YWESKI

No, the framesheet cannot be removed like their old Ceres packs (and I AM working at REI )

I have the 5ºF Western Mountaineering Antelope SMF and it is more than enough for what you do. But overall, you can't go wrong with either FF or WM.

I have used both Bibler I-tent and the MK1XL and here are my thoughts on each: Bibler Pro's: More solid in the snow & wind. The peak vents work better than the MK. The side wall guideout points are included with the tent (the MK does not, you have to order this as an option). The vestibule design (sold separately) is much better than ID. It does not have snow built up as much as ID. The vestibule door design is a lot easier to use, too. Bibler Con's: Harder to set up because the fabric is so taut when I insert the poles, my least favorite is the corner buttons, you have to insert each pole tips into these small metal pockets. ID MK1XL Pro's: Much easier to set up; no plastic clips (as mentioned from other post), no corner pockets. ID offers custom-made tent with different color and feature options. The standard tent floor is a lot thicker than Bibler. And last but not least, the MK1 is made in Canada vs. China for the Bibler ID MK1XL Con's: The vestibule design needs major improvement. I actually don't like the vent tube that much. It does need more guideout in the wind since the tent is not as taut as Bibler. About the breathability, Tegraltex and ToddTex are actually the very same fabric, both companies purchase their PTFE laminate from the same source. But Bibler I-tent seem to breath better because of the peak vent design. Just my 2 cents. Hope that helps.

Thanks so much for the info., just picked up one pair, can't wait for the snow to come!!!

I have used both the I-tent and the MK1XL and I agree with JoshK and Hasbeen, the pole corners on the MK is much easier to deal with. Also the net pockets on the I-tent sit way too high from the floor, so if you put stuffs in them, they tend to come apart from the tent through time. As for the MK, the pockets are place right at the floor level.

Looks like the Naxo has some durability issues, I was gonna get it but I guess I will stay with the Diamir 3 then...Thanks, guys....

For all you AT skiers, what is your favorite ski for AT purpose? Input please!!!!

I used to have the MK1XL but both the MK3 and MK1 have the same designs and fabric. I think Integral Designs makes nicer tents (I also have a Bibler I-tent, so I can compare them side by side). ID's tent has a thicker fabric, a tougher corner loop fabric. Setup is easier, too, just aim the pole to the corner and pop them up. As for Bibler, you gotta make sure to insert the pole tip into the metal buttons, which sometimes becomes a pain in the neck. I also don't like the screen doors on the outside. It catches a lot of snow, but you can special order it with the screen door on the inside (that's one big plus for ID, you can have your tent customade according to your liking. Bibler does not offer that). Hope it helps