Bronco

My bad for listening to the "counter help". Thanks for the info Dru. it probably saved me a few bucks. There really dont seem to be any other packs designed as "thoughtfully" with the aplpine and ice climber in mind. But, you could almost buy 2 of the BD ice packs for one Nozone. A quandry for sure. Bronco

Coincedentally, I put on a Nozone and also a Lowe alpine Attack - it wasen't even close. The Nozone was much nicer and if you want tool tubes, Arcterex sells a nifty combo crampon pocket with tool tubes that strap on the back of the pack. Very nice pack and the price shows it. I am going to try a couple others, but the Nozone is definitely the front runner. I currently use a Lowe Alpine crossbow 90+15 which is a great load hauler but might as well be an external on a bush wack.

I am also searching for an Alpine pack and have a couple of questions. How important are ice tool tubes as opposed to ice axe loops? I have noticed my tool is not totaly secure in the loops and I almost lost it last weekend bushwacking. How important is the removable Biv Pad? It seems like a good idea but how useful is it? My thinking here is to get a light-wieght pack and just bring my own pad or lay on the pack itself in a unplanned biv. Ryan

There is some info on the road & trailhead at the Mt. Baker climbing reports road conditions web page, http://209.64.181.208/advscripts/mbs_trl_rpt.asp?w=mbrd If you go before April 7, please post the conditions (I am planning a trip) Thanks-

Then there is the theory that you shouldn't take anything from a "Chat Room" too seriously - especially from folks who's idea of a good time is rock climbing durring an earthquake. A climb on Denali sounds fab to me, but have some other comittments.

Does anyone know if the 2 injured climbers near Granite Falls (on Saturday) in the Robe Valley are doin' ok?

Alptm: I just noticed the Lowe Netherworld at the REIoutlet.com for $137.99.

I have been training (mostly running) with a Heart Rate Monitor lately and wonder if working at above 80% Max Heart Rate (anareobic) would train your body for dealing with less o2 as you may experience on 14ers.

I think the 3rd tool as suggested by Criss, AJ and Mr.Goodtime is what I had in mind. Pretty simple, CHEAP, just a hammer and a pick. The RamboQuarkFly seems like a little overkill and spendy to boot. On the other hand, they would look much cooler strapped to my pack! Thanks people!

Does anybody have any recomendations on an ice tool for alpine climbs? Used to set pickets, ice screws or when axes are needed in both hands.

I have recomended the Netherworld to a freind after carefully comparing it to my Lowe Crossbow 90. It should fit you no problem - the "APS" suspension is very adjustable. I have been very happy with my pack and use it for everything from day hikes to Mt. Rainier and don't really need 2 ice axe loops. Good Luck -