carolyn

I feel like such a sucker. Haireball, The bag is a TNF polargaurd 0degree (3d maybe?). And I only got it last March. Probly spent an average of 2-3nights/week in it until Sept, then the entire month of sept I was out using it. Whenever possible I would keep it laying out vs in the stuff sack. When i camped in Nov at a whoppin 35 degrees, I was pretty chilly and bummed because I hoped to use it on some trips later this winter when it would obviously be colder (or so I thought...as we are hitting record highs here in MN of nearly FIFTY DEGREES!). Why do I feel like such a sucker?First of all, this was the first time I was investing in a "real" bag. I researched and tried to decide what would be best for me. I THOUGHT I was making a good decision. The salesperson helped confirm the decision. They also suggested I store my bag in a compression sack while backpacking, which I have now learned is what probly helped ruined it. As I gain more knowledge and experience, i can look back and say that was NOT a wise purchase. Live and learn, expensively, I guess.*sigh* I will probly take it back and see if they will do anything for me. In the meantime, I guess I will be grateful I have the opportunity for prodeals right now and will start searching for another bag. carolyn [ 01-09-2002: Message edited by: carolyn ]

the tennis ball thing...thats what I was looking for. its not down, tho. I think I really should return it to REI anyway. I did get it there and its lost a tremenous amount of loft - even after taking care of it the way one's suppose to. Thanks, dru

The idea of superfeet are as others mentioned to help reduce elongation of your foot. Not everybody needs them. However, if you do they can help tremendously not only w/the way your shoe/boot fits, but also with alignment of your ankle, knees, and back while walking. If you go get your feet measured w/ a brannok device the sales person should be able to tell you if you NEED superfeet and/or if you need customized one's. Customized are more expensive (around 70-80 bucks). I just got some customized ones (because I have messed up feet). They really helped me in fitting for my ice boots. One last thing...if they dont help ya, you can return them. They are guaranteed. Good luck, carolyn

A little bird told me there was a post recently about some tricks to regain sleeping bag loft. I cant seem to find anything when I do a search. Anyone remember it? Thanks, carolyn

I know you are all over there and Im here, but I had to share my excitement! You will no longer hear my bitchin' and moanin' about no ice here in MN. Had a great day out at a local ice crag. Short climbs, lots of laps. It was soft and wet! Actually kind of nice to not hit one dinnerplate after another. Probly cause it was so soft, but I definately felt stronger in my technique. Look forward to getting my new boots and tools this week and heading back out there for some more laps in preparation for my trip to Agawa Canyon area in ontario.

Thanks for the topic! And thanks to those of you who are so honest. Often times, as someone new to climbing, it seems that those with experience know soooo much, have no fear, and can climb whatever they want. Its good for me to hear that even those of you w/different levels of experience have similar "limitations'. A big part of climbing to me is about learning. Learning about oneself, the environment, and those around you. I guess if I REALLY thought there was an end to the process I wouldnt continue pursuing it. The responses on this post have demonstrated, to me, that climbing IS a constant growing/learning experience. I guess my biggest limitation (other than location, finances, etc) would be my self confidence while climbing. Minus safety factors, I know there isnt any real "right" or "wrong" way to climb. You dont have to complete a climb. Its okay to slip and take a short fall. There will be times when you dont know and you have to use your own judgement, your gut feelings, and make a decision. These are all things I "know". I need to stop selling myself short. Another limitation would be that I need to stop being so damn analytical. I waste so much energy (emotionally and physically) thinking and planning rather than doing. If given the chance I could sit at a spot where I am struggling on a climb and analyze it all freakin day w/out making a move (ok, so maybe that is stretching the truth...not by much , tho ). If I just TRIED different things instead of thinkin about it so long I would probly get further than I could ever imagine. Finally, fear - which has been a common theme. I really dont have much physical fear (as of right now). And when I do experience it, Im very good at working thru it and moving on. My fear is centered more on my decisions as to whats really safe and whats not. My guess is, as I gain experience (and confidence) this fear will diminish somewhat. This past fall I had two wonderful experiences which helped me realize these limitations...One where I climbed all day w/out much analyzing. It was amazing! Like a dance! I strive to make every climb like that day.The other, my partner decided to start "yelling" at me whenever I would stop. Okay...HE put a bit of fear in me by yelling! But that fear pushed me to stop thinking about the next move and just go...and fall..and go...and fall. It was a great reminder that falling(literally and figuratively) is ok and can help you learn (usually faster) than analyzing. One more thought, and then I PROMISE I will stop my rambling . Often we look at our limitations or weaknesses and try to figure out how to get rid of them. I guess I like to challenge myself and would challenge the rest of you to look for a way to use them as strengths instead. Now, Im done. Thanks for hearing me out! carolyn

Richard, I appreciate your input and giving further information on what the G10's are for. Im not suggesting everyone go out and buy these. In fact I incl. in my response that they would not be the best thing for climbing.It was a 'thought' for someone looking to put a 7 yr old in some crampons. There arent many options when it comes to that. I was also including the cost as a general guideline. As we know kids grow. SOme people dont seem to mind constantly replacing new articles of clothing as a child grows. Other people prefer to go w/"hand me downs" or a cheaper version of something. I wasnt byany means trying to encourage buying a pair of crampons just because they are "cheap". Basically, my intentions were/are not to "sell". Rather, I was trying to "suggest" ideas, since that is what TG was asking for. I fully trust that he (or anyone else) will do his own research and come to his own conclusion as to what would the best all around choice. Im far from knowing what i need to know about gear (part of the reason I post on here is to learn). I would NEVER put myself in a situation at the store where I would try and sell a product to someone that i dont know about. Much better to grab anther person in the store who might know more, or refer the customer to a couple different resources to do some research on their own as well. Ive been sold too many things on "biased" or "uneducated" opinions, myself. This isnt to start a debate. Just to clarify WHY I posted the information. I would be curious what suggestions you have for kids crampons. I apologize for any misinformation I may have given. Well, it looks like its time for the midwest holiday festivities to begin.... Hope you all have/had a great one! carolyn [ 12-24-2001: Message edited by: carolyn ]

I was bored at work today and found myself staring at crampons when one of them caught my eye. dont know if we just got them in or if Ive overlooked them in the past. Anyway, grivel G10 newclassics are 10pts, claim to fit anysize shoe or boot, 4 diff. choices of binding systems, short non-aggressive points. The info sheet on them also says they work well for women and children. I got curious, so went into the ski area and picked up a size 3 boot (classic). They fit perfectly. Two problems, one is that the tip of the ski boot was a bit longer than the front points. Im not much of a skier, but I wonder if you could find some used backcountry ski boots that small? The tips might not protrude as far. On the otherhand if they fit any shoe or boot (as they claim) you could probly find something more suitable. The other problems is when you adjust them to such a small size the extra metal in the back (not sure what its called) sticks out a couple inches. You would maybe have to cut part of it. Might not be the greatest for vertical ice, but it would be something! We sell them for 99 bucks, which Im sure is standard all over.You can read more about them at:Grivel G10 newclassics Maybe you already found some...either way, this topic has come up before so maybe someone will find the info helpful. carolyn

alright!after some creative problem solving working w/what resources I have, Ive found something that works. Alpha boots and inverno liners a half size smaller. The inverno liners have a lacing system vs the alphas one velcro strap, helping keep my heel in place much better. This also allowed me to go up a half size bigger in the alpha's so its not so tight in the ball of the foot. Most likely we WONT have to stretch the plastic. Seems like a strange combo, but it worked really well. Thanks for all the thoughts and advice. carolyn ps...anyone want to buy some alpha liners?

ya know I fit a 7yr old (boy) w/crampons last month...I THINK they were sabertooths, but I will have to dbl check and get back to you on that. Awesome that you would even THINK about letting your little girl try it out! carolyn

marmots belay parka as jordo said. about 225 Good stuff! I hope to have one by mid Jan. We are carrying them in MN. I would think a store near you could at least special order it. If not, just order direct thru marmot. They have a decent sizing chart in their catalog, which might be online as well. [ 12-12-2001: Message edited by: carolyn ]

Ice

haha! Dru....Ive already got mukluks (oooh how I LOVE them). Ive been saying all along Im going to wind up having to use them and just chop steps thru my ice climbing career. Oh...and dogsledding is AWESOME! Jedi, if you dont mind posting that link , I would greatly appreciate it so I can get some more info. I must admit I am a bit confused...are you all saying , get the liners FIRST, then fit the boots? Or fit the boots best I can, get custom liners, and stretch them if neceesary? Has anyone had to stretch their plastics, just out of curiousity? I hope others are learning something new from this thread -as I am! Thanks!carolyn [ 12-13-2001: Message edited by: carolyn ] [ 12-13-2001: Message edited by: carolyn ]

Yesterday I walked around in the Kayland M10's for a couple hours. I REALLY do like them A LOT...and the fit is not bad. They sure would make a great 'second' pair of boots. Thanks to all the suggestions so far, i am going to head back to REI next week and reevaluate the alpha's (they were the closest plastic fit so far + a KILLER prodeal ). Im bringing someone from the store I work at w/me to assist with the fitting. Ive been trying to get ahold of our BD rep to see if he has any helpful thoughts as well. I guess we have a machine at the shop to help stretch ski boots. The thing is EVERYONE is leary of trying it w/climbing boots. I also know that the I need some specialized superfeet - the one's off the shelf arent very helpful. Sounds like this is going to be a great learning experience for all of us - lots of options to dink around with. I might actually be able to SELL boots once this is said and done! Off the subject, Will - you should have your friend's band send some promo out this way so we can try and get them to play. Send me a pm if you think they would really want to come out here. Well thanks again all! I will definately let you know what I decide and how it works out! carolyn

Hey thanks dru! I know I can always count on you!

So Ive asked for a lot of advice (and received a ton!) about boots. I even took a part time job at a local gear shop so I can afford to purchase what I need. Unfortunately I cant seem to find anything that fits right and Im not sure what to do. Last year was my first season on ice and I rented koflach's. It wasnt until after the season I realized what a bad fit they were for me (lots of slippage)*duh!* Ive tried alpha's, freneys, inverno's, Kayland ladies, and Kayland M10's (the m10's have been the best fit thus far,tho a bit chilly). Although, Im thinkin plastic would be the best route to go for NOW, I will take anything that just fits right. The problem I come up with is that I find something that doesnt allow the heel to slip , but happens to be too narrow in the ball of the foot, cutting off circulation. Ive played around w/superfeet a bit and they dont seem to make much of a difference. The store has one or two other boots I havent tried because we dont carry my size. Im a bit nervous about ordering something before trying it on and having to do the reorder over and over again. One suggestion I got was to get a VERY accurate measurement of my feet and send it off to some companies to see what they can come up with for me. The other was to have someone stretch the leather in the front of the boot to fit better. They werent sure if it could also be done with plastic. Has anyone had this done and would it help? Thoughts, suggestions, other folks with similar probs... Solutions?!?!?!??! Thanks a bunch!carolyn .

Thanks for the replies... Quarks are really meant more for wf ice...my luck I would break the the pick my first time out even on wf ice. I really want something for more all around use (mixed, alpine, dry, etc). We just got the cobras back in the store and as it turns out I cant get a complete grip on them. So , it looks like I will be leaning toward the rage's. I think it will be a good choice for my first set of tools. (although I havent purchased them yet, so dont hesitate to keep giving me feedback ) -c

If it makes ya feel any better(although probly not ), there is no ice in sight here for a while at least. Ontario isnt doing so swell either....a bit of mixed stuff here and there. Where are the ice gods? Maybe this means we will be climbing into May or June then! Keeping the hope, carolyn

curious- when does ice typically form around there?

thanks! Im not too worried about cost because as lambone said I have access to prodeals...so this is my chance to get the best of the best.

shawn, The Orient Bay Ice Fest is March 4-10. I havent been to the fest in past years, but Ive climbed in the area a bit. The ice has been forming VERY slowly due to lack of precip and the unusually high temps. At this rate most of us might be on our first climbs of the season at the festival. For more info on ice in the area you can check out climbing central Also contact Shaun Parent at North of Superior Climbing. He is the one who organizes the fest. The Munising fest is probly the biggest in the midwest. SOunds like Wes has some good info awaiting you. Shaun P or those on climbingcentral can also give you info. Maybe will see ya there! Take care, carolyn

just gathering opinions on which one's people think are better for all around use. Thanks in advance! carolyn

I think they are all out drinkin or something like that

TG, are you bored?

Ive been doing calf raises religiously lately. I dont know how much they help, but Im guessing they cant hurt.For some reason my calves tend to burn on me quicker than my arms. Im pretty new to the ice, and definately have some work to do on my technique all around. I know I struggled a lot with the boots I was using last year and having proper foot technique. could that be part of the reason my calves burn so quickly? [ 11-26-2001: Message edited by: carolyn ]