gearup5000

the pad makes a nice sit pad - but mine is pretty beefy since it's off an inex. Just think of your applications and what you'll be doing. In summer the pad is great,

^^^Exactly, I just figure, if the zero sarc is listed at 2700-3300 cubes, see if the 3300-4000 is doable. I mean, a 4000 CU in pack can't weight that much more, and the price is virtually the same. Make sure you get it for what you need AND what you anticipate. A lot of packs are very good at 3000 cu in range, but at around 4000 or so, seems to go downhill (I'm picky). But if the only thing you do requires 3000 cubes, do it. BTW, there seemed to be a LOT of sarcs on the website, with different volumes and weights. Let us know what you decide!

Well if you had pain all the time, it was probably due to the nerve being inpinged all the time, and/or the sheath protecting the nerve is thinner/worn down. As you get older, the sheaths get thinner, and that's why chronic back pain is more chronic the older you get. Stretching helps a lot because it helps to loosen out the nerve i.e. giving it relief from stress. Depending on the severity of your condition you would need to get surgery. I had relatively frequent pain but usually short bursts ex: I missed the last basment stair = surprise compression = HOLY MOTHERF#$%^#^#^~!!!!!!! - u get the idea, not pretty So had it taken care of.

From other forums on the net, If you mail order from Canada, from the US, you have "x" amount of dollars you can import tax free. The big "stink" arrived as of late, largely due to the big drop between the US and CDN exchange rates. Way back when1 CAD = 0.88 US ; Now 1 CAD = 0.65 USD (you get the idea) Since gear was cheaper here to start with ex: Arc'teryx bora 80 was $300 CDN, vs $300 at REI, at 1 to 0.85 it wasn't a big deal, at 0.65 you saw mass exodus because the savings on the exchange rate and lower initial price more then made up for shipping (duties?). A bora 80 at MEC that costs $300 CDN, is equivalent $200 USD at an exchange rate of 1 to 1.5. ^^^So naturally, a lot of business was probably loss, but more important was the long term affects.

Aww man, why wasn't this posted in buy/sell! He had BD work gloves for $20! thanks all the same

Things to get/consider: -YOU MUST get a fully padded waistbelt. Forget a webbing one -Double bottom 100%. Spectra bottom is nice, but $$$. -2l summit flap WITH a zipper. A zipper doesn't hurt. -Get the lenomesh pad. It comes off, and in hot weather you'll appreciate it. -Get the Kangaroo Pocket shown here: http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/Detail%20Hi%20Rez%20Pages/S-SarcP&G_GreenGrid_9x11.htm Just make sure you get the right size pack. 3500-400 cu. in. seems a good size to me, but it depends on your uses. The kangaroo pocket is invaluable, very handy, and very light. I know I made the case for it when discussing all brands of backpacks i.e. My Mchale would benefit if it had a kangaroo type pocket like Arc'teryx. McHale was involved in those forums too, so yeah, who knows if it helped. What matters is it's a great feature. As for fabric choice, the page is gone but when you talk to him he'll get you sorted. Btw, I have an Inex

definately benedryl, I carry a Sam splint, elastoplast/moleskin for blisters...etc. I have scissors in there to prevent fumbling the ONE time you actually need them in a hurry. The "spray on" bandage stuff is goo as well. I have it all in a little tupperware container and keep it in the "kangaroo" pocket of my Bora 30, so it's easily accessible and organized. Adds a little weight, but I prefer the convenience. Tailoring your kit to what your doing is one thing, but it's also important to keep a fixed base of MUST HAVE'S so you don't have to second guess what's in your kit.

As for mtn hardwear, I didn't mean the big square puffy, but the jacket with the hood, shorter version? it's got very good details never been a fan of the nusptse, and would opt for the marmot sweater, or the mtn hardwear equivalent mtn hardwear has, fleece lined pockets and a drawcord in the lumbar area which is a VERY nice feature but on 2nd read I noticed the "belay" aspcet - my bad! - So I would say, check out wildthings

www.mec.ca Some good options, and their down jackets are priced WELL very good gear, amazing when you factor in the price (CDN) If you mean three season Fall Winter Spring I like mountain hardwear's sub zero parka but I like the idea of the north face's summit because it has reflective lining (no idea if it works!)

Ultimax liner socks are great yes, they smell AWFUL at the end of the day, but that's cuz they soak up all your sweat. I figure it doubles the use of an outer "smartwool" type hiking sock Just put the dirty socks in a zip lock - should be OK. But with running shoes etc., they are great, they don't move and don't slip

Mammut gloves are pretty decent but none were overly warm at least not for CDN temps but for skiing and such amamazing - very grippy palms Try to find the marmot ultimate glove, in women's in Xl or so to correspond to men's if you can = 50% at sierratradingpost, or if you have connections The new ice glove is a lot more nimble and better fitting (for me) than the guide glove, but I like the all leather of the patrol But yeah, check it out, all three companies make similar gloves for the same price, patagonia's looks like a copy

www.mchalepacks.com I second the motion you can get a big pack with bayonets to make it go super huge - see the Inex alpineer lots of choice for feature, and spectra ripstop is pretty light also, you can get a spectra bottom, or 3/4 bottom that adds just a little to the cost but a LOT of durability either that or ge him to add a bottom saver

the bd patrol glove looks EXACTLY like the patagonia work glove, and very similar to the marmot work glove what`s the deal?? the bd patrol has kevlar stitching, so the description reads. Marmot ultimate ski glove is very good. the patrol glove looks good too

Second the nozone - and I have one occasionally on ebay for 100 USD

I recall mtn. hardwear had a 2nd series of zips behind it`s outerpockets, which served as vents and gave inner access to pockets. Pretty good idea AND it had pitzips I would do this, with shorter pitzips so they are easier to open and don`t get stuck under pack straps

For my applications i.e. three season use I like malden mills`powershield as for dirt etc. I have this patagonia top, like the pneumatic but just nylon I wear on top It keeps dirt off, is a first layer for water defense, AND, it has a very good hood. It weighs like an ounce, if that. Just a basic anorak but with functional hood...wish I could score a pneumatic pullover, those were great (gore activent)