Thanks for the quick feedback.  I will take a look at those and await more responses to get a consensus.  Ultimately I want function and the best deal I can find!

Seems like people are pretty hot on the Gore rain gear.  I noticed it here (http://salsacycles.com/culture/kurt_refsniders_2011_tour_divide_setup/) and some other forum posts.

Does anyone have a specific preference on sleeping bag temperature rating?  I know it stays cold in the mountains so I would guess 40 degrees is close to average.  And then you are so smoked you will probably get cold rather easily.  But I don't want to carry a winter bag that weighs 5lbs.

Also do you like bags that have outer coatings for moisture?  What about all the claims of some down drying faster than others?  I don't see how it will dry real well once it gets shoved in a compression bag.  I am trying to wade through the marketing hype.

It might be simpler if some veterans chime in on their favorite bags and why.