Depends on the bag. Bags meant for colder conditions have more insulation and are therefore bigger and bulkier. Looks like EMS lists the... "stuff size" on their website (under technical specs) if you can find your bag there. I'm not sure if that corresponds to the dimensions of stuff sacks listed here (I'm used to manufacturers listing the volume), but it's a good bet that it will give you an indication of what size to get.

From the Tech Specs above.
Dimensions: 20 x 11in (51 x 28cm)

Doesn't seem like they're designed to nest very well. See an answer by Jason Livingston to a question below.

The pore size in this filter is 1 micron, which is small enough to filter out crypto cysts (which are usually in the 4-7 micron range).

Depends on the volume of the sleeping bag when it's compressed down. The 20 L (next size larger) sack should probably fit your bag along with maybe some other items (spare clothes perhaps). I pity you for having to haul around that massive sleeping bag.

In my opinion, it's worth it to get sized correctly by someone who knows what they're doing and to try on a pack for comfort before using it. Especially in a situation where you're going to be hauling it extensively over the course of a few weeks or months without the opportunity to replace it. There are few things worse than an uncomfortable pack.

Different packs can fit quite a bit differently, even across the same brand (to accommodate different body types, etc). I encourage you to find this pack at a local retailer, load it up, try it on, adjust the fit, and walk around for a bit. Barring that, backcountry has a great return policy, so you can always try it before committing to it. Just keep in mind your travel schedule if you end up having to ship it back for a replacement.

Well, the difference is really the hood and the weight. At nearly half the weight of the Gamma, the Zeta is probably less warm. Some of the weight difference is accounted for in the hood, but that feature will serve to keep you considerably warmer also.

Since they're made out of the same material (and neither of them have pit zips) they probably breathe about the same. In my experience (with a different jacket) power shield breathes nicely as long as I don't get too warm.

Seems to me like the Gamma is built for worse weather and the Zeta is more of a multi-use garment.

Nope, not waterproof. You could probably make them shed some precipitation by treating the suede uppers, but I wouldn't want to step in a steam with them.

I have a jacket made out of the same material (power shield) and it's pretty windproof. Not completely, but it's about as good as the wind stopper material that the Venta is made from. In my experience power shield tends to be a bit colder in wind than wind stopper, but it's not a dramatic difference. Wind stopper is also quite a bit stretchier, from what I've seen.

The weather-proofing is mostly a matter of how good the DWR applied to the outside of the jacket is. That's something that's really up to you once the initial DWR wears off.

Arc'teryx tends to use a fairly slim cut for most of their clothes and the fit on the jackets is pretty similar from model to model.

The difference is that the King Solomon uses down insulation while the Cain Creek uses synthetic. This accounts for the weight difference, but down is also a better insulator (when kept dry). When kept in good condition down insulated bags can last a very long time, while synthetic insulation tends to eventually wear out. The trade off for down is that it's more expensive and isn't warm when wet (like synthetics). That means synthetics tend to be better for damp environments.

The collars on the alpha and sidewinder come up to a similar height about the chin. The difference is that the alpha has a closer fitting hood. It's attached to the top of the collar instead of the bottom (near the shoulders) with the sidewinder.

As for sizing, I'd go with the XXL if I was you. It might be a bit long and baggy around the waist, but at least you'll have enough room in the shoulders.

Here's the list of the 75 beaches this watch knows about: http://www.freestyleusa.com/products/tide_beachlist.html#Central_America

Looks like Nicaragua isn't represented at all.

On the tent itself the door is about half mesh (with no outer door) with the windows mesh, of course. For inclement weather it comes with a rain fly. Sounds like people have been pleased with its performance in both wind and rain.

First let me offer that 5000 ft isn't an especially high elevation, despite the local relief. That's a little lower than the elevation of Denver and a lot of the surrounding flat region. Most canister stoves shouldn't have trouble with that altitude.

How cold do you want to use your stove? Performance will vary a little with the fuel you use, but a good rule of thumb is that the stove should be fine above 32 degrees F. For colder temperatures you will want a lower mix of n-butate and more propane.

Like two layers. A shell and a fleece.

Should just be able to stick it in the washer on a cold cycle and low heat in the drier.

These are just a little bigger than the Nomads. They should be great for high altitude and glacier conditions. The lens provide some features you don't necessarily need for your applications (like water repellency and polarization), so you might find better value with some other lenses, but these will certainly do you for everything you mentioned plus more.

Polarized lenses alone don't really block enough light to be comfortable or protective on a glacier in bright conditions. They still transmit around 50% of the light. You want around 15-5% transmission for glacier glasses.

If you get these glasses, replace the lenses with something better (and make sure it's completely UV proof).

This is just a shell, similar to the eVent. You're probably interested in the insulated jackets here: http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/100000115/Mens-Synthetic-Insulation-Jackets.html

Looks like loops to attach some kind of shock-cord suspension system to me. At least that's what I would probably use them for, if anything.

The Stoic Welder glove is pretty similar. They've changed a few things about it based on community reaction to the various backcountry branded gloves, but the Stoic stuff seems to be getting rave reviews for the most part.

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Stoic-Welder-Glove/SIC0034M.html

The exterior dimensions listed work out to about 570 cubic inches, so the interior space is probably around 450 cubic inches (~7 L). In other words it's roughly the size of a medium purse. You could probably fit a pair of sneakers and some clothes in it.

I don't see sporks on the TSA's prohibited items list and I doubt this is much sharper than your average butter knife (which are allowed). I think you'll be ok.

It's an excellent idea if you anticipate running into any kind of wet or windy weather. A shell will keep the down dry and the wind off. This could be a good shell, depending on the conditions you expect to face.

Because it's a softshell it's not really waterproof, and will eventually become wet in the rain. It has a water repellent treatment on the outside that sheds some precipitation, but much more than light rain and you'll get a bit wet. On the other hand it does breathe well, which is a concern when you're snowshoeing, and it blocks wind nicely.

If you want more substantial weather coverage check out the technical shell section of the jackets. Everything there is waterproof breathable, which is not as breathable as this guy, but will keep you dry in pretty much anything. You could keep the Stoic theme going with the eVent Stash or Bombshell jackets. I also like the Mountain Hardware shells.

Lastly, this piece has a slightly fleecy lining to it, which may make it more difficult to layer. You may find sleeves bunching a little more readily with this, although the taffeta outside on the Luft makes that less of a problem.

The thing about booties is that they don't really slip on and off that easily, which for me at least is a vital part of what slippers do. But if she doesn't mind that, they would definitely keep her feet warm when lounging at home.

Managed to dig something up. Looks like they have a whole mess of North American distributors. Try giving one of these guys a shot if you haven't figured it out yet.

http://www.rottefella.com/english/artikkel.asp?Action=Visnyhet&NodeID=131&ID=372

Yup, even has a powder skirt so you don't get snow all up and down inside. Remember it's just a shell, though, so wear layers appropriate to the temperature underneath.

Suunto says it's water resistant to about 300 ft, so it should do the trick for triathlon training and situations where you're not diving.

I know they do make an extension for the t6 and similar models, but I don't see it here on backcountry.com. Try contacting Suunto USA directly. 1-800-543-9124 (press 3 for technical support)

I don't think that's quite right. The page that Jeff points to indicates that this outputs about 27 candlepower. Assuming they mean candela, then the luminous flux is roughly 325 lumens.

A Coleman 2 mantle gas powered lantern is somewhere around 800 lumens, while a 2 mantle propane lantern might get you something in the range of 1000 lumens. Compared to the ouput of this lamp (250 lumens), your two mantle fuel powered lanterns are in the range of 4 times as bright. One mantle lanterns usually just top this guy by a few hundred lumens.

The Titan is, however, about 5 times brighter than the Apollo.

It's my understanding that the New Classic binding doesn't need any welts or other specifics in boot design. Although I've never tried these bindings myself, I've been led to believe that you just do up the strap and your crampon is on. It should work on any boot you care to use.

Never had an experience like that myself, but it sounds like they might be laced up a bit tight. Even then, though, ankle pain shouldn't be happening. Contact the outfit that sold them to you to get a replacement (or if that fails get a hold of Columbia directly). Hopefully it's just a defect in the boot.

Like most analog watches; pull the crown out once, rotate to set the time, push crown back in. See directions for details: http://www.freestyleusa.com/support/warranty/instructions/2717/The+Hammerhead+Chrono+XL.pdf

No waist strap here.

Couldn't tell you on the sizing. I suggest breaking out the tape measure and find a friend who will measure your arm (from the centre of your back to a wrist with a slightly bent elbow), then checking the sizing chart here to determine the closest fit.

You're right about the insulation, though. This is just a shell. Layer it with a fleece or maybe a down sweater for those really cold days.

Right here: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/The-North-Face-Denali-Glove-Mens/TNF0534M.html

Might want to check the sizing on them, though. Men's sizing might be different than girls'

Pretty sure you could slide skis through the compression straps on the sides, then strap them together at the top for the classic A shape. If you get the side straps cinched down tight enough you could probably even leave them parallel.

Nope. No hood here.

You're right about the storm warning. The weather forecaster will not work very well when you're changing altitude. Like any pressure based altimeter it needs to be recalibrated fairly often to be accurate at all due to pressure fluctuating with the weather.

Basically, it's either an altimeter or a weather tool, dependant on whether you're changing altitude.

Hold on a minute. It's going to take you roughly 1500 hours of continuous pumping to filter 30000 gallons of water with this filter. That's about 2 months of pumping nonstop, day and night.

I'm not sure how much water you actually need filtered on your average trip, but judging by my normal use it would take me about 50 years to run that much water through this filter. (Roughly 2 gallons a day, 30 days a year. For me, alone, and I don't get out as often as some people). I'm not sure any pump is going to last me that long, and if this one is going to then it's a steal.

Also, I believe it will work just fine without the activated carbon. It just removes the taste of any chemical impurities in the water.

This is a full, waterproof breathable shell, while the shift is a softshell. Softshells aren't really waterproof, but have a water repellent coating on the outside surface. On the other hand, waterproof breathable garments don't breathe as well. It's really a matter of what conditions you're going to use the jacket for. The stoic is better for all around use and wetter conditions, while the shift might be better for drier, higher output activities.

First of all, that's the most bad ass subdivision of hunting I've ever heard of. As for your question, these boots will take you over just about any terrain you can throw at 'em.

I think production on backcountry.com branded stuff has stopped, so what you see it probably what you get. I'm hoping for an updated version from Stoic.

Appears to be a softshell.

It should work pretty well for mountaineering. It's insulated so it will keep you warm in cold conditions. This jacket probably has more features than you need for mountaineering, like a powder skirt and pit zips, but that's not such a bad thing.

If you're going to be packing any amount of weight for that long I would suggest going in to a brick and mortar store with some staff who know what their doing. Getting a pack that fits right and is comfortable is way more important than the brand. There's nothing worse than a pack that doesn't fit.

Sure does.

Seems to just be a regular, low loft fleece (probably 100- or 200-weight) with a DWR treated face fabric. I wouldn't count on this jacket being wind proof since they're touting its breathability.

Try the Backcountry.com Shift softshell to save a few bucks. Made out of the same stuff as the Easyrider, but significantly cheaper. I have the men's version, and while I'm not sure I'd consider it insulated, it keeps me pretty warm as long as I keep moving.

It's basically a measure of the insulating capacity and water vapor (sweat) permeability of a fleece. Fleece jackets usually come in a range from 100- to 300-weight. 100-weight is good for staying warm during high aerobic activities (like running or cross-country skiing) in the spring and fall.

It sounds like he is usually between a medium and large. Checking the sizing chart for North Face shows that a large would probably fit best.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't come with a footprint, but backcountry doesn't seem to have any in stock. You should hop on customer support chat to see if they're getting any more in.

Yeah, it's a waterproof breathable pant with a soft lining that will keep the chill off. No insulation, though.

Depends on how much time you're spending in cold environments and the total level of performance you're looking for. The RXP is going to be brighter in all conditions (especially in the cold with lithium batteries). Both lamps will get you through a single night no matter which batteries you use, though. Check out Petzl's headlamp performance chart: http://www.petzl.com/files/all/us/products/comparison/headlamps-performance-table.pdf

Expanding on Kurt Z's response: the idea being that you're not going to try sleeping in a puddle. So as long as you keep the rain off the bag when it's packed and only dealing with some damp when it's unpacked the full waterproof, seam-taped treatment that waterproof shells get is overkill.

And yes, it's a three season tent.

Yes, sir. For your venting pleasure. But they seem to have gotten rid of the zips in this year's model. Maybe to save some weight.

They aren't available on their website but give them a call (800-651-0833) or send them an email (info@julbousa.com) and tell them what you need. I hear their customer service is pretty good.

Julbo seems pretty proud of their "optical clip" system that allows some of their sun glasses to attach to your prescription lenses, so they mention it with all the glasses that are compatible on their website. Doesn't seem like the bivouaks are. The shape of these makes it seem unlikely that they would fit over most prescription frames without some kind of clip also.

JRappGuru means 35 degrees F. -5 C is probably about right for this jacket. Maybe a little on the cold side, but I haven't tried my mens version out in near zero weather yet.