Stopgo

Hey all, Working on a project for UW that is studying skiers' perceptions of various ski brands. We'd love to hear from the experts here at CC.com. If you have a few minutes and wouldn't mind filling out an online survey we'd really appreciate it. https://atrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_260LiDAzP63g6DW Thanks!

We climbed Serpentine last weekend and debated the same thing. Ended up bringing our axes and 'pons and were happy to have them for the walk down to Aasgard. We ran into three other parties, one party did not have axes or 'pons and were having a tough time.

How are the skeeters around WA Pass/Mazama these days?

re: weight, I was more referring to using in the alpine.

Hey all, Wondering if anyone has gotten a chance to climb in any of these harnesses. I've hung in the BD and Arc for a bit at the store, but I'm curious what actual users have experienced with them. I'm looking for something good for cragging and the occasional alpine trip. I've also looked at the Wild Country Elite, which looks plush, has 5 gear loops, but it's a bit heavier. It's tempting, and if it was uber-comfy I could be swayed to lug the extra ounces around . . . Any thoughts?

Nice shots . . . What kind of helmet cam are you using? Seems to be shooting nice video. Have you been happy with it?

You're laying out a Tabata interval (8 sets of 20secs on, 10off). You have to hit it as hard as you can doing these for them to be effective. Do one tabata, spin easy for 2 minutes, then do another set. My favorite bike interval workout is: 5 mins warm up (intersperse 3x30 secs pickups. Pretty quick turnover, but not too much resistance) 7 x 90secs on, 90secs off. Go as hard as you can and still be putting out the same amount of power on the first interval as the last. You want to be getting your heart rate up high (I shoot for 180bpm). 2 mins easy spin 3 min interval (1st min= high rpm superspin, 2nd min= same gearing and effort as the previous intervals, 3rd min= hard gearing, something near as hard as it gets) 2 min easy spinning cool down. Intervals are great for working your lungs. I never used the bike to build leg strength, just lung capacity. Hit the weights if you want stronger legs.

I've been using the jacket this season and have been really happy with it. Patagonia jackets have weird fits, in that they seem non-uniform among models. This one fits me great (medium, I'm 5'11", 160). As far as function, it's a pretty warm jacket, but breathes nicely. I use it for ski touring and winter climbing. For touring, I skin in a capilene top and an R1. At the transition, I throw on the jacket to keep warm and for the ski down. For climbing, if I'm working hard it is usually too warm to wear. Though if it's cold, I can "work" in it no problem. Climbed NE Butt of Chair last month (during cold snap) wearing capilene and R1 top, then this on top. Wore it the whole climb and even put a down jacket on top at belays. It was pretty darn cold out . . . My only complaint is that you basically have 2 layers in one coat which limits you on layering options. However, if it's cold enough, this doesn't matter. I'm pretty skinny, so the extra layer helps, but it would definitely be too hot to, for example, to skin in or make a brisk approach in. Hope this helps!

If anyone's interested in the Grivels, I picked up my pair at Feathered Friends last spring.

I'll take one

What size rings do you usually use?

I'm going to be in Lworth this weekend and will have a little time to get the hang of doing some aid soloing on TR. Any suggestions of some easy, yet un-crowded spots to set up a TR on and aid on? I won't have a ton of time so something close to the road would be great. Plus I'll be working out the bugs of the system and don't want to be in anyone's way . . . Any suggestions?

Thinking of giving aid climbing a rip and would like to get opinions on necessary gear and recommended makes/models. After doing a bit of research, this is what I've compiled. FWIW, I've got a couple sets of nuts and cams. Aiders- Yates Big Wall Ladders Jumars- Petzl Cam hooks- Moses 2x each narrow and wide HB Brass Offsets Mini Traxion- wanting to do some solo aid (is 1 enough?) and for hauling GriGri Daisies- BD BD Fifi Hook some BD ovals Is a hammer necessary? Funkness device? I'm wanting to keep costs down, and am envisioning doing some pretty basic one pitch harder free routes as my intro to aid climbing (think Index). Eventually bigger routes may call, but wanting to take it slow at this point. Anything I'm missing, anything I don't need, any beginner aid tips in general? thanks!

Looking for something in good condition to use as a trad crag pack. Nothing too big, but something that can hold a rope bag and decent sized rack. Whatcha got?

oh yeah, I forgot the secret weapon . . . Starbucks Via, the new instant coffee. Good stuff that'll take the sluggish-ness out of you real quick!