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There was a lengthy thread RE: a similar question on the General Backcountry forum recently i believe - though i could be wrong - it's happened b4, it'll happen again.... Both crampons you linked to should work nicely - depending entirely on conditions - presence/depth of snow, quality/type of...

Down VS Synth? This could easily degenerate into another down vs synth debate ;) - it is usually pretty sad watching normally nice folks really dig in their heels and "tee off" on one another. To address you question, there are pluses and minuses with each choice. For me and imho, synth...

Amazing Topic! Thank you all - this is a very interesting read. At the "risk" of misunderstanding some, there has been every type of post-er from the humble "know your limits" types (thankfully in the majority here) to the not-so-humble "do everything with all your energy - regardless of risk"...

Black Diamond Sabertooth and/or Contact 'pons I use Black Diamond's Sabertooth - both the full step-in version (which requires a stiff "welt" to set the heel/toe bails) and the newer Clip version. The Clip version is my primary crampon. Easy to put on nearly every boot i have. Except for pure...

Thoughts.... Hi Bobby - You likely have already made your purchase, but in case you haven't..... For boots, i have both plastic and leather boots as do many here. I used to use pac-boots "back in the day", but they didn't work well with crampons (too big and/or strap-on crampons = cold...

Hi Hikingfish - It looks like a great tent - HUGE comes to mind (reminds me a bit of a Hilleberg knock-off - imitation is the best compliment). Eureka tents are *usually* pretty decent and they are grrrrreat w/Customer Service. Just a guess, as my opinion of the tent is from what i saw on the...

approach shoes w/gaiters I've been using Garmont Sticky Weekend (i think they are discontinued or are changed drastically) approach shoes with my OR Croc's for 6 years now and yes, it's time for a resole or maybe complete replacement (mid-sole is pretty squishy). The all-leather uppers get...

If you haven't already made the leap, the Kahtoola folks have a steel model that looks quite nice (and spendy :rolleyes: ). Personally, i use my sabertooth's (old style step-in's) for EVERYTHING (tech routes, walks, etc), though i JUST ordered the new-ish "clip" model (non-step in) for use on...

Gotta say - nothing like my Nepal Extreme's I have plastic boots as well, though not Koflachs (mine are Scarpa Inverno's) with Intuition liners (non-stock) and they are very, very comfy and warm. However, unless i'm specifically on a hard-ice route, my preferred boot is by far my LaSportiva...

I also put beverages in fuel bottles - usually caffeinated - in my carry-on bag. Since i frequently go between NA and Europe, jet-lag is a killer and the caffeine boost can be helpful to push though the drone zone. It seems that i frequently spend copious amounts of time on lay-over in airports...

i HATE doing dishes I am soooo with you Pete....except i find other "value added" means of avoiding KP duty - busting trail, tent setting/site prep, etc. However, i most frequently travel solo, so everything "no clean up required" is used (dehydrated stuff mainly).

Banff NP My wife and I stayed in Banff 'bout 6yrs ago (January) and loved it!!! It was our honeymoon destination :D (with the promise i would leave my ice toys at home-i did not agree to not buying new or renting!!!). We stayed at the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort and Conference Center (on...

I've gotta add another positive review to this Puma thread. I have the SDL version (rated to -20F by WM) and have used it in -30F conditions this past January on the way up to Marcy. Also, i am an admitted cold sleeper and, as it worked out, was the sole occupant of my (small) tent. As such, i...

It's all about the sponsorships..... I've given up on Backpacker for any relevant/bias-free info on gear of any sort related to "backpacking". I have also given up on them to print articles of relevance for folks this side of the Mississippi - exception to this is the admirable attempt to...

Gotta love the 12-pointers! I gotta cast my vote for the 12 pointers too. I use Black Diamond Sabertooth crampons and they are fantastic. They have a unique set of stabilizer points which actually give them a total of 14 points. They aren't too heavy and snap on really well to all my boots. I...

Closed cell foam? Hi Jason, Which Thermarest do you have? I would guess that it is self-inflating? If yes, then supplement it with a closed-cell foam (like the RidgeRest). I use an ugly green military closed cell foam pad it with the 3/4 length Thermarest i have, it's good on ice. BTW, how...

Double Fleece liners As noted above, down or similar high-loft hand-gear is compressed when gripping "stuff". So, other material such as double-layered wool or heavy wgt fleece is an excellent alternative as it provides the necessary insulation without as serious a loss to the insulation as...

I gotta agree with Panama Jack, a snow shelter is an emergency shelter usually. Lotsa, lotsa work (and sweat). While they are fun with friends, alone, they are a difficult proposition - especially after a day of winter hill climbing. I predominately solo and would rarely consider a snow shelter...

Thanks for the reminder Hey Turnbill, Thanks for the reminder... I've been a gearhead for so long that what you mention has more than a hint of truth. While the "lustre" of snowy forests and trails may look the same after many years, the shiny glitz of new gear always and temporarily...

Quantum leap... Hey wu002, The discussion arising out of preferences between traditional plastics and newcomers like Vasque (presumably the Ice 9000) and LaSportiva offerings is often lengthy. By the way, LaSportiva is rumored to have made some significant changes to it's winter line-up for...