TwoFortyJeff

The Seattle REI has them in stock. The sales clerk said they are warmer than the Evo, but they also tried to sell me an Asolo 520 as a mountaineering boot, so take it for what you will. Comfort is subjective. I liked them. I never tried the Evo. Go try 'em on and see.

I did the NBC on the 15th. We traversed into the route above a series of moats. There were a few moves on wet down sloping ledges but it wasn't too bad. Bring rock gear. Hit it super early before it turns to slush.

Does anyone have an experience they can share on how these two shoes compare? I've been using Nagos and I like everything about them except that they still dye my feet red after two years. All things considered, that is a pretty minor complaint. If I switch to the Mythos, will I notice any loss in performance on slab or edging? Do they stretch out about the same? I mainly climb easy trad up to the 5.10s.

Now would be a great time to start shopping because sales are just around the corner. Just make sure you know exactly what you want and what your priorities are. I went through this last winter. The info is all out there so I'll skip the specific gear recommendations. You'll be fine to head into the backcountry when you can ski your chosen terrain in any type of condition. You'll still want to know how to gingerly get down something steeper in case you get a little off course though. For what it's worth, I much preferred to learn on alpine gear on the groomers because I fell a lot. I'll still take my backcountry setup (with tech bindings) on the groomers when I am skiing stuff I know I can ski but if I am trying to progress, I like the alpine bindings.

They have had the BC fishscale version for a few years now. You will still need skins for typical skin tracks. The advantage is that you can get by without them on the flat sections and gentle rolling sections. There are definitely times where I wish I had them on my skis for the trip down to the car. I have talked to a few people that used them and they said they aren't too noticeable on the downhill.

Just to clarify so you don't get the wrong idea and get a ticket... you DO need to self register for a permit at the trailhead because you are entering the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You do NOT have to go through all the hoops to get an Enchantments/Stuart Zone permit.

That looks more like a raven, not a raven pro

Routes are clear. Firm snow in the Liberty Bell - Concord gulley in the morning, then nice plunge steps in the evening. I was glad to have an ice axe. Crampons stayed in the pack, but I almost needed them. Plenty of snow at the turn off from the official trail to the climbers trail. Don't despair though, there is still plenty of loose choss to scramble over up higher.

is the Lucid regular or long?

It's seems like it's always best to hit that route as soon as the road opens. Thanks for sharing your report.

PM sent on the R1 hoody

8 mile was open last weekend

$60 This is well used, but I haven't used it much in the last year. The little black rubber stopper in the shaft near the spike fell out. The head has some dings from being driven into the snow for a crevasse rescue anchor. Plenty of other cosmetic scratches as well.

I left my ice axe at the Yodelin parking lot at around noon today (4/7/2103), a few parking spaces from the portapotty. Let me know if you picked it up and we can work something out.

I use a Houdini. I thought I would have trashed it by now, but it's still going strong. Look at the Arcteryx Gamma LT or the OR Ferrosi.

BD Speed 40. About a pound lighter than the 45 Worksack.

This is a medium Campmor down jacket. I think it's 650 down. It's 22oz and very warm. Too warm for anything I do. Always stored properly and shows no signs of wear. $40 + $5 for shipping if you don't want to meet me near Mukilteo.

I'm a fan of the BD Vaporlock.

Leading with wet climbing shoes. Check that one off the bucket list.

I'm glad you finally found some sun. Did you guys get to swing leads at all?

I like the BD Oz, but if I had to do it over again I'd save a couple bucks per biner and go with the BD Neutrino.

Shop around and find a jacket that fits you perfectly. In one jacket you might be between a L and XL, but one from another manufacturer might fit you great in a L or XL.

PM sent on tools

What is the secret to getting down the rap with a single 60m? Stretchy rope? Make sure there is a lot of snow in the zipper?

I was bummed when ACME lost access to the MyTopo maps. I switched to http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php which has fantastic maps but is kind of a pain in the ass to print from. I had to take screen shots and then manipulate them into powerpoint to get the right view, but also while trying to keep the proper aspect ratio. This on the other hand prints in seconds. Thanks!