BigSky

Good thoughts Kevin, thanks. Yeah I'm afraid the RK30 may be a bit gimmicky; it'd be more of a gamble, where I see several other options as a sure bet. Tricky to get anything Crux in the US...something about international shipping with "AK47" on the label. A while back somebody mentioned helmet clearance problems on the Valdez which is of concern, though at its size I'd probably go without the lid much of the time, if that cured the ill. Decisions, decisions.

That sounds like a real nice package. The zipper is a pain on the Ion. My version has the flap instead of the water resistant zip and it gets caught about every fourth time I open it. I've though about cutting it off, but I already went to the trouble of sealing the main seams; I may do it yet. My L sans waist belt is 9.1 oz and was a steal at $50 or less for a solid light leader pack. I went and looked at the Cierzo. It seems fine for what it is, but I prefer a removable lid, and the fabric (as mentioned) does not seem up to the alpine rambling task. Loaded it up, and it is fine, but I'd agree it's a little big (I know it's gotta be slim, but maybe too long of a design?) for what we're talking about. Perhaps I was in error when I originally mentioned I'd like something 25-40L...I think really the only pack I was looking at over 30L (other than maybe Crux AK37) was the Podsacs Thin Ice, and about the only thing I really don't like about it is that it's a bit oversized for my purpose. I've played with it and dig the layout/materials/workmanship, and I can make a Size 1 (@40L) work despite a 20.5" torso, but... The other packs I originally had in mind were the WT guide (25+L), 30L worksack, CCW Valdez, and Crux RK30 . Again, this is a sack for marathon days in the MT/WY Rockies, occasional N. Cascades or Canadian trip, etc.; technical days, but not pushing a leading grade. The Worksack, Guide, and Valdez are all still looking good to me...problem is handling them and fitting. Any Bozeman guys kickin' around with any of the above?

On ice cragging trips I've been tossing my dyneema GoLite Ion in an approach sack and it's worked well as a leader pack. I've tried to kill it, but it just won't die. That little REI pack looks like it'd fit the bill nicely as well. With the Ion no longer in production it wouldn't hurt to give it a run; $30 just isn't much of a risk. I'll take a look at the Cierzo again, haven't done so since it came out. It seems fairly close to the feature set I'm hunting for. I love my Black Ice, but fully stripped it only gets me down to 2.5 lbs., and I don't need the volume for most technical 1(+) day trips. I'm kinda liking the CCW Valdez at the moment...

Thanks guys; I do like that CCW pack you had made Dane. I have been using the Podsacs Black Ice as my go to alpine pack, but wouldn't mind having a more compact option.

Looking for first hand experience with the WT Guide Pack. Most interested in fit/features/workmanship on the current model. Also interested in similar technical packs...I've pretty well looked over CCW, CiloGear and there's plenty to like. I'm potentially interested in Crux, Podsacs, or others I'm missing; just want to get a feel for what else is out there in the category. My requirements are: -- 25-40L -- under 2lbs. stripped or otherwise -- removable or VERY low profile hipbelt -- removable back pad/bivy pad/stay -- under $200 Thanks!

I have some hypalon coming to make a couple. Hypalon isn't cheap but deosn't take much material. Could do it with 500d PU coated cordura for REALLY cheap if you know somebody with a sewing machine.

If it is still available, buy it. Unless you're in a hurry I'd watch here and Craigslist to get a steal on something used.

My top picks are Mammut, Millet, and Beal.

Outside Bozeman mag? Nice.

Thanks for all of the replies, I appreciate it.

I apologize if this has been hashed out here in the past; did a search and came up with nothing. I'm not new to ice climbing, and I am very aware of what's on the market. I've climbed in several different rigids and semi's, and vertical and horizontal points. I'm just interested in what you prefer for pure ice and why. Thanks, BigSky

Reminds me of the Camp Alp 95 + gear loops.

Not agreeing or disagreeing with you in general, but I guess the obvious question is "how can we ever reach your level of moral superiority?"

Thanks for the TR; it's always fun to see what's going on in different places.

Very nice.

It is indeed; I've been using their Vapour Rise stuff as an active mid-layer/softshell and I've been very happy with it. Most of their stuff is pretty reasonably priced for the build quality. I also use their Latok glove, Latok Alpine hard shell, and Fusion jacket.

I'd be more apt to throw a horn on the Matrix Light and climb vertical ice, but since that's not your plan for them anyway...that is a tough price to beat.

I've been wondering when that stuff was going to make it to apparel.

Nice find, that's a great deal. Looks like they only have an adze, but I know where there is one new (red color) Awax hammer that could likely be had for a good price (maybe not $120 good, but good none the less). Let me know if you are interested Steve.

Thanks for the TR. I have baby #2 on the way, so I know the feeling of adventuring "urgency".

I've used Ice Holdz and they are pretty fun, but way too pricey for my taste. Using a few as part of your dry tooling wall would be pretty handy though.

I hope you find some; and if you do, don't let 'em go as they are no more. The Cassin X-ice's are nearly the same tool (slightly more clearance), though I assume you're looking for a used pair. I've climbed on both, and they feel pretty similar. Not sure if you knew, but Cassin and Camp are tag teaming, Camp keeping their axes, and Cassin handling tools.

No kidding; talk about some serious clearance.

I'd add that I would probably put the top fabric of the Ptarmigan in the Epic fabric range of water resistance (slightly less for the TiGoat) and breathability (slightly more for the TiGoat).

I know a few guys who have the TiGoat. They all speak pretty highly of it; most use it in conjunction with an ultralight tarp. With the waterproof floor and water resistant top, it breathes great, and keeps the mist out if you've got something like a tarp to keep the bulk of the precip. off. For a stand alone bivy I think it's got fairly limited range of use, but great breathability is worth a lot sometimes...