Rodchester

Make sure that the ropes are "double" ropes as opposed to "twin" ropes...unless you want to use a twin ropes system. Just know the difference.

So I went by REI this weekend and tried out the Sub Kilo. I must admit, it is one hell of a bag and at a cost that is hard to beat. I also stuffed it, and weighed it. With the stuff sack it was exactly 2 lbs. 1 oz. It had a full zipper. 700 fill. Exactly as advertised. On top of that, the stuff sack I used had four useless buckles and straps that could have been cut off, saving a bit more weight. The negative was that it has a 57-inch cut in the chest. This is narrow. Unfortunately, too narrow for my fat ass. If I weren't as big as I am, I would have purchased it in a heartbeat. I also looked at the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15-degree version. A very nice bag. That said it was considerably more expensive, it didn't stuff as well (ease and size) and it weighed in at 2 lbs. 5 oz with stuff sack. They advertised it at 1 lb. 15 ozs. a full six ounces more than advertised. Short zipper. It was cut larger in the chest (60-inch) which was enough. Also, not cheap ($325.00). MH-Phantom The WM Ultra light is also a bag that is cut to narrow for me (59-inch). At $295.00, they aren’t cheap, but better than Marmot and M-Hardwear. Though I would like to try it on for size and weigh it. Does PMS carry them and are they in stock? WM-Ultralite The Moonstone Lucid is elusive. I can’t find it anywhere in Seattle. At 2lbs. 1 oz., it is right on for weight. At $270.00 it is a great price point. (I need the long). 800-fill. Full zipper. It has a wide chest cut (63-inch). I want to check out this bag. Moonstone Lucid Feathered Friends Swallow is also being considered. I don’t need to even mention their impeccable attention to detail and craftsmanship. As usual, they aren’t cheap. 750 fill. Half length zipper. 2 lbs. 1 oz. is right on in weight. The price is ranges from $270.00 to $355.00 depending on the shell material. I’d prefer the Epic at $320.00. Cheaper than Marmot. I couldn’t go with the Hummingbird due to chest size. It is a slim bag (58-inch) in the chest box. FF-Swallow I really would like to compare the Mountainsmith Vision as well. Great weight at 1lb. 15 ozs. Chest cut is good at 62 inch. Full zipper. 750+ down. MS-Vision So that's my report on my search for the ultimate down lightweight 15-20 degree bag big enough to fit my fat ass in.

REI - Irbis Screw

I am surpirsed. Did it actually shear off? Or did it bend upward? Any idea? I'd contact Grivel and see what they'll do for you.... Good luck with it.

I have a pair of two section BD Flicklocks that don't fit into my duffle. Prior to Sept 11 I carried them on with no proplem. I last did this on September 8, 2001. I can't imagine that they would let you carry them on now a days. Try putting them into your checked baggage. If they won't fit, just box em up with card board and duct tape. Let us know what they say. I am very curious. Good luck. and Erik...that cool that your old man carried that knife all those years through all that crap. I would have been PISSED if they tried to take it from him.

Kind of like implants.....

I am looking at picking up a med-range (15-20 degree) sleeping bag that is two pounds or less and very compressible. I have looked at the Marmot Helium and find it to be a very nice bag, but the retail price is a bit high ($350.00) I am looking at the Moonstone Lucid, fits the bill with a solid price ($270.00). I have looked at the Feathered Friends bags and Western Mountaineering also. But my question is: Has anyone seen or used one of the newer MountainSmith bags? MountainSmith Vision It is sub two pounds, 750+ down, compressible, and priced around $300.00 retail. Anyone know of any gear store stocking the bag locally (Seattle area)? Anyone know anything about these bags? Thanks in advance!

I think we agree on the majority of it... Either way, failure to register is detrimental.

Have you used these? I have not, but at that price you can afford to beat the hell out of them. I can't imagine that as a basic glacier crampon that they'd be that bad. Am I wrong?

Does anyone know of any other climbing web page(s) that focus on the Rockies, specifically Wyoming? I am looking for some beta on the North Wind River Range that I seriously doubt would be answered here. Also does anyone know of any personal web sites that may have some beta on the North Winds? Thanks in advance...

All copyrights are Federal copyrights in the U.S—Federal law preempts all state law w/regard to copyright. You don’t have to apply for the Federal protection, you automatically have such protection by default. The registering of a copyright simply (1) Makes it possible for the owner to sue for infringement of the registered copyright; (2) entitles the owner (in the court’s discretion) to statutory damages; (3) entitles the owner to attorney’s fees. And the watermarking of the “copyright” notice on the photos doesn’t have to be so blatant—a small © symbol anywhere on the photo would do. In fact, since March 1, 1989 (when the US joined the Berne Convention), marking a photo (or any copyrightable work) as “copyrighted” is no longer required for protection (although, by using a copyright indicator, infringers cannot successfully argue that they didn’t know something was copyrighted). This is a very common misconception, or misunderstanding of the law. I've litigated copyright infringement actions under both federal law, 17 U.S.C § 101 et seq., in Federal Court and under common law in State Court. If you have not registered the copyright with the federal copyright office, then you are not afforded the protections of the statute: i.e. access to federal courts, attorney fees/costs, statutory presumptions of damages, etc. In order to bring action under the Copyright Act, an owner must, in addition to holding exclusive right, register copyright claim in accordance with Copyright Act. See Tang v. Hwang, E.D.Pa.1992, 799 F.Supp. 499. However, one may still register the copyright after an infringement and thereby access the Federal Court and the protections of the Copyright statute. Morgan, Inc. v. White Rock Distilleries, Inc., D.Me.2002, 230 F.Supp.2d 104. While a copyright holder can register copyright and file suit after infringement occurs, doing so negates recovery of statutory damages, as opposed to actual damages. See Olan Mills, Inc. v. Linn Photo Co., C.A.8 (Iowa) 1994, 23 F.3d 1345, 30 U.S.P.Q.2d 1798, rehearing denied. So preemption ONLY applies IF you register the copyright with the federal copyright office. (This is often referred to as “statutory copyright.”) Even then state courts can still have concurrent jurisdiction, applying the Federal Copyright statute. So it is correct to say that regardless of registration a copyright still exists, however it is incorrect to say that preemption always applies. The same is true for trade names, trade dress, and trademarks. However, very few ever proceed solely under common law protections, because the common law protections pale in comparison to the protections of the Federal Copyright statute. I’m sure that I bored the hell out of many of you. However, this is a very common misconception that I find to be very pervasive among amateur photographers, especially climbers. If you are actually selling the photos, through a retail outlet, I highly suggest that you register the copyright with the Copyright Office. TheLawGod's statement is not incorrect, but it is not correct either. Good luck.

Overstock.com Thought these were pretty darn cheap and I wanted to pass it on to anyone looking for a pair of aluminum crampons to beat up.

Must be free....

Some great pictures.... Did you apply for Federal copyright? Or are relying on common-law copy right?

Erik: I mean to direct that part to Ice, not you. Sorry for the confusion.

Good point Erik...check second ascent if in Seattle. Or in my case: I-tent or Eldo for slow & light. 2 people, no gear, fits in narrow locations.

I have and love the I-tent. But no room for gear. If the Bombshelter is the three man (2+ gear) Bibler, I'd go for that. RBW: Is that the 3 man or is that the Fitzroy?

Oh oh. That's PR Erik. You can't compare shoes to parka Ice. That's lame.

ICE: I think you missed the point. We're not discussing whether the GoreTex used by one is better than the other. I simply suggested that the bulkiness complained of is being addressed by some companies. i.e. Arctetryx and Pataguci. Pataguci especially has introduced some hardshells with stretch WP Breathable materials. Remember, it was you that said you were concerened with . Don't you think referring to a strech WP Breathable is exactly on your point Sure its preference..that why I suggested that one "look at" these other companies. Overall I don't find Marmot's hardshells to be innovative. Overall I find them to be cut poorly giving a bulky feel to the shell. How is this PR? (Public Relations) Especially when coming from me? Sorry man. But I gotta chuckle at you on that one. What do you think I work for Pataguci? Or maybe I'm just the anti-Marmot?

Bunglehead: There are many manufacturers out there that are now making hardshells that are not so bulky. Patagonia is making some with strech capability. Marmot isn't exactly the best. They aren't very inovative with thier hardshells and thier cut is way too bulky and sloppy. (good sleepig bags , but mediocre shells ) Look around. Look at Arcteryx and Patagonia in particular.

Softshell has a niche. That said, almost every outdoor fabric has/requires a DWR to work effectively. DWR = Duarable Water Repellant. Of course, we all know what Water Repellant means. But too many forget what Durable means. It doesn't mean permanent. You have to apply additional DWR periodically. Generally, the more you wash a garment, the more often you'll have to apply additional DWR. Each fabric or material is different in the length of time that it can maintain the DWR. After the garment has been washed, lay it flat and srinkle water on it. If it beads up, the DWR should still be good. If not, it may be time to apply new DWR.

I met and spoke with Pete Takeda at the Teton Climbers Ranch this September. Really nice and pretty funny guy.

I have to agree that the price is way too high. Considering that the X-15 tools (newer than your model) often go for around $75 a pop, and they actually take any of the still produced and easily obtainable BD picks. If they were one generation older with wood shafts, then you'd get around $200.00 per tool. I have seen replacement picks at Second Ascent in Ballard from time to time. In fact, I sold them some a few years ago. But they are hard to find and geting harder. Don't want to burst your bubble or anything. The old X-tool was a good tool in its day, but it is really outdated today...and it isn't a collectable item. Good luck in selling them.

JoshK and Ice: I agree with Josh that the Moonstone bags rock. My wife has one that lofts beyond any other bag I've seen. It is an older 800 fill -5 degree dryloft. That bag really impresses me. A buddy has the same bag. Anyway...I was wondering about the length issue. The one my wife has came in 5 ft. 6 in - 6 ft. and 6 ft. 6 in. versions. The Moonstone page doesn't say the lengths. At least I couldn't find the lengths, just regular and long. Does anyone know of a store that actually stocks these things?

I am looking for opinions on the Moonstone 800 Lucid 20 degree sleeping bag. Moonstaone Lucid 800 I am looking for a lightweight sleeping bag that has a little more warmth than my Marmot Arroyo 30 degree bag. Has anyone actually used this lightweight bag? Opinions? Does anyone know of any stores that carry it, and have it in stock in the Seattle area? Thanks in advance.