LuckyMike

Looking at both the Trango S Evo and the Extreme Evo Light for long approaches on snow and off of snow, some easy ice climbing, but mostly for long hikes/approaches 4 to 15 miles with temps from 60F down to about 25F. Which one would you choose if price was not a factor? I was leaning toward the extreme's, mainly for versatility.

I ended up getting the smith phenom with a sensor lens. Hopefully they'll work good

The Shocking Blue Valandre I received has a long zip, so maybe it's a bit different. The fabric is noticably soft, and light, which feels great on the skin but probably is way more likely to tear. I really like how it fits, it has a lot of shoulder room and I am able to move just enough that it's not constricting my normal night time movements. The Western bag I was looking at was the Kodiak SMF, which looks great, but I haven't had a chance to get into one:(

I ended up ordering a Valandre shocking blue and and Marmot Couloir to do a comparison. The Valandre's material is much softer and the bag very roomy. The one issue, which may not be an issue, is the Valandre doesn't seem as lofty as the Marmot bag and when you press on the down it compresses very easily, pretty much as if there was no down in the bag. I would think that having a bag that compresses easily is good but it's rated for cooler temps then the Marmot and doesn't seem like it has as much loft, is this normal, better, worse, etc?

I was looking online an saw some pictures of a Kong helmet called the spider(two versions spider and spider lux), I can't find any reviews:( If you know anything about this helmet please post, as to how it fits, if it's comparable to any others that are more mainstream, or if you like it or hate it. It looks like a great helmet that sits somewhat close to your head, not giving you that bicycle rider look, it also looks like it has good venting. Any help or knowledge on this helmet or Kong quality would be awesome.

What's the best color lens to have for mountaineering/snowboarding conditions that range from bright light to heavy snow and wind? I was looking at getting a pair of Smith goggles for this coming season:)

I have seen a few reviews of the M11 boot by Kayland, but the reviews seem too good to be true. Supposedly they're warm walk extremely well and climb great. If you have used this boot are these statements true?

I have been looking at both of these brands(sleeping bags)as well as Feathered friends and wanted to know if anyone has used both and what the public thinks about each brand, is one better than the other?

What do you guys think about the Dmm Rebel vs. the Petzl Quark? I know ice axes are a personal thing, but I held both and they both feel great, the Quark is a bit heavier, and has a rounder handle. Which one would you guys say is a better choice for alpine ice and vertical ice?

I'm currently looking for some good ice tools for both vertical and alpine ice. I was thinking grivel alp wings or Dmm rebel, or fly ice tools. Any recommendations would be great on these or others that would be good for a newbie.

I have been looking for just the right boot for a long time. I have been trying to get to a shop that actually has boot fitters. I recently sent in some foot beds from my sneakers for the boot fitters at a shop to look at and help find the right boot for me, this was their idea, since the drive there is about 12 hours. They said the Tecnica boots matched the foot beds that I sent in perfectly, and the Kaylands would be a little tight in the instep and take awhile to break in. I was going to order both, but thought I would ask what you guys think of both of these boots and their comfort (walking and climbing), warmth, and quality. Also I was wondering if anyone knows if the T-rock thermal is that much warmer than the T-rock that is just lined with velveteen?