Klimber

Ok, after asking questions I guess it's time to share my thoughts on some gear. Merrell Cameleon II Stretch XCR This is perhaps the worst apprach/hiking shoe I have ever tried. Tie mechanism - this thing sucks, just a bungie cord, didn't hold when really tight and was way too long. also coudln't tighten some parts more then others for a perfect fit. Rand - show basically doesn't have rand so takes damage directly to the soft leather. I returned these shoes only after a few hikes, for replacement I got the Vasque Kota GTX. Now this show rocks! I have used it backpacking, hiking, snow shoeing, and appoarches. they hardley show wear and are reallly comfortable. they also didn't leak one drop while snow shoeing all day long. They are probably average for weight. I also never got cold but that's probably more of a function of my feet not the shoes.

I just about a Highgear Alittech 2 and am wondering if it's the best choice. what does everyone else use? I also considred a GPS since it's more accurate but I want to wait until the SIRF chipset is in the cheaper GPS units. Looking at all the Altimeters on trailspace it seems this is a decent altimeter although there aren't that many reviews. I have also seen more people with it than other altimeters. Anyone use a GPS?

I see this happening in practice.

what do you use for softshell pants?

wow, 9oz! that's nice. I did look at Montbell Versalite Jacket at pro mountain sports but didn't think to highly of it. Now that I think about it I am not sure what I didn't like about it.

what would you reocmmend for softshell pants? Also for a better fitting jacket do you have any in mind? I will be doing climbing so I want something that fits well.

wow, really interesting suggestion. I really like the stretch knee idea. I would defintely agree that they don't have to be waterproof. it would be really hard for me to buy something that doesn't have full-zips but given you suggestion I might have to go with that, sounds like a good setup. I will look into it, thanks!

OK, since you guys are so helpful I want to throw another question at you. I have a North Face Kitchatna Shell, very bulky and heavy but bulletproof. I would like to get something as small and light as possible for summer hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, basically everything. I also need pants to go with these, my heavy, sky pants are not cutting it. I have ordered the Marmot Precip shell and Marmot Precip full-zip pants Any thoughts on these or other shell and pants? I do require full-zip pants.

thanks a lot everyone! very helpful. I ordered a 65cm axe, hopefully it will work out for me.

thanks very much for your help, I have ordered the BD Raven Pro 65cm. Hopefully it will be the right size but if not I will exchange it out. And if I get really into technical climbing then I will certainly look at the voice axe. Again, thanks your input was very helpful.

Ha! I was thinking about that when writing the post. I think I just might. And if wind/water becomes an issue I upgrade later...

alpine ice? probably glacier travel? yeah gnar-gnar? not sure, what is it? all steel - I guess a raven pro is out then?

yeah, I will be interested in mountianeering. going cheap, would a raven pro fit that bill?

anyone have recommendations on a lighter that can stand up to wind and rain? Colibri Extreme II Wind-Resistant Lighter Colibri Sting Lighter Colibri Riptide Wind-Resistant Lighter

I just posted this thread and have decided on a 65cm ice axe. Now I need to decide on what brand and model. I am thinking the BD Raven Pro. Anyone have suggestions? http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/649135/page/1#Post649135

Got it. I just tried a friend's ice axe and it seems a 65cm is about the right size. It doesn't quite make it to my ankle but it's short enough to be manageable in a self-arrest situation.

I am taking a Glacier climbing course and will need to buy an ice axe but I am not sure what length to get. What would you folks recommend for the length? I am 6'. So far these are the links I have found that talk about the length of an ice axe. http://www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/nl/43d.html http://www.escape2.co.uk/advice/choosing_ice_axes.htm http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/FAQ_IceAxe.htm http://patentpending.blogs.com/patent_pending_blog/2006/04/ice_axes.html http://skwp.pbwiki.com/Shasta http://www.xsorbit6.com/users/stevefirebaugh/index.cgi?board=Gear&action=display&num=1128860486 Does it boil down to personal perference? If so what should I start out with? Maybe 65-70?

Boreal Ace will always be my favorite for an all around shoe. The only time I wear my Mythos are on shorter sport routes.

Has anyone tried them? I love the range, probably will bump my #1 Camalot as my favorite gear to place.

Those chicks are definitely climbers. I bet the climb >5.12 trad.

How sad.... my condolences....

Picture? Price?

Hmmm, did you not read the instructions? You playing PM chicken?

yeah, was a great show. helmet as a pillow that moves with you. Ice axe + snow blade = paddle.

It's having faith in rope. No, The Rope. The Rope of Life.