Staples10

I've had a pair of Nepalis for years, taken them on multiple long expeditions, and the only thing I needed to replace was the sole b/c I wore the tread down and compressed it to the point where crampons wouldn't fit them. The leather up remains completely intact. I've replaced the shoe laces several times. The point is: $450 for a pair of boots that can last for years isn't such a bad deal.

IF the title above is the one by Andy Tyson and Molly Loomis, it's a good book. Some of the pictures are a little hard for me to figure out (b/c they're black and white) but overall I think it's the most comprehensive and useful book on the subject.

I think WM makes the best down bags, and a 15 deg. bag would be pretty versatile. I'm a big chicken, but I generally do not use a down bag in the Cascades. I've been in a 7 day storm where everything starts to get wet, and I never had to stress about my bag, whereas my partner did, as his down bag started to get lumpy and cold. Also, a synthetic bag may be a little more versatile than a down bag in a rescue situation (God forbid). In other places, like the Tetons or the Wind Rivers, I use down.

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 has served me well. Maybe they don't make it anymore? All my gear is old, but it's been a great tent. Echo the many comments on the Megamid.

ON the uphill, try walking a little duck footed; your feet should be pointing outward rather than straight ahead. The steeper the trail the farther out your feet would point. BTW, this odd walking technique will really help when you start wearing crampons.

Hi, I'll be in Calgary the week of 5/21. I'm grossly ignorant of the area. What's there to climb in the area this time of year?

IN addition to using a liner sock and a thicker sock, I suggest you try altering the mechanics of your walk. With a stiff boot, whether it's leather or plastic, there's obviously no flex so effectively you have to walk flat footed. It's awkward at first, but eventually you'll get used to it, and never have blister issues. This technique was taught to me on a NOLS Cascade mountaineering course more than 10 years ago, and it still serves me well.

My partner and I came out of the Ruth last weekend. Conditions were not great. TAT was not landing on the Root Canal, and the snow was funky. Deep layers of sugary shite below the surface. The party next to us reported wallowing in waist deep snow on Barrill (Jap Couloir) and on some aspect of Dan Beard. It dumped while we were there. We like to wait after a big snow to climb gullies, but other parties near us were attacking Dickey and others in full force. At first we felt like big losers, but after watching multiple parties get hammered by spindrift, we felt a little better. Like maybe we know what we're doing after all.

Maker's Mark will have a sweeter finish than any other bourbon b/c it's the only one made with wheat (rather than rye). Others have thrown out the usual names (Basil, Knob Creek, etc.) but if you like Maker's I suggest trying Corner Creek. Your local store won't have it, but if there's a super-sized liquor store they might have it (or can get it). It's the only rye bourbon I've had that finishes as nicely as Maker's.