TheDude

Found at the Newhalem sport climbing area (North Cascades/Ross Lake Rec Area). Let me know what size/style. Tim

I have 2 McHale packs and love them. On a 0-SARC I would stay as simple as possible. One layer of lenomesh, 3/4'' musical compression straps (they're removeable), no zip access, summit flap (which I use 75% of the time), single layer bottom?, climbing belt (works great with a harness). You may also want to think about getting the standard SARC size. It's just more versitle (ie: winter gear). You can always have him make it a bit smaller in circumference so the volume is betten the two models. I'd also think about not getting an 'extension skirt.' These always annoyed me on other packs. It's a great way to save weight and get into your pack faster. I had him extend the main body of the pack a few inches to compensate for the slight loss in pack hight/volume. Tim

Got a question for you light machine users out there... Tried contacting Grivel NA about this, but they haven't gotten back to me yet. My cascade and mixed picks on my tools 'give' about 1/8 of an inch when seated in the head of the tool. I've noticed this with other people's machines as well, so I don't think it's a defect. Even when I crank down the bolt as tight as possible it still gives a bit when i hang from the tool or weight it. I noticed this problem is corrected in their new line as they redid the new pick/head interference set up. I know the pick isn't going anywhere, but it just bugs me how it moves like that. Anyone have any ideas?

Anyone else had any experience with the Najas? How do the picks measure up against bd/grivel... Anyone had cold hand problems with the partly ruberized handle?

I asked the guys at BD this once, they suggested to follow their original file on the sabertooths. So I just file lightly to keep a nice horizontal edge. Top to bottom, back to front. Of course they do get more trapezoidal as you file them more and more, so I do try to hit the sides to square it off slightly..

Yeah, good call Wills... Went with these babies as well, and the best thing, They look like vintage 80s MJs and chicks in the 80s clubs totally dig 'em.

Carolyn- I'd look into the Nepal Extremes or the Lowa Civetta Extremes. Sounds like your feet might like 'em... esp. if you have a good fit with the makalus. The NE fit wider across the toe-box to acomodate the insulation, but they still end up being a little wider. Combine that with your heavier socks and it's a nice fit usually. The lacing system is one of the best to fine-tune the fit as well. You can really lock your heel into place with the lace-grabber things and then keep the upper lose for flat walking or tight for vertical. The heel cup is tight too. Civettas are great too, esp. if your feet are low volume as well. In my opinion, those are two of the best made (ie quality of construction) boots, so if one works - swheeet! Cheers.

The Ortovox gloves are great. I use an old pair of thick (but close fitting) military gloves often..although I'd opt for a gore-tex mitt for wet ice temps or extended trips. Not sure which model FF sells in the neoprene but the Glacier gloves I've used once are pretty good. They're more or less a VB glove, so don't expect any moisture escape. With that, they work amazingly well until the moment you first take them off. After that, my hands just didn't seem to warm up. They got too cold in the short time they were off.

I've ordered quite a few things through Barrabes, although you do take a chance of getting stuck with a "customs duty invoice." The first few times I orded from them (about $200 each order), it was just the shipping charge and nothing else. The last time I got a pair of boots, I got stuck with a Customs Invoice that came a week after the package in the mail. It was for 8.5% of my order total plus $5 'processing.' Barrabes said US Customs randomly check some packages that go through them. So just bad luck I guess. It also took about 2.5 weeks to get the order since Customs wasn't in too big of a hurry (maybe a post Sept.11 slow-down in customs checking?). Overall, still saved a chunk of dinero.

Gotta agree with Lambone... I used this coat on Stuart, Rainier, Baker, etc and worked like a dream. Isn't quite as breatable as goretex, but more than compensates with huge pitzips, and ventilating chest pockets. I've had a bit of seamtape delamination on the inside, but nothing a dab of seam grip couldn't correct. Especially a great coat if you avoid wearing a shell until the shit really hits the fan - very little weight sitting in the bottom of your pack when you're not using it. And you can't beat the price!