the burner head or pot supports extended over the top.

And here's the link for the 2 person Hubba Hubba & Hubba Hubba HP footprint from the manufacturer:

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/tent-accessories/hubba-hubba-/-hubba-hubba-hp-footprint/product

This footprint is for the solo/one person Hubba & Hubba HP tent.

The "Pertex" shell offers slight water resistance but not enough to rely on more than normal condensation build-up & the inner lining doesn't wick but does breathe. This is from the manufacturer: "These bags are designed for special applications where compressed volume and weight are critical factors. Although some durability is sacrificed with these lighter fabrics, our ExtremeLite™ bags are perfect for the lightweight specialist."

Remove the pad from it's plastic sleeve, unroll, & open the valve for approximately ten minutes. I's a bit slow @ first but inflates faster over time. FYI, direct sunlight speeds the process as does blowing a small amount of air into the valve.

MSR claims a very subjective 750 liters. This number all depends on the quality of water being filtered. I use the resistance method. When the filter becomes noticeably harder to pump, change the filter!

There is no dedicated maintenance kit for the Trail Stove. The only maintenance you might ever need to do is replace the rubber o-ring located in the top of the threaded stem where the gas canister screws in.

The WhisperLite Internationale can burn kerosene & unleaded fuel in addition to white gas whereas the standard WhisperLite is designed to burn only white gas.

Most, if not all sleeping bags compact down to a smaller stuffed size especially down. The Lyell stuffs down to 9 x 18 inches. Hopefully this is what you were asking.

I just now read this older post & hope it's not too late.

And now for a totally unbiased answer.

Before you consider either of the aforementioned shelters, you should @ least look @ the Big Agnes Copper Spur & Emerald Mountain series. There are many better features concerning Big Agnes tents over the competition like weight, innovation, & materials, but the one I like best is the interior roominess. At 6'3" I have plenty of head & foot room due to the way the floor is tapered. Sitting up straight & not touching my head on the ceiling is nothing short of glorious. This creates a wonderful environment while waiting out storms. The more than generous vestibule accommodates backpacks, boots, dogs, etc. & each person has their own side entrance & gear pouch. Very substantial pole/hub system make these free-standing shelters even better. Change out the aluminum stakes for lighter weight titanium. The few extra ounces this tent weighs more than makes up for the overall comfort you will experience!

I hope this helps.

Chuck,
Many three season tents are less than 43" @ their inside high point & some are more, so 43” seems to be right in the middle. These lighter weight tents tend to be lower in order to keep the weight down. Measure yourself sitting down to see how much room you'll have overhead. I think you'll be surprised to find out how roomy the Rock 32 is.

It's a very sharp blade that cuts through nylon rope & webbing, seat belts, etc. with ease. It's not that great on wood due to the serrations are more rounded than pointed.

Before you spend $35 for a new pump, call Cascade Designs @ 1-800-531-9531. They are very understanding & might send you the replacement part you need. It's worth a shot!

Don't get me wrong, I like MSR stoves & not only own four of them, but have been repairing them for quite some time. The all plastic pump they manufacture needs MUCH more TLC than say a Primus aluminum one. The Primus does weigh two ounces more but is bombproof. The original two piece, black & gray pump that came with my WhisperLite in 1988 still works like a champ but has required more maintenance.

So the way I look @ it, your 1999 pump should still be working!

Copperhead,
I just took mine apart again for general maintenance & to better see what problems you might be having.
1. Using a 7/16 open-end wrench, carefully unscrew the brass valve housing.
2. Unscrew the needle valve assembly.
3. Inspect & lubricate the small red o-ring. Use MSR Pump Cup Oil to lubricate or if you don't have that, use a small amount of petroleum jelly & wipe away any excess.
4. I couldn't find that specific o-ring in either maintenance kit so if it does need to be replaced, contact Cascade Designs @ 1-800-531-9531, explain your situation precisely, & I'm sure they will send you the part you need.
5. Carefully reassemble the valve.
6. Also replace the fuel tube o-ring on the opposite side of the pump @ the same time. This o-ring is included in both maintenance kits & is the most prone to needing replacement since it does have direct contact with fuel.

I hope this helps.

This stove is the standard WhisperLite. It is designed to burn only white gas whereas the Internationale can burn kerosene & unleaded fuel in addition to white gas. Here's the MSR link to the Internationale:

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/expedition-stoves/whisperlite-internationale/product

The Optimus Crux has a larger burner head making it better for simmering & using larger diameter cookware. The flame is spread more evenly across the bottom of the pot/pan & therefore eliminating the dreaded hot spot.

Neither. The finished weight of the Helium regular is 2lb 2oz with 19.5oz of fill weight. I don't know what 1lb 13oz is in reference to.

Most, if not all piezo ignitors crap out @ or around 10,000' but the stove portion continues to work well way beyond that. I have personally used this stove above 13,000' with good results. Nice little package.

The Primus TiLite Stove uses ALL Lindal valve (screw-on) type, compressed gas, fuel canisters made by @ least nine manufacturers including Brunton, Coleman, Jetboil, Kovea, Markill, MSR, Optimus, Primus, Snow Peak, etc. These canisters can be found in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, western Europe, Japan, & Korea. This stove does not use a propane tank & no special fitting is required.

According to Petzl's website, the Tikka series is alive & well. Here's more information:

http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/headlamps/compact-tikka-2

This tent does include a fly & as you already know, not a footprint. It packs down in it's included stuff stack to 25 x 7 inches but can be folded or stuffed differently to better suit you needs. The mesh body walls provide good ventilation & 41 sq ft of floor area is plenty of room for your gear or another person. The large vestibule is great for storing boots, etc.

This pack will fit under the seat very nicely as long as it's not filled with items that won't easily compress. Clothing & other soft goods are no problem with room to spare.

This stove not only melts snow quickly, it also simmers better than any plate burner due to the ported burner assembly. Very nice little cooker.

Your torso length is most critical in sizing a backpack. To find your torso length, measure your back along the spine from the top of your hipbones to the knobby bone at the base of your neck. This will give you the proper measurement system to fit into any backpack. Given your daughter's height & torso length, I think she would be better served by a large size.

After doing much research on this exact subject, I've found Richmoor/Natural High & Backpacker's Pantry to have the least amount of sodium in their meals. Avoid the good tasting Mountain House varieties except for beef patties with mashed potatoes & whole chicken breasts with mashed potatoes which contain quite a bit less sodium than their other meals. MaryJanes Farm

http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/

might be a good choice. They make only vegetarian meals with very low sodium, are a good source of fiber & protein, & contain very little to no preservatives.

This stove does not come with a fuel bottle. What you do get is the stove, fuel pump, windscreen, bottom reflector, small parts kit, instructions, & a storage sack. The windscreen is approximately 10" in diameter.

If the medium doesn't work, try using a large. This will also give you a bit of extra room for compressing a few other items.

Just adding to what's been previously stated, the type of sleeping bag you currently have dictates what size compression stuff sack you will need. Use the stuff sack that came with your bag as a guide.

I wouldn't recommend using them for a canoeing or rafting trip down the river like a dry sack, but they will work fine in any other damp or humid environments. They are water resistant not waterproof.

The volume of the pot is actually 0.9 liters.

http://www.primuscamping.com/product.php?id=124

For what it's worth, I currently own two Western Mountaineering sleeping bags, one of which is the Antelope, & have owned a Mountain Hardware Tallac in the past. (I did however like the small zippered chest pocket on the Tallac.) So to me it's a no brainer, the Western Mountaineering Antelope for these advantages:
1. 850 fill power down,
2. MicroLite XP shell,
3. Two ounces lighter,
4. With exception of producing a few other down items, WM has a singular purpose, making the best sleeping bags on planet Earth,
5. MADE IN THE USA, not China!

The regular prices are only $15 apart. The Antelope in not gender specific but already has ample down in the torso & footbox areas. Commonly these anatomical areas are more of an issue with women rather than men.

Since you are 5'9" tall, the Antelope MF regular would be the recommended length.

I would say that all depends on where you plan on using your bag the most. If it's in a cold area with high humidity, rain, or snow, choose the Lithium "MemBrain" for better water resistance. If you'll be in a drier area, select the regular Lithium. I hope this helps.

The Helium EQ has a breathable/waterproof "Membrain" shell whereas the standard Helium uses a pertex shell. The lightness is due to 850 fill down being used.

Phil, I think it's only a North American partnership to sell & distribute their products. If you remember, they did the same thing with Optimus a few years ago but now that's a partnership with Katadyn.

The Fly Creek is an ultralight, 2 1/2 to three season tent. I wouldn't consider using it for anything more. However knowing Big Agnes quality, I'm sure it could handle a slight amount of snow in an emergency.

230 grams is fuel only weight The total weight is, depending on the manufacturer, between 13 & 14 ounces. This is the fuel weight plus the canister weight. So the Primus TiLite Stove system, with fuel, actually weighs between 20 & 21 ounces.

A lot of water in that region comes from limestone springs. Ahhh, Bourbon country. As pure as that sounds, the water still needs to be filtered & the Katadyn Vario will perform admirably!

I agree with you about the XS size. Western Mountaineering does the same thing. I suggest using a S size compression stuff sack. You will then be able to control how much you want to compress your 850 fill sleeping bag. I feel the less compression on the higher loft down the better the bag will work. In fact I stuff mine in my day pack along with a few other down items which all fit neatly in the bottom compartment of my pack. Just a thought.

No Benchmade knives "feal cheepy!" They feel great in the hand like all quality tools feel. Benchmade is an all American company that produces one of the finest pieces of cutlery in the world. You won't be disappointed.

Constant UV will take it's toll on any tent, but since tents are only set up for short periods of time, the Copper Spur will hold it's own with any other tent on the market. Any nylon material with a PU coating will succumb to prolonged periods of UV bombardment without discrimination toward the manufacturer.

Any medium size compression stuff will work. It might even afford you a bit of extra room for another small item or two. The stuffed size is 8x17 inches.

On it's highest setting, the Primus Power Ignitor produces a flame 1 to 1.5 centimeters in length. Besides being refillable from a butane source, it can also be refilled from a Lindal Valve canister by using a Primus Filling Adapter (Fuel Tool):

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/primus/primus004%20006.jpg

Also updated information is available @ 307-857-4700. Pretty hot little item!!!

The Kelty Light Year sleeping bag employs a hip-length, two-way locking zipper on the side along with a zippered foot vent.

If the temperature drops below freezing, you'll notice a definite drop in performance. An isobutane blended fuel will give you maybe an extra 5-10 degrees. Most fuels are using this blend. Read the label. If you think you'll be experiencing lower temps, consider a remote canister stove, like the Brunton Vesta, where you can turn the canister upside down to burn the liquid fuel, or a kerosene/white gas stove.

MSR doesn't publish BTU or watt ratings, but the Pocket Rocket is rated between 11,000 & 12,000 BTU's whereas the Coleman's crank out 23,900 for the PB & 16,400 for the UL.

As you already know, the MH Trango is an expedition class shelter which I personally feel is overkill for the Canyonlands anytime of the year. I would stick with your REI Arete & leave the warmth containment to your sleeping bag unless, of course, you only have a 45 degree bag & are looking for a reason to buy the Trango. If this is the case, I would purchase a warmer sleeping bag first & save yourself some $ in the process.

I've used canister stoves up to 13,235' with good results. Since water boils @ 212 degrees F @ sea level, it boils @ 194 degrees F @ 10,000' & goes down from there the more you ascend. The most important factor effected by this is when you cook raw food. It would need to be cooked almost twice as long & use more fuel in the process. Since you stated you'll only be boiling water for coffee & tea, the boiling time isn't nearly as important, & as long as the temperature doesn't drop below 25-32 degrees F, you should be just fine.

Any canister stove would work for your needs. I would choose the one that has the highest BTU rating like the Coleman PowerBoost @ $63:

http://www.backcountry.com/coleman-f1-powerboost-stove

or Coleman F1 Ultralight @ $50:

http://www.backcountry.com/coleman-f1-ultralight-stove

I hope this helps & have a good time in Nepal.

The Dragonfly was designed more for larger parties than for solo use even though it works well for both. It has wide & stable pot supports that accommodates larger cookware. This stove can even handle medium size cast iron skillets. The burner head's flame spreader produces a nice, even flame on the bottom of the pot/pan. For these reasons, the Dragonfly is the preferred backcountry stove by many outfitters.

The Primus Micron Ti Stove uses ALL Lindal valve (screw-on) type, compressed gas, fuel canisters made by @ least nine manufacturers including Brunton, Coleman, Jetboil, Kovea, Markill, MSR, Optimus, Primus, Snow Peak, etc. These canisters can be found in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, western Europe, Japan, & Korea.

Very true, however I'm a bit luckier. My ignitors work successfully up to 10,000 feet before they crap out.

Try lighting the stove with a pot/pan on top. This creates more concentration of gases around the electrode.

All fuel bottles are made to "exacting standards" to their specific stoves. This is why I always recommend using the same brand fuel bottles. Brunton bottles will work but the threads are slightly different which could possibly cause a fire due to escaping fuel & fumes. This could also cause a loss of pressure. Perform a cold test @ home by pressurizing the Brunton fuel bottle. Then check for leaks. It's all about safety & peace of mind.

A generous size storage bag is also included.

Get the large. I was in the same situation with my girl & before I knew it, she grew into the larger size, plus she will also be able to carry more.

Just to add to the previous review, ceramic elements are cleanable & last much longer. For this reason they are also more expensive.

When it becomes necessary, you can also use Sno-Seal with bees wax. It was around long before Nikwax, which is a good product, & is better than ever!