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One might draw a different conclusion on beacon effectiveness from here: http://geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/US_World_stats/summary/1950-2001/method_rescue01.html

That's a wonderful idea - but in practice it raises the fiscal bar fairly high to enter the backcountry (unless you have access to cheap, reliable rental beacons - THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO USE! - it's alot harder to practice if you use a different beacon each time). My point is $300 is best spent on a class that will open your eyes to the dangers around you - not on something to get you into trouble (skis) or give you a false sense of what you could survive (beacon). And honestly the Avy danger isn't THAT high in the cascades if you know when to go, and where not to go (and yes this is an absurd generalisation)

His friend may be speaking from ignorance, but there are many more important things to spend you money on (training!) than a beacon if your new to backcountry travel. Especially in the maritime snowpack of the cascades, where avalanche hazards decrease fairly quickly after a snowfall, and in general there are few persistant weak layers in the snowpack (unlike the continental snowpacks of CO & UT). As for his statistics, a majority of Avalanche victims die of trauma, not suffocation - draw your own conclusion on what a beacon's useful for.

I've used my 50cm straight shaft to pound nails (both household & pitons). It's not a disadvantage at all - alot more versatile IMHO than the 3rd tools everyone seems to love.

A ropegun?

And if you watched it on TV you didn't even see the Streakers!

And possibly be there with the Widow's Tears in condition

As long as you don't post the police record here, I'm fine.... and I stop taking people into alleys.....

Gee .. I WANT to spend my days indoors, not climbing. Thanks for sticking up for me!

Pasttense - Now they use some propreitary junk (which may be the same, who knows).

The Dr. is not a Sex Pistols Fan then....

Oh and next your going to tell me that all Polartec is made by the same people!

That would be close to what forrestm incorrectly thinks of as a North Wall Hammer. Per Lowe, Chouinard, etc. North Wall Hammer's are Ice Axe's with a Hammer Head & Shorter shaft.

True North Wall Hammer's are a bit hard to find nowadays. A more versatile solution is to buy a classic pick for your straight shaft Ice Tool - and use that. But NWHammers convery a certain hardman status, I will say....

9523 - Touring Ski Boot Standard, 5355 - Alpine Ski Boot Standard I'd say neither includes Mountain Climbing Boots.

Half past five, I'm in the pub Six o'clock it's home for grub Eight o'clock its back to the bar Fuck the walk, I'll take my car (Knock it back, I'll have another one, rinkin' and drivin' is so much fun. Knock it back I'll have another one, drinkin' and drivin' is so much fun) You, me, and the time to roam Don't forget the highway code Keep your head on, keep your cool Must avoid the right phone pole (Knock it back, I'll have another one, rinkin' and drivin' is so much fun. Knock it back I'll have another one, drinkin' and drivin' is so much fun) In the motor, off you go Not too fast and not too slow See a spot and take your pick Out of the car door to be sick. (Knock it back, I'll have another one, rinkin' and drivin' is so much fun. Knock it back I'll have another one, drinkin' and drivin' is so much fun)

I believe you mean "marbled" - like a good steak.

Anyone ever done a study on how water loss / rapid weight loss effects performance of wrestlers?

I broke 2 pair in 3 days. I don't think it was made to withstand me.

I'd recommend an IV - saves all that messy drinking.

I have a pair of Exum Ridge's. I bought them slightly small for better climbing, so they don't fit well for running. I like 'em. For walking(long distance) approaches I have a pair of La Sportiva Hyper's that I love.

Compared to where?

Driving by yesterday it looked December ish?

DFA might find the new billboard atop the Lucky Lab to his liking..... it shouts sporto.