Gerard

Old model circa 2002 Golite Belay parka has not let me down (2 lbs. however). 4 inner pockets can hold water bottles. Just sized large enough to fit over the layers.

I've got the old model with the non-thermoformable liner. Maneuverability equal to a leathr but more thought needs to go into it. I had the same criticisms above so I had to do some mods to make it work. 1) "It is difficult if not impossible to crank down the laces tight enough to secure your ankle/heel."- I glued a pair of ball bearings in each of the 4 upper hooks, that worked ... a little better. I then added a pair of velcro strap placed between them. That worked pretty well! 2) During subzero temps I use VBLs so I'm ok. The biggest problem I had was the lack of gussets to connect the tongue to the upper. Approaches through shallow water or mud soaked the liners. It could also use a full rand.

great pics! I was in outer mongolia in 2000 but since it was border region there was not a soul around. The scenery was spectacular though... your pics take me back. Thanks!

I used twice Climbhigh VBLs and they didn't last ONE trip. I first went to Willard in Jan 2001. I diligently took the VBLs off the first night and discovered holes and failed lamination. When I got back I returned them and got a size smaller, same result but this time at a small one pitch climb in NJ. Well that's my experience and BTW I posted a similar query after my climbhighs failed. Good Luck! Gerard