Kletterhund

No markings on these very early models other than the slightly askew: FRIEND PATENT PENDING MADE IN ENGLAND Additionally, as you can see, the location of the size stamp and orientation of script varied. I sent a second set (#1-#3) of these to Stephane in Corsica last year for his collection. Models earlier than these were likely given/bartered/sold directly from Mr. Jardine and known accomplices...

That Friend looks to be an early 80's model... Here are some close ups of the patent pending models and check out that awesome nut job (slung v. un-slung)!

The original Friends... Un-slung in sizes #1, #2, and #3. [img:left]http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/500/2nd_Friend_Add_Off_Belay_August_1978.jpg[/img] [img:left]http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/500/medium/DSC016451.JPG[/img]

Cool! Thanks for the info! I was pretty sure the anodized pieces were relatively scarce - glad to have the definitive word. So ... Guess I'm looking for #14-#17 Titons! Just because I'm a modest collector does not mean I'm not obsessive! Cash or trade anyone?! Thanks again JosephH.

Thanks! I have had little success finding the time lines - the color coding, the change/location of the logo, etcetera.

Anyone recall the Forrest Titon range? I have #1-#13, and have several doubles in my vintage collection... I had thought they made a #14 and/or #15 as well. $hould have kept ALL my old catalogs! While briefly on the Titons... My original Titon rack (late 70's) were color coded anodized at least up to #9 and the smaller steel sizes painted. I was told these anodized and painted versions were a very limited production run. Anyone know that tale?

Fabulous...

B I G G E R closet man!

I have had several pairs ... The old versions were lame - had two pairs practically fall apart after very few km. The later models seem much better - on my second pair and they seem to hold up much better. Course I just got a pair of Gandalfs ... Verdict still out but they sure fit my feet well ...

Slightly heavier and spendier but I like the Pro Traxion... Definitely two sets of ladders... Kneepads... Sometimes - sometimes not - good for learning. Fingerless Gloves (Metolious...) Sometimes - sometimes not - good for learning. Lowe Balls - First three sizes... BD Wiregate Ovals are nice... Wear shades if your ever start swingin' a hammer... Going to get a lot of ideas off this site I would imagine...

Black Diamond Contour Elliptic Carbon ... Light, strong, collapse short. Dual Flicklocks and a CF upper section. These are SPENDY but these have stood up as well as their Expedition Poles which are quite a bit heavier. http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/trekking-poles/contour-elliptic-carbon

Damn tough year ...

Anyone recognize/climb here?

Old Man and his Old Lady ... Good stuff ... Never see anyone out there ...

That it sobering news ... He was an amazing man.

Absolutely - My service experiences with them have been stellar!

Yes, great article! #26 is on the shelves for a little while now ... 33% off cover subscriptions available ...

Cool and yes, why can't we get a Mt.Hood forum?

Yet another reason to keep your Piolet sharp ...

Oops - link read - Sorry billcoe - thought you were the orgainizer ...

Finally ... Seems like we have been off the grid here for far too long. Let me know if you need any help ...

Grivel Air Tech Racing - Light but sturdy with a full strength head. I also have seen folks bust off their chintzy Al picks and be left with little better than a tent stake ... If you are bringing an ice ax you may actually end up using it! Modest weight savings may not be with the very real risk of rendering your ice axe useless.

Thanks Dane - very helpful info! These units do appear to be first generation, Wild Country, not the much more elusive Jardine models. Care to field another vintage gear question I have been pondering? Forrest Titons - First release of the aluminum sizes were color anodized and later were available only in silver? My color AL sizes were stolen and I was only able to find replacements in silver. Color AL units are pretty scarce? Thanks again for your input. Cheers!

I recently acquired two sets (#1, #2, #3) of vintage Friends and was hoping for some feedback from others with longstanding gear issues... As I recall the first commercially available sizes were #1, #2, and #3. These units have a machined nut, the slightly off center "FRIEND... PAT PEND... MADE IN ENGLAND" and I do not believe these early units came with a pre-sewn runner. I didn't get my first Friend until mid 1980, a #1 in fact. It had the pre-sewn runner, a different style of head nut, and much deeper and more legible engraving. These are in outstanding shape - I plan to keep one set - sell or trade the other set. Hoping to clarify their vintage before inserting the proverbial foot... Anyone recall the lineage?

My fifth and best Garmin yet the Vista HCx ... New on ebay with a memory 250-300. Locks under deep canopy, in steep canyons, in my freakin' cube ...