Nick on the Mountain

HMG Summit Pack addendum

Posted on April 10, 2013 by nicktruax

Myself & HMG Summit Pack in the Spanish Peaks late 2012

Here’s some additional thoughts on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Summit Pack (initially overviewed here nearly a year ago). The carry needed some help and to that, I gave it. A bit of seam ripping, resewing, and some Seam Grip – now the pack carries much better and is all the more practical as a sub-27 liter, do-it-most, all season pack. It’s great for everything from winter ice cragging to summer overnights, and ski tours to rock climbing. Before the modification, the pack carried ok for weights around 5 pounds. But for anything much more, the pack just didn’t distribute the weight sufficiently. So to the cutting board it went and out came a fairly decent modification.

Overnight with my revised pack, Fall 2012

This little cuben pack from HMG had nearly everything you could need in a sub 10oz package except for its carrying comfort. So I went at it – and came up with a fairly easy fix to a fairly large dilemma. The original design pulled at the one center point of shoulder attachment and thus, pulled inward one’s shoulders unnecessarily after extended use.

2012 single point shoulder strap attachment, Summit Pack back view from HMG website

This caused an awkward carry at the least, and a sore upper neck/back at the worst. So with some ingenuity and some thread, the shoulder straps got chopped in the middle, reattached at horizontal with ~2.5″ of distance between them, and seam gripped with the addition of a haul loop. This mod now allows for an equal dispersion of pull/weight from the shoulders and therefore for a comfortable carry. I also added a hydration port with an exacto blade and some tenacious tape to complete the mod. Super simple, yet super functional and practical.

My modified Summit with revised shoulder strap attachment, haul loop, and hydration port

As I was revising this post today, I actually received a new version of the Summit Pack in the mail from HMG. No joke! It’s very similar to my modified version pictured above. This latest version has shoulder straps have been adjusted and they seem to be much more comfortable when compared to the initial pack. With a quick once-over, I’m very happy with the new iteration in terms of fit, a more comfortable carry, and a clean aesthetic finish. So, until I can get some miles with it, here’s a couple pics to show you the latest HMG Summit Pack prototype:

2013 HMG Summit Pack revision

Newly revised 2013 Summit Pack back and shoulder view

Newly revised 2013 HMG Summit Pack back and shoulder view

Posted in Climbing, Gear, Hiking & Backpacking, Skiing | Leave a comment

Glacier NP spring break

Posted on March 26, 2013 by nicktruax

The iconic Lake McDonald view

While I hear that the vast majority of spring breakers head to the warmer southern climes, Julia and I found ourselves heading north towards the Canada border for a few days prior to this year’s spring arrival. And with this timing, the official end of winter brought quite the variety of conditions. Sun, rain, sleet, snow, hail – the full gauntlet. We went up to West Glacier for a bit of car camping and day touring on xc skis. (I won’t rant on about skis too much, but can’t resist a word or two). All that I can say is before my 176 BD Current/Dynafit TLT Speed Radical setup went MIA recently, I was quite enjoying the new-found pleasures of lightweight alpine touring.

My former setup of BD Currents, TLT Speed Radicals, and TLT5 Mountains. Fun while it lasted!

But I did recently snag new xc ski setups for both J and myself, so all is not lost. These setups were what we took up to W Glacier: I slid along on Fischer S-Bound 88s and nnn-bc magnums while J cruised on Rossignol BC 90s and Rottefella 3-pins. We’ve both been on the new rigs a few times now and its too early to tell anything definitively, but the Fischer S-Bounds seem to be the early winner. For an all-terrain bcxc ski, the new S-Bound series seems to be leading the way for the small market that it serves. This ski even has a slight nordic rocker in the tip that I’ve found to be quite practical in variable conditions and deeper snow. Anyway, enough about the tech.

Our new xc rigs: Fischer S-Bound 88′s and Rossignol BC 90′s

We skied the mostly flat six mile out and six back to Avalanche picnic area on the Going-to-the-Sun Road as a short day trip in pretty nasty conditions. It rained for the duration with long downpours interspersed with bouts of sleet, hail, and groppel. The frozen forms of snow were brief reprieves from the constant soaking that we sustained. Despite this, we were stoked from the onset to be out of camp and moving in the wilderness. We were also happy for the perfectly nasty conditions to put some of our gear to the test. In all, it was an enjoyable outing.

Going-to-the-Sun in the rain

That was pretty much the main excitement for the trip, as camping in the pouring rain and subsequent freezing temperatures brought the spring-break party level down a few notches after a couple of days. We did have the (pebble) beach to ourselves though, with a view to rival some of the best the West can offer. That was the finishing touch on our official winter here, with still a few unofficial months left in the hills. As with every spring, I’m enjoying the longer days and all that unfolds with them. I hope that everyone’s winter was outstanding, and that spring holds even more!

Panorama stitch – Lake McDonald

The beach view from camp

Rain on Lake McDonald

Food: one of car camping's finest flavors

Potatoes, onions, and garlic in cast iron – car camping at its finest

Beach mosaic

Fireside

Willow

Brief mountain view from Going-to-the-Sun ski

Foggy morning from camp

Rain/sleet skiing!

Posted in Etcetera, Gear, Skiing, Trip reports | 2 Comments

Why we do it

Posted on February 28, 2013 by nicktruax

Why we do it – Julia fireside

Julia and I have been into xc skiing this winter – backcountry skiing with lots of rolling terrain that lends itself towards having a burlier xc ski setup. Just this year I switched from leathers and 3-pins to NNN-BC Autos and Alpina 1550s after having been raised on the 3-pins. It was a brave move and one that I am now getting rid of after a few months trial. I am now in the midst of a bc xc ski revamp, and will hopefully have a setup completed by the end of the week. Julia is currently on a 3-pin/leather setup that she enjoys quite a bit. We both ski newer waxless, metal-edged xc touring sticks that are approximately 60mm underfoot. These were our rigs of choice for an overnight in the Gallatin Mountains up near Emerald Lake in the East Fork of Hyalite Creek just recently.

Julia psyched on her fast setup and the deep snow

One of many icefalls on the approach

The approach is three miles of fairly flat road that isn’t plowed, then about another five miles takes one to Emerald Lake. We stopped in the trees at a nice site a little short of the lake, given our lazy afternoon departure of 2:30pm from the trailhead. Still, we had made good time and covered some ground with packs on. I carried just under 20 lbs all in and J had just under 15 lbs. Quite respectable for winter kits, albeit just for an overnight. The lows were around 20°F and it snowed nearly a foot from that evening into the next morning.

BA String Ridge in the a.m.

With the exception of ski issues (only the most integral part of a bc ski trip!), the rest of our gear worked great. 20°F down bags, neoair x-therms, insulated pants, down jackets, etc. For a shelter we used the bomber five-ish lb Big Agnes String Ridge 2. Double-walled, front entry four-season tent. Arguably heavy, but super strong and fairly liveable for two. NO complaints from either of us with the tent. Cooking entailed a 1L Jetboil and rehydrated dinner in homemade Reflectix coozies.

Toasty, coozy dinner pouch

Julia melting snow

As for the ski dilemma, first up is the case of old gear – J busted a rivet in one of her old Chouinard three pins. So it goes with older gear. She managed to pop it back in a few times, before just carefully skiing on one riveted pivot point the last mile or so. My new NNN BC Autos, on the other hand, froze me out of the binding a couple of times to where I had to forcefully scrape and pry ice out with a knife. Not the most pleasant of experiences, but one that was at least correctable with some patience. One of my bindings also developed a crack in the plastic, which is not the most reassuring. Both of these events prompted us to critically rethink our bc xc ski systems and to add a few key ski-centric items our winter repair kit. So back to either the trés pin or possibly a manual NNN-BC. I’ll decide here shortly. For those interested in geeking out on setups used by some of the best, check out either Forrest McCarthy’s post on bc ski travel or Luc Mehl’s article on the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic. Both have some good insights into the world of serious bc snow travel. Worthwhile reading if you have the chance.

Broken 3-pin rivet

Broken plastic NNN-BC

The highlight of the trip was night skiing a short run near our fire in the falling snow by one headlamp between the two of us. Hootin and hollerin all by ourselves in the surreal (and dumping!) winter mountain landscape. Going to sleep warm after numerous powder laps and listening to the patter of snow accumulating on the tent fly until it could no longer be heard and finally shedding off, only to start all over again. Waking to a quiet new world where our tracks from the previous evening were no longer. Breaking camp, breaking trail, and being back to town exactly 24 hours after we had set off. Rejuvenated and ready for the next round. This is why we do it.

Just about to leave the flats on the approach

One of the key ingredients to winter fire making

A main ingredient of winter fire making

Humble abode

Pushing snow on the way back down

The final stretch

Posted in Gear, Skiing, Trip reports | 2 Comments

2013!

Posted on January 4, 2013 by nicktruax

Adam P. leading ‘Twin Falls’, right (WI3)

The last month or so has been a whirlwind, hence the lack of posts here. All is well though, as I hope it is for everyone out there. I’ve had some fun adventures in the last few weeks. These have ranged from Yellowstone Thanksgiving leftovers, winter Geyser watching at Old Faithful sans crowds, YNP wildlife sightings, nordic skiing in the YNP interior, the Bridgers, and Hyalite, ice climbing with both friends and family, to relaxing with family in one of the nicest places in the country. The following photos are representative of quite a few experiences that preceded the winter solstice. I’ve posted them in chronological order from top to bottom, starting with an apres turkey day trip to YNP, and book ended with a winter solstice YNP excursion. I hope that everyone has had a great holiday season and also an equally amazing 2012. Here’s to a wonderfully rich and vibrant New Year 2013!

Grizzly markings, YNP

Julia with Thanksgiving leftovers, YNP

Skiing the Christmas tree out, Hyalite (Photo J)

My sister Andria’s first time cleaning a route, ‘Lower Greensleeves’ WI 2-3, Hyalite

Andria’s third ice climb ever, ‘Hangover’ WI3, Hyalite

Middle Geyser Basin, YNP (Photo J)[/caption]

Wolf and raven on kill along the Madison R., YNP

Bison along the Upper Geyser Basin, YNP

Fountain Paint Pots, YNP

Frozen morning fog, YNP

Portrait by J., YNP

Sunrise, YNP

Posted in Etcetera | 1 Comment

Recent Hyalite ice climbing conditions and winter layering

Posted on November 13, 2012 by nicktruax

Clouds and fresh snow over Hyalite Reservoir

I was up to Hyalite for three days straight this previous weekend, and only on Saturday night did the ice climbing conditions come back. It seems like winter has re-taken its hold, after the apres-Halloween thaw that we experienced here up until this last Friday. Temps in the 50°’s (F) and up finally gave way to sub-freezing temps over the last few days. Flowing water has begun to freeze, and snow has accumulated in the mountains.

Saturday along upper Hyalite Creek

Sunday along the creek from the previous photo’s vantage point

Thin Chance, WI4 (and where it gets the name)

I trudged up through the Amphitheater, where the two Chances (Fat and Thin) are just coming in, and the talus is quite treacherous on the way up. I broke trail up through the trees on the climbers trail that largely stays on the ridgeline, and the going was pretty straightforward, although it could use some more snow. Up top, I was able to reach (from left to right) The Scepter, Mummy II, Crypt Orchid, The Matrix, Cave and Gulley, and Feeding the Cat.

‘Feeding the Cat, WI3′

‘The Matrix, M5, WI4′ (left) and ‘Cave & Gully, WI3′ (center) – not yet in shape

‘Crypt Orchid, WI2-3′

There was a party of four on my first objective of Crypt Orchid, so I traversed right and soloed around on Feeding the Cat. The upper portion is somewhat suspect, so I downclimbed without topping out – figuring it was a smart move given the state of the thin ice. It actually had some of the most ice out of all of the upper climbs above the Amphitheater and was well featured and fun.

Chandeliered ice on ‘Feeding the Cat’

As a gear related note, I managed to remember to take a photo of my somewhat typical winter upper layering system. The four-layer ensemble in this instance consisted of kit for the teens (°F) for steep hiking over ~four miles (high aerobic exertion) with intermittent climbing/faffing about (low exertion). I find these, and similar layers suitable for other winter pursuits, with mainly the thickness/fabric of said garments being adjusted for variable temps/conditions/applications. Slightly thinner and more breathable for warmer temps and/or higher exertion, and thicker for colder temps and/or lower exertion.

Four-layer winter layering system

This particular system consisted of a RAB MeCo 120 L/S Tee as a next-to-skin layer, RAB Boreas Pull-On as a midlayer, Westcomb Shift LT Hoody for a stretch WP/B outerlayer, and finally a layered 100g/60g Primaloft Montane Flux as a fully featured synthetic belay parka. For my legs, I had on Cap 2 Bottoms and Backcountry Guide Pants, both from Patagonia. All layers were highly functional and warranted for the outing. And as a final layering note, I have not found the need for external gaiters now that I’ve had integrated gaiters with a couple of pairs of climbing boots. The integrated gaiter is definitely a lighter and more efficient system when compared to the traditional external ‘over the boots and pants’ calf-height gaiter system. Gotta love the progression!

Integrated gaiter on Phantom Ultra, under the Backcountry Guide Pant

The rest of the day consisted of scoping out the conditions of other notable climbs both high and low. Mummy II is looking to be in, but thin, and The Scepter is broken into a couple of yet-to-be touching daggers.

‘The Scepter, WI5′ (left) and ‘Mummy Cooler II, WI3-ish’ (foreground)

The Scepter, WI 5, (forming)

Besides that, the lower Genesis area had a ton of climbers on it playing around on top-rope both on the newly formed, and still running ice, and also on the dry/mixed routes on the right of the crag. I also checked out Lower Greensleeves, which was not at all in. Up above, it looked like Genesis II was getting close to ready while to the left, Hangover was being climbed in thin conditions. Overall, things are looking up for Hyalite’s ice conditions and should hopefully continue to progress.

Genesis I area coming in slowly, but surely

Self-portrait low on ‘Feeding the Cat’

Posted in Climbing, Gear | 3 Comments

HMG Summit Pack addendum

Glacier NP spring break

Why we do it

2013!

Recent Hyalite ice climbing conditions and winter layering

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