alakso

This is a serious 4 Season, 2 Person mountaineering tent. It's a single wall tent of super breathable e-Vent fabric. This tent sets up fast from the inside, is built for high winds and heavy snow, and has amazing ventilation. Unique features include a full coverage insulated removable foam floor pad (available separately from Nemo) that increases warmth and comfort. Also has a hanging curtain (removable) that virtually eliminates condensation in very cold weather. The Nemo e-Vent Tenshi recently received an Editors Choice award from Climbing Magazine. This tent is BRAND NEW and has never been used or seam sealed. Retails for $675.00 Features: e-VENT fabric shell with Dimension-Polyant details DAC Featherlite internal poles and Hypalon Corner Pockets for fast setup Retractable Vestibule with Pressure Porting Optional Removable Insulated Floor with separate stuff sack Condensation Curtain for isolating frozen condensation while sleeping on cold nights YKK water-resistant zippers Rear escape door Fully taped seams Variable venting Multiple guyouts Weight: 4.9 lbs without foam floor Floor Area: 28 sq ft/ 2.6 sq m Price: $675.00 alakso@hotmail.com

Does anyone know where I can find a Marmot Hooded DriClime Windshirt/jacket?

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and info. I now see the error of my thinking! After reading everyones posts and reading up on soft shells at Andy Kirkpatrick's psychovertical.com website I've learned quite a lot about mid layers and soft shells. As an Indian Guide here in Maine, USA I've used wool as a soft shell system because it's quiet in the woods, insulates when wet, and breathes really well. So the Paradime shift from "layering" and "Hard Shells" to "soft shell" wasn't that big. I've also learned that the Marmot DriClime windshirt is perfect as a soft shell. The only problem I've encountered is that Marmot doesn't offer the DriClime windshirt with a hood anymore, BUMMER! And IMHO for a soft shell to replace layering and hard shells 90% of the time it must have a hood. So I'm searching for a soft shell with a hood and have been considering garments with Schoeller WB-400 or DrySkin as a fabric. Beyond Fleece makes some nice garments with these fabrics that can be custom made with a hood. http://www.beyondfleece.com/customize/cold_fusion_mens_soft_shell_jacket/ http://www.beyondfleece.com/customize/cold_play_mens_soft_shell_jacket/ I've also been checking out the Paramo Fuera Smock: http://www.paramo.co.uk/UK/acatalog/FueraSmock-15-163.html I'm also checking out the Rab trail smock, the Montane Duality Smock, and some Montbell and Arcteryx soft shell stuff. For base laers I have a Patagonia Capilene Union suit which I love! But Patagonia isn't making this anymore and mine is 15 years old and showing it's age. I'm going to try a Merino wool base layer from Ice Breaker. http://www.icebreakernz.com/our-clothing/DisplayProduct.aspx?p=157&c=125 I'm also considering some Ibex or Smartwool base layer garments. For Insulation I really like Nunatak's stuff: These Jackets/Parkas and Pants/Bibs are available with the following fabrics: http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down_Jackets_Sleeping_Bags_Bibs_Fabrics.htm Nunatak Skaha Plus Hoodie sweater: http://www.nunatakusa.com/down_sweater_skaha_hoodie.html Nunatak Mountain Jacket: http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down_Jacket_Kobuk.htm Nunatak Mountain Pants: http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down_Pants_Kobuk.htm Nunatak Expedition Torre Parka: http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down_Torre_Parka.htm Nunatak Expedition Torre Bibs: http://www.nunatakusa.com/Down_Bibs_Mountain_Bibs.htm For a waterproof shell for really nasty wet weather use like in Alaska I'm leaning hard towards an eVent Parka like the Rab eVent Latok Guide Jacket. http://www.rab.uk.com/products_extreme_latokgu.html I received a MH Exposure II parka for Christmas but it's a tad heavy and doesn't fit into my clothing Paradime. I'll use it for static conditions in wet weather when weight isn't a concern, i.e. truck camping, fishing, etc..

Seawallrunner, did this store where you saw the Exped Orion Extreme also have an Exped eVent Polaris by any chance? The reason I ask is because a friend of mine has been looking high and low for one!

Thanks selkirk for the info! I appreciate it very much my friend. An online Mountaineering friend of mine has also told me the same things about fleece vs. lightweight insulating Mid layer. I'll check out the info you suggested.

Thanks Dr_Crash for your info. Please excuse my ignorance but what is a "last" Also thanks for your thoughs on the La Sportiva and Scarpa widths. There aren't many gear shops here in my neck of the Maine woods. But I will go to the local gear shops we do have and see what they recommend. It's just nice to know if a brand runs narrow so if my local gear shops don't have many brands I won't need to drive 100-200 miles to check out a brand or model of boots that may not fit my feet.

I've been considering getting the MH Windstopper tech jacket and vest to use as a mid layer. But a Mountaineering friend of mine has mentioned that these pieces of gear are a tad heavy. Any recommendations on windproof mid layers for Mountaineering? One of the things I like about the above mentioned MH mid layers is the pit zips for regulating temps. during strenuous activities. I also love wool and have used wool as a mid layer (sweater) and shell (jacket and pants) when I used to hunt. I've been looking at wool as a base and mid layer for Mountaineering use. Would a windproof wool mid layer breath enough for strenuous activities like Mountaineering? Everyones thoughts are greatly appreciated! alakso

Greetings, my name is alakso, and I'm from the Penobscot Indian Nation in Maine, USA. I'm 47, a former Marine, and I love the Mountains. I'm new to Mountaineering and would like to find an experienced AK. Mountaineer for a Mentor to help me along the way with advice on Gear, places to climb in AK., and their experiences. My goal/dream is to climb Denali. I'll hopefully be moving back to AK. in the near future and my ideal Mentor would live in AK. and have climbed Denali. Woliwon (thanks in Penobscot)...alakso

I know someday I'll need plastic Mountaineering boots for the big Mountains. For right now I'm looking for a great pair of leather boots to use when I won't need plastic boots. What does everyone recommend for great leather Mountaineering boots? Are leather boots with a seperate liner recommended? I take size 12 and have a D width and tend to have cold feet. I've been looking at the La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX. Any brands/boots to stay away from due to being to narrow, not warm, or heavy-clumsy? Woliwon (thanks in Penobscot)...alakso

Thanks dt_3pin for your info!

I'm looking for a: Weatherproof 35mm point and shoot camera with a zoom lens. For a Christmas present for my son who's in the Army Infantry training to go to Iraq. He's stationed in Oahu, Hawaii and is coming home on leave for Christmas. He doesn't have a computer so I'm thinking a 35mm may fit his needs better and also take better pics. Price range is $200. I have a 35mm Pentax zoom 90WR and it takes awesome pics but is no longer made. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the info wazzumoutaineer. I called everywhere last Saturday trying to find an eVent Tenshi as I've heard really great things about this material and tent. But no one anywhere had one as Nemo was sold out and not making anymore in eVent. So I contacted Nemo again and they helped me find what looks like the very last eVent Tenshi tent to be found anywhere! It's on the way to Maine as I write this post. I'm interested in how other eVent Tenshi tent owners like their tent and I'll post a review of my tent after I get a chance to use it this winter. Now I just need to figure out what Sleeping bag/s to get for Mountaineering? I'm leaning hard towards the FF bag/s as I have a wide girth at 68"-70" and FF can do custom work, or possibly WM or Nunatak bag/s if they can also do wide girth custom bag/s.

Any reviews on the Nemo eVent Tenshi Tent? http://www.nemoequipment.com/products_tents_tenshi.asp

A local gear shop showed the DVD "Touching the Void" last night at the local library. What a great movie! Scenery was awesome, and the story was very powerful! It's yet another example of the Indomitable Human Spirit. It also showed the importance of goal setting. In 1975 when I was at the Marine Corps Recruit depot at Parris Island, SC. I thought I'd never make it as I was the youngest kid there only 3 days past my 17th birthday. But I set goals that were sometimes as little as making it through the next minute. I succeeded and became a Marine Grunt! Never quit is my motto! This movie reminded me of the story of Jim Bridger who was mauled by a Grizzly and left to die but survived. Watching "Touching the Void" makes me want to climb even more! alakso

Greetings Nate. Thanks for your kind words my friend. We can never have enough good karma! Many blessings for you, everybody on this forum, and all Sentient Beings.

Thanks danielpatricksmith and mattp for your input on my McHales pack. I've already sent my deposit so I'll be getting a new one but really appreciate the offer mattp to sell me your McHales 7K pack. In Dan's video he mentioned that for climbing in AK. a big 7K pack isn't needed. Plus by climbing with guides I won't need as much volume in my pack. My thoughts are along this line. For extended 2-3 week backpacking trips I may need the extra volume. And with the bayonet system I can downsize my pack for less volume when needed. I also like the full wrap belt. Now would 2 McHales packs be nice, you bet. But I'm trying to find a happy medium if that's possible. I'm still considering a SARC with maybe a CM frame with full wrap belt, bayonets, and lightweight fabrics? After watching Dan's video I now understand a lot more about his packs and options. I'll be calling Dan this week and I'll lay out my needs and see what he recommends. Thanks again for weighing in on my pack size and volume.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention I'll also be taking the Wilderness First Responder class with Acadia Mt. guides. I couldn't live with myself if I couldn't help someone in need in a wilderness situation.

You people are the greatest! I appreciate all your help. Mountaineers Rule! I talked to Acadia Mnt. Guides for 4 hrs. the other day and I'm going to enroll in their basic or beginner Mountaineering course and in Dec. of '06 climb Mt. Washington with them and then Mt. Katahdin a month or so after that. Speaking of Mt. Katahdin. It's my peoples (Penobscot) sacred Mountain. Our spiritual center is there along with our Sacred River the Penobscot. Our myths or folklore say the Gusgabbe (sp.?), our spiritual helped lives in Mt. Katahdin. I've been to the Mt. Katahdin summit solo once and been up to Chimmey Pond a few times with my sons and their classmate for school outings. I look forward to climbing Mt. Katahdin solo many times this spring, summer, and fall to prepare for my Mt. Washington climb. I went back to Alpenglow Gear Sat. morning purchased the MSR Fusion 2 tent for $225 for three season use here in Maine. While a tad heavy at 7 lbs. it will cover all my needs for now. When I do Mt. Washington and Mt. Katahdin I'll be using the guides tent so no need to rush out and get a dedicated winter Mt. tent at this time. So my gear list is shaping up and is as follows: I'm getting a 5k to 7k capacity McHales pack. Still haven't decided on which exact model but more than likely a CM. I have my MSR Fusion 2 tent. Now trying to figure out which bag/s to get is becoming a pain, LOL. I really love the Stephenson system and the price isn't a concern. Just wondering about Down vs. Synthetic due to my experience this past week with getting all my gear wet. What's the best way to keep a down bag dry? I also wonder about sleeping clammy with a VB? The great thing about the Stephenson's system is it's adaptability to different situations. Light top for 3-season use here in Maine and New England, heavy top for below zero use, and both tops together for Mountaineering in very cold conditions. Woliwon (thanks in Penobscot)

I know that most everybody here is out west. But thought I'd post my experiences with a local Maine Gear shop and Mountain Guide service. Located in Orono, Maine, Alpenglow Gear and Acadia Mountain Guides is a first class operation! As a newbie to Mountaineering I went to their store yesterday to check out gear and their basic or beginner Mountaineering courses. These are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I was there for over four hours asking question and checking out gear. Their knowledge and customer service is second to none. They didn't push any particular gear but gave me options for my intended useage. It's like having a friend in the business! I feel very lucky to have such a great gear store and Mountain guide service 5 miles away. If anybody needs gear or Mountaineering classes I highly recommend these fine people. They are a true testament to what fine people Mountaineers are. If your even in Maine stop by and say "Hi", I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit and the down home Maine hospitality they provide. They are a Godsend for a newbie like myself. Thay also sold me a great 3-4 season MSR Fusion 2 tent for $225! I'm stoked to do all my business with them...alakso

Thanks again everybody for all your help! Yesterday I went to my local Mountaineering shop called "Alpenglow" which is run by Acadia Mountain Guides. What GREAT people! I spent 4 hrs. there and they helped with gear selection, info, and just plain old great customer service. I'll be taking their basic Mountaineering course and climbing Mt. Washington and Mt. Katahdin with them. If any of you are ever in the northeast be sure and look them up to say "Hi". They are a true testament to what fine people Mountaineers are. I also just returned from doing some camping in the western Mnts. of Maine where I encountered rain, freezing rain, and wet snow. Most of my gear got soaked but luckily my friend had a synthetic bag I could borrow and it saved the day. I'm now a believer in synthetic bags for 3-season use here in the Northeast. My friends at Alpenglow were also nice enough to set up some 3-season tents in the yard for me to check out. I really liked the MSR Fusion 2! It had a great big door with full no-see-um netting, a large back window also with netting and a nice roof opening for stargazing. Pretty darm close to what I'm looking for in a tent. Plus the price is right at $239. Anyone have any experience with MSR tents and the Fusion tents in particular? Woliwon (thanks in Penobscot)...alakso

Great advice everyone. Many, many thanks, I appreciate it very much. Yes after playing around on these hills on the East Coast I'll head out west for some glacier/altitude schools, training, and climbing. Then hopefully some schools/classes in AK. to prepare for the "Great one". But that's a ways off so I'll focus on what I need for these hills for now. With having a few miles on my hips, knees, and ankles going light make good sense for me. I'm thinking I'll get a 3-season tent and bag for around here, and then as I progress in a few years I'll get the other gear I'll need for out West and the AK. mountains. Wouldn't the Stephenson's bag with the light top work for New England 3-season use? I'm also thinking hard about a synthetic bag for 3-season use here in New England. This would work good for wet weather camping and canoeing. But the light weight of down also makes sense with trying to keep my pack weight down seeing how I'm getting to be a Geezer, lol. Again, many thanks!

Thanks Alex for all your help and info. I appreciate it very much sir!

Greetings everyone. Thought I take a minute to introduce myself and ask a few questions. My name is alakso, and I'm from the Penobscot Indian Nation in Maine. I'm 47 and a former Marine. I'm just getting started in serious backpacking and totally new to Mountaineering. I appreciate everyones sharing of info, many thanks. I can see I have a lot to learn!. So how does one get started? From what little I know I was thinking I'd go this route. This winter I'll read and learn about Mountaineering from Books (Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills), Videos/DVD's(any recommendations?), and forums like this one. Spend as much time hiking this winter as I can. Then next summer train on Mt. Katahdin (which is my peoples sacred Mountain) and hike the AT here in Maine to get into better shape. Next winter take some Mountaineering classes with Acadia Mountain Guides here in Maine and or Eastern Mountain climbing school and or International Mountain climbing school in NH. I would like to climb Mt. Katahdin and or Mt. Washington next winter '07. Then take some advanced Mountaineering classes as my skills and experience get better. My ultimate goal is to climb Denali. But what's more important is to enjoy myself along the way and develope good Mountaineering skills. The journey is more important than the goal! Now for a few questions if everybody doesn't mind. I was hoping that I could find gear that would work all the way through my learning curve. The main things I'm wondering about is what options I'd need in my pack, and which Sleeping bag/system and Tent to buy for backpacking and mountaineering. Any gear that would work for all 4-season would be great. Packs: I'm buying a McHale's CM pack for backpacking and climbing Mt. Katahdin and Mt. Washington, all the way through my climb of Denali. Any options or prefered setups that I should consider for my requirements? For a great sleeping bag/system and tents the choices are complex and daunting. Sleeping bags: I've been looking at the Stephenson's sleeping bag system with the DAM for 4-season use. I really like the idea of the DAM as I'm a side sleeper and I've spent to many cold night in the USMC sleeping cold in water filled foxholes, sides of roads, etc.. So sleeping good is a top priority for me! Or a down bag or two from companise like ID, FF, WM, and Nunatak. But this whole issue of sleeping on my down has me confused! So any recommendations on a good bag/s that will work for the above requirements is very much appreciated! Tents: It's been highly recommended that I get a free standing tent for ease of setting up and use if I get caught in a serious storm. Also trying to figure out this whole single vs. double wall thing. I can see that one tent will never cover all my needs. For 3-season tents I'm thinking something in the 2-3 person size. Something big enough for spending a couple of weeks in. Any recommendations on a great free standing 3-season tent with great ventilation and waterproofness? For winter/expedition tents I've been looking hard at the ID MK3 with tunnel entrace and light floor. Any recommendations for other winter/expedition tents? Woliwon (thanks in Penobscot)...alakso