dbconlin

I don't have one, but one whippet seems like the way to go...probably why they sell them individually.

Amen to that!

I don't think a comparison of MH to BD is a very good one. BD makes really good gear and most serious climbers own some BD gear. MH is becoming more comparable to TNF and Marmot. They are starting to cater to the more-casual outdoorsy folk who go day-hiking, backpacking, perhaps some cragging - not hard(wo)man climbing like all of us at cc.com! Nothing wrong with those activities/markets, but you just don't need to over-analyze and minimize and strip the weight to the bare essential for those types of activities.

Anybody know if the Grivel service will do other brands?

Without the swivel, I have noticed mine getting a twist or two occasionally. I climb mostly alpine. Sometimes at a belay, or in a moderate section, I will untwist them--which is not hard to do nor very time-consuming.

I generally followed Alpine Dave's advice: http://www.alpinedave.com/leashless_rig.htm I did not use a swivel. Mine has worked great for me.

The BD ABS are $25 and are better and longer lasting than the plastic bottle pias Ditto...should be available direct from BD.

I too have/love the DAS - it is the premier synthetic overcoat for full conditions, but I have to take exception to the statements about light weight and small - there are lots of lighter/smaller jackets out there, especially once you start looking at down. As Dan Smith stated, synthetic is the way to go, though, if the conditions suck (i.e. winter in the Cascades).

Mt. Adams, Rainier...

Standard route (easiest) = 10b, 8+ pitches (?)

Has anyone gotten to South Colony Lakes basin without 4x4? Unless they have improved the road/trail since I lived there (in the basin for the whole summer of 1998), I doubt most 2wd vehicles can get there. While the easiest route up Crestone Needle is 3rd class, you really have to do the Ellingwood Arete - a lot of 4th class (about 2,000 feet) with great exposure and a few 5th class moves - highly recommended, but I've always had a rope and a partner. I would also highly recommend Longs Peak and/or other non-14er peaks in Rocky Mtn. NP.

All I know is a Mazda 3 (5 speed, hatchback) at the dealer was the most fun car I have ever driven!

Do you take your dog mountaineering? Why a vestibule? Mk1 LIte rules! (I would also consider BD firstlight).

What a Newbie, that Colin guy.

How 'bout a classic lightweight "dome" like the North Face Tadpole. Sleeps 2, about 4 lbs. REI and Big Agnes make similar models that were recently heralded by Backpacker mag.

Verr'nice!!!

Yeah, I have to wonder that too... Anyone got any recent photos of the NE slab on the tooth?

I personally have not towed with my Outback (4-cyl), but having towed with other vehicles with similar power/weight ratios, I would say it wouldn't be the fastest, but you would be fine, espescially with a manual tranny. I mean, how fast do you really need to fly up the mountain passes, which only last 20 miles at the most? A little underpower isn't necessarily the worst thing. Just stick it in third and drive 60...

Z rest

I have used a needle/thread to stitch the hole, then cover in seamgrip, with good results; the tape or patch idea then covered in seam grip also sounds like a good bet.

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Wagon (auto): 26/30 pre ski rack, 24/27 w/ ski rack

I'd say it is likely to be harder this time of year than it will be later.

Is the hooded helios jacket a fixed or removable hood? The website picture isn't working for me. How much is the Nano - that is not on the website either?

The Bridgestone Winter Dueller looks pretty good for a winter studless SUV tire, that you could probably run year round without too much problem. See tirerack.com for a review.

I like to get army surplus pants with the rip-stop weave. Cargo pockets are great to stash a snack/hat/camera/headlamp, although sometimes the rack snags on the cover flap. Very durable and they fit me great. Relatively cheap.