gearup5000

For the most part on Arc'teryx gear, it always seemed to fit and work better. I got started with the Bora 30, the only daypack with a removeable frame sheet and stay. Now the new ones have a floating op lid, and a little organizer pocket inside, and a key clip in the top lid. They seemed to listend and add valuable features. I think Serratus seemed a little static, but for the most part, it's non-existant image hurt it vis-a-vis established brands (like Arc'teryx) that shoppers coming into the store already heard of. Same goes for the MEC brand - instant familiarity = greater confidence in the consumer. Oh, and although Arc'teryx is NOW owned by ADidas-Salomon, it wasn't always that way. They have done a lot for design in the industry: laminating things especially, look at all the copy-cat water-proof zippers, off-center zipper on TNF jackets. It's kind of sad to see Serratus go, but I guess it got caught standing still in a fast paced world. And yeah, what is WITH all the cloudveil stuff at MEC? Why not Arc'teryx?

Using the POS foam pad from a Salomon adventure backpack, I made an amazing sit-pad/splint/cutting board. I had access to a lot of duct tape, and was bored, so...I started to shingle one side, so when I would sit on the foam pad, it would get dirty and wouldn't tear. Then I thought "Hey, wtf, why not duct tape the whole thing?". SO being prudent, I put minimal tape at the crease so it would still fold. About 7 layers later I was done. I usually keep it in my daypack. You unfold it, lean it against a tree and you have a backrest AND sit pad. Use it as a sitpad in winter to keep your ass dry. Use it as a cutting/prep board when making sandwhiches etc. Emergency bivy pad. My new "Duct-pad" is waterproof and does a lot of different things. It's really useful and improves the life of cheap blue foam and/or Evazote. Why WOULDN'T you add 1 layer to keep your expensive evazote pad from ripping??

List: Patagonia Torre - red medium, excellent cond., $225 shipped three outer, two inner pockets, heavy duty but clean and light (new was $440) Ibexwear Schoellor ski pants: ladies 8, waist has 4" of fabric to let out. Navy, gaiters and ankle zips, instep/boot guards, perfect condition. I believe the fabric is skifans, since there is wool in the blend (26%). ONLY $60. New like $200. They didn't fit a certain someone and can't return them. Prices are fair so hope to sell! questions, just msg or post.

So you liked the anabatic jacket? I have the arc'teryx alpha comp jacket - it's a great, versatile piece

BUMP! $120?

Of course it's goose down!! It's made by MAMMUT - you know, the Swiss company that makes rope? Not much use - I just ordered some stuff, and I don't use it much, and want to offset my costs.

Yeah the army cadet tarp is called a "half shelter" waterproof tarp, with male and female side zippers on either side (so if one side breaks, other will work!) You zip two together, and it makes an A-frame type tent set up. The bonus is: 1/3 in on the center line is a tab with a grommet, so when you stake it out, you can guy out the sides which makes it pretty stable and solid. As for army gear, I like the US m-65 jacket Liner, and "ranger" blanket. I heard Arc'teryx won some army design comp - maybe for Canada? Maybe the US, but the US army might have been forced to source from US suppliers. ANy word?

Yeah the alpine 60 or 80 I think? the price difference to an Arc'teryx bora pack (similar size/etc.) was minimal and thus = a Why the heck would I ever consider it? from me. However, their light, stripped down alpine pack was around $160, or $180 CDN and was quite a bargain for the size and performance. Well, Serratus had a good run, hopefully MEC uses the odd good designs under the "MEC" brand. I think MEC's idea into make all it's own gear is to popularize it's own LOgo and recognizition to future markets. i.e. Instead of seeing serratus everywhere, you see mec packs everywhere

Isn't England dropping, if not already, the Imperial system? Mammut is from Europe and those are the stated weights and ratings on the bag and stuff sack itself. If you can't figure out how to convert C to F via the magic of google, you shouldn't be out in the woods :-)

SOld - thank you

still have the gloves, if yeah, gearup5000@yahoo.com

Sorry, forgot to add "first reasonable offer gets it". Is $150 shipped reasonable?

one piece gore tex suit, great condition. don't use it anymore, so hopefully someone picks this up. size medium, purple/blue, has internal suspenders, side zips, etc. for a pic, or to make an offer, gearup5000@yahoo.com new it was a LOT, here's a chance to get a bargain thanks!

patagonia windbreaker xs - fits like a small to a chest of 38", 33.5" sleeves (perfect length!) Looking for say,$125 shipped for an Arc'teryx Bora 70 excellent condition - got a mchale and have 4 other packs, so would like to sell it

The gear guide is OK, but going on reviews only for getting a pack is totally wrong. I like the UK mags as I get to see a bunch of stuff we don't have over here. I usuaully ignore reviews on packs as I have an idea of what I like, and prefer certain brands over others. Then again, one person can find a pack totally uncomfortable while another could love it. Oh, and with the gear guide, you don't see much in a grid format i.e. 6 to 9 items a page. The volume and breadth of gear with ease of access: easy! is why they are handy. ex: want to see 2004 packs all at once?

Dru: The edge I give to the UK magazine's "roundrups" is that they show a LOT of gear, with the prices. So if you want to look at say alpine packs, there's 4 pages worth of 20 packs or so with prices and brief descriptions. It's quite handy. Not that you should shop so much, but it's nice to see what's available, new, etc.

Bora 30 is regular size, and Cinder (grey) in colour. Very low key, v.good condition. Got a new 2004 version so...gotta make space! McHale is the Inex, very big pack, bayonet feature to expand the size of the pack. Picture is of McHale pack. questions - just message me.

Comparitive reviews and "shootouts" are few and fare between. Also, some brands get omitted. The best "reviews" are summaries that are done in UK magazines. I have seen 2 to 4 pages of only shells. The price, rating and pros and cons were all done nicely. Don't remember if it was AT trekking or not... But check UK mags if they are available - or online

The biggest difference between the needle line and the Nozone is that the Nozone uses 7075 stays. They are stronger, more springy and flexible I find.

I saw a genie for $8 CDN at a MEC gearswap but passed! I thought MEC owned Serratus? hopefully they kepp the designs alive

Forgot to metnion: fit is foremost. Even if one pack is fancier, go with the one that fits better. You'll appreciate it.

Which way would you lean? I figure they are all good gloves, but anyone have any insight? the BD and marmot gloves seem very similar, and marmot ultimate ski gloves are pricey! currently have arc'teryx gamma sv gloves which are nice

The Bora 70 has a floating pocket on the back, which is there (sometimes it is gone) it's from 2000 but excellent condition, with a new top pocket How much? I'm hoping for $175 shipped, but am flexible. if you have gear to trade, let me know. If you want a picture, or to make an offer, just email me. I my email more often than the site

Just look at the review sections at magazine stands, or at Chapters or Borders stores. For reviews online (independent) try: www.trailspace.com www.backpackgeartest.org www.outdoorreview.com

MEC gear and prices are excellent. I have one in my town and wouldn't know what to do if I didn't! Their line of packs borrow a lot on Arc'teryx innovations, but are MUCH cheaper in price, but on-par for quality.