John Frieh

I got the very first orange one he ever made back in 2001ish... no zipper, epic fabric... I love it. I'm ordering a double wide from him next... snuggle time!

It’s been awhile since I've done it, but when I worked at a gear shop I did liner and/or shell modifications. The bottom line is it costs a lot of money (especially if it turns out the modification didn't work and you have to buy new boots… no shop will guarantee you a new pair if they mods don’t work) and the improvements aren't stellar. With the number of options on the market today (compared to just a few years ago), one doesn't have to behave like Cinderella's step sister to get a pair of boots to work. Twight’s argument for downsizing is primarily to get the boot to climb rock better. If you don’t plan on 5th class terrain in your plastics it’s a non issue. However if you do, it’s something to consider. My advice would be to not downsize, but instead buy a pair of boots in your street size (for some reason people still think they should upsize boots to accommodate more socks… not always a good idea) that are lower profile/trimmer (i.e. the alphas). Trying on different boots you will see some are much bulky than others. Once you do find a pair; climb in them. Take your boots to the gym at least once a week; climb with a pack on; etc. etc. As far as the alphas go; they do climb rock better, but aren’t as warm as other plastics on the market (some actually compare their warmth to an insulated leather). This will always be the case with any boot: trim it down for rock and it won’t be as warm. Good boot if it fits. Are you in the market for plastics Greg?

Mtn Hardwear was recently purchased by Columbia so keep an eye on production changes/locations. So far it appears the ownership change hasn’t affected quality, but something to be concerned about is what if down the road you need something replaced due to warranty issues and all they can offer you is bunk. Just a thought. I think people on this page could give you a more definitive answer if you specify what you will be using these items for: a lightweight tent for backpacking is one thing; a lightweight tent for climbing is another. If it is climbing, check out: Sleeping bag: Nunatak (my 20 deg. bag weighs 25 oz.; they custom fit them to you) Tent: Bibler (worth every penny)

I also posted this in the newbie thread, but feel it is also applicable here. As I see threads all time in this forum asking what is the best way to gain or broaden climbing experience and knowledge; I thought I’d point out the fact that two excellent opportunities are coming up this week in which it would be a great time to meet new potential climbing partners: the cc.om picnic and the Smith Rock spring thing. I attended my first cc event over the weekend and found everyone very friendly and personable to all who attended (some of the attendees don’t post on the page and were still welcomed). Information for both events appears in the events forum. A word to the wise: bringing extra food and/or beverage is a great way to make friends. See you there!

As I see threads all time in this forum asking what is the best way to gain or broaden climbing experience and knowledge; I thought I’d point out the fact that two excellent opportunities are coming up this week in which it would be a great time to meet new potential climbing partners: the cc.om picnic and the Smith Rock spring thing. I attended my first cc event over the weekend and found everyone very friendly and personable to all who attended (some of the attendees don’t post on the page and were still welcomed). Information for both events appears in the events forum. A word to the wise: bringing extra food and/or beverage is a great way to make friends. See you there!

Ask her about chocolate... did I mention I make a great climbing partner?

NOLSe is the name’ I’m ahead of my game Still’ puffing my leafs’ still with the beats Still not loving police ’Uh huh’ Still rock my khakis with a cuff and a crease Still got love for the streets’ repping 213 Still the beat bangs’ still doing my thang Since I left’ ain’t too much changed’ still I’m representing for them gangstas all across the world Still hitting them corners in them low low’s girl Still taking my time to perfect the beat And I still got love for the streets’ it’s the N'O'L'S'E 12 hours... 4 tickets (3 speeding and 1 no proof of insurance). I do believe this is a new personal best... In other news I have a large amount of lead I no longer have a need for... if anyone is interested pm me...

That one reminds me of NOLSe - he can't stop grinning when he gets his coffee! Thanks boss.

You forget Pandora is riding with me...

Keg is in my possession; someone please bring a tap (see TG's post for specifics).

Smith? Dried mud with bolts in it?

IF we find a tap...

It should also be pointed out that we NEED a tap for the keg. The TG keg will arrive tonight...

DP: What time Friday will you be there?

Nuh uh! I have anti sticky reversible protection so whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you!!! Infinity + 1 anyways... Do you want to play on the swings at lunch? Kickball?

You two are critical of the others' actions and opinions, yet you both behave the same: name calling, threats, and one-upmanship… This isn't beneficial to the site or your reputation. Agree to disagree and move on.

And you kids better have it drained by the time I leave Sunday... Does anyone know if a tapped keg counts as an open container?

I can't guarantee I won't tap it on the way up if my gas mileage drops below 16 or if Pandora’s parents will shot me on the spot when I show up to pick her up with a keg in the back of my truck… I'm leaving PDX at 4 pm Thursday... let me know...

Can't comment on the Camp tools, but if you are considering the Shrike and Prophet; also look at the Alp wing, Compact black (in 3 sizes) and Jorasses from Grivel... sportextreme.com has them cheap if you can wait (it ships from euro).

Oh and pH of tears: depends on diet... but generally slightly basic.

Keep climbing and this will change soon enough... I think anyone on this site would agree... Good report boss. To clarify the ice quality currently the first few inches is fairly porous and more white than clear/blue in color. This layer should disappear in the next few weeks as spring weather conditions become more prevalent. If you find yourself up there before this happens, clean your pro placements well (duh?) and be prepared for dinner plates and AI that behaves like WI (I though I'd never say that...). And take skis... it's an Orville Redenbacher warehouse up there.

Conditions for the approach to the wine spires via the col? Bring the fence posts?

Nice page Michael... I have a spot on my truck for that REI sticker. Anyone can get the original "dirtbags" t-shirt as well as all the quality vinyl one can handle at turntablelab.com (under the gear clothing page).

Seth: I don't know what you're background is, but my group is currently trying to fill this summer internship position: The focus will be on developing industry leading edge technologies for CPU power and thermal managements. Specific duties are to develop, evaluate and qualify new technologies and prototype systems for CPU power and thermal managements. The candidates should be college graduate students with Master degrees in the areas of mechanical/electrical/material/chemical engineering. Strong backgrounds in heat transfer analysis, structure analysis and hand-on lab experiences are required. Understanding of CPU architecture, power modeling and testing are preferred. PM me if qualified.

Some people (not me) don't use pulleys... foo.