Pro Mountain Sports

LaSportiva Exum Ridge and Monarch Crest are both nice.

Thanks GW and IG, We don't have the very lowest price, but will match prices when we can. We will be able to keep these rope prices through the summer and hopefully longer. Edelweiss 9.6 x 60, Dry - $149.95 Edelweiss 10.3 x 60, Dry - 136.95 Edelweiss 9.6 x 60, Dry bi-pattern - $158.95 Beal Stinger 9.4 x 60, Dry $159

Maybe about 100-200 days of use. 100 if you want to be consevative, provided it passes visual inspection. I would feel comfortable with 150 plus, provided it passed the visual. However often it takes so that you feel you can trust your harness 100% is a good guide.

Revivex sold here will renew your DWR and make your bag almost water proof for a couple of days. A little Revivex and heat from a dryer. Easy to apply. Maybe there is someone who has tried this who can report their results? Debate the weight.

I'm sure these are all good bags. It's too bad we can't line them all up side by side and compare. At $295 for the 6' length the WM UltraLite might be worth a second look. 1lb 10oz for the 6' length, and there is a 5'-6" length also. 20 degree rated. I recently had the opportunity to compare the 1 lb 10 oz UltraLite side by side with the 2 lb Lucid, and would recommend anyone shopping for down bags to have a close look at Western. A little more money, but the WM VersaLite is also nice at 2lbs with a solid 15 degree rating. Happy shopping to all

We just received ours. Looks pretty cool. Sharpen you tools!

"has anyone read the story of the Endurance? and the two years stranded in the Antartic Ocean...those bastards were tough indeed!" As another fan of the Endurance story, I was interested to look at their gear list and noted that everyone was outfitted with wool clothing. As a fairly recent convert to merino wool base layers myself I got to wondering how they would have managed if they were wearing the synthetic base layers that are so popular now. I realize that the marketing says the synthetics are good, but what do folks out there who have used both find?

Michael Layton, Have you looked at the Trango Extrem S? Might be a good compromise between lightweight and ultra bomber. If you can get to Seattle sometime you can even try them on. Sorry for the trolling, but it's a little slow here today. Hope you find the right boot.

Anyone with comments, good or bad experience with the LaSportiva's? Exum Ridge, Colorado Trail, or Monarch Crest?

"When I get scared, I plant em as deep as possible. Screw removing them." So do I, but not on every placement. Just throwing out some ideas about ice tool weight. Of course everyone will decide for themselves what weight is ideal for them. Good that we have choices.

"GearHead, you mean the Axar? Or some other, new tool? The Axar is another fine tool. But why go with the sub-standard pick attachments and aluminum head when you could buy BD? It's essentially the same tool, except for the differences noted." Both Axar and Pulsar are old tools, before Rage I believe. A lot of folks did great things with Pulsars, I think they were pretty popular in their day. Choose your poison. Many good choices, not only bd. Hopefully some folks will appreciate the gearheads suggestions.

Not sure if anyone mentioned the new Charlet Moser Aztar? Another real nice looking light tool. Don't know if that is what bigwalling is looking for, but think the lightweight models make good sense for both alpine and some waterfall too. With the steep pick droop of modern ice tools, placing them deep in the ice is not always the best plan. Shallow placements can also be secure, and have the advantage of easier removal. Lighter tools are generally more presice and easier to swing on steep ice. Agree or disagree? Weights can always be added for conditions or taste, in fact Grivel tools have heavier hammer heads, as well as a weight/dampner that can be added. Talk about slick.

Marylou, Maybe you like your driclime shell because you are a gearhead (I can understand that). I know they're cute, and stylin, and popular and all that; but for function and comfort range I think Attitude has the right idea.

Still don't understand how the brushed lining helps breathability? Shouldn't your base layer shirt play a role?

I think Trask has the right idea. Why would you want a shell jacket with a fleece layer anyway? Don't tell me it helps breathability. How does it help breathability? I know they're nice around town, but for maximum versatility doesn't it make sense to have the shell layer seperate from the other layers like Trask suggests?

In addition to more standard sized friction devices we are also stocking the HB Marshall. Similar to ATC type devices but with smaller slots designed for small single and/or half ropes (7.5mm-9.4mm).

We have the Waddington Guide for sale, and the map too. The best kept climbing secret in North America. Don't miss out on the fun. NW climbers have been surprisingly active in this areas exploration (where was Dru?). werd, if you like good rock and lots of it, and some ice too, this place is very close to Seattle. cA nA dA = FUN and good

I just found my copy of the old one. You're welcome to borrow it and make copies. Don't know when the new one will be ready. Waddington better.....

We have the Waddington Guide for sale, and the map too. The best kept climbing secret in North America. Don't miss out on the fun. NW climbers have been surprisingly active in this areas exploration (where was Dru?). werd, if you like good rock and lots of it, and some ice too, this place is very close to Seattle. cA nA dA = FUN and good

I'm wondering if Attitude has the Trango Extreme S confused with the Trango S (which I believe Josh has). I think you will find the Trango Extreme S to have the roomier toe box, as it is designed more for snow and cold than the Trango S. We have sucessfully fit both to folks with wider feet with some carefull stretching.

JGowans, If you bring your pole by pms we can probably show you how to fix the pole and also how to keep it working smoothly.

The Grivel Pamir is 18 ounces (65cm) with a steel spike and sells for $70. A very nice classic axe and only two ounces heavier than the Ait Tech Racing. The Grivel Eagle is my personal favorite, $89.50. A rugged axe at 20 ounces (66cm). Steel head and spike, with a great self-arrest grip that is also insulated. We also have the Camp Altitude for $70, 14.5 ounces (70cm) with steel head, steel spike, and leash. Not as pretty as the ATR, but the ounce counters might like it.

The Integral Designs Endurance Bag Cover is made from Pertex Endurance waterproof/breathable fabric. The seams are even taped.

Some of you might like the Stubai Hornet axe for mountaineering use. The Hornet is availible with adze or hammer, has a technical pick and a modest clearence bend in the shaft, no pinky thingy. Price is $83.95 and includes a leash. Weight is 1lb 6oz. There is a picture on our website.

If you think they will be spending lots of time in the pack, maybe you would like one of the lightweight crampons. We stock several models in the $100 range.