Jman

quote: Originally posted by MysticNacho: I love this thread! Ditto. I've copied and pasted a about a dozen of them to send to co-workers. They had me in stitches!

quote: Originally posted by robertm: I have never used one but the lack of a waist belt seemed odd since I like to take the weight off of my shoulders every once in awhile. Umm... both of them DO have waistbelts. And, uh... it actually has 5 external mesh pockets. Only the Gust doesn't have a top pocket, but it's not meant to carry very much weight. We're talkin' packs for maybe 20 lbs. I wouldn't consider these for expeditions. I travel very light (less than 20 lbs. for overnight, not including climbing periphenalia).

Recently I was watching the Discovery channel and they had a show on Adventure Racing. It was pretty cool. I noticed many of the teams used this pack. At only 27 oz, it seemed like a great way to reduce pack weight. Anyone ever used it or have an opinion about it? Or how about even the Gust Ultra-Lite Climbing pack? Any serious disadvantages (aside from the obvious durability issues)?

quote: Originally posted by fredrogers: It does have its limitations: their current product offering is more like 100 wt fleece than a base layer IMHO. Not great for areobic activities in anything but cold (20F or lower) weather...The cut of their current garments does leave a little to be desired- kinda formless and the natural white sure leaves something to be desired (get the olive or the black). The sleeves also tend to bag a bit when they've been stretched out. It's also twice as much $$ as even capaline... a hard swalow at first, but worth it. Actually, I have two long sleeve Smartwool shirts and I would agree - they are much too warm for anything but sub-freezing temps. I tend to sweat quite a bit when working hard with a pack, so the shirt ends up totally soaked (in cool/cold temps). So I think I'm better off just wearing a light, short-sleeved Coolmax shirt or something. And, yeah, you other guys are right: most of the technical details really don't matter. I was really just trying to understand the general principle of what the ideal base layer should accomplish.

quote: Originally posted by mr. happy: let me be the first to introduce jman into the page-top club. many try, yet few succeed. welcome, brother. Why, thank ya... thank ya very much.

Oh, jeez! I actually did it. Man you guys post faster than I can keep up with. My counting was off, though. COOL!

Damn you trigger-happy sprayers!!!

Is this it? Top of page 35?

P A G E 3 4 yes. [ 03-21-2002: Message edited by: Jman ]

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quote: Originally posted by chris_w: Buckaroo sounds good to me for the next seattle bar since it will be within walking distance to my new apartment in fremont. Would that be on Phinney Ave? Apt 1?

quote: Originally posted by W: Now to finish, garnish with basil and just a touch of lemon. Bon Appetit! Just be very careful not to overcook, otherwise it tends to get slightly tough and difficult to chew.

quote: Originally posted by russ: You can follow the links on the Marmot site http://www.marmotgear.com/ to see a picture of the Air Tech - looks like the rubber is not flush to the upper shaft. My bad. Must have been thinking of the Grivel Jorasses, which btw is also an excellent axe. Never used it - couldn't afford it.

Oh, yeah... and I'd be willing to bet it's unfinished metal. (Simply reasoning on: for what purpose would the finish it?) I would presume there would probably be some type of adhesive, too.

quote: Originally posted by russ: When you cut off the rubber on the Air Tech, is the shaft finished underneath the same as the upper part? It's my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) that the lower shaft is actually thinner than the upper. That way the rubber grip is flush (or level) to the upper shaft, unlike most axes. So if you cut it off, you'll end up with a rather silly looking axe and possible very difficult to hold/manage.

What - and crash the system?!!! You're so wild and crazy!

quote: Originally posted by trask: I liked the one where Spock sacrificed himself for the greater good by walking into the nuclear reactor and removing the rods. Killed him. That was a movie, not an episode. Jeesh! Obviously not a Trekkie, are you?

quote: Originally posted by primate: I have a Cassin axe similar to the Dragonfly, but it has (I think) a steel head. The shaft may still be aluminum. I think the model name is "flash" or somthing like that. Maybe this axe is being confused with the dragonfly? I only use it on moderate snow, so I wouldn't know about it's durability for ice, but it seems pretty sturdy. You're right. The Flash has steel alloy head and steel shaft. I used to have one, but sold it. I couldn't stand the shape of the head - not ergonomically friendly (look closely at the picture, good shot btw). The Ghost and Dragonfly (both aluminum) weigh about 8-10 oz. Seriously light, but not for serious mountaineering. [ 03-14-2002: Message edited by: Jman ]

red-Do you have any prior RETAIL experience? Or prior CUSTOMER SERVICE experience? That may be more of a factor than climbing experience. There's plenty of schmucks that climb but may have no social skills with the general public (and I'm not saying that you don't). Just remember who the majority of the crowd are who shop at REI. Are they mostly climbers? Not. Think more like: Nordstrom-gone-granolahippie. Would they want a climbing dude to talk techie with? No, they want to know which looks better on them: the light khaki or the semi-psychadelic floral-splashed print.

quote: Originally posted by russ: Anyone tried chopping glacier ice with the alum. dragonfly - is it up to the job? Forget it. Had the Cassin Ghost at one time, just bounces right off of glacier ice. Aluminum is really only for use on moderate snow fields.

quote: Originally posted by slothrop: Eh? How do you learn from your mistakes if you get no negative feedback? If someone is totally oblivious to almost killing me, they should damn well know about it, so they are more aware of those of us who aren't driving cars but have to share the road. Sure, I've zoned out while driving and almost gotten into accidents, it happens. And after getting yelled at, I sure drove safer. Exactly! Too many people are oblivious to what's going on around them (once again, SELFISHNESS). And they'll continue oblivious if it's never pointed out to them. Not to go on a condemnation parade or anything, but sometimes it's best to speak up (when the emotions have cooled off, of course). Self-control is also vital. Well done, slothrop! That took more strength to handle it politely than letting the anger take control of you. As I stated before, consider the other person first - and that includes how you tell them. Think: If that was me that screwed up, how would I want to be told? [ 03-14-2002: Message edited by: Jman ]

chucK-Doubt it. The RDA is set way below toxic levels. But consistent intake of that much probably could lead to problems. BTW, would love to do Stuart with you. When you planning on it?

quote: Originally posted by kevin page: Want to stop getting angry? Here's something that works for me. http://www.dhamma.org/vipassan.htm Hey, chucK. Give this a try.

Well said, erik. That was kind of my point, too. The violence doesn't prove anything, nor does it make the situation better. I ain't gonna flip out if someone comes us yelling at me because I did something stupid. Nor should anyone else if they see my wife (she's not psycho, nor would she threaten with violence), she simply might lose her temper and yell at someone to think about what they just did. Probably humiliating at the most, but then again some people can't even take that. Solution? Try thinking first about the other person and NOT DO THINGS THAT WOULD AGRIVATE THEM. And if you do, apologize. Simple? yes. Tough? not really. Does it work? everytime.

quote: Originally posted by CleeshterFeeshter: Jman,Do you own one of those raptors? They do look like they fit bewteen my heavy X-15 and the Air Tech. I am going to take my Titanium Spork back to REI and refi the house and sell the car and kick the Ho out on the street to get one of those. As a matter of fact, I do. Price wasn't any more than the aforementioned Grivel (if you search for a deal). Weight is not really all that heavy either. The Raptor is THE most comfortable axe I've ever held, and that (in my book) overrules a couple of ounces difference with others. I'm really suprised that I have yet to see anyone else with one.