Recent content by MissionsMan

Nope - she is just glad i'm home and not far away anymore.

I had a once-in-a-lifetime warranty replacement offer from Mountain Hardwead. So, after years of getting by, i picked out one of these http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1&prod=31&cat=38&viewAll=False and it is really, really warm. I've used in -30F temps (found out this actual...

Gotta DOWNPLAY the winter hiking cause otherwise EVERYONE will wanna go then too! I pretty much camp only in the winter. I ocassionally go for hikes in the fall or spring, but summer is O-U-T for all the aforementioned reasons - most notably the heat and bugs. My Dad always said, "You can put...

Bohinj Jezero Check out Lake Bohinj - 'near' the base of Mt. Triglav in the Julian Alps. It is utterly stunning - been there couple of times. Lotsa b&b's (called "pensions"...). Also, the hike to Mt. Vogel is lovely. Last year i went to another peak (forgot the name), BUT passed a mountain...

Bite Size Snickers all the way! If they are good enough for Reinhold Messner, well then they're good enough for me! All kidding aside, i've taken these little yummies all over the world and they stand uncontested as my favorite pick-me-up food.

Yup - start looking at mini-vans. There are great for hauling lotsa stuff, have lotsa head room and can get "reasonable" mileage (i'm no expert here though....). Unfortunately, the cool factor is pretty low - like rock bottom. You can sorta convince yourself otherwise by saying this mantra 1,000...

Actually, ready in less than an hour and most likely won't need to go to the store...depending on season. Summer food stuff is easy and no store visit needed, but winter adds a little more thought to make sure the bases are covered.

G-Tex bibs for winter climbing/hiking/camping? Absolutely!!!! I use 'em and love 'em! I have the EMS branded bibs with the Gore-XCR (i think.....). Not the sturdiest host fabric, but pretty light all the same. Besides, i am pretty good with fixing fabric tears with SeamGrip. :D Also, i use...

STANDARD DISCLAIMER..... Though you are wisely getting a second opinion, when my ACL finally popped and tore my meniscus i also went to see the Sports Med doc. He told me i could either have him fix the torn menicus then OR plan on coming back to see him later. I chose then. As he told me, the...

Western Mountaineering...... Since you're looking for a down bag, i unreservedly recommend Western Mountaineering (i don't even work 'em!!!). I've bought 4 bags from them and all are outstanding. While there are many well-known, middle-performance company's, there are only a few top-shelf...

I hope someone who is not experienced does not read the following and presume it is good advice - it is from my personal experience and not to be followed under ANY circumstances!!! "Back in the day", i wore "large plastic bags" (AKA bread bags :D ) inside my "snowmobile" or sorel-type boots...

Not to add anything controversial, but i wear VBL V(vapor)B(barrier)L(liner) socks over a pair of thin "sock-liners" and under a mid-weight (insulating?) sock. It saves on the "wet from inside" problem quite nicely. I do fit my boots to accomodate this set-up and it has been working nicely for...

Hey Zeke - Though not used so much anymore, i have the Inverno's and have several 10+ mile days in them. I also have both stock and heat-moldable aftermarket liners. The Invernos are indeed very, very warm - i have never had cold feet in them unless i was either dehydrated or stationary for a...

So, as most have posted, yes a stainless steel vacuum bottle for hot beverages is a lovely luxury, but like all luxuries, it comes with a price tag: Extra weight. Somewhere in this thread, someone posted their experience with their wide-mouth thermos not maintaining heat for very long compared...

hot springs in Banff closed in Sept? I was thinking the hot springs in Banff are only open Oct through May... If they are open, it is really nice to soak after a long day on the _______. Afterward, a nice dinner, some ____ wine and - ummmmm! So, do ya need a non-Sherpa sherpa? I think my Mrs...