96avs01

I have the Orange version and other than finding them a little rough on shoe laces I have no complaints. I did get my liners molded at a ski shop and haven't had any problems. Dane - how does the ankle flex of the Baruntse compare to the Spantik? Edit: Found your Baruntse review Dane, Thanks for taking the time for the in-depth review!

^^^if the shells are in good shape why not just put some Intuition liners in them?

I find the biggest hangup of a soft snowboard boot is that the sole is so much wider than the crampons. Thus you can't get the teeth on the edge of your footprint. Not a big deal if the terrain is soft, but when its solid this is a big liability IMHO. So if I know or suspect I will spend any amount of time in crampons I roll with mountaineering boots. YMMV

I have an EV2 and a partner has a Tenshi so here are my opinions...YMMV EV2 -pros: quick easy setup, decent ventilation, trap door floor slot -cons: a little cozy if going out for more than a couple days, no vestibule, note u can have MH add a mesh door if you really need one. Tenshi: -pros: detachable vestibule, condensation curtain, anchor tie-in pass through, smaller footprint (w/out vestibule) -cons: interior setup, optional features push weight over 5 pounds I like both tents, no big 'show stoppers' with either. I used my EV2 on Denali and it felt like a Hilton, though I didn't have to share it with anyone. Don't think you can go wrong with either, but you have to know exactly what you are seeking.

After years of franken-hydration packs (mish mesh of parts from Camelbak, MSR, Platypus, etc...) I have finally found one that I truly like straight off the shelf...Deuter Streamer.

I am a mountaineer that learned to snowboard. Saw my first split on Denali and knew I needed one for the quiver. I haven't found that its performance limits its use on mountaineering efforts. Though I am not riding super steep (50+). Haven't done any extended touring yet, but can't imagine that the performance of the split is going to cause me to not want to tour with it. YMMV

Right now I am splitting with the Vasque ICE 9000s and Spark bindings. This has treated me fine (though not ideal) with the aid of a booster strap on the front foot. I prefer this approach to a snowboard boot, as it has already been mentioned that sacrificing the ascent for the descent just doesn't work for me personally. Caveat being if I know that it will be nothing but powder I will probably go out in my Malamutes. However, I did just score a good deal on a pair of Spantiks, will let you all know my thoughts in a couple weeks...provided the storms get in gear. Good thread, it's nice to hear/view alternate opinions and options. For me personally if not for a bad knee I may be rockn an AT setup, but haven't found my split to hold me back yet.

I would use Freesole long before Shoe Goo. No previous experience with barge cement. YMMV

Check out Nemo Equipment, they have some nice light options.

+1

Many Thanks CC...exactly the beta I was hoping to find!

Can anyone chime in with current conditions on the Emmons/Winthrop route? Also, would really like to know where the good snow for skiing/boarding starts and approx. time of softening. TIA

+1

x2

Somewhat related, I own a Marmot Pounder Plus and found its 25 rating pretty accurate. Really quite happy with it after a couple of seasons.

I've used both and have no big complaints about either. You mentioned wanting a vestibule, so doesn't that lead you to the Tenshi by default? Have never found cooking with a canister stove inside the EV2 to be a hindrance without a vestibule. Tenshi gives you more options to customize features for each outing, but you might find it a bit cramped if you are over 6'.

Hugh, please hold your powder day envy to a minimum. I will look for the CAA article. Kit, thanks for providing pics on the BCA failures.

OMG! IF I DONT HAVE THE RIGHT SHOVEL IM GOING TO DIE! DIE! DIE! Not you, but possibly one of your partners. Post wasn't meant to , just an FYI for those looking for avy gear.

Noticed this recent post on the Eastern Sierra Avy site. Interesting to note that 3 of the 4 blades that didn't fail/distort are the Voile T6. Maybe not just marketing. Also interesting to see the BCA redesigned their shovel blade to a more 'wrap-around' style similar to the Voile.

I have a WM Vapor that I purchased to replace a MH Phantom. I am much happier as the jacket is warmer and the Windstopper shell fabric has proven very durable in rock/vegetation abrasive environments (where the Phantom proved to be a liability after several large tears and subsequent repairs). My only gripe is that the Vapor only has two hand pockets, it would be nice if it had an interior 'Napoleon' pocket. The Vapor was also offered as a parka style for awhile, but the hood wasn't removable. One of my partners from the East Coast has the parka version and is quite satisfied. Believe only the jacket version is currently being produced. I would purchase Vapor again without hesitation, and I suspect it has the most durable shell fabric in the sub-1 lb. down jacket category.

FWIW, spent an entire month in AK in June '06 for less than $1500 including airfare. Included West Butt ascent, backpacking in Denali SP, several nights hotel in Anchorage, rental car (after ascent), LOTS of post-climb beer, boat tour of Kenai Fjords.

Breathability is as good as Goretex XCR, haven't used eVent so can't compare to it. The jacket has both pit zips and venting Napoleon pockets so I haven't had a problem with ventilation. I use the SE for in- and out-of-bounds snowboarding, splitboarding and ice climbing.

Absolutely love mine! Have beaten the shit out of it for two seasons, and yet no snags/tears/wear spots. At purchase it was down to the SE and the Alpha SV. Alpha SV was heavier, and felt stiffer with less ventilation options, opted for the SE and never looked back. Have never experienced any issues with water repelency or ventilation/breathability.

I've heard that a lot. Interesting, never had any problems with them although I have always ordered by phone. Definitely something to think about in the future.

Available here from Mountain Tools.