cmor

I had one for a while, I really disliked the hood on it. I think the hood on marmot/western mountaineering bags work way better. Other than that, it worked well enough.

I actually just picked up a pair of the g-fits for my scarpa laser's. And I have no idea how to cook them (temp/time/etc). Any tips?

I've found the same. Usually you can drop the coils which gets the weight centered lower, and then pound in an ice tool and transfer some of the load onto that using a prussik. That should free you up enough to dig a t-slot or pound in a picket. With a little practice its not too difficult. From there drop-loops or z-drags are simple to set up if needed, although your partner should almost always be able to self-rescue.

I've always used snow pickets for my belays in snow, whether it be vertical or t-slot placements. In real soft snow, I've always had trouble getting anything real good with a t-slot anchor. Are the self diving flukes better for belays in these conditions? Or at least quicker than building endless t-slots? They don't appear to be as versatile in harder snow/ice but it might be worth picking one up for the days I plan on wallowing around in sugar snow. Thanks for any insight.