rvilter

I tend to agree that the title, alone, doesn't suggest that it's a compelling read. Be that as it may be, this guy put up first ascents in Alaska, which, at the time, were the hardest routes being put up. Roberts recounts his expeditions in incredible detail, and its absorbing reading.

On the Ridge Between Life and Death : A Climbing Life Reexamined, by David Roberts. Not only does Roberts make one open his eyes to the risks inherent in climbing, he tells unbelievable stories of his expeditions in Alaska and Canada.

All - thanks for the responses. They've all been very helpul. Up til now, I've rented/borrowed tools, and I've only swung leashless (Quarks, Aztars, Cobras). I came across a good deal on the Quarks, and it was too good to pass up. Sport climbing isn't in my future. I'll be using them for waterfall and mixed climbing.

Anyone going leashless with Petzl Quark w/Griprest? How do they compare leashless with the Ergo? Thanks.

Thanks. Did you need to order an extender bar? And you have size 47's, correct? Bob

I've had a litte better luck fitting the Sarkens. True, the lug has a tendency to get "caught" under the side bar, but with a little manipulation, the side bar can be pushed over the side of the lug. Easy to do in the parking lot, for sure, but on a climb, might be a pain. Take a look at the lever lock style of Sarkens rather than the side lock (or whatever its called). See the link below. Bob http://www.alaskamountaineering.com/Product.cfm?id=148

Thanks to both for your replies. I too have the leverlock, and I've been having problems fitting the heel. The bail coming down alongside the boot hits the lug. I wonder if the bail needs to be "widened" a bit. I don't know. I had been assuming that this was operator error - now I'm not so sure. I'd look forward to hearing the feedback that you get. Bob

Thanks all for your input.

I'm looking for opinions on which crampons might work best with La Sportiva Nupte - size 12. I have concerns that the toe bail or heel clamp on some crampons might be too narrow. I'm looking primarily for general mountaineering crampons, which, on occasion, would be used for climbing vertical/near vertical ice. I'm focused at the moment on Sabretooth's and G-14. Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

Grivel G-12's with a new matic binding. Thanks.

I have size 12 Scarpa Invero's and my crampon straps are barely long enough to tie off. Any suggestions out there for a general purpose mountaineeiring crampon with long-enough straps to avoid this problem?

I'm looking for suggestions on a lightweight expedition pack (with a volume of approximately 5500 cu. in.). I'm looking at the Andinista and the Osprey Aether 90. Any views on these packs or other suggestions? I've also heard that Arc'teryx will soon be redesigning its packs. Thanks for your input. Bob