mtnview

You might consider the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite or Ultralite - both 20F - both around 2lbs - unfortunately both expensive $340-400?

Thanks for your feedback and links ANative I will do some more reading on those links you provided.

Just wondering if anyone owns the Black Diamond Oneshot tent and could give some user feedback pro and con?

I bought the BD Icon at MEC for $57 Cdn. I basically tried on the Princeton Apex and the Icon and went with the one that felt most comfortable on my head which turned out to be the Icon. I use rechargeable 2700Mah batteries. Longest trip so far was 3hours in the pitch dark going up the trail for Longs Peak. Worked very well over my ball cap. The tech specs are that the Icon is not regulated, don't believe the hours they boast about on all these headlamps. The Icon on high beam with the 2700 rechargeables last around 4hrs then a longer decline sets in. Medium beam is actally fine for most cases and gives longer life. If using in cold weather Lithium batteries are the way to go. I believe the Icon will accept Lithiums. Have you checked out the Candlepower forums? Lots of info there but they are a bit fanatical about modding headlamps. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/

I have the Grivel Air Tech New-matic 12 pt steel crampons with anti-botts that fit very well on my Scarpa Charmoz GTX boots. Check them out as the Trango boots are very similar to the Scarpa Charmoz's. Best regards, Allan

I have and like the Scarpa Charmoz GTX boot. Lots of others like the La Sportiva Trango's various models. These I would think are only 3 season boots so you would have to further define your season needs and type of routes. I would use my Charmoz's for 3 season scrambling. see http://www.mec.ca Although the fit would have to be the first priority I like the Deuter 32-42 litre packs with mesh back, built in rain cover, ice axe loop, dual trek pole loops. Have fun shopping Allan http://www.geocities.com/truedino/scramble.htm Scrambles in the Cdn Rockies, Colorado, and Christian Apologetics

I just picked up a pair of Scarpa Charmoz GTX's. Synthetic upper with goretex. Probably only a late spring to early fall boot. Caught a sale at REI for 20% off so $200US. Only using them for scrambles and the odd summer glacier crossing, supposed to match well with the Grivel Air Tech New-Matic crampon. Went on one 3 1/2 hour scramble, heel stayed in place no break-in hot spots anywhere. So far so good, will see how they hold up.

I was looking at the BD Compact Contour $80Cdn and the BD Expedition poles $67Cdn at MEC. The Expedition poles seemed a lot sturdier and stiffer when you placed a lot of weight on them plus they scope down to like 57cm versus 65cm on the Compacts. The Compact Contours seemed a bit more flexy or whippy so I went with the Expeditions. I'll post a review after I put a summer on them.

Well, for those who have the gift of misunderstanding, Dru. I was more focused on whether the advantages of aluminum and steel in crampons could be realized through the use of titanium. I know it has been successfully used in the bike industry and over time the cost has come down.

Just wondering if titanium has been used for crampons or ices axes or is there some inherent difficulty with the material. I know that it is substantially lighter than steel but just as strong and has been successfully used in the bicycle industry. Regards