[dicey]

Anyone seen or used one of these??? Probably more useful in Nepal or AK than in the PNW...... http://www.psolar.com/

[touron]

I like the idea. The thing I don't like about balcalavas (or however you spell them) is moisture from your breath condenses on the fabric around your mouth and that part gets cold.

[evergreenhiker]

Interesting! Though personally I never had the need for baclavas (sp?). I'd probalby spend my money on a new Garmin Gps instead. I'm drooling at those new 60CS Series. I love my etrex Vista,but it's time for an upgrade. my friend Donna showed me hers and I just love the coloration and the increased accuracy of the waypoints.

[wildernessed]

They are handy in cold weather, they add a layer of insulation and thus some free space between the out side air and in coming air reducing needed moisture (water loss) from your body and reducing your bodies energy requirements to heat colder air. It also reduces heat loss from the face / head and with windstopper or neoprene may save energy from convective heat loss and save you from getting frostbite in colder temps. Even in temps we do not consider cold you have to consider the heat production vs. heat loss of the body as a whole and it's implications for hypothermia, dehydration, fatigue etc..., I have used full face OR balacavas in winter backpacking where the ambient temp. is in the single digits and add some wind and you will appreciate it. I have used and take along a OR polar fleece balacava now, and will start taking my full face soon enough. There is scientific support for the use of these although not all people will need them depending upon their personal style. wildernessed

[kleet]

Garmin StreetPilot 2730 ($1,292.29 list). So just how long will it be before they integrate some of these features (XM satellite radio) into one suitable for hiking? Or combine it with a digital camera/MP3 player/avalanche beacon?