stever

awesome! I always wondered how often that route gets climbed. nice to see some pics!!

I have a question about fitting down jackets/parkas. It may be obvious, but I have never owned a down jacket and I am curious how tight they should fit. I realize it shouldnt be too tight so that the down compresses, but it also shouldn't be too loose that your body heat can easily escape. For example, I recently acquired a Feathered Friends Volant jacket. It is size large and when I zip it up, it is snug around my torso, and the sleeve lengths are fine. I assume this is a good fit, provided it's not snug enough to compress the down. I was wearing a R1 hoody and I think it may be even more snug once I put on a shell and another insul. layer. Furthermore, I tried on a Montbell Alpine light down parka in an XL. In my experience with montbell, they are a size small. (I own a large thermawrap and it fits like a medium). It is a bit long in the sleeves, and when zipped up, I feel like there is a bit of space between the inner layer of the jacket and my body. This space would probably be taken up once I put a layer or two more on (I was only wearing a base layer). What I am trying to ask is, when fitting a down jacket to go over top of everything, do you size it for extra space (like how the montbell feels?) or do you size it so it is snug (like how the volant feels)? I have a synthetic belay parka similar to the Pat. DAS and it is sized a bit big, but it also has an adjustable waist so I can snug it up. thanks for the help!

Thanks forthe link, I will check that out this evening. As far as the snoe blades, or any type of new ski equipment, I would definitely learn and get comfortable with it at the ski hill/resort first. Thanks!

Hi I was hoping to get some advice on skiing setups and what works best for the following: winter mountaineering snowy approaches (instead of snow shoes) Back country skiing Easy snow descents I have down hilled skiied a bit before, but don't have any interest in the busy ski resorts. Furthermore, it makes more sense to ski in/out during winter mountaineering instead of snowshoes or just boots. I have no back country experience but would like some advice on what types of setups are most versatile and reliable. I would prefer to find bindings that can adapt to mountain boots (LS Nepal EVO) or double boots of some sort. As well as use ski specific boots for easier snow ascents (no climbing involved) Or if there is a website similar to cc.com that would help, please suggest. Thanks!

Those synchros are badass! Never heard of them, how much did you pay?? What kind of milage (curious) do you get?

How is the clearance? How is it on logging roads? What is your average MPG? Sleep in the back? Any problems since you've owned it?

are these still available?

Awesome! Thanks for all the info!

Sounds like it's quicker than my truck! that's better already. How much did you pay for yours, if you don't mind me asking. They seem to go for pretty cheap up here (<$1000 on average) Any issues with the 4wd system? Or is it overall, quite reliable? thanks!

How are these cars for speed/power? I realize they are a small 1.6L engine, but are you able to maintain 60mph the majority of the time on the highway, or is it below that a lot? also, how is the power going up steep hills (mountain passes, for example)? I am in between getting either an old loyale or an outback, I like the loyale being 2wd OR 4wd (not just AWD) but I like the power the outback has for mountain passes... I do a lot of highway driving across BC and Alberta and so going through mountain passes (such as in BC) at 30mph in my old 4runner was quite annoying all the time...

I looked at the e+lite this morning at MEC and the little ball joint kind of worries me. Good idea for adjustability, but it seems like it would be easy to break. Any thoughts on this?

Does this start tomorrow as well? Says code is invalid for me right now

Doesn't seem like the Canadian stores carry the hooded downlight pullover:(

Anyone know if this is just the US or if it's Canada as well??

MEC recently came out with a windshirt that looks very similar to the Squamish shell. I didn't try it on and didn't check the hood out, but it is fairly priced. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442633282&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699337

are they actually bright enough to justify the weight savings? I have never used one, I usually just carry a regular headlamp because they are much brighter. Would be interested to find out what others have to say as well?

I've never seen them anywhere used. I got mine at a factory sale for $55 this Spring. They retail for over $200 in most places. Best bet is to hit the next factory sale or settle for a different wind jacket...

Tried on the first ascent stuff and it fit me better than Patagonia (comparing down sweaters). Hopefully catch a clearance/sale around xmas!

These look nice, where do you find them? I have never seen them in stores beore.

down parka sold?

Awesome! I will check out Whittaker now

It sounds like they are both good jackets, but the Transcedent/down jacket isn't worth the money for the warmth, compared to the primaloft jackets. I'll look into the First Ascent series this week. As far as down jackets go, how do you find out how much fill they actually use? First Ascent, for example, doesn't list how much of the actual weight is the down. Where Feathered friends, on theotherhand, lists the actual weight along with the fill weight... this seems like an easy way to compare the down jackets without actually trying them on? I guess I will look into this a bit more now...

whats left?

windshirt added

Awesome! That was the response I will looking for! I'd be interested to see how you like the Transcendent once you wear it and put it to use...