darstog

New eVENT tent. I don't know how they're getting around the GE liscensing agreement, but Exped (N.A. distribution by OR) is importing an eVENT tent called the Polaris. http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/exped_or/exped_tents/10421 Looks pretty freaking cool. Around 5 lb. You can get it from mountain gear. Now, the question is... do I regret buying my BD Firstlight and vestibule? The ultralight super-nerd in me? No. The gear-dork who wants the bomber waterproof setup? Yes.

I've spent a silly amount of hours hanging in the Yates Big Wall. I can only say good things. Easily the most comfortable harness I've tried on. When we first got ours, the joke was that they're more like a diaper than a harness. They're so soft and huggy. Knowing what a diaper feels like is cool, right? Guys?

I've been really interested in this bag, too. On the scale, it does weigh in at a pound, and the tag says it has 11 oz of insulation. Compared to the 35-degree REI primaloft bag (which has like 20 ounces of primaloft) hanging next to the Pounder at the Flagship, the Pounder seems like a travelsheet. But REI tends to be rather conservative when rating their bags. The R&I review said they felt it was more of a 55-degree bag, which probably seems about right. Regardless, I think it's a sweet setup and I'm considering buying one. The next time I sleep outside (which won't be for awhile... damn still-broken ankle) I'm going to try and take one out, I'll let you know what I think.

Does anybody have much experience with Rabbit Runners? trango rabbit runners A friend of mine had one that I used and loved on a climb at squamish, but I never ran across any more until the other day. Trango gives a warning that "Be careful: because they’re not a sewn loop, the strength of the extended sling is only 12kN!" But if you're generating more than 12kN on a fall you've got a lot more problems than your rabbit runner popping, right? And can you think of a practical situation where you'd generate 12kN on the sling and not on the pro? I think for rock and alpine stuff they'd be great, no? A lot less to deal with than loop after loop of sewn runner.

you may want to check out integral designs endurance bag cover Bibler used to make a winter bivy, out of the epic fabric, at 9 ounces, MEC makes some cool overbags...

Say what you want about Jorvack's madness, but his methods have some validity... However I'm most interested in a bivy that will be truly waterproof... going to bugaboos, tuolumne, NCascades, etc for a couple of spring/summer/fall days, want to to stay really light, may have to deal with afternoon showers. I'll carry an extra 7 ounces (MH Bivy) or an extra 11 ounces (WT) to for full waterproofness and some weather protection. The idea of an overbag sounds great for colder temps, and the bibler looks great for snow stuff, but 3-season superlight waterproof coffin sounds like it would be a great addition to the closet of gear that's really only used to sleep out next to the river at Index.

What, I think, the president is trying to say is that there's no performance difference between anodized biners and non. It's nice to have different colors on different pieces. Red biners for red cams and whatnot. Sometimes W gets a little confused and having his aides color-coordinate his rack can be helpful

...and... if the eVENT is more breathable, do I need that sort of breathability? I'm not doing aerobics in my bivy. Is the PacLite breathable enough? Esp. for the weight savings.

Which is more breathable (for similar face fabric)? Does anybody know of any quantifiable data for this? And GE just bought eVent, so will paclite go away? What it boils down to is this: WT Bivy vs MH Bivy

This looks like a fun event- Steve House and Mark Newcomb. Gear reps are always good to talk with as well. Since I'm casted and on crutches and this is the closest I can get to any actual climbing, I'll be there... SEATTLE REI MOUNTAINEERING KICK-OFF WEEKEND FEBRUARY 11-12, 2005 Gear Vendors • World Class Climbers Expert Guiding Services Community Organizations ---------------------------------- Friday, February 11 ~ 7 pm Slide show Presentation with Mark Newcomb Mark Newcomb’s impressive resume includes climbs around the world and numerous first ski descents. Accompany Mark as he shares his photos and stories. ------------------------------------- Saturday, February 12 ~ 10 am-3 pm Climbing and Mountaineering Expo Gear vendors will be on hand to offer their extensive knowledge in gear selection and the newest technology. Get inspired to go to the mountains by Northwest guiding services and climbing-related organizations ~ 2 pm – 7 pm Meet & Greet with Mark Newcomb and Steve House ~ 3 pm Slide show Presentation with Steve House Through training and hard work Steve has established himself as a top alpine climber and mountain guide. Join him as he shares his expertise and slides. Whether you are a first time explorer or a seasoned climber, be sure not to miss this exciting weekend. *All events are free*

I'm sorry, Mr Morph sir, but I have to disagree with your negative review of the Chongonation website. Though I admire your brevity and cogency, you are flat wrong... that site is baaaadaaassss.

The MSR snowshoes are the way to go. Light, tough, versatile, traction, etc.