Recent content by Camel

I recieved my VBL (Integral Dessigns long), and as expected it's pretty big. I'm thinking about just leaving it oversized, rather than shortening it and taking in some girth. I figure I could use it as a bag cover in a pinch without compressing loft, and with a mylar disposeable inner, to...

If you really want to do Whitney, go from the back as a backpack (is that the North Fork Pine Creek?). I forget how long the "quick" way in from the back is (hooks onto the JMT), but I don't believe it's a week (could be wrong!). Then walk down to the portal, or as a loop. Transport back to...

Thanks for the suggestions folks. I had too much down time at work over the weekend & I ended up buying on-line. I needed some other hard to finds anyways (primaloft fill hat/booties/solar panel), and one place (http://moontrail.com/) had them all.

Nice thread. I was born and raised in a Boston suburb. My dad did a pretty good job keeping the family active outdoors, even with being away a lot for work. We canoed, biked, skiid (crosscountry more than downhill), and hiked a bunch. My mom enjoyed most activities too, but wasn't too kean on...

Mt Whitney's fun! Good luck to all who did the lottery.

Totally forgot about Stephenson's. Thanks for both suggestions! I'll make some calls monday.

I used to get them cycling (but not hiking). For biking I switched to wearing sandels, from tight fitting MTB shoes. The sandals I use areShimano SPD clipless type w/eggbeaters pedals.

Thanks for the suggestion Rick. Do they make liners, or just bivies?

Wondering if anyone knows of a Boston area outfitter which may have a sleeping bag VBL, or an outfitter up north which ships, before I order one online. Something like a Western Mountaineering (re-useable reflective), or coated Sil-nylon (like Integral Designs). I've tried EMS, REI, Hiltons...

Hilton's tent city may still carry the guide & end to ender handbook. I picked up copies there (in 2001).