joshs

125, Skisports? Better rethink that offer if you're serious. Even on eBay those things usually go for close to $300.

This may be a silly question given that I've never been in the area before, but what are snow conditions like on the approach up to Colchuck Lake? I want to do some ski touring this weekend and I'm wondering if the Enchantments might be a good area to visit. Thanks, Josh

Right you are, GregW--fucked indeed. Try www.baldas.com or just do a Google search for "Baldas".

I tried Atlas and MSR models, but ended up going with Baldas. I got the Matterhorn Trek model. It's pretty light, strong, and climbs well. It downhills very well. And not too expensive, either!

Alpinism is like pornography--I can't define it, but I know it when I see it.

chucK, the quickest way from Kendall Lakes is to follow the (faint) trail first to the lowest lake, then up to the middle lake, and from there (where the trail fades out completely) head straight up to the pass, which is (or was) marked with a piece of surveyor's tape. It may take a couple of practice runs to be able to do this without getting lost. -Josh

I have the Never Summer with Marmot's proprietary MemBrain shell material instead of Dryloft. I haven't used it much, but it seems warm enough and pretty waterproof. You can find them pretty cheap at a lot of places (though usually without the MemBrain/Dryloft shell). The zippers are pretty good (a LOT better than my old REI bag ) and I don't have any complaints about the construction. -Josh

Will also pay for them (the mediums) if I have to.

Hi, I have a pair of OR mutant modular mitts (the trigger-finger ones), size small, barely used. I would like to trade them for a pair of mediums. Probably a slim chance, but I thought I'd ask. -Josh

Is the "shortcut" being referred to simply the road up the backside of Kendall Peak? That gets you to about 5000' before even getting out of the car (not to mention slicing a few miles off the PCT). -Josh

I noticed that a lot of stores have (or had) the Diamir II's for $170, but now all they seem to have left are sizes S and L. I guess I waited too long . Anyway, thanks for the advice. iain, do the ski swaps usually have much AT gear? I got the impression most of them were just Alpine stuff. Are there any in particular you'd recommend? Thanks, -Josh

I just checked telemark-pyrenees yesterday; they said they're out of both the Diamir (in size M, anyway) and the G-Fits. Thanks anyway, -Josh

I'm looking for some Diamir bindings (I or II, size M, hopefully mounted on some 170-180cm skis) and Garmont GSM G-Fit boots (size 28.0). Anyone know where I might find something like that? (Yes, I've been keeping any eye on ebay, but I haven't seen anything.) Thanks, -Josh

Hi all, Maybe this should have been posted in "Newbies", since I am one. Anyway, I just bought a helmet (Edelrid Ultralight) and I'd like to decorate it, not with decals but with a design of my own choosing. So my question is this: is there any type of paint that's safe to use on a helmet? Failing that, how about colored markers or even colored tape? Thx, -Josh