UncleJamsArmy

I have the Ready Mix and its predecessor, Stretch Krushell. Probably the best jackets I have, and also the least expensive. I tend to sweat like a pig no matter the temperature, and these jackets keep the sweat at least manageable, pretty good at cutting the wind, and also provide some abrasion resistance. I have other softshell jackets that do the last two things more or less the same, but I am completely soaked from my own sweat because they don't breathe as well as the Ready Mix and Krushell (e.g., Arc'teryx Gamma MX).

I'll just throw my .02 here and say that the Western Mountaineering SDL Antelope is a great bag in that range. Although rated at 5 degrees, WM is notorious for being conservative with their ratings, and I wouldn't have any trouble putting it up against any 0 degree bag for warmth. It's got 800 (or maybe 850 now) fill, a Dryloft shell, continuous baffles, and packs down pretty small. Is it the best bag in this range? I don't know, as I don't have access to many or all bags in that range, but I'm very happy with it. The Dryloft shell adds to the weight, but well worth it for durability and moisture protection. I also have a WM Versalite rated at 20 degrees (an old one) that is two pounds, but has a very light shell material that leaks down like a sieve and is hard to keep dry. I would not trust this bag for more than an overnighter in snow or wet conditions.

If memory serves, Patagonia usually has the DAS parka on close out for about $165 during their summer blowout sale sometime in June or July. At least they have the last two or three years.

If tent has weight, but space not sufice, how Jakov go blind?

Has anyone tried on these boots and can anybody tell me if the fit is similar to that of the LS Glaciers and Lhotse boots? Having a narrow, low volume foot with a skinny heel, I have had good luck fitting into LS boots, but want to know if the Nepal EVOs differ in fit.

I'll throw my hat into the ring as well, though I'll also post this in the Yard Sale. I have a pair of immaculate-condition Marmot Alpinist Climbing Pants that are 3-layer Goretex XCR, before Marmot changed the pant to its current Membrain material. They are full zip, suspenders, in size large, in dark grey color. I used them three days, only. I'm asking $90 plus shipping. email me at unclejamsarmy@yahoo.com if interested.

That Cloudveil jacket, at 36 ounces, is overkill, in my opinion. My ID Dolomitti jacket (an outstanding jacket), at 24 ounces, is more than enough insulation for most conditions, and it takes a lot of room in the pack. In fact, I just got a Patagonia Micro Puff Pullover,which weighs 12.5 ounces, that I'm looking to use to replace the Dolomitti for all but really cold conditions. At 2.6 ounces of Primaloft Delta insulation, it barely has just over half the insulation of the Dolomitti, but at half the weight and it compresses very small. If you get cold, as Denzel said in "Training Day," "man up"!