Kevin_Ristau

Went into the Needles on tuesday. It was snowing as we geared up - nice, dry powder. Very windy on top of the ridge. We skied in treeline on moderate slopes in knee deep powder. Fantastic snow out there! Epic powder tree skiing to get out before dark.

I carry my SLR in a LowePro Topload Zoom case, slung over the shoulder and underneath the packs waist strap if i am wearing a pack, or clip it to my harness to keep it in place. I made up an extra long camera strap out of climbing webbing that allows a lot of freedom while still remaining around my neck or clipped in.

Yet another "visionary philosopher" with 138... coincidence?

I am very happy with my shrikes. They are not significantly lighter than the other BD tools, except in price.

4x

Definitely focus on those activites you can do in a limited time frame. It is easy to get out for a run or to the gym, afternoons/mornings are usually not a problem. It is the all day or multi day trips that are tough. Not only will your spouse need (and appreciate) breaks of her own, but you will want to spend time together as a family. Front carrier: Baby Bjorn. wear it with the kid up high on the chest. I used to go snowshoeing for hours in -20C weather with my jacket zipped up over top of Katie. She would sleep against my chest. Kid carriers are great workouts. It feels great to blitz past all the wannabes on the Grouse Grind hauling a kid on your back

I am skiing Atomic Betaride TM22's with Diamir 3 bindings and Denali boots. This setup on the ski hill. Almost too stiff for touring but worth it going down.

Integral Designs Dolomitti with hood. 5 oz. Primaloft insulation.

Nanda Devi, Wxploration and Ascent, Shipton & Tilman Kiss or Kill, Mark Twight About covers the spectrum, I think.

It is getting colder... xxx mountain, 7942 ft, South of xxx creek and West of the Chilliwack river?

I am pretty happy with my Denali's. They are very stiff, I often forget to switch between walk and ski modes and I don't notice the difference. I bought mine big, roomy in the toes. The boot cranks down around your foot really well and I don't think I lose any control by having a bigger boot.

I have a TNF Blue Kazoo, down, -7C. I now know why I thought it was such a great deal. It is now relegated to strictly summer use. When shopping for a replacement bag, the North Face bags did not even come close to the competition in quality or fill weight. Integral Designs

I have spent some time in an Integral Designs tent - basically the same as an I-tent. There was more than enough room for two guys at 5'10. The vestibule makes a big difference. On snow, with a footwell dugout it starts to get downright comfortable.

I have the BD Stratos glove. A better fit than the guide glove. Removable 300 weight fleece liner and leather palm.

another vote for the BD Lockdown. Simple is good.

I attended an avvy beacon seminar given by the SOS rep (name escapes me at the mment) last year. According to him: The crystal used in most avvy beacons is inherently somewhat unstable, SOS uses a crystal rated for twice the frequency to achieve better durability.

I use the BD Sabretooth Clip's and love them. The clip is easy on/off and fits boots with heel welts only(Trangos...)

I personally really like racking on my harness. When swapping leads, however, a sling is the way to go. It is a faster and more efficient system.

Two sets of nuts (rocks & superrocks) Camalots, .3 to 3.5 Some very old and clunky hexagonals Five shiny new tricams (not for long)

Well done! Excellent TR.

Another vote for the DriClime

My Schoeller gear Like all gear, softshells have their time and place. Anytime, anywhere.

Eventually, the rains will come.

#1 Goal: Get out and climb! This is currently my greatest climbing challenge, between work, family, partners, weather,etc.. #2 Keep learning

The Garmin Vista and Legend models only get half the battery time of the Summit because of their map screen which has twice the resolution. The summit is still available - try www.cabelas.com and wade through all the cool camouflage. GPS's will be somewhere between duck decoys and nightvision.