BigSky

I just went and set up the Rab Summit Superlite and Integral Designs MKI XL today to compare them. First of all, both are very solid; you can comfortably lean all of your weight on the frames without much flex. Construction and attention to detail is good on the Rab and great on the ID (no surprise there). In the Superlite my "long" bag touches, but my top bag (hoodless) does not. Part of the reason the bag touches is that the walls are at such a low angle, but it'd still touch a bit I'm sure. I can comfortably sit hunched, but not sitting all the way up in the middle (I am 6'2"). I weighed it (poles, body, stakes, guylines) and it came in at 3lbs 4.5 oz. It has one vent/portal at the foot end. The MKI XL is significantly wider, particularly when guyed out, and much taller. I can easily sit all the way up with room to spare. My bag just barely touches on one end, and not at all diagonally. It has two vents at the top, which are nice, and has a small peaked hood over the door so you can open it a bit at the top without letting moisture in. This would likely offset the lower breathability compared to eVent, but then you're losing heat; definitely a trade off. Neither is a comfortable backpacking tent, which is fine with me, but just to make sure there's no confusion. Both are bomber assault tents, and I'd use either without hesitation. For the lightest trips with carry overs, etc. I'd go Rab. For more than a night or two with two people I'd go MKI XL of the two. Since you are using it as your primary winter shelter, I'd steer away from the Rab (same floor dimensions as the superlite) unless weight is of utmost importance to you, or you have small climbing partners. If you're going in the 4+ lb range anyway, I think you'd be much more comfortable in a Tenshi-like set up.

You can still get a Rab Summit Superlite in Exchange-Lite eVent (if you don't mind a 27 in. height; I think it's like 87 in. long). They make the Summit Mountain now too, which has a taller peak height; don't know how they got away with that one. There's always the Integral MK1 XL, which with the light floor option comes in pretty darn light. For a double wall under 5 lbs.: Hilleberg Nallo 2 gets you there and it is a very nice tent. I had it out last winter some and was very impressed. I've also used the Big Agnes String Ridge 2, and was very pleasantly surprised with its 4-season ability; mine weighs 5lbs. 4oz all up (body, fly, poles, 10 stakes, a full set of guylines). If I had to pick one of the two I'd probably take the Hille. An acquaintance of mine also rocks the Tenshi and loves it.

Thanks for the write up!

I guess that would narrow my choices. I'll have to give 'em a ring. I think in the long run I'll probably end up going the custom route with CCW, or the like (as per your choice Dane), but I feel like I need to smoke a few more solid alpine packs before I know what I really want. I'd still consider trying a semi-custom CCW now for the low cost involved.

Yeah I miscalculated that.

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

price drop to $60 shipped.

Mammut/Ajungilak "bivi bag"; new, never used. Just like this one. $50 shipped

Asolo Guide boots; plastic doubles, sz. 11.5. Used but definitely have some life left. $60 shipped

Price dropped to $60 shipped.

This is a used, clean REI Nooksack UL synthetic sleeping gag (long, 35 degree rating). With layers it'll do 30-35 degrees, without layers more like 40. Here is a description: Nooksack UL It has no rips, holes, or tears. Insulation is Primaloft Sport, fabric is Pertex Quantum. This model has no external pocket, otherwise same as the bag in the link. Has been stored un-compressed in cotton bag, will ship with stuff sack and storage bag. $60 shipped in the lower 48

Reminds me of the Camp Alp 95 + gear loops.

The ice riders are a great crampon; very underrated. Can't beat 'em for the price.

Bump for a nice Westcomb piece, they have the best build quality on the market.

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?"