Plinko

Rach, why dig up a SIX YEAR OLD THREAD??? And Bronco, Are you talking about the ridge traverse or the bootpack? According to ISMF, it should be mandatory to fasten skis to pack for all bootpack sections. Oh and the "Battle" is 3/12/11. Info here: http://www.bigmountainbattle.com/Venues/steven-pass/ VertFest is at Alpental on 2/12 and 2/13 this year, so come suffer and support a good cause!

I currently have the OR Neoplume and I'm way more impressed with it than my old DAS.

And Rochester is gone. Crazy how things change. RIP bro.

Check out the Exum Guide and the Camp Four, both made by 5.10 to do exactly for what you're asking for. It's a little harder to find retailers that carry the 5.10 line up, but worth the hunt.

Can you ski? Whats your skill level, and where do intend to use these?

I have a 2001 Pathfinder. Stock tires were 255/65/R16. I put BF Goodrich All Terrain KO in 245/70/R16. Costco won't do the install, (Discount Tire will though,) because the tires are outside the fitment range according to their instalation book/computer, but they fit just fine and even leave enough room for chains, and traction is amazing in snow/ice and gravel logging roads. I've been running them for 25,000km so far and I'm incredibly happy with them. The BFGs have a softer sidewall so percision cornering on pavement is sacrificed slightly for off road performance.

Outdoor Research makes a nice version of the Betamid, they call it the Nighthaven. It has a few improvements over the Betamid, like a top vent to reduce condensation, and floor flaps that extend below the ground level to cut down on spindrift. It's close to the same weight and form factor when rolled up, and costs just a tad less than the Betamid.

Scarpa Freney XT kicks ass, but too hot for summer play.

I've done this for the past few months with my REI Mistral Gaters. 4mm kevlar. It's fat cause it's what I had on hand. While it's way more durable than cord, it still wears out suprisingly fast. I'm using it with approach shoes where theres' no gap in the sole for it to fit in and stay outta the way, so with every step it's being ground up. That grinding motion (and walking through acid) is the worst possible thing for kevlar. I'm anxious to try the wire mod, but concerned it will cut into the shoe soles like a cheese slicer...

For the uninitiated, Whitehorse is on the Mountain Loop Hwy near Darrington, about an hour north of Seattle. The tour is only 7 miles, but has approx 7000 ft gain and that much loss on the way back. Downed trees and alder patches made for a sporty ski carry from the trailhead at 918’ to the edge of the snow at 3200’. Up and around to the southeast to Lone Tree Pass at 4800’ was on pretty good snow, some ice at the top. Skis stayed on the pack all the way to High Pass at 6000’. I pulled them for the glacier/summit sections. The glacier was in good shape; well consolodated and no big gaps yet, and the summit section was hard but not bulletproof. Running belay with pickets put us to the top and back. This ended up being more of a climbing trip than a ski trip, but still I managed to get a few turns in, despite generally poor snow conditions (for skiing) It was thick mush on the west aspects, not so soft on the east side, but turned to breakable crust later in the evening on the way down. Incredible views to Three Fingers and beyond, extending to the Puget Sound. A few pics (if you click 'em they get bigger): Three Fingers Approaching Lone Tree Pass Ascending to High Pass So-Bahli-Ali Glacier Summit Section, up up and away. Oww, I got a kink in my neck. Bergschrund Lovin' Don't fall here! Our tracks in the distance. To the west I think I can see our car from here.

I have an extra one of these for sale if anyone wants it. Brand new. PM me for more info.

It's not always soggy, like the big dump on Tues/Wed.

Nice race Scott! Just think, if they had only let Americans race, you would have won it! What did you think of the course compared to the one at Crystal? I noticed you were skiing the Trabs instead of the MX20s...how'd that work out for you?

The Marmot Precip pants are one of my favorites for downpours. For anything less, a softshell pant gives you better durability and breathability. For a lightweight hardshell, check out the North Face Diad jacket. Pit zips, cheast pocket, full function hood and waist pulls, and superlight at 9 oz. I keep this in the pack and wear it over my softshell or insulating mid-layer in heavy rain.

shi le . tien chi fei chung hau.

Problem solved. Thanks all

pm sent.

I need to mount some Dynafit bindings, but I'm lacking a drill, and I don't wanna screw things up. Does anyone know and trust a local shop for mounting alpine touring / randonee gear? Thanks

Don't know if you've bought that jacket yet, but if not, read this before you buy: http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68303 20% off, and $20 discount when you use Google Checkout.

I'm goin on 4 years with my Suunto Observer. It has all the features I wanted, and is the least geeky looking watch I could find. Suunto's altimeter funtion is incredibly accurate, (as long as you recalibrate it when necessary). I use the altimeter log feature often and the compass rarely/almost never and battery life is around 12-14 months.

SE Utah (read: desert) isn't the best indicator for condensation issues.

Hey Mike, I have an annual pass at Rainier...since there's no access, what are the chances of getting a discount? Or perhaps extending the expiration?

Do you mean MY skin tracks? What time of day were you up there? Nice to get out...we're off to a great start so far

Here's another one: http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/UAN/4249/v/1/sp/

I have an annual pass, do I get a discount or refund since everything's closed/washed away??