What types of materials in gaiters are best for snake protection? I know of Teflon, but is a heavy canvas also suitable? (If you're wondering how my question has any relation to where I'm from, it doesn't. I'm moving to Australia.)—Karen, Vancouver, British Columbia

Any idea where I might look for prescription sunglasses that I could use at high altitude? My local optician says the lenses he could sell me "might" block both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, but he's not sure. Is blocking both UV and IR really important? Andy Billings, Montana

I've been looking to buy a (first) sea kayak. I've tried a number of different models and types and have come up with a tentative short list: the Synergy by Northwest Kayaks, the Corona by Perception, the Sirocco by Current Designs, and the Cortez by Dagger. (I haven't tried the last one out yet but I've included it because of Outside's recommendation.) If you were a six-foot, 190-pond guy (and maybe you are) what boat would you consider to be the best value? I'm only considering plastic boats but I want to get the skinny on workmanship, materials, and design. Are these four companies equally regarded? Are the boats? Brian McCarthy Glendale, California

I'm going overseas for approximately two years. Unfortunately, there'll be no camping opportunities the whole time. Before finding out I was off, I purchased a new tent, sleeping bag, and backpack. What's the best way to store this gear so it's as good as new when I get back? Gil Beaumont, Texas

What do you know about the "Stealth Can" and its effectiveness? From what I read, it's impenetrable to bears and seals in odors to throw animals off the scent. I like the idea of pre-empting animals from entering cp, rather than "teasing" them with food they can smell but not reach. Mark Ewing, New Jersey

Will boiling or adding chlorine dioxide to water neutralize all organic chemicals (i.e., industrial waste)? Also, should you filter water after using iodine or chlorine dioxide to purify it? Does ViralStop (from SweetWater) kill anything other than viruses? Basically, what's the simplest, lightest way of neutralizing EVERYTHING? Seyil Toronto, Ontario

My sweetie and I are going to Everest's Khumbu Icefall this December, where it's likely to be numbingly cold. I'd like to buy her a toasty parka for this trip and have homed in on Feathered Friends' Icefall and MEC's Frobisher. But will those jackets be significantly warmer than our current 550-fill REI parkas? Should I pay for the 800-fill down or Nextec Epic (apparently the best thing since somebody figured out how to shear a sheep) if I go with Feathered Friends? Or should I be looking at other parkas? Robert Fairview, Oregon

I've noticed a strange paradox in my personality. When I go out to the woods, sitting in some remote beautiful locale I often in want of one thing: a margarita. I've often theorized different devices that I could construct to make a blender but nothing ever made sense. And then I found the GSI hand-cranking Vortex Blender. While I would never take this backpacking (OK, maybe on a day trip to be fancy in front of my exhausted friends) I would definitely be interested in it for kayak camping and car camping—so long as the ice lasts. But does the thing actually work? Or is this really a doomed fantasy of mine? I'm skeptical about the amount of effort this thing would take to crunch up ice. I'd love to pop this out and be a hero. Brian McCarthy Glendale, California

Long time reader, first time questioner: I have long been a fan of liquid-fuel stoves, but recently read your advice about the difficulty in obtaining white gas products abroad ["Do they sell white gas for stoves in Europe?"]. I about to head out on a nine-month round-the-world trip, so would like to take along a reliable canister stove. Do you have any information on which canister stoves will mate with the multitude of international propane canisters that I'm likely to find? Europe and Oceania are my probable destinations. Aaron Green Bay, Wisconsin

I'm interested in testing the triathlon "waters." Can you suggest any good bikes for a beginner triathlon biker, say, for under $1,000? Gary Quito, Ecuador

Do you have any tips for taking a dog on trail? I'm taking my dog on her first trip and want to protect my gear without constantly worrying about it. Are those packs dogs wear a good idea? Will she dage the inside of my tent? Kieran Hosey Frankfort, Kentucky

I'm looking for a pair of Gore-Tex mountaineering pants that I can use snowboarding in the Alps, climbing in rainy Scotland, or cross-country skiing in Norway—all without maxing out my credit card. Any suggestions? Jakob London, United Kingdom

I recently unpacked my tent to be hit by a powerful smell of chemicals and mold, so bad that it gives me headaches and I can't sleep in the tent. Could I just wash it with some mild soap to get rid of the stink? I believe that the ses were sprayed with some sort of leakproof sealant, so I think that's why it smells. Janie Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I have been contemplating hiking the Appalachian Trail. Having spoken to a number of through-hikers, I'm told that many are using homemade alcohol stoves made from soda cans. Can you give me your take on alcohol stoves? Have you had any dealings with an alcohol stove known as the Trangia? Mark New York City

How do I wash the sweaty odor from my polypropylene toque? I used Wisk liquid detergent without success. The toque is clean but it still smells badly. I need help. Alexander Do Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Just wondering if you know of any companies that do any sort of maternity outdoor wear, the actual technical garb. I realize that a pregnancy only lasts so long and we already have to add to our wardrobe as it is, but it just so happens that my few biggest months will be the hiking season. I have tried on some of my other gear and think a few pieces will work, but is there a manufacturer who makes stuff that will actually let me and the baby hike comfortably? Charlotte Winnipeg, Manitoba

I have an early-nineties GT mountain bike with a titanium fre. It's still a good-looking, lightweight bike, but its rear U-brake has no real power. Are there any compatible brakes with better grip, or are there any pads with magical powers? Andreas Reno, Nevada

I've read your praise for the Yashica T4 point-and-shoot camera and was attempting to locate a refurbished unit on the web, when, lo and behold, up pops the new Yashica T4 Zoom with a Carl Zeiss Lens (28mm to 70mm). In the wilderness, I've always managed to catch more pictures than fish, and would appreciate your thoughts on a lightweight point-and-shoot for my arduous outdoor adventures. Scott Maple Valley, Washington

Why did Sno-Seal fall out of favor? I kept a pair of heavy hiking boots alive for years with some welt dressing and this stuff. Joe Midland, Texas

I'd like to buy my dad a comfortable bike for exercise and recreation. He doesn't like to be hunched over a bike because he has a temperental back. He also needs a comfortable seat. Is there anything for $800 or less? Joe Edison, New Jersey

I have been searching online for the past few hours for piece of equipment that I believe I saw in some gear magazine (the mail order kind). I will describe it: digital watch, with a compass, stopwatch, etc., and a lighter, signal mirror, and small knife blade with various other attachments. It hung from a lanyard and cost around $100.00 or so. Can you help me find a name for this product or where I might be able to order one? Thanks for the help. Bradford Hammar Charleston, West Virginia

For the second year in a row, we have just returned from our annual spring camping trip in southern Utah, and because of blowing dust, the zippers on the tent are EXTREMELY difficult to operate. Are there any methods for treating "dust-laden" zippers in the field? Also, now that we're back, we've washed the tents, sprayed silicon on the zippers—they're better, but still not like they used to be. Any suggestions? I've been told to buy some "zipper wax" to carry camping next time, but no one here seems to carry it. Thanks! Kirk Astroth Belgrade, Montana

I have a 2001 Honda Civic coupe and will be making a cross-country trip. I looking into a cargo rack to outfit my Civic but I'm not sure how much to spend and which brand to go with (Thule, Yakima, or Saris.) The rack will probably only be used for a rooftop storage bag. If you could suggest a rack model I would greatly appreciate your help. Pete Lptey Fairfax, Virginia

I just returned from Mount Rainier with a rope I had bought specifically for this trip but with the intention of using it for rock climbing. I hate to think of the number of times I saw it go under foot. None of my ropemates put a crampon into it, but I sure don't see myself taking a lead fall with it now, especially 100 feet up. But what about glacier travel? Certainly the guides on Rainier leading newbie mountaineers don't replace their ropes after every trip. Is there anything I can do to physically check the condition of my rope and feel comfortable using it for glacier travel? I truly hate to toss a rope after one trip.

I need a big family tent that's not too expensive but rugged enough to last many camping trips. I've compared Cabela's, Eureka, Coleman, and Wenzel. What is the best tent for the money and durability? Curt Woodward, Oklahoma

Greetings, greetings, greetings. I have a five-year-old down-filled North Face sleeping bag. I think it's called the blue moon. I've used it over 100 nights so far and I haven't washed it yet (I know). Anyway, I wanted to know two things. First, what is the best way to wash it? The inside is starting to get, um, for lack of a better word, crusty. I want to wash it myself as I don't trust dry-cleaners. My second question involves the fill. This bag is rated to 20 degrees, so there isn't too much fill to begin with, but now there are some "empty spots" on the bottom. Is there a way to move the fill around? Jeff Dobozy Lake Tahoe, California

Dear Knowledgable one, I have a Twister 270 HPX backpacking stove that uses a butane canister for fuel. I've used it several times and quite pleased with its cooking ability. However, when I place it on uneven ground, I have to go through a balancing act to keep from dumping out my dinner. Is there is a tripod attachment or some other system that would help keep my canister level during cooking? Richard Kipphut Cheshire, Connecticut

What type of sleeping bag gives better value-for-money, down or synthetic? Norm Cpbell River, British Columbia

As a bowman on a racing sailboat crew, I called upon to climb various things. The usual practice is to wear a climbing harness rather than use a bosun's chair as it saves time on the racecourse. My problem is that salt water is corrosive, and our usual sailing area off the south coast of the U.K. is particularly so. I'm not too comfortable going up the mast wearing a harness where the buckles are showing signs of corrosion. Is there a harness with buckles made of stainless steel? Or what other solution could you suggest? Edward London, England

I just bought new ski boots and I love them. Next on my list is buying new skis. I a solid level-nine skier and can ski anything on the mountain (New England or Rockies), although not always as gracefully as I would like. I love moguls but don't want a ski that submarines in powder. I was looking at the Salomon X-scres but heard that their tails were too stiff and therefore a lot of work in the bumps. Do you have any recommendations for top-of-the-line skis? Will New York, New York

I'm an Australian looking to travel in North America from December to February. Can you recommend a good trekking tent for the season that will house two to three people and their gear? I would like to use the tent year-round and for it to be fairly roomy. Rod Sydney, Australia

Despite the current trend towards light-and-fast hiking/backpacking gear, no manufacturer besides Eureka has looked at the rolled up size of even ultralight tents. They're still 5 feet by 18 feet or longer. Why not 6 feet by 12 feet? Or 6 feet by 10 feet? I've seen tents I'd really like to purchase but their packed size is too long to fit a small pack. Why is this? Ken Johnson Hollister, California

Where can I buy climbing/hiking knickers? I used to wear them in the '70s, but styles have unfortunately changed. Now I don't know of a single outfitter that carries them. Anything from European sources, perhaps? David West Monroe, New York

I have a five-and-a-half-year-old son who likes to hike with dad. Our problem is that we can't find good hiking boots for him. He has a pair of fine Salomon boots we purchased from Cor two years ago, but he has since outgrown them. His feet are a wide size two, which complicates our quest to outfit his feet. Bob Penfield, New York

I've heard that under non-extreme conditions my hiking pole can be used as a self-arrest tool when crossing steeply inclined snowfields. As much as I would love to buy an ice axe and add it to the chaos of my gear closet, I don't want to purchase an item when an existing tool would work just as well. Should I indulge my gear habit or stick with what I've got? PG Hancock Littleton, Colorado

What's the best audio device that I can clip onto a pair of shorts when running and doing other multisport activities? Ceron Christchurch, New Zealand

Do I need to replace my 1994 Oakley sunglasses? I wondering if the 100 percent UV protection in the lenses breaks down over the years with repeated exposure to the sun. If so, are glass and plastic lenses equally vulnerable? Joel Las Cruces, New Mexico

I live near North Carolina's Outer Banks and want to purchase a kayak for island hopping. What boat would you recommend for a beginner paddler? Jie Beaufort, North Carolina

Several years ago, I bought a pair of "funny-looking" Salomon Adventure 9 boots. They were virtually perfect, but are finally wearing out. Since there's no sign of a similar boot in today's U.S. Salomon line, can you think of an alternative? Ray Cleveland Heights, Ohio

I'm a letter carrier looking for a quality rain jacket to keep me dry in spring showers or pouring storms, all through the New England seasons. Could you please point me in the right direction? Michael Springfield, Massachusetts

On a recent winter excursion in the Adirondacks, my Whisperlite stove failed. The fuel was pressurizing, but it wasn't reaching the ignition wick due to a blockage in the fuel line. Why does this happen in cold weather (our temperature was in the single digits), and how can it be prevented? John Buffalo, New York

I'm beginning to think that today's trend toward Assos-esque padded cycling shorts—padding formerly being the saddle's job—has left me with more saddle sores. This bulky new style only serves to form a bulk of soggy material once the sweat soaks through, causing blisters and general discomfort. Does anyone make shorts or bibs with either minimal padding or something akin to the original chois style? Between the incontinence of infancy and agedness, I prefer not to wear a diaper while riding. Can you help? Clay Wimberley, Texas

I have been backpacking and hiking for many years but I was recently told that for long hikes I should put on my liners, spread Vaseline on them, and then put on my hiking socks. Do you know anything about this or is this a joke? Joaquin Lira Oshkosh, Wisconsin

I'm going trekking around Mont Blanc and have been told not to drink any glacial meltwater because it contains tiny sharp particles of rock, called talc, which can shred one's insides. I have an Aquira water bottle with a two-micron filter, which is supposed to remove microscopic pathogens. Will it stop talc? Hal Berkeley, California

I've been shopping for a car-camping tent for our family (myself, my husband, two kids aged 14 and nine, plus one growing golden retriever puppy). I want a three-season tent that gives us a fair amount of space, maybe with dividers, but the mind boggles with all the choices: nylon, polyester, taffeta, fiberglass, aluminum, this D mesh, that D mesh. I feel like I need a degree in materials engineering to figure this out! Can you help? Tracey Irvine, California

Sage of swag, I'm in the market for a road bike, and looking for direction. Initially, I'll be using it for fitness riding, but I anticipate riding in local road races in the future. I'm a family man with a limited budget for recreational toys. That said, I want something that's going to stand up—a bike that I won't have to replace or extensively or upgrade as I get into the sport in a bigger way. Is a bike equipped with Shimano 105 group the "minimum" I should be looking at? Which models should I be considering, and at what price point? Greg Basky Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

I'm planning a through-hike of the Continental Divide Trail this summer, and I want to go ultra-light. What's the best tarp to use—the easiest to set up, the best in wind, and so on? Syd Seattle, Washington

Great burning bush of the gear desert, Marmot Precip hat or urban sombrero? I want to buy a good waterproof hat; hoods are cool and all, but they're sometimes a pain in the fanny pack. I have read that you often prefer hats to hoods. So, would you choose the Marmot Precip Safari Hat, the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero, or something different altogether? Please help me before I do something dumb—like ask someone else. Jay Eugene, Oregon

I'm a big guy (six feet five, 270 pounds) who's interested in buying a hybrid bike for some urban biking and trail riding (nothing too extreme or competitive). So I need a bike that fits but doesn't cost a fortune. Also, can you explain mountain- and hybrid-bike sizing conventions, especially as there doesn't seem to be a standard way of measuring hybrid bikes?

As a thrifty person with only occasional needs for real cold weather gear, I'm tempted by the down jacket that Land's End sells for $70. Pretty simple design, 650 fill, seems like something that's pretty tough to screw up. Any experience with how this jacket stands up to some of the pricier down parkas from the more traditional gear makers? I'd be using it for an around the cp and belay over-jacket in the Sierras. Raymond Tarto Oakland, California

I want to buy a bike to ride the two miles to work and head downtown on the weekends, about a 15-mile ride. Thing is, I have an attachment to big comfy handlebars, seats, and three-speed internal gears; I cringe at all the "touring" bikes with their rock-hard seats and hunched-over handlebars. I currently have a cruiser and walk it up hills. Can you recommend a bike that won't break the bank? Tiffany Santa Barbara, California

I bought my first pair of snowshoes, and now I need to buy some snowshoe boots. What do you think of Columbia's Excellerator or Bugabootoo boots? Dan St. Louis, Missouri

Man, do I need some bike advice. I have been riding mountain bikes exclusively for the last ten years. I now want to buy a road bike specifically for commuting and exercise. I would like something fun and comfortable to ride, but geared like a road bike for speed. I considering the Marin Tiburon and the Specialized Sirrus Pro, which are in my price range. What should I go for? Lawrence Elk Grove, California

I know you get lots of questions about the best outdoor cameras, but can you recommend a camera that operates well at high altitudes (above 20,000 feet) and in extremely cold weather (around minus 50). I have heard that autofocus doesn't work above a certain elevation. I'm looking for a compact or SLR that is lightweight, resilient, with easily accessible batteries (for efficiency when changing them in the cold), and which will capture the highest-quality images at the top of the outdoor world. Sarah East Lansing, Michigan

I enjoy everything about my new digital camera except for the short battery life, which is especially annoying when on multi-day hikes when the battery might suddenly go dead. Are there any solar-powered products out there for recharging batteries while on the trail? John Swanton, Maryland

Oh Being of All Gear Wisdom, Following your sage advice, I've been looking for a Yashica T4 point-and-shoot to replace my partner's camera, which bit the Grand Canyon's dust on our last trip there. It appears that Yashica no longer makes the T4. Nor do they seem to have a successor model. What's your current recommendation for either a fixed or zoom lens 35mm P&S? Being a photographic troglodyte, no digital cameras allowed. Rob Brading Fairview, Oregon

I want to take my video camera with me on a trip to the Colorado mountains and hoping I can buy a solar panel to charge the battery. There seems to be some difficulty with finding info. It's a 6-volt battery and I have the adapter that plugs into a car cigarette lighter. Can I buy a 5-watt solar panel that is advertised to charge a 12-volt car battery and use it? Can I just wire up the cigarette lighter receptor to the panel, and then plug the adapter into it? Seems to me that ought to work. But, we don't know much about solar panels other than expeditions use them to charge batteries. Jeannette Singleton

I have never spent a night on the trail, sticking to day trips instead. However, it's something that I think I would like to get into. My hiking partner has the tent, stove, and first aid kit. I don't want to go out and buy all the other equipment (sleeping bag, pad, boots, etc.) until I certain that backcountry camping is for me. What would you suggest for my first trip? . Melissa Greenwood, Delaware

Can you recommend a three-season tent that is well configured and roomy for two people and a dog? Tom Miller San Francisco, California

I'm going on a climbing expedition where we'll be ascending into increasingly colder temps. I'm planning to take two sleeping bags, transitioning to the warmer one as we ascend, then using both at high altitude. Are there any drawbacks or cautions to doing this? How can I estimate the temperature rating of the two bags combined? Vincent Salem, Oregon

What's the best car-camping tent for me, my wife, our daughter, and, if he's good, a dog? We prefer two doors and an aluminum frame, but we're flexible. Henry Davis Willisville, New York

I own a Feathered Friends Swallow down sleeping bag with the regular nylon shell. I was wandering through the gear store the other day when I saw a product by Nikwax that was used to waterproof down garments, including sleeping bags. I would love to give my bag a waterproof treatment to keep the down perfectly dry, but I'm reluctant to do anything to my beloved bag in fear of daging it. What's your opinion of these products? Thanks Mike McLaughlin Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I'm looking for a lightweight, compact "kitchen" for holding dishes and utensils while car camping. Can you recommend some sort of canvas or nylon box thingy? Vickey Freedonia, New York

I have recently begun rock climbing and have decided it is time to purchase climbing shoes (I sure that this isn't another phase for me like decorative soap making). I have been told and read that when purchasing climbing shoes to buy them one and a half sizes smaller than your regular shoe size. Will they really stretch one and a half sizes lengthwise to fit my foot, or will I just be inflicting some strange foot torture on myself? Thanks! Matthew Cpion New York, New York

I interested in buying a quality set of boots and skis, primarily for Vermont and New England skiing. Problem is, I wear a two-centimeter orthotic insert in my right shoe that corrects a leg length problem and heavy over-pronation. Can I get this custom built into ski boots? Any other options? Also, what's your opinion on the softer boots like the Atomic Beta Ride 10.50? Are they worth the $600? What is the best ski for varying New England snow conditions (i.e. one day powder, next day ice)? Walt McMann Hden, Connecticut

I would like some advice on a permanent or removable roof rack, mainly for carrying several pairs of skis on my Isuzu Trooper. Isuzu sells a rack for around $350, but I'm sure I can find something better for the se money or even less. John Boise, Idaho

Not yet having gone digital, I have a standard 35mm camera with extra lenses, a detachable flash, and the requisite rolls of film and cleaning cloths. So, I'm looking for a backpack-style camera case with plenty separate compartments and padding. Ideally, it'll be sling-style, with small compartments on the front for ease in changing films, lenses, and so forth. I've already checked the local stores and a few large Internet sites, but they seem to make bags only for digital cameras now. Any suggestions? Sarah Tulsa, Oklahoma

For multi-day trips to the Sierras, I've been using an REI Wonderland external-fre pack, 5,000 cubic inches of cavernous, organized, old-school pack. Everybody I see these days, though, has internal-fre packs that look so comfortable (maybe they're fooling me). I still living in the '80s with my Wonderland? Is it time for an internal-fre pack? If so, any suggestions? Alex Chino Hills, California

I planning a two-day, one-night hiking trip along the Appalachian Trail and looking for a gear list. Could you suggest what to pack and a couple of menus (with per person measurements)? The last time I took a trip, my girlfriend and I lugged so much food we could have fed five. Seth New York City

My wife has been using a pair of Asolo AFS Ridge boots for our backpacking trips, typically extended ones through rugged terrain. The Asolos blew out a se in front of the laces and need to be replaced. We are considering the Montrail Moraines or the Asolo 520 GTX boots. Is the Moraine too much boot? Is the Asolo 520 enough boot? Any other suggestions? Louis Oregon City, Oregon

Yes, as an overpronate runner weighing in at 210 pounds, I probably should take up a less impact-prone sport. But I'm still running, so I need some shoes with torsional stability and impact-absorbing capability. For the past year, I have been running in a pair of Brooks Beasts, which have worked pretty well, but not perfectly (Spenco insoles helped some). Can you recommend several running shoes that are suited for a runner of my build? Charles New York City

I want to upgrade from a cheap pair of compact binoculars. Assuming I had a pile of money burning its way out of my pocket, would I see much difference between a pair of Nikon Travelites and Leica Trinovids? Also, are there any other models I should look at (through)? Joe Lawrenceville, Georgia

I new to whitewater kayaking and was wondering about a practical, fairly inexpensive way to get into the sport. Jimmy Cullowhee, North Carolina

I need a good solo tent in the $200 price range for winter mountain climbing trips. It seems that manufacturers have come out with many new solo tents, but I can't tell if any of them would work for winter camping. Mike Rapid City, South Dakota

In southern California the sun is out and the hills are green. Yes, it's almost spring, the time when a young man's fancy turns to...cycling. My helmet is several years old, and I think it's time to retire it. Thumbing through a number of catalogs, I can't believe the wide range of prices. Just what the heck does $200 buy me that $40 doesn't? Larry Long Beach, California

This summer I plan on taking a backpacking trip to the Selway River or Kelly Creek in Idaho. I hope to do some fishing as well, which will require wading in the river. I do not want to take wading boots due to the weight. Do you have any recommendations for sandals or other footwear that can serve as both hiking sandals and water sandals? I need good sole support for hiking and walking over boulders while wading. I also require a non-slip surface that will grip wet rocks. I have found that hook-and-loops material does not work well when wet. Last summer, the hook-and-loop straps kept coming undone on my Tevas. Any help is greatly appreciated. J.L. Walker

I'm looking for a women's pair of insulated, waterproof or Gore-Tex, crampon-compatible hiking boots. I'm not climbing Mount Everest—what I'm looking for is a boot to get me through the winter when I don't need snowshoes, but it's freezing out and I may need crampons. (Specifically, in the High Peaks area of New York.) I'll be using them for long hikes on paths and over rocks. I don't seem to be able to find the perfect combo as most options seem to be heavy-duty mountaineering types. BJ Guilderland, New York

For a few years I have been using a Macpac Microlight tent, perfect for me and my pack. However, I'm now looking for a slightly larger tent to also accommodate my dog. Finding that Macpacs are not sold in this country and mail order prices are exorbitant, I was wondering what you'd recommend that's comparable in durability, waterproofness, weight, and quality, hopefully for a more reasonable price. Jennifer Seattle, Washington

I live in the city and looking for a bike that I can ride to my local bike trail via city streets (approximately three miles). The trail is dirt and gravel, but I'll also need front suspension because of reckless drivers who sometimes force you onto a sidewalk. I have been to several bike stores and really confused by all the options: Raleigh C500, Cannondale, Giant Cypress LX, Trek? One store advised me to wait until mid-August for the 2004 models to arrive in stores. My budget is $500 to $600. Chris Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'm planning to climb Aconcagua next year followed by Denali the year after, and I was wondering about layering for warmth using down sleeping bags and parkas. I want to avoid buying really specialized gear (like the Feathered Friends Rock & Ice Parka, or their Snowy Owl bag) that I can only use on the coldest peaks like Denali. Is it possible to achieve a comfortable temperature rating on this mountain using a combination of the Icefall Parka and the Widgeon bag? The reason I'm asking is I would like one bag for all my mountaineering endeavors (including the not-so-cold trainer mountains). John Toronto, Ontario