jared_j

Approx. how many nights out have you spent in this tent? What is the different main tent color?

Got pictures? I am interested...

Barely used 70cm Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe. Used a couple of times, it is not the size I need. $75 new, a steal $45 for Seattle downtown - area pickup, $50 shipped (unless you live way up in Canuck-land, then I'd have to check to see shipping cost).

While researching double plastic mountaineering boots, I came across this blurb on the ems.com website http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442585170 regarding the Koflach Degre: "KOFLACH Degre Boots Designed for winter hiking, the Degre is compatible with Randonee ski bindings and nearly every kind of crampon and snowshoe. " I realize compatibility does not mean high performance per se, but does anyone here use their Koflachs on skis? If so, to what degre (pun intended) of success?

I bought a grey Feathered Friends Volant jacket with hood new a few of months ago in preparation for a mountaineering course I'm currently taking. Upon introspection, I have decided to opt for a synthetic puffy jacket instead. The jacket has been worn a couple of times and isn't returnable to FF. That said, it is brand spanking new. No abrasions, tears, smells, anything. Worn around a couple of times, and hung in closet mostly. New the jacket plus hood is $340 + tax. My hasty purchase and subsequent change of heart equals your savings! I'll upload pics shortly.

I have a 30L Cilogear pack (www.cilogear.com) that, if you take off the detachable waistbelt, and strip out the frame (but leave the foam pad in), is a pack that can ride 'high' on the back, has capacity, but carries comfortably. The Cold Cold World Valdez pack I think is also like this; moderate capacity, but without a rigid frame (yet still flexible frame-ish support) that can ride high on your back. They stock 'em at Feathered Friends, I think.

Are you single and unemployed? That sounds like a very serious time commitment.

I gave this a shot at Mt. Si yesterday, thinking that if I just didn't need to bend my foot at the ball (the way we normally do when we walk) then everything would just be dandy. I couldn't do it effectively walking on dirt uphill at Mt. Si yesterday; perhaps it'll just take practice. Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions!

How much would you want (dollars) for one 00 TCU?

I am taking a glacier climbing course starting very soon. I purchased some La Sportiva Makalus from Marmot Mtn in Bellevue, and I have been on 5 hikes of 3-5 hours each in them (mostly Mt. Si) over the last few weeks, once per week. These are the first mountaineering boots that I've had any experience with. The clerks at the store were helpful, and led me to believe I got the proper - sized boot. There is some roon in the toe box, they fit snugly around my foot and ankle. That said, on each hike in them, I've developed blisters on the 'back' of my heel. The sole is stiff, and my heel slides up slightly inside the boot as I step (since the sole does not flex). I have tried several sock/liner combinations, such as Smartwool Mountaineering-thickness socks coupled with Smartwool liner socks, but gotten blisters each time. If they were snug enough such that my heel did not move at all as I stepped (and the sole did not flex), then my intuition is that they'd be ridiculously awkward to walk in. How do I know if the boots are too big? Will there be some point at which the sole of these boots will flex at the ball of my foot and this will no longer be an issue? Any advice for this noob to mountaineering boots is welcome. Thanks!

I think the Volant is pretty rad, myself, but the cute young brunette salesgirl at Feathered Friends named Kat referred to it as "sick". I'll take her word for it...

Cilogear indeed. Their 40L and 45L packs compress well, come with a lightweight crampon pouch (that also can conveniently hold a thermos or nalgene securely), strip down (removeable lid/hip belt), and have an extendable draft collar up top. Plus they are very durable and lightweight. The only caveat is that you should spend some time getting to know your pack when you first get it to figure out what strap configuration works best for you (all straps are removeable). Graham's customer service is also top notch. Finally, buying a pack from a guy who is a dedicated climber and runs his own business carries with it some 'warm glow' factor associated with supporting other enthusiasts.

I have a Feathered Friends Volant jacket for sittin' still high up. I have a softshell jacket and lighter layers for moving around in. The course I'm taking is a multi - trip one with Bushwhackers (a la Mountaineers, but smaller class size), and I don't think they have an 'official' recommended list. I've scoped out lists from Mountaineers, and Alpine Ascents International's recommended lists for their trips. AAI's list could read "bring the most bling blingin' equipment that money can buy to our course". I am interested in purchasing reasonably versatile equipment, and the Patagonia Grade VI jacket isn't being made anymore, but a comparably priced jacket is the Patagonia Jetstream; it is marketed as a jacket geared towards alpine climbing and backcountry skiing, and looks like it would complement the softshell system I have working nicely. The course does an easy snow camping overnighter, then a four day trip on Baker in early/mid June. The club will be doing a trip up Emmons Glacier on Rainier in late July that I am planning on attending, as well.

Yeah, I've been accumulating bits of the gear I'll need along and along (i.e. paycheck by paycheck), and I got a sick Feathered Friends down jacket. I'm lean and get cold easily so I chose to not skimp on the insulating layer. I just don't wanna have to fork over for a fancy hardshell since I already have a reasonable one, and a good softshell. It's hard to sift through the marketing hype about what is and isn't necessary. I have no doubt that in the event of being caught in whiteout conditions, it would be somewhat less bad to have a Goretex shell. It's just an issue of weighing cost versus risk (i.e. expected outcome).

Hi, I am taking a glacier climbing course which culminates in a 4 day trip to Baker, and will try a Rainier climb mid-summer if things go well on previous smaller climbs. I own an Arcteryx Gamma MX hoody softshell jacket and a simple Marmot Precip hardshell jacket currently. These have served me fine climbing technical rock in the more moderate climates where I am from. Most 'recommended gear' lists I see suggest a more burly/beefy hardshell, usually something made out of Gore Tex. Given that I have a decent quality softshell, can I get away with the lightweight rainshell I currently have, or is having a more substantial shell essential for climbing some volcanoes this summer? Thanks!

I have similar intentions as the OP, and I'm taking a glacier climbing class from a smaller Seattle - based club (Bushwhackers). We will be doing a Baker trip as part of the course, and the ambitious side of me wants to do a Rainier trip this summer. I am looking at the La Sportiva Makalu - it is a little more budget priced than other boot options. It is marketed as a good 'all around' boot, and one other poster referred to it as a good 'first choice' boot. Any other opinions on this boot, or more entry level boot recommendations (for Cascade volcanoes) in general?

Lightly used black mens' medium Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Vest for sale. Purchased new in November, worn as a layer under a shell snowboarding and skiing a few times. Never worn climbing, abrasion free, and clean. I will email photos upon request. Retails $95 new, will sell for $60 shipped, maybe a buck or two more if to Canada (I'd have to check on shipping cost).

SOLD

Yes, that is correct. The waist has a drawcord closure, but generally the torso of the jacket is straight down, not tapered.

For sale: one mens' medium black Marmot Flurry Jacket. I ordered this jacket but it isn't really going to meet my needs. Purchased about a month ago, worn a few times, there are no imperfections other than the tags are cut off. This is a good slightly lighter weight alternative to a DAS parka or Wild Things Belay parka. They retail $150 new, I will take $100 shipped. I will email photos on request.

I'm new to the region, and plan on doing some technical rock routes in the summer such as Mt. Stuart's north ridge, Dragontail Peak, and maybe Mt. Slesse if I get ambitious. I have a down jacket (Feathered Friends Helios hooded) that I will be using for a mountaineering course I'm taking, but think I would prefer a synthetic insulating layer to take on short (1 night or 2) alpine trips. Recommendations? Because I intend to use this for climbing, compressibility and weight are concerns (so I'm ruling out fleece). I was looking at the Montbell Thermawrap UL or Thermawrap parka (lightweight, synthetic), or perhaps a Patagonia Micro Puff pullover. Any insight/recommendations is appreciated, particularly in regards to how warm of a layer is necessary for alpine climbing in the Cascades in the summer. Thanks!

I have an Arcteryx Alpha Comp hoody. It is similar to the Gamma MX only not lined with whatever insulation the gamma has; it is only shell material. In addition, the hood and tops of the arms are waterproof fabric, while the remainder of the jacket is breathable. This makes it a little more protective in rain, still as breathable as a softshell (in my opinion), and lighter - weight than the Gamma MX.