SilverGoat

Everything's sold, except the pack. The bidding didn't get very high, so there must not be many big mountain shoppers over there. Anybody who's shopped for a pack like this knows how expensive they are, even to rent. That's why I bought this pack and it held up better than a partner's brand spanking new Gregory Denali Pro. His waist belt fell apart on the upper mountain and he had a miserable time coming down. So, I'm going to hold on to it for a while unless I get serious offers (min. $100, which is less than I paid for it). I don't watch my messages here often, so if you want instant response, send to kbilling AT hughes DOT net. Thanks, Ken

I'm around 5'8". The inseam of the pants is 32". The pants and the pack are on eBay now. The pad is pending sale to Brandonmc. The pants are at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290400406347&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT The pack is at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290400407882&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Hydroman, as a matter of fact, yes the tag was on 'em while I wore 'em. Not conspicuously blowing around in the wind like a noob, but yeah, tucked in. I only bought the pants as insurance and never planned on keeping them in the first place, so I figured heck, I'll leave it on, it can't hurt.

Went, saw, summitted, and now it's time to sell the extra gear. These are items you should strongly consider if you're going to attempt Denali, IMO. They all worked great for me, but I don't think I'll use them again and could use the equity for other necessities. Prices are firm for now. Whatever doesn't sell here in the next week or two will go on eBay. Mountain Hardwear Compressor Pants Size Medium $100 Wore these only on summit day above Denali Pass, but was glad I had them! The side zips make them easy to put on when you're on the move. They are sized a little loose so that they easily go on over your other layers. Very light and well made as you would expect from MH. Like new condition, with tags still attached. Last year, these were almost impossible to find at discount and mediums were scarce at any price. Exped DownMat 9 Inflatable Down Mattress $100 I was hesitant to buy this for my climb, but I'm glad I did. It helped me to sleep much better than on a standard Thermarest pad. More rest equals more energy to climb. The weight compares favorably to a Thermarest plus a closed cell pad that you will want when it's really cold. The stuff sack works as an air pump to inflate it so that you don't go hypoxic blowing it up by mouth, a big help at altitude. In excellent condition: no holes, no patches, no stains. Includes instructions and patch kit. Lowe Kanga Himal 100+15 Expedition Backpack $100 I already own a Lowe 80+15 pack, but the Kanga Himal is an excellent Denali pack. It hauls huge loads without falling apart and is everything you need without extras that you don't. Lighter and narrower than a Denali Pro. Includes detachable gear slings for technical climbs and the large bottom loops worked perfectly for pulling a sled. This pack is no longer made and there are few equivalents, all of which will cost you much more. You won't be disappointed by this pack. More info and pictures available on request.

Looking for a few items to top off the load. Must be fully functional, don't have to be pristine. Will also consider equivalent items from other brands. I can pay by PayPal or money order. Pass on your Denali gear. You know you're not going back ;)Thanks for looking! 1. MH Compressor insulated pants size M 2. MH Absolute Zero down parka size M 3. Gregory Denali Pro pack size M (or equiv. >100L) 4. MH Hooded Compressor jacket size M 5. Heavy duty sled duffle size XL or XXL 6. Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus or ProLite 4 size S 7. Therm-a-Rest Compack or Trekker chair

Anybody know if the roads in to the Scotchman Peak trailhead are typically passable in winter with a 4x4? Current conditions? Thanks.

Jamin, Three of us are planning a similar trip 7/20-7/22. If you don't get any takers, send me a PM and maybe you'll want to join us. Ken

Looks like fun, Tim. Was that Brian H. with ya? Ken

Take a look at Trapper Peak south of Darby, MT. It's an easy 10'er with fabulous views of the Bitteroot Valley, nearby North Trapper Peak and on into Idaho's Selway wilderness. The standard south ridge route has lots of safe, moderate slopes and few people ski there. It's also nearby awesome rock climbing in Blodgett and Kootenai canyons. Before you nead home, drive for a hot dip in nearby Sleeping Child Hot Springs. Here's a link to some photos from a climb last March: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/kwbilling/album?.dir=/684e&.src=ph&.tok=ph4MDLEB5tN3MQLm

These are good boots for rock and ice climbing in all but the harshest winter conditions. They have a very stiff sole for crampons and edging but the ankle is flexible and supportive. A full rubber rand wards off all kinds of abuse and the combination roller and locking eyelet system provides a multitude of lacing options. This pair is about 4 years old but have been worn little. I purchased them last year when they were barely used and have worn them on several climbs in the Cascades and ice climbing in Canada, but they just don't suit my high volume, EE width feet. They are men's size US 7 1/2, UK 7, and EU 40 2/3, which is my normal size, but they seem a little larger and wider relative to other Italian boots I've worn. They should fit climbers with medium to low volume and medium width feet well, especially women since the boots are relatively small. They have the expected scuffs of light use, but the only notable damage is a loose thread on the padded collar quilting, not at a point of attachment and it does not affect functionality. The soles are still in very good condition as are the eyelets, original laces, and linings. I have treated them with silicone spray and they are waterproof. These sold for up to $260 when new. I'd like to get $50 plus shipping from Eastern WA for them. I've posted a picture in my gallery. More pics are available upon request and I will quickly answer any questions you may have. For more reviews, check out http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/outdoor...89_2988crx.aspx

Thanks for the info, clintoris. I did discover alaskaiceclimbing.com. Good stuff. I'll be free to do something either 11/4 or 11/5. Not sure which, just yet. If you want to get together either of those days, send me your telephone number in an email to kbilling(at)direcpc.com and I'll give you a call when I'm up there. I'm also kicking around the idea of taking a Denali flight instead since some of us down here are thinking of taking on the West Rib next year.

How soon is the ice usually suitable for climbing in the Palmer area? I will be travelling to Alaska on business during the first week of November and would like to check it out, if possible.

I was there last weekend and agree with the previous post that crampons aren't necessary there yet. The snow is only up high and what's there is pretty soft. At least on the South side. The North side routes are probably different. It took me 4 hours up the Cascadian from the base to the east summit. I consider myself a fit, 47 year old once a month climber. I'd add another half hour for the traverse to the true summit depending on the number of climbers and their skills. Descent was half the time. Ulrich's Couloir is more direct, but more scrambling's involved, so it just depends on what kind of experience you want to have.

I just went the Cascadian Couloir route since I was solo. Wanted to scope it out for a team effort on one of the other routes at a later date. Was beautiful on Sunday. I think I was the only climber on the south side. Didn't see any signs of other climbers from the North either. The masses were all over in the Esmerelda side, though. For more pics visit: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/kwbilling/album?.dir=/5337&.src=ph&.tok=phbBUwDBXmrDblQP

Went up Stuart last weekend. There's now about 6" on the top, making for sketchy conditions. See attachment for a pic.