Eric - the merino used in the Stoic crew is spun from a 17.5 micron (superfine) wool fiber. There is no itch in this fine a quality of merino. This merino will definitely inhibit lingering effects of funk, but will also retain a fair amount of moisture during high-aerobic activities. I wore recently on a hike in very hot, humid Hong Kong and was comfortable, although my merino crew did not dry as quickly as some of my companions' lightweight synthetic layers.

Weight of the fabric is around 150gsm (grams/square meter).

Hadron Anorak stuffed into its kangaroo pocket = perfect backpacking pillow!

Non-stick used on these pots is a durable PTFE-based coating.

Tyler - unfortunately, no black coming for this Spring 2012 season. Fall season (~September 2012) will be next opportunity at black colorway.

Image shows only 0.25oz (or 7gms) of 4 different fill powers. Notice how much loft and insulation you get from only 0.25oz of 850FP down! Warmth to weight of this high FP down is incredible!

Chris - This Luft Synthetic jacket would be a good replacement. Light weight, warm, good fit - maybe not uber-compressible.

I'd recommend the Hadron if it's compressibility and light-weight you're after. The Hadron styles pack away into their own kangaroo pouch and are very warm for the weight. The 850FP down cannot be surpassed, as long as it doesn't get soaked.

The Lufts do not run small. If you're typically a large - I'd go with a large for this style.

Image of Tan colorway without flash.

Image of Tan colorway with flash.

The Duke gloves are not waterPROOF. The Duke uses a DWR-treated leather to fend off the water, and still maintain great breathability. Eventually, water would soak through if/when exposed to prolonged wet conditions, i.e. Cascade Mountains.

The Stoic Forge Gauntlet Glove's WPF/Breathable membrane would be a better choice for extended wet-weather conditions.

The remaining colorways' images should be live now. If you're still not able to see them, try clearing your cache.

ASDF - Stoic Bombshell Bib - Men's are available in the two colorways currently live on the site for F11 season: Deep/Vintage and Black/Black

Annie - nothing in the pipe for this season, but a strong potential for 2012.

Jerid - The Stoic Monolith is similar to the old BC.com Shift. The Monolith fabric is bit more stout than the Polartec Power Shield used in the BC.com Shift. The Stoic Monolith is also fully welded (great stretch, weather resistance, clean lines, no-bulk seams) instead of the traditional cut/sewn construction on the BC.com Shift. As the BC.com Shift is no longer being produced, the Stoic Monolith is the closest replacement.

If the fabric was what you specifically liked about the Shift Jacket, The Stoic Welder Lo uses the same Polartec Power Shield in a hooded, fully welded construction.

cgi100555817 - Stoic Microlith Pant are designed with a more athletic cut. One reason for this cut is to allow them to be layered under shell pants without interfering with fit of the shell.

I would not count on the fit changing much on these pants after a little use. The Microlith softshell consists of nearly 10% spandex which helps maintain consistent power/stretch through the life of the pant.

Jeremy - the Stash Shell has a more athletic (trim) fit. I'm 6'1", 170lb, and wear a large in the Stash. I can fit in a Medium, but prefer the large for sleeve and body length.

Hope that helps...

Sid - our next shipment of Stoic Merino 150 baselayers should be available by mid-October 2011.

Colors in this style will be Shale (gray), Deep (blue), Graze/Shale (green/gray), and Empire/Vintage (yellow/purple).

Stay tuned.

Major differences between Stash Shell and Vaporshell:

1. Fabric - Stash Shell uses a lighter weight version of our tried and true Bombshell fabric - Bombshell Lite is waterproof/breathable, soft and supple hand, able to be fully-welded, and has STRETCH! Why STRETCH? The fabric's ability to stretch allows the jacket to move with you during activity, which creates a better fit and overall comfort while wearing the jacket. Traditional hardshell materials do not stretch and have to be cut much larger in order to accomplish this effect - still not an ideal fit. Bombshell Lite offers the comfort, durability, and waterproof/breathable characteristics of our original Bombshell fabric, but in a lightweight package.

2. Construction - Stash Shell is fully-welded construction vs Vaporshell is traditional sewn and taped method. Both are waterproof constructions, but fully-welded construction again contributes to the jacket's fit and comfort as the welded seams stretch with the fabric and are not stitched into a static position like traditional method.

3. Features - Stash Shell addresses many of the suggestions collected in the Vaporshell community comments, e.g. hand pockets, internal chest pocket, fit, etc...

Bombshell Lite and Vaporshell are both 3L fabrics. Both intended to be worn as shell pieces. Vaporshell gets the nod on breathability - a great option to throw in the pack as go-to weather-protection. Stash offers a good blend of performance (WPF/breathable), and also has stretch and can be fully-welded for superb fit. Can be used as ligthweight ski shell, packable option, and could be worn around town due to its superb fit and comfort.

Paul - the fabric is the same. The naming schema was evolved to include this fabric in the Monolith fabric family.

F11 Stoic Welder Hi uses the same hi-loft fleece lined softshell as previous version. A few minor trim/color updates for F11.

Bryan - I'd recommend the medium. The Stash eVent Shell uses eVent fabric, which by nature does not contain any stretch. The small would give you a snug fit, but if you're looking to layer something under, I'd size up to the medium to allow better freedom of movement.

Cait - these synthetic blend socks are very lightweight. There is some low-profile cushioning in the shin and under-foot area, but it is very minimal. If you're looking for a lightweight, low-cushion sock to squeeze into a tight boot - the Stoic Synth Ski sock should do the trick.

Luke - we were able to sneak in a another shipment before the end of the season. All sizes should be available on the site by end of week - 8.13.11.

We have a similar color replacing the Slate colorway arriving for F11 season - named 'Excalibur'. These are set to arrive early September 2011.

Packed size is 19" (length) by 7" (diameter) - includes the footprint inside stuff sack.

Look for a men's version of Breaker Fleece as well as new women's Breaker Fleece style this fall - (September 2011).

W/B ratings for Stoic Vaporshell are indeed remarkable - suspicion regarding these ratings is expected.

In order to satisfy our own concerns with these claims before adopting into our line, we performed multiple iterations of fabric testing at an independent lab - SGS.

For those interested in the actual test data:

Water Resistance Test (standard test method ASTM D751:2006 Procedure A; Mullen Method) yields a water column measurement of 68,338.4mm

Water Vapor Transmission test (standard test method JIS L1099 B1 method) yields a measurement of 46,176grams per square meter per 24 hours

Image of Stoic Somnus 15 in compression sack vs 12oz can

The L/XL size measures 5" from bottom of heel to top of sock - would extend about 3" out of a typical trail run shoe.

The Merino Comp Trail sock is more of a midweight sock - good amount of cushion under foot and under tongue. If looking for a lighter weight sock, the Stoic Synth Trail sock will be in stock in the next week.

I have a large pair here - weight on size large is 234g or 8.25oz.

Zips are Helio (purple) on the women's black colorway. Official image coming soon, but here's a phone pic in the meantime.

This initial Vaporshell Jacket was designed as ultralight rain protection - just what you need in a rain shell, nothing you don't. These design calls were made in order to build a rain shell that offers the outstanding waterproof protection and breathability of this Vaporshell Jacket with a great fit while weighing a scant 14oz - all at a price of 129!

As evidenced in this very thread, there are varying opinions on the need to include pit-zips. We chose to err on the side of breathability in this case - in normal conditions, you probably won't ever need them because the fabric is just that breathable. The air permeability of the fabric also aids significantly in cooling and preventing build up of moisture vapor inside the shell. Look for some video uploads demonstrating this incredible waterproofness with air permeability very shortly.

The sleeves were deliberately built a little longer to compensate for a fabric without stretch. Few things we can't stand worse than sleeves that ride half way up your forearm when "down in it."

Length of M's Large (measuring from center-front neck seam to bottom) is 24.25". Hood is climbing helmet compatible - same hood used on Stoic eVent Stash.

Vaporshell is a Stoic proprietary fabric. Vaporshell contains a PTFE-based membrane - other well known WPF/breathable fabrics also use a PTFE-based membrane. The major difference is the breathability of Vaporshell. Vaporshell also employs a slight amount of air-permeability - i.e. air can pass through the face of the shell, adding further to the venting/breathability of the shell.

The drawback of Vaporshell is that we cannot use our signature welded construction with this fabric - the Vaporshell membrane is not strong enough to hold itself together in a welded seam application. In order to reliably produce this style, we elected to use the traditional cut/sew/tape method long used in the industry.

Hunter - I'd recommend ordering the medium.

Wash/Care instructions are located on a white tyvek-paper label sewn inside the left leg outseam (5" down from waist).

Here are the official care instructions from Stoic:

"For optimum performance frequent washing required. After securing all zippers and closures, machine or hand-wash your softshell garment with Nikwax Tech Wash. After washing, use Nikwax Softshell Proof to improve water-repellency. Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry."

No bleach, no iron, no dry-clean.

Unofficially, I throw mine in with my normal dark wash load. Use the Nikwax to restore fabric performance as needed.

Yes, Stoic Monolith jacket has drawstring at waist.

This Breathe T-Shirt uses a Polartec Power Dry fabric that is approximately 150g/m2.

Dierdra - I would recommend ordering the size Large. Size Large has an inseam of 31.5 inches. If you receive and determine they do not fit, just send 'em back.

Hope that helps.

The cut on this Breathe 90 style is athletic, but not fit skin-tight... designed to allow unrestricted movement, but not have too much extra fabric to flap around in the wind during activity. Stoic has described the typical body measurements this shirt is designed to fit in the 'size chart' above.

In general, TNF sizing is a little bigger than Stoic sizing, but this varies widely depending on the style. I'd recommend taking some actual measurements and consulting the size chart. Another option is to order both sizes and return the one that doesn't fit.

Hi Jitka,

This Bombshell Ski Pant's inseam is 30.5 inches.

Stoic Merino 150 shirts utilize a 17.5 micron ultra-fine merino fabric. This is some of the finest, softest, non-itchy merino money can buy.

Stoic Merino 150 stacks up very close to Icebreaker - weight is the same, but unsure what micron level Icebreaker is using. If anything, Stoic Merino 150 utilizes finer/softer merino than Icebreaker.

Templum 2 Tent packed in its stuff sack measures 18" (length) X 7" (diameter).

The Microlith Softshell Pant does not have a cinch cord at the ankle. The 16.5" circumference (size medium) ankle opening was specifically designed to create a tight seal when stretched over a ski boot, but not be too big/floppy for other aerobic activities not requiring a boot.

Check the Stoic brand page early April 2011 for their replacement.

Fabric used in Stoic Merino Bottom - Men's is 200g/m2 which most closely compares with an Icebreaker 200 style.

DO NOT DRY CLEAN!

Check left hand warmer pocket for washing instructions:
1. Stoic recommends washing with Nikwax Tech Wash
2. After washing, treat with Nikwax Soft Shell Proof to maintain/restore water repellency

Stoic won't be receiving any more Stoic Breaker fleece until this fall - September 2011.

Richard - Deep Tahoe in size large have just arrived. Get 'em while they're hot!

Look for new colors by December 10, 2010.

The Stoic Welder Lo is very similar to the old Backcountry.com Shift Welder. Same Polartec Power Shield. Same sizing. The obvious aesthetic design tweaks are the main difference.

The Welder Lo is not insulated, but intended for highly aerobic activities where breathability, stretch, and weather protection are key. The Polartec Power Shield used in this jacket does have a microfleece lining, but is still very light. If you're looking for an insulated softshell - try the Welder Insulated. The Welder Insulated actually has a synthetic insulation which would keep you much warmer than the Welder Lo.

We recommend using Nikwax Wool Wash to machine or hand-wash Stoic Merino garments. Hang to dry - do not machine dry. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do not dry clean.

R-Value of 2.9 is an average insulation value across the entire pad.

R-Value for Stoic LTWT Step Sleeping Pad - Regular is 2.9. Thickness of this pad is 1.5" at top end (top 2/3 of pad), and "STEPS" down to 1" thick at bottom end (bottom 1/3 of pad). If used alone, this pad is best suited for 3-season use. Paired with a closed-cell foam pad, the Stoic LTWT Step would be great for 4-season use as well.

The current line of Stoic sleeping pads are insulated with open-cell foam - no synthetic or down insulation beyond the main foam giving these pads their self-inflating qualities. Even so, this pad would be most accurately classified as a 3-season pad.

Stay tuned for 2011 season... great new styles under development.

The Stoic LTWT Step Sleeping Pad - Regular should be classified as a 3-season pad. If camping on the snow, your Z-rest (closed-cell foam pad) would be a highly recommended companion.

R-Value of the Stoic LTWT Sleeping Pad - Short is 2.6. This pad should be classified as 3-season - not 4-season. If using in the snow, a closed-cell foam pad would be a highly recommended companion.

The Stoic LTWT Sleeping Pad - Short comfortably rolls to 10in X 5in. You could pack it even smaller if needed. Stoic included a stuff sack and two straps with this pad, but used together are probably overkill. I'd suggest either using the stuff sack alone (without straps), or ditching one of the straps and using a single strap to hold closed when packing.

This version of the Stoic Breathe T-Shirt is most comparable in weight to the Patagonia Capilene 2 layers. Fabric weight of 146 grams per square meter.

The Stoic Merino Bliss and Stoic Merino Crew will have a slimmer fit compared with the Stoic Breathe T-Shirt.

Stoic Bombshell Insulated Jacket is machine or hand-washable - warm water. We recommend washing with Nikwax Tech wash to prolong the jacket's usable life. If water-repellent finish has worn off, Nikwax TX Direct wash-in will restore efficacy of DWR finish.

Current inventory is what we'll have through the 2010 season. Look for the Stoic Breaker style to return with full sizes and additional colors in Fall, 2011.

We recommend machine or hand-washing (warm) your Stoic Welder Insulated Softshell Jacket with Nikwax Tech-wash. Nikwax Softshell-Proof can then be washed in to improve water-repellency as needeed.

Stoic MDWT Sleeping Pad is made in China. The Stoic MDWT Sleeping Pad - Long is great for car-camping luxury where comfort (not packable weight) is main objective. With an R-Value of 5.5, this pad would also provide comfort and warmth for 4-season/winter camping excursions.

Backcountry Liners will not return... Please look for Stoic version of these liner gloves available early November, 2010.

The Shift Composite has an obviously tailored cut - aiming to provide a more flattering fit. The hem DOES contain a drawcord allowing you to customize the fit even more and prevent any unwanted drafts from entering through the bottom hem of the jacket.

Total weight of set including carabiner is 38g or 1.34oz.

This is the only size planned in this style. Stay tuned for additional styles with larger capacity - coming this fall.

This pad is 1.5" thick in the top 2/3 of the pad. The bottom 1/3 of the pad steps down to 1" thick.

Specs are being updated.

Go with a Large for this Fall 2009 version. I'm 6'1" 170, and the Medium is too small for me.

No plans to sell the Somnus 15 in regular length until 2011. The bag is 800 fill per product description.

No more of these coming until Fall 2010 season, i.e. October, 2010.

Yep, we'll have a couple solids and a couple blocked options coming for the Fall 2010 season.

Stoic Bombshell Jacket was not intended to be a summer shell. Weight and features (wrist gaskets, snow skirt) make this a pretty snow-specific style.

If looking for a summer weight shell - try the Stoic eVent Shell. This shell was designed to be a more versatile (lighter weight, breathable) shell that can be worn solo for protection in summer storms.

Weight of this merino is 140g/m2

The Welder Hi uses a supple high pile/loft fleece as both insulation and lining. The Welder Insulated gets its insulating ability from 100g of synthetic (polyester micofiber) insulation and is lined with a buttery soft nylon taffeta material.

The Welder Insulated would provide more insulation (warmth). Hard to match the furry goodness of the Welder Hi's lining, though. Can't go wrong with either choice.

There was a limited edition tahoe/carbon colorway (currently sold out) that used carbon color fabric in the pocket and underarm panel. The current stock of tahoe colorway is straight tahoe in the shell of the jacket - gray microfleece lining.

If you're set on this jacket, I'd recommend sizing up to the XL. The sleeves on the large would be a little short on you. The Shift Element is perfect for wearing around town, doing chores, lounging in camp, etc... If you're looking to be more active in this jacket, and want a killer softshell - I'd recommend the Backcountry.com Shift Welder Hoody. The Welder is a hooded version with lighter-weight Polartec Power Shield, longer sleeves, and fully-welded construction. As far as Welder sizing goes, the L should fit, but if you want a layer or two underneath for cold conditions - you'd be better served by the XL.

The 'non-Siphon Wool Hooded Jacket' is basically last season's version of the current Siphon Wool Hooded Jacket. That said, there are some differences in the jackets, mainly concerning the weight of the fabric.The non-Siphon was cut from some pretty burly fabric, i.e. heavy-weight wool blend shell fabric and brushed fleece lining. According to several customers, this made the jacket a little too warm and bulky.The current Siphon Wool Hooded Jacket uses a lighter-weight wool blend fabric shell with a grid-fleece lining, which gives the jacket a lighter, less-restricting feel. The Siphon Wool Hooded Jacket still provides the warmth and style you need, but just a little less burly than last season's non-Siphon.

The 'earth' color is more of a gray/brown than a green.

The Shift Composite Softshell uses two different weights of Polartec Power Shield in order to provide a lighterweight alternative to the original Shift Softshell. You will see the lighter-weight Polartec Power Shield in the body/underarms of jacket (dark gray in image above). The heavier-weight (light gray in image) Polartec Power Shield (same weight as original Shift Softshell) is used in the more abrasion-prone areas, i.e. cape, outer arms, etc...Polartec Power Shield = very abrasion resistant, blocks 98% of wind, water repellent, highly breathable, good stretch

Height: 7.375"Diameter (bottom): 2.5"Diameter (widest): 2.75"The Backcountry Dawn Patrol Vaccuum Coffee Tumbler will fit into your bike bottle cage, but won't be held very securely. If you want to better secure the Dawn Patrol in a bike bottle cage (with much less metal on metal rattle), I'd recommend the Cutter C12 Bottle Cage (full carbon). Check it out here - http://www.backcountry.com/store/CUT0016/Cutter-C12-Bottle-Cage-Full-Carbon.html

Hey P - Unfortunately, we're not getting any more of this specific style. This is last season's model, and has been replaced with the Siphon Wool Hooded Jacket for this season. The Siphon Wool Hooded has shed some weight compared with this style. Much of the feedback on this jacket pegged it as too heavy/restrictive, so in response we lightened up the wool-blend shell and used a grid-fleece lining in the new Siphon Wool Hooded.

These socks measure 14" from heel gore (diagonal seam on heel) to top of sock - unstretched.