Jonathan_S

About ten minutes of walking to reach the snow from the parking lot, which is trivial, yet of course depressing for this time of year. So speaking of depressing beta, anyone have recent experience or even just baseless speculation on the condition of the Eliot Glacier crossing to ski Snowdome? In this picture (from July 2 of 2012), would be heading kind of straight up the lower section then angling to the right: (And no, we're not interested in trying to cross lower through all the really nasty kitty litter via those various informal routes that now substitute for the fairly decent use trail that went through there prior to the November 2006 storm.)

Update: pickets and newer BD Boundary poles now sold; older BD poles are still available. Another update: old BD poles are now under agreement.

All that's left now are the Marmot Helium sleeping bag and the Sierra Designs down booties (probably just two of the three pairs). Monday Sep 22 update: all gone now except for the two Granite Gear “Round Rock Solid” compression sacks.

Selling everything but my very lightest overnight gear. All the details (including prices) are at: https://plus.google.com/photos/+JonathanShefftz/albums/6060447988724090033 … plus actual USPS priority mail shipping costs from 01002. Quick list of what’s available: Rab Summit Extreme tent (sale pending) BD Firstlight tent (original yellow Epic fabric version) Silnylon tarp (just a tarp, not a tarp tent) Marmot Helium 15F down sleeping bag Mountain Laurel Designs eVENT bivy Sierra Designs down booties, three pairs (sale pending on one pair) Granite Gear “Round Rock Solid” compression sacks, two Eddie Bauer -40F down sleeping bag (but probably lost some of that by now) EMS camping pillow

Posting these together only b/c of potential shipping cost savings from combining similarly sized items – add actual USPS priority mail cost from 01002 to the prices listed below. MSR Snow Pickets, brand new (never even been outside!), the shorter 60cm/2’ and the longer 90cm/3’, $29 for both combined. Compared to the current version: http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/snow-tools/anchors/snow-picket/product … mine lack the (plastic?) reinforced hammer-end and the red circle for the center hole (though if you lack a red Sharpie, our four-year-old daughter can mark it up appropriately for you). BD Traverse two-part adjustable poles, purchased new in 2013, seem to be identical to the current version but just different graphics: http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/ski-poles/boundary-ski-pole-BD11150400001401.html#start=10 Current retail is $100. Mine have only the usual scratches & scrapes (still perfectly straight), so yours for $39. Currently retrofitted with the older-style ¾-style baskets, but can also include the wider baskets as shown, or another set of ¾-style baskets, or the disc-style baskets (not BD, but seem to be compatible). $19 BD two-part adjustable poles. Grips are newly new (or maybe even entirely new?) very nice Scott alpine downhill model. Shafts are very old BD Traverse, but same diameter as the current Boundary. Flicklock adjustment clamp is the older plastic style, but replaced relatively recently, so fairly new. One lower shaft is a fairly new BD Boundary replacement, but the other is a very old BD Traverse (same diameter as Boundary, although a bit longer), with a very worn ice tip. The ¾-style baskets have relatively little use, I can include an extra set too. $19 Grivel Condor pole (just one pole, not a pair, and just the pole, not the self-arrest grip), absolutely brand new, self-arrest grip replaced with a nearly new Smith grip, effective adjustment range of 109-141cm via a vertically aligned Flicklock-style external clamp, innovative pivoting basket, almost exactly the same diameter as the BD poles.

I've enjoyed viewing this webcam previously: http://mtadams.tv/ ... and now the owner is seeking donations for a replacement camera. The big bonus is that for a donation of $25 or more you receive a 2015 calendar with pictures of -- Mt Adams of course!

Here's the list we maintain: http://www.ussma.org/resort-uphill-policies Additions and corrections are always welcome!

Essentially the latter. We've revised the older text here in light of the additional recent interest: http://beaconreviews.com/transceivers/Interference.asp ... but let me know if anything is still unclear (although updates are usually on only an annual basis).

Compared to all the other speed records/runs/whatevers on Rainier, the Dorais brothers were not solo, brought avy gear, brought crevasse rescue gear, roped up, did not stash gear for the ascent, and did not cache gear on the descent. Even if such speed attempts inevitably provide incentives to cut corners, compared to other similar attempts on Rainier in recent years, this one sets a new standard for safety and fair play.

I would have assumed that too, but turns out at these cat ops, although everyone has a beacon, that is not the case for probe and shovel. He's actually an adult with a family (although otherwise I agree with all your comments).

Dynafit was originally saying November availability in the U.S., and I even wrote up a draft review for WildSnow.com pending the actual on-the-snow assessment. But now my emails are no longer being returned, and I see that even the ever-optimistic MGear.com is listing mid-December, so you can probably add weeks or months to that. Unlike a full-on race binding, the release values are fully adjustment, but lateral and forward settings are linked to each other (which of course is totally fine if you always use the same lateral and forward settings anyway). No "flat" skinning mode, although the lower of the two elevators is similar to full-on rando race bindings, which is kind of a "half-step" (as Dynafit used to call it on some other discontinued models) and pretty much perfect. The higher setting is more like the low setting on a Speed.

I've had some inquiries, but still available.

This is the classic lightweight ski mountaineering boot, shown here in its most recent incarnation: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/405,1103A_Dynafit-TLT-4-Evo-TF-Alpine-Touring-Ski-Boots-For-Women-and-Men.html For sale is one of the original versions, size 27, bsl 301mm. I had a previous pair that I used a bunch, mainly for spring and summer skiing, then dropped them in the favor of the F3, then used my Zzero4 for pretty much everything, but then bought this pair used in very good condition and took them on just three outings . . . although that included a weekend trip of only 10,500 vert but with an absurd amount of painful hiking, then a daytrip of over 9,000 vert with once again way too much hiking and scree scrambling. (Boots like these make such outings far more feasible.) More detailed info on condition available in the picture captions: http://picasaweb.google.com/jshefftz/DynafitTLT4 For skiability, if you can stay centered over your skis, then you can use this boots on pretty much any terrain (though they wouldn’t be much fun muscling around a dense in dense unconsolidated snow). The steepest terrain I’ve ever skied has been on these boots. (For those on the East Coast, that includes routes like Dodge’s Drop.) Shells are 4 pounds 13 oz with a velcro strap, but without the rear spoilers. Total weight including liners depends on what liners you want. Price for the shells is $60 plus actual shipping from 01002. Add $10 for the old Raichle Thermoflex liners, $15 for the older size 9 Intuition liners, and/or $20 for the older size 8 Intuition liners. (Details once again in the picture captions.) Discounts available if you want to experiment with more than one pair of liners.

Just curious, did your partner break through a snowbridge while on foot, or on skis? And if on skis, while skinning up, or skiing down? The first time I skied Snowdome we did not rope up: late June, hiked on dirt (/ rock / kitty litter / etc) straight to the snow, avoiding the Elliot. (This was before that route got destroyed by the floods.) Last year, we did rope up, mainly for crossing the Eliot, although I felt that we were being super cautious and that most parties probably would not have roped up: http://picasaweb.google.com/jshefftz/May26Snowdome

I've used my 60cm Camp Corsa Nanotech ice axe for lots of ski mountaineering. The steel insert on the spike makes it far more effective than my older 50cm Camp XLA 210. The steel insert on the pick seems like it would be far more effective than an all-alu head, although I haven't tested it with lots of self-arrest practice to confirm that. (The adze is all-alu.) Compared to my 60cm Raven Pro, the head has far less mass, which of course is both a plus and minuses re efficiency and effectiveness. However, regarding possible failure/breakage, all of these axes are meeting the B spec, so I think any speculation beyond that is just, well, speculation. Oh, as far as the slight curve in the shaft, and the sandpaper-like coating on the lower shaft, not quite sure what's up with that, although doesn't seem to be a drawback at least.

I've used mine several times, although oddly enough, every time I use it, the weather is disappointingly nice. But I can attest that it is absolutely impervious to condensation. (Even with two people in it, warm tents, no wind -- interior walls stay bone dry.)

I still have an old BD Alpine shovel -- the blade works very well with most ice axes, and saves lots of weight. Super strong too so no to need to worry about damage from prying. This seems to be the same idea, but the blade is all plastic except for that small metal insert. And it weighs only a couple ounces less than the lightest all-metal shovels from Voile and BCA.

Can also make it a complete package with boots, basically this model in a 27 (301mm bsl): http://www.dynafit.com/uk/4/672/48019-TLT_4_Lite.html . . . but the older colors, with a teeny third buckle across the forefoot. Also all buckles are metal, not plastic. Boot shells (and spoilers, and velcro straps), still brand new, are $120 (plus extra shipping) when purchased with the skis. For liners, take your choice of: - $15 Raichle Thermoflex 27.0, fair condition - $25 Garmont GFit 27.0, very good condition - $25 Garmont GFit 27.5, very good condition Alternatively, breaking down the package, skis plus bindings minus skins would be $295. Or if someone makes a cheap offer on the skis, then I’ll sell the bindings separately too.

For sale, very lightweight Dynafit ski+binding+skins set up that would be great for late-spring & early summer corn harvesting for a woman or lighter-weight guy, early-morning fitness laps at your local ski area before the lifts open, and/or rando racing (if you’re out to do well but not necessarily to win, and want to save some $$ while also having your race rig be good for something other than racing). Bindings are the Dynafit TLT model that have variously been called the IV, Tech, Classic, and Speed over the years – color keeps changing, but that’s about it. Currently rigged with my own custom leash design, that can be beefed up if you’re not concerned about breakaway capability in case of avalanche. Mount is centered on about 301mm, with +/- 3mm adjustment range. I know that the following boots will fit w/o remount: - Dynafit TLT Evo/Lite 27 (301mm printed bsl, although measures a bit shorter) - Scarpa Matrix 27 (301mm printed bsl, and measures out to the same) - Scarpa F1 27 pre Fall 2007 - Scarpa F3 (printed bsl is longer, but toe sockets are recessed) I also know that a Dynafit Zzero in a 26 (296 bsl) will *not* fit w/o remounting. (I have a jig and can remount for free if you’re local, but otherwise I’m hesitant to remount for a boot I don’t have with me given the limited adjustment range.) Skis are this Atomic model in a 160cm: http://www.craigdonmountainsports.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Atomic_Ambition_Skis_and_MX_412_Bindings_251.html Basically an update (with neat-o dimpled topskin) of previous MX:9, which in turn was a backcountry-specific version (i.e., slightly lightened up, but still with the Beta tubes) of Atomic’s ensuring 9.22 model. (Note that Atomic has a cheap recreational alpine downhill ski called the Arc Ambition that is completely different.) Skins are classic purple Ascension. Skis & bindings have 51,420 vertical of skinning, plus several lift-served runs. Condition is nearly near, since they’ve been exclusively at ski areas except for two backcountry days, one of which is shown here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voOETJvDFf8 (This is a true 40+ degree pitch – most skiers would call it “approaching 50” or something like that.) Skins have far more use. Pictures with more detail on condition available here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jshefftz/DynafitAtomic# Price is $350, plus actual shipping cost for eight-pound package from 01002. (Personal check or paypal is fine, although extra fees for drawing on debit/credit card instead of paypal balance or linked bank account.) Will break up the package only if someone first buys the skis. Also will include (all brand new): - 6x magnifier with little LED light, for free - Life-Link avy rescue & safe travel reference card, for free - 60cm BD Raven ice axe for $25 (plus extra shipping – will probably need separate box) If interested, please PM me with your email address. (But if you just want to make fun of skinny skis – even my precious Trab Piuma Duo Sint Aero – then feel free to post here!)

For sale, Black Diamond Hemisphere climbing helmet, kind of the predecessor to the current $90 BD Tracer helmet, except only four vents, all in back, and hence not as light or ventilated. Certified only for climbing, although given its foam design, much better suited than a traditional hard-shell climbing helmet for skiing-type falls (i.e., falling onto things, as opposed to having things fall onto you). Reviews and descriptions: http://www.spgear.org/gear/492/hemisphere.html http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/Detailed/2027.html http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/intro/helmet.php The helmet for sale is the 54-58cm size (measure your head circumference, excluding ears), in the kind of lime green color as shown in the links. Condition: bunch of little scratches from being carried on the outside of a pack, but never took a fall, and no other signs of wear or defects. Price is $25 plus shipping for two-pound package from 01002. Also will include (all brand new): - 6x magnifier with little LED light, for free - Life-Link avy rescue & safe travel reference card, for free

Yet another critique to add to this "rule": if you do bring your cell phone, keep it OFF, not on. I've noticed that in areas with spotty reception, when I have left it on (for, umm, work purposes), the battery has discharged very quickly (apparently from the constant searching for reception in marginal areas).

Just by weighting it you can make it release?!! Yes. On how many setups (i.e., # of boots? # of skis/bindings?) have you demonstrated this? (My household has five pairs of Dyna-compatible boots and beats me how many skis/bindings -- impossible to do this with any of them.) And can you post a video of this? Some other points: -- On the positive side, glad to hear that the OP is ok despite such a sketchy incident. -- I'll add my vote that this is not normal for a Dynafit setup. -- Although packed-in snow/ice can explain such an incident, doesn't seem to be the case with the OP. -- I used to pack my toe sockets with white bike grease, but haven't been bothering much lately (since I never had any problems when I didn't do this). -- Brakes always worked fine for me, albeit with second return spring removed. (But oh those extra ounces of brakes as opposed to leashes!) -- I don't think TGR has a consensus that skiing with the toe lever in tour mode increases the effective lateral release setting by only two numbers. It also depends on exactly which "click" the toe lever is in. Based on test-twisting out of the toe lever at #3 -- with the heel also in tour mode -- I suspect it's much more than 2. -- Note that my leash pic referenced at the beginning of this thread is girth hitched incorrectly: should be over the top of the toe, not to the side (where it can jam). -- I've also been experimenting with using a strong cable tie, since I think that skinny one in the pic is just way too wussy. (I need to make lots of other mods to that website over this summer...)

Pre-eBay bump. Also will include the shipping at no extra charge (within U.S.), so $245 total.

[sOLD] Complete ski-binding-skins setup: - Dynafit FT 10.0 169cm skis have the more pastel-like “women’s” graphics, but my understanding is that this is the same ski as the unisex 10.0 with the softer-flexing pairs getting the pastel graphics . . . although given how the stiffness of the unisex 10.0, this is still a fairly stiff ski. - Dynafit Comfort bindings are available with your choice of nearly new custom leash, brand new stock leash, or brand new brakes; mounted for 301mm boot sole length with ~+/- 13mm fore/aft range. (I have a Dynafit mounting jig, so I can remount for another boot sole length.) - Ascension skins were originally sold by Voile with their riveted metal tip loop (which fits perfectly over the Dynafit tip) and then modified with Lou Dawson’s rat tail. Very minimal use, so condition is almost perfect, as any imperfections are negligible. Pictures (many) with additional information on condition (in captions) here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jshefftz/DynafitFT100 Price is $575 plus actual USPS priority mail or UPS shipping for 12-pound package from 01002. (Discount available if purchased with my Scarpa Matrix boots - see separate post.) [sOLD]

Scarpa Matrix, 26.5/27.0 shell size, 27.0 liner size. Includes both the original tongues and retrofitted Raichle Flexon tongues (same weight, but noticeably stiffer for skiing, although slightly reduces stride length when skinning). Original footbeds are brand new, never used. Actual measured weight with stock footbeds and retrofitted Flexon tongues is 7 lb 1.8 oz (as compared to 7 lb 12.2 oz spec weight for Spirit 3). Very good condition overall, i.e., just the usual wear, no problems. Pictures (many) with additional information (lots) on condition (in captions) here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jshefftz/Matrix Price is $245 plus actual USPS priority mail shipping for 9-pound package from 01002. (Discount available if purchased with my Dynafit FT 10.0 skis + bindings + skins - see separate post.)