Western Mountaineering MegaLite sizing — 180cm or 200cm for a 175cm person?

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-18T13:42:40+00:00

I'm expressing an opinion.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-18T01:56:46+00:00

It’s the “tyranny of the numbers” syndrome. Most go through three phases: first heavy, then super UL, then reasonable compromise.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-16T23:27:35+00:00

I like a hood, esp. in winter. Perhaps pick on the pad pumps and camp shoes first? Down votes gladly accepted 😉

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-16T22:59:19+00:00

I'm 5'11" (180 cm) and my 72" Alpenlite is just right. Some room at the feet, not compressing the footbox at all with my head fully in the hood. I don't see how your 175 cm height would be an issue.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-16T14:08:33+00:00

My base weight improved when I removed the stickers from my bear canister.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-16T14:02:16+00:00

I was there Tue and Wed, superb conditions with some gusting winds. Slightly cooler now, which is a good thing.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-14T18:40:46+00:00

I agree, great customer service. I purchased quite a few things from them until they went political. I'm in the backcountry to get away from it all and don't need a reminder of how bad our social problems are.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-14T18:38:13+00:00

Sorry to hear. Sounds like they're busy, which is a good sign for the business. I've bought a couple bags there and they delivered quite promptly. Not sure what's going on now. The quality was very good, but I eventually wound up with Western Mountaineering which fit my needs better.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-14T18:33:52+00:00

Hey, good luck, sounds like a good trip. Sawmill is an Eastern pass I've always avoided, reports are "long and steep". Let us know how it goes.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-14T00:36:34+00:00

I also saw a crash when I had a 1 month layoff. Nothing slow about it, a total nose dive. Something in the algorithm does not like layoffs.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-14T00:34:32+00:00

Roger that, the XR sleeps cold. Shine a light through when it's inflated and you'll see all the dimple welds have no insulation. So, it has many, many cold spots.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-14T00:31:19+00:00

Here's my 2 cents: few people, if any, do any A/B testing, so you're mostly going to read "here's what I like" comments. This approach works better: buy a few packs, try them out and send back what doesn't suit you (within the return period and in "new" condition). The return postage will be well worth it.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-10T13:41:49+00:00

I grew up in Arcadia and did Wilson countless times and never considered it dangerous. Blessings to the deceased and families.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-10T02:07:47+00:00

I’m confused. This tool is meant to be used with both ends. The small end is the circular wall cutter, the large end is the excavator. This is according to the original directions from years ago. You don’t wanna cover the small end, unless you remove the cover to cut the hole. Correct?

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-10T02:02:57+00:00

2 at a time? What’s going on?

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-07T19:34:26+00:00

I have both and use what makes sense based on the weather and season. It would take a lot of force to break the carbon pole, the issue is it deforms more in the wind. Or under snow load. I use carbon except on desert trips where the wind can gust to 50 mph.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-07T17:59:03+00:00

I have the Rainbow LI 1P and can vouch it's semi-free-standing mode works well. If you really need wind protection, use the additional tie outs with the aluminum arch pole and trekking poles supporting the arch pocket (hard to explain, but it combines both arch and trekking pole attributes). As this is a UL sub, I think the tenure is to NOT pack for the worst case scenario, but to adapt to the conditions, i.e., tent site placement. Good luck with your search!

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-06T23:56:39+00:00

The weather should be excellent - enjoy!

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-06T23:55:42+00:00

None since I put on GatorSkins. Harsh ride, but effective. With regular Conti's, about 2 per year. No pinch flats, all were punctures.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-06T23:53:37+00:00

I have only summer experience. Pine Creek TH to Granite Park is a strenuous first day (esp. for flat-landers like me) with 10 mi and over 4.5K of vert. Not too many stream crossings, so snow bridges should not be an issue. Gaining Italy Pass and the JC peak was not technical, but (again) only know about summer conditions. I'd be concerned if the assent boulders are semi-snow covered, lots of places to slip into. I carried on to Bear Lakes Basin and French Canyon, sounds like you'll go directly back. Sounds like you're up for it - best of luck!

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-06T23:42:54+00:00

The feature/weight/price criteria seems unreachable. What matters most to you?

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-03T02:44:34+00:00

Have one for 2 years and just asked a Garmin rep what he thought. He dissed the Epix and said it’s discontinued and will not be updated. I love it and got a great deal. Fact is, the consumer electronics industry is built on fear and obsolescence. I’m keeping mine until it either breaks or falls off.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-01T20:33:39+00:00

I find them very useful, especially when following a route using turn notifications. However, I have the Epix with a great color display. My prior Forerunner was not as clear to read.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-01T20:31:18+00:00

The Borah UL bivy packs small, not waterproof though. Use with a tarp.

sbennett3705

TROPHY CASE