As per your three questions:

- There is a ski loop on each side of the pack to allow for side carry configuration (one ski on each side).
- The frame is light as a feather and very durable, but to my knowledge, it is not designed to be removed. However, anything is possible if you're willing to do some surgery.
- The pack is water resistant, but not waterproof. If you anticipate weather to happen while using this pack, an Osprey UL Raincover would be a wise investment.

Hope this helps!

Only in the sense that you might encounter some mixed/ice climbing while mountaineering. For simply single-day ice climbing (for example, an ice fall) this is such a large pack, it would pull you right off the wall. Instead of a 65L pack, you might want to look in the 25-40L range. Osprey Packs is releasing the Mutant 38 pack this fall in the U.S. (not available yet on backcountry.com, try moosejaw.com) that I plan to pick up for ice climbing. Osprey's Variant 28 & 37 packs are also good options, but I am a die-hard Osprey Packs fan and, thus, bias. Ummm, some other solid contenders include The North Face's Spire 32 or Prophet 35, Black Diamond's Sphynx, and Mammut's Ice 45. Hope this helps and best of luck out there!

Hey, I have not used this pack to carry skis, and someone else needs to weigh in on this question, but I think you should check out one of Osprey Packs' newest offering, the Kode series:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/KodeSeries/

I think the Kode 22 would be absolutley perfect for what you want a pack for, so make sure you check out its features. Backcountry.com does not currently offer this new series, so check out other online retailers if you need it soon. Best of luck and hope this helps!

Yeah, if you're looking to keep cost/weight down, I prefer the Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest pad over the Z-Lite. Although the Z-Lite supposedly has more thickness, the construction of the Ridge Rest is far more durable. Honestly, though, if it were up to me, I would opt of the Therm-a-Rest ToughSkin self-inflating pad. Although you'll have to shell out more coin and deal with more weight, the added comfort you would get from sleeping on the ToughSkin would make it completely worth it, ESPECIALLY with you being a side sleeper. That, and the ToughSkin is designed to handle rough surfaces like concrete. Hope this helps!

You might be able to, but Osprey Packs actually makes a line of backpacks specific for 'snowplay.' I think the Kode 22 or 30 bags would be perfect for what you're looking for. Although backcountry.com does not offer these new packs at this time, you can find them for sale elsewhere online. In the meantime, check out the different models at Osprey's website:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/KodeSeries/

Osprey makes great packs and you'll like yours, whatever you decide. Hope this helps!

I am almost the exact same dimensions and I went with a Large that fits really well.

Yeah, the Large size is what you would want for your Argon 85. Good call with picking one up. I need to get one for my Osprey packs.

Adventure Medical's website states that this bag is in fact 'Waterproof, Windproof, and Warm,' but I wouldn't count on staying dry in a downpour. The difference between this and the AM Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy is that this version is supposedly more durable (with the aforementioned qualities), and 30% stronger than the other model. Aside from being half the price, however, the other model is half the weight and reflects more body heat, making it warmer. I have the Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy and can say that it stands up to some abuse. In my opinion, go for the Heatsheets version--this one just isn't worth the loftier price tag.

Black Diamond has excellent customer service and I bet they'd be willing to help you out:

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/customer-service

Best of luck!

Right now, the TNF Catalyst 60 pack is on sale for $195 (50% off, regularly: $388.95). The sale price puts it below the cost of this pack, and the more comfortable Catalyst 60 would be darn near perfect for a 3-day hike--or if packed right, a week-long jaunt. Don't get me wrong, the Prophet is an excellent rucksack, but the Catalyst and Primero lines are more suited for extended stays on hiking trails.

Coleman is not a brand listed as having a backcountry.com US-only contract, so I don't think you'd have a problem having it shipped to Autralia. As for shipping costs, you can find that out by adding the item to your cart, proceeding to checkout, and entering the shipping address. As long as you DO NOT proceed with checkout, you can attain the exact shipping cost without being obligated to purchase the item. Hope that helps!

This sleeping bag DOES in fact come with a stuff sack, the dimensions of which are listed in the Tech Specs. The 'Bx' in the name means that it comes in a box amd thus DOES NOT come in a storage sack. Please also note that this is a children's sleeping bag.

I own this bag and I can say that it does not have a sleeping bag compartment. You would be hard-pressed to fit anything other than an ultralight down bag in the main compartment. Whenever I secure my bag to this pack, I use the ('sleeping pad') straps on the bottom of the pack. And dude, this sack rocks!

The Argon pack is Osprey's premier backpacking pack, and what it adds in a little bit of weight (compared to the lighter Aether series), it makes up for with a whole lotta comfort and a few extra access points. The 85 L packs, if packed right, can carry enough gear for a few weeks. If you want a larger capacity and have the stamina of a mule, take a look at the Argon 110. If you plan on restocking at waypoints every week or so, the Argon 70 would be a better option. Really, it depends on how you're going to hike the AT. Personally, I'd go with the Argon 85 as a happy medium. Whatever you decide on, make sure you find an Osprey dealer and get a custom-molded hipbelt. Osprey makes a durable and comfortable pack and you won't regret purchasing one, no matter what you choose. From one who lives near the AT, enjoy!

Here is a link to a good article with tips on another site:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2098950_use-coffee-percolator.html

Hope that helps and enjoy your joe!

I debated this same question not too long ago. You covered the key considerations in weight and access points, but consider it this way: the Argon series is designed to be the premier backpacking line for Osprey, sporting a slightly better suspension than the Aether models. If comfort is more of an issue than cutting precious ounces, then the suspension on the Argon--combined with a custom-molded hipbelt--can protect you from those extra couple of pounds. Personally, if I were buying a bag to spend most my time on defined trails and steady elevations, I'd get the Argon. If I needed a sack for mountain-laden adventures, I'd lean towards the Aether.

Concerning what size to get: take a look at the 'View Sizing Chart' information under the product options pull-down menu and base it primarily off of your hip measurements (just above your hip bones, not along a plumber's waistline). If you're somewhere in-between sizes, opt for the larger one since us fellas rarely lose horizontal measurements as the years go by.

You'll want to pose that question to backcountry.com Customer Service. If you wait long enough on the site, a 'Chat with a Gear Expert' prompt will appear, or you can just click on 'Help' in the top right corner of the page and contact them via your preferred method.

To add to the other answer, using the dual zippers you can also crack the doorway a little at the top to further vent it out and still stay fairly protected. Of course, this is assuming you don't have to worry about bugs or critters.

Like one reviewer said, there isn't room for much more than you and your sleeping gear. My recommendation is to pick up a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 tent: plenty big for you and your pup with little weight but a solid reputation.

I am around 6'2" and bought the 'Long.' Definitely glad I did.