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I'm testing them out for a review and just had them out this past weekend at Carson Pass in the Sierra Nevada. I need a lot more time with them, but at first blush, they're a smart design. The step in/out feature is really handy, especially if you're hiking through ice or mixed snow and dirt...

Hmm...I've even gotten by with a 35L pack when using an ultralight tent or bivy sack in winter. Generally, though, I've been using a 4500 c.i. Granite Gear Stratus Access or a sled with a big fat duffel bag (especially on trips where I want to bring a larger tent or my girlfriend is coming along).

I went to the page and looked - that might just be clever wording meaning that tunnel tents have been proven in the Arctic - not necessarily this one. The vestibule would be nice for winter (looks similar to the GT vestibules on the Hilleberg tunnel tents), so my main question would be whether...

Thanks, Peakbagr. I have no intention of communicating further with him, but was sufficiently alarmed by his response to want to share it; I'll gladly remove that post if you prefer. I snowshoed that route a few years ago and share the group's dismay at this; one of the great joys of the 46ers...

Here was his response to me (I wrote using the link on the trail report on this site): Not sure what to make of this - he says right on this site in his report that he chipped out marks. Perhaps someone can make sure that report is archived or protected from deletion. I also don't know what he...

I have softshell pants from Sporthill that I really like, and which have a trimmer fit. They've served me well over three winters so far. I also have a friend who uses Ibex wool blend softshell pants, and they're great; that's my next purchase, if I can find a store here that sells them in...

There's really nothing like it I'm aware of for the Bay Area (I'm in Tiburon, north of San Francisco). We do have a small Yahoo group of Northern California hikers that we use for planning trips and keeping up with each other - but it's not a public BBS like this. Here's a public one for the...

I have an 18 oz Montbell UL Stretch Down Hugger #5 that has been great for three-season camping - that's a good place to start. Also, the new Western Mountaineering Summerlite, at 19 oz, might be a good fit. Getting to 16 oz in weight may mean going to a quilt, rather than a sleeping bag. - Steve

GoLite Team/Race, Ultimate Direction SpeeDemon or Zoom, Salomon Raid I have an Ultimate Direction WarpSpeed and like it, but it's a bit bigger than it sounds like you're looking for (and they've discontinued it - you'd have to pick it up on clearance). That said, it's a really cool pack with...

They're actually slightly different - take a close look. Having tried both, I do like the adjustable grip hitch a bit better - it really does grip better on the rope and cord I've tried it with.

Here's another one I found recently that I think works better than the tautline - I'm using it on my Bibler tent's guylines. The "adjustable grip hitch": http://www.layhands.com/Knots/Knots_Hitches.htm

I tried GoreTex-lined boots on the Northville-Lake Placid trail and discovered that they don't dry out well, keep my feet wet (either from water coming in over the top, from sweat, from leakage/seeping, or a combination), and end up pretty stinky. I've never had that problem with any other...

Absolutely. I seriously don't understand what the original poster's beef is. If he's happy with his gear, good for him! We're all responsible for our own choices and for our own learning. And, most of all, our own actions. What others choose is up to them. I also note that people often post...

So what's your beef? Are you saying you don't have the self-control to resist marketing? That ultralight gear is marketing hype only? Low on cash? ;-) No one forces anyone to pull out their wallet or purse and lay down the cash for anything. I think one of the best things about the...

I sure like my Tilley LT6 in size 7 1/2 (pictured in my avatar at left). Two years and going strong - it's been on dozens of trips, and I wash it and wring it out after most every one, and it still holds its shape and looks great. They have more breathable models if you prefer that - though not...

Here's my current desktop (I always use my own photos, too, and swap them out every once in a while. This one I took in October 2004 at Blue Mountain Lake): Glad to see some fellow Mac users here! - Steve

LOL - and I was so proud of myself. OK - 15 F, and 40+mph winds. I dug a pit for the stove and it was fine. Also used it the other weekend near Carson Pass when we got stuck in a blizzard. Winds even stronger than the other trip, though temperatures were probably just in the 20s. Worked great...

True...though with a winter mix (Primus and Coleman both sell that), I've had no trouble melting snow for water down to about 15 F with that fuel and a SnowPeak stove (not that it couldn't possibly go lower - that's just the lowest I've used it).

I also wonder why they chose the MiniSD cards. Would have been nice to use the regular SD cards (like the Magellan eXplorist series, plus many cameras, phones and other devices).

I and a few others tested them for Backpackgeartest; here are the reviews: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Snow%20Gear/Crampons/Kahtoola%20Traction%20System%20-%202004/ I like them and still use them. They have a slightly heavier steel model this year that has longer, sharper points...