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Phone, GPS, and Emergency Beacon
Casio Commando Android Phone with Backcountry Navigator Software (5.4 ounces) Delorme inReach Satellite Communicator (8.6 ounces) For many years, I didn’t even own a cell phone or a GPS. I didn’t take a cell phone to work, much less into the backcountry. Given the uncertainty over cell coverage, it didn’t seem worth the extra weight. These […]
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Sleeping Pads
This blog entry focuses on various sleeping pads I’ve used over the years. Left hand column, top to bottom: Prolite Plus; Prolite3; Ortik; Karrimat Evazote; MEC Winter Evazote; MEC bivi thin evazote; Ridgerest Right hand column, top to bottom: NeoAir; Exped Synmat; NeoAir AllSeason; NeoAir XTherm; Klymit X-Frame; Klymit X-Lite Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pads […]
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Teton Crest Ski Tour
April 9-12 I just returned from a four day trip skiing along the Teton Crest trail. We started the trip at Teton Pass at the base of Mount Glory, and 4 days later, came out Cascade Canyon. It was one of the best ski trips I’ve ever been on. Scenery was fantastic and we had […]
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Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Bags Down or synthetic fill? This question has probably occupied the minds of climbers at least as much as any other gear question. Like the debate regarding Ginger and Maryanne, there is no definitive answer. I have both synthetic and down filled sleeping bags. Here’s how I choose: If I’m only out for […]
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Trail Designs Gatewood Cape and Evernew Ti DX Stove Kit
I had the opportunity to test out a couple of pieces of lightweight backpacking gear, the Evernew TiDX Stove kit, and the Six Moons Designs Gatewood Cape. I took them both up in the High Uintas Wilderness for a 40 mile hike. Days were cool, nights below freezing. I experienced wind, snow, and sleet. Evernew Ti […]
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Powder Cord Pouch
This season I’ve been using Powder Cord Pouches on my skis. These are powder cords, coupled with a pouch that buckles around your boot. This is much better than trying to stuff the powder cords up your pants legs. Even with built in gaiters, I’ve found that the cords tend to not stay in place […]
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Backcountry ski gear update
My backcountry ski gear has changed substantially in the past couple of seasons. I’ve changed over to new boots, new skis, and new bindings for most of my backcountry skiing. First off, the skis: Dynafit Manaslu (187 cm) For all-around, lightweight touring, I bought a pair of Dynafit Manaslus (187cm length.) These were the replacements […]
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Welcome to Mediocre Mountaineering
Welcome to my Mountaineering, Climbing, Skiing, and Outdoor Pages (with some camera and gadget stuff thrown in for good measure.) Why the title, “Mediocre Mountaineering?” Because these pages aren’t about the extreme, hardcore, or difficult. The focus of these pages is on moderate climbs by a mediocre climber, backpacker and outdoor person. Although I really […]