Tom253

Okay folks....I know this question has probably been asked a million times but I need to ask it anyway. Down or synthetic fill for a mountaineering bag? I understand that a down bag is highly compressable, warm, and must be kept dry, and weigh less that synthetics. I also understand that a synthetic will insulate when wet but is bulkier and heavier than down. So....with that said....for those of you that use down for mountaineering / climbing....how do you go about keeping it dry? You use a bivy sack? If so....what are the best bivy sacks out there? I've been looking at some of the sacks made by Integral Designs with the eVENT fabric. eVENT appears to be better at breathing than Gore-Tex according to the gear reviews I've been reading. F*ck....looks like I went on too much. SO...down or sythetic. That is the question. What do you prefer and why?

Sweet photos. Good to see some canyoneering photos on here. My girlfriend and I were hoping to hike the Narrows in June but the run-off had the water levels too high. Did ya happen to hike up Angel's Landing? Nice hike minus the damn crowds. I didn't figure that many damned people would be there. Toward the top it was like waiting in line for a ride at Disneyland. Still worth it either way.

yo, those are some pimp-ass products you're slangin'. I dig the Steiner. Will have to pick one up.

Thanks for the info guys. Anyone know of a pack w/similar weight and volume specs that has gear loops on the waist belt? Also, have any of you experience any problems with the top lid getting in the way of a helmet? Lots of questions, I know, but I'm not in the U.S. right now so I have no means of physically checking out gear. Your feedback is all I have until I return and can do some proper pack hunting.

Toast I'm seriously thinking about picking up the Shadow 55 for use as a summer and winter mountaineering pack. Does the 3300 cui hold enough for 2 or three overnighters (summer and winter)? I have a habit of packing as possible so I would assume so. Also, is the fabric strong enough to take scrapes and rubs from rock and tools? Had any problem with rips or punctures? Thanks