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!

oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder and dried fruit

Got the Baturas and Nepals on Friday. Both fit great, though ended up going with the Nepals. They just seemed to be more in line with what I wanted out of a boot. However, it was a touch decision. The Baturas walked great, and the built in gaiter, although pretty ugly, was a cool feature. What are you guys using to waterproof your leather boots these days?

Thanks for the lengthy reply Dane. I appreciate the detailed response. I just ordered a pair of Baturas and Nepals and I'll see which one fits my feet best. For those interested, EMS has got a screaming deal on these boots right now. $420 for the Baturas and 380 for the Nepals.

Would you guys say that double boots are overkill for the Cascades? Should I be looking more at the Batura/Trango/Nepal line instead?

damn, didn't have my size. Thanks for the heads up though!

I'm not super budget concerened, but dropping $700 on some Spatniks that would rarely be used seems excessive. However, I'm ok with spending $500 or so on a boot that I'll get some mileage out of.

Hey all, So I've had a pair of the red Trangos for a year or so now and really like what they do. Great 3 season hiker/climber, light weight, decent waterproofing, etc. However, after using them this winter for a few climbs around the Cascades, I realized that they weren't all that great for heavy snow/cold temps. Also, I'm going to be doing some volcanoes this summer, and wouldn't mind having something a little beefier for those trips. Furthermore, I've got sites set on an eventual Denali/S. America trip (2010/11?). I'm looking for some advice on what you think would be a good 2nd boot. I'll still be using the Trangos for most of my summer stuff, but would want something that will handle more variable conditions. I like the way Sportivas fit me, so I'd like to stick with those (or similarly fitting boot). I've read tons of reviews on the Batura, beefier Trango series, and the Nepal. My concerns with those is the dry-ability factor. Should I even concern myself with that though? I'd imagine this boot to be used on max 1-3 night trips in the winter or on a glacier. I haven't really seen any good plastics that could solve this particular problem and don't break the bank (Spatnik looks sick, but likely overkill for anything around here and mucho $$)As far as an Alaska boot, would you recommend picking up a third boot when the time comes. So long story short, what are you guys using as a cold weather, glacier boot here in the Cascades? Thanks in advance!

I'm interested in what people are recommending too, as I'm just getting into alpine climbing and would like to learn the skills necessary to lead mixed terrain. On a similar note: where are some good places in the Seattle area to practice general lead placements (stoppers, cams, etc). I don't want to drive too far, but I'd like a decent canvas to practice on. Thanks!

Have the day off and was wondering if anyone was interested in heading up to X38 to check it out. Looking to climb 5.7-5.10, but willing to belay harder if need be. thanks!

Hey all, New to Seattle and been hitting the gym regularly and took a two week alpinism course in July, but I don't have a regular partner to hit the rock with. Looking to eventually do some alpine and ice routes but am looking for someone in the Seattle area who'd like to hit 38 or similar areas on weekends. I've got gear, can follow to 5.9, and wouldn't mind getting into some leads. I'm willing to belay slave to climb with those who could help get me out there! Thanks!