Stairway To Heaven, Provo Canyon

My friend Phil and I made plans about 6 months ago to head to the Tetons in early February to give the Black Ice Couloir on the Grand a go.  We had been told that climbing the Black Ice Couloir during the winter is the closest thing to climbing the Japanese Couloir on Denali as you can get in the states.  Both are at about the same elevation, both have about the same technical grade, and both have to deal with similar temperatures. Because the Cassin Ridge is on my "to do before I die" list, we thought it would be worth checking out.

As early February arrived, my wife (who is pregnant) started having consistent contractions.  She got a checkup and the doctor told us the baby could come at any time, even though it was still a couple months early.  I didn't feel comfortable taking off on a climbing trip and risking missing the birth of my first child, and not being around to help my wife during her time of need.  Phil understood and we canceled the trip.

After about a week of no action on the baby front, my wife started encouraging me to go to the Tetons and get this climb done (probably so she didn't have to hear my talk about it anymore, and because she is very supportive of my good habits).  Without too much effort, I was convinced and we started making plans to go again.  A busy week of work postponed it a week, but we were ready to go.

Another appointment with the doctor a couple days before we were to leave confirmed that taking off at this point was too risky.  My wife was partially dilated and mostly effaced, and the baby was a week away of being full-term.  I called Phil up to apologize again.  He understood and we made plans for a climb closer to home (since we both already had work off).

With that wordy introduction, here are some pictures and explanations of our climb of Stairway to Heaven in Provo Canyon:

Stairway to Heaven

Neither I nor Phil had ever climbed Stairway to Heaven.  In fact, we had never done any ice climbing in Provo Canyon.  Most of our ice climbing had either kept us closer to home, or led us to some larger mountains in Wyoming or deeper into the mountains of Utah.  But, with a baby coming soon, we decided to get on something bigger than Ogden had to offer, but close enough I could get back quickly if necessary.

Phil took a nasty 65 foot tumble on snowy 4th class terrain about 3 weeks ago while approaching a gully of ice in Ogden.  He smashed his face, knee, hip, elbow, and was bruised all over.  He walked away from the fall, quite battered and sore, but still able to walk.  He assumed he was just bruised all over, but even after 3 weeks, putting on a seatbelt hurt his hip and he still has some pain in various parts of his body that were banged up on his tumble.

As we approached the waterfall, our excitement grew.  We had heard stories that Stairway can be quite busy, so we were psyched to see that we had the waterfall all to ourselves.  Phil claimed the first pitch and I belayed.

Approaching the waterfall.

Phil half way up the first pitch.  Following the path of least resistance, P1 is WI3.  Picking a steeper line could take it to WI4.  Our path was probably WI3.

After leading the first pitch, Phil mentioned that his previous fall (from 3 weeks earlier) had gotten into his head a little, and that he'd like to top rope a pitch or two before he tried to lead something a little harder.  In addition to that, his knee, hip, and arm still hadn't totally healed.  So, I took pitch 2. 

Myself on P2.  I don't remember how long it was.  Maybe 80-100 feet.  WI4

Again P2.

Topping out on Pitch 2.

Myself heading up Pitch 3.  It was only yesterday and I have already forgotten how long it is.  I think about 80-100 feet and WI5 (according to Mountain Project, which only had the rating, not the length).  The length to the belay anchor is much longer than 80 feet.  It seemed like steeper climbing than the previous pitches, but not quite as steep as Pitch 5 which is also rated WI5.

Near the top of Pitch 3.  Because it had been climbed a lot previously, this pitch went really quickly and easily with minimal effort.  Happy hooking:)

My view from above Pitch 3.  I didn't get many pictures of Phil because I usually couldn't see him as he followed.  

After following a few pitches, Phil decided his head just wasn't in the game for the day and I gladly continued to lead.  Phil is every bit the ice climber I am and would have cruised these pitches just fine.  I've taken some falls, never as big or as bad as his recent fall, and took longer to recover and get back out climbing than he did.  I'm impressed at how quickly he was back at it and don't blame him one bit for letting someone else lead.

I didn't get any pictures of Pitch 4.  It was a shorter, albeit steep pillar.  I'd guess it was about 25-30 feet.  WI4.  This ended up being one of the more difficult sections for me, simply because I got a tool stuck and had to fight for about 5 minutes to get it out.  I swung the tool into a depression and sunk the pick fairly deep, with the top of the pick flush with the ice so I couldn't pry it up to get it out.  I tried and tried for a few exhausting minutes before I put a screw in, shook out, and went at it again.  I was afraid to chip at the ice above the pick for fear of having that pick (the one weight-bearing pick) come loose.  So, I sunk my other tool about 4 feet above my stuck tool, matched on the higher tool, hiked my feet high, and kicked at the ice.  Looking back, I think that was a pretty dumb thing to do.  I could have potentially kicked the tool loose and lost it into the snow below (which was really only about 20 feet below) and been stuck with one tool.  Oh well, it worked, I got the tool loose, and I topped out on the 30ish foot pillar, somewhat pumped and tired.  What normally would have taken 5 minutes to climb probably took about 20.  But I didn't get any pictures of this pitch and Phil didn't either.  I think he was watching intently, waiting for me to do something stupid and fall.

Anyway, I pulled over the top and got a look at Pitch 5, the crux of the pitches that were in.  We were hoping that they would be in up to Pitch 7, but no luck.  

After the short pillar on Pitch 4, there is a small snowfield and then some low-angle ice leading up to the P5 pillar.  I belayed at the base of the pillar.

This is another view of P5 on the descent.  It was a really fun pitch.  There were a few bulges that almost made the climbing feel a little overhung in places, though I doubt that was the case.

Myself traversing out onto the pillar.  I had gloved stuffed in my jacket.  I'm really not that fat.

The views of the canyon from this high were incredible.  There was ice all over the cliffs on both sides of the canyon.  I couldn't believe it.  There was as much ice in just this small section of canyon as there is in all of Ogden and its surrounding areas.  

With that said, I think I'd put Ogden's ice climbs up against almost any other ice climb of similar size and difficulty.  I'd put Malan's waterfall up against almost any 3-pitch, WI5 climb around.  I'd put Willard Waterfall up against almost any multi-pitch WI3 climb around.  The beauty of the surroundings and the exposure (of Malan's 2nd pitch in particular) make these climbs incredible and classics, in my opinion.

Ok, back to Stairway.

Phil at the belay.

Though Pitch 5 is steeper, there was a narrow runnel that allowed for a little bit of stemming lower on the pitch.  The whole pitch went pretty smooth.  Up high I got a tool stuck again (same way as before), but got it out much quicker this time with a little bit of chipping from the other tool.  It did wear me out though.  This pitch was about 100 feet of steep climbing, followed by about a 75 foot snowfield to the anchors.  There wasn't enough ice on pitches 6 or 7 to climb, unless we wanted to do some mixed climbing, which we weren't really prepared for (in time or enthusiasm).

More stemming.

A bit higher.

More of the same.

After topping out on P5, we started rapping back down.  At the top of P2, I dropped a glove which slid down over the edge of the waterfall.  We had to work around another group that was heading up, which led me to forget about the glove.  We rapped down to the bottom of the waterfall before I realized I forgot to find that glove.  Phil hadn't come all the way down yet, so he headed back up and I belayed myself back up while he looked for the glove.  By the time I'd climbed back up the first pitch, Phil had been looking for 15 minutes without any luck.

I decided to climb halfway up the 2nd pitch to see if I could find the glove.

The glove slid down through the gully that is just up and right from where I am on this climb.  When I peeked my head up over the ice, the glove was sitting right there smiling at me.  This glove was a recent gift from my wife for Valentine's Day.  There was no way I could have gone home without it.  I'm grateful to her for the gloves.  They worked incredibly well on this climb.  Rab M14 gloves.  I recommend them.

Marmot Nabu Neoshell Softshell Highlight

Part of this article was already posted.  This is the rest of it.

One of the most searched Marmot products in the past year has been the Zion jacket, according to the local Marmot sales rep.  That doesn't surprise me.  In a short time after posting Phil's review of the Zion jacket on this blog, it moved up to the second most read review and is still there.  We have been quite impressed with the Zion Jacket over the last year or so, but as was stated in the review, it isn't perfect.  The best part of the jacket is the Neoshell in a softshell application.  It breathes very well without the cool feeling that tends to accompany Neoshell hardshells.  The downside of the jacket is that it's on the heavy side and it is quite warm, making it a little less versatile during the warmer months.

When I saw the Marmot Nabu jacket at summer OR in July, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  It seemed to me like they took mine and Phil's complaints about the Zion jacket , fixed them, and called it the Nabu.  I am happy to say that the Nabu jacket showed up at GEAR:30 last week, one of the few placed around that have them this early.

*I haven't been able to use it yet, but from trying it on and checking it out in the store, I have not been disappointed.  I think this could be the ideal foul weather active piece for the whole year.

So, here are some pictures and descriptions of the jacket, as well as some specs.

Nabu Specs

• Weight: 21.6oz (Men's Medium).  In comparison, the Zion weighs 26oz in size Medium
• 2 handwarmer Pockets
• 1 external zip chest pocket
• 1 internal zip pocket with headphone port
• Adjustable cuffs
• Adjustable, helmet-compatible hood (truly helmet-compatible, unlike the current Zion)
• Drawcord hem
• Lightly insulated

Pictures and Descriptions

The Men's Marmot Nabu Jacket.  If you like the Zion, I'm pretty sure you'll love the Nabu.  If you didn't like the Zion, I'm pretty sure you'll like the Nabu.

The women's color.  A vibrant red with blue zippers.  It's a really nice color combination, in my opinion.  So far we've had only good feedback from women on the color and fit of this jacket.

Not sure what happened to the color on this picture, but it is actually the same jacket as above, just a little washed out.  Anyway, there is a single zippered interior pocket on the inside.  It is big enough for a smart phone, wallet, etc.   Taped seams, Neoshell, and the light grid-mesh liner (which help to wick moisture) make this one of the most breathable, fully waterproof jackets on the market.  This used a similar application as Marmot did on the Zion jacket, but used a lighter interior liner fabric and exterior face fabric, which I can only imagine make the jacket more breathable, lighter, but probably less warm.

Detail of the interior grid mesh material.  At first I was calling it a really light grid-fleece liner, but it doesn't really feel much like fleece.  It goes over layers better than fleece, but also isn't quite as soft as fleece.  I think calling it a mesh is more accurate.

Polartec Neoshell in a softshell application.  Neoshell is incredible as a waterproof membrane.  It breathes far better than any other membrane I've used to date.  The downside is that, in a hardshell application, it moves humid air away from the body so efficiently that it can feel a little colder than other waterproof/windproof shells.  Not as ideal to wear while sitting on a cold ski lift.  For example, when I wear a Gore-tex shell, I can plan on the shell adding about 10 degrees of warmth to my layering system, at least until I get sweaty.  And unless I'm cold all day, I almost always get sweaty in Gore-tex.  With Neoshell, it doesn't trap much heat.  When I wear a Neoshell hardshell, I don't plan on it adding any warmth to my layering system, so I dress accordingly.  But I also expect that, if I've dressed correctly for the conditions, I either won't get sweaty during the day, or I'll dry off fairly quickly while still wearing my shell.

In softshell application, I and Phil have found that it breathes even better than in the hardshell (because the liner wicks moisture, I'd imagine), but it doesn't feel as cool as in a hardshell.  You don't get a slight chill when you're resting at the bottom of a frozen waterfall after a 45 minute approach, like you do in the hardshell.  It is just comfortable.  I think that the Neoshell softshell application is the best performing waterproof material so far.

The hood has an aperture drawcord the pulls the hood tight around the face.  The rest of the cord remains on the inside of the jacket.  Though this is clean and keeps the cord from smacking you in the face in high winds, it forces you to unzip the jacket tighten the hood. 

There is a second drawcord at the back of the hood that takes extra volume out of the hood and allows the hood to move with your head.  This hood can actually be worn with a helmet.  More on that in a minute.

I am 6'2", 190 lbs or so, and this is a Medium.  The Medium fits trim with little extra room to layer, but it is still a comfortable fit.  The large was a little roomier and allowed room to layer, but didn't seem too baggy.  I usually go for the trimmer fitting layers, but in this case, I liked the Large better for my size.  I think the medium would be a better fit for those that are under 175-180 lbs or so or you prefer a trimmer fit.  The face fabric on the Nabu is not as stiff as on the Zion, so the medium Nabu is a much more comfortable fit, in my opinion, than the medium Zion.

The hood fits nicely without a helmet.

The hood also fits nicely with a helmet.  The Zion jacket's hood was not quite big enough for a helmet, in my opinion.  When you zip the Zion up with a helmet on, the fabric is super tight across the mouth.  The Nabu has a little more room and is comfortable to wear zipped up with the hood over a helmet.

The hem still pulls up a bit with arms up, but not enough to pull out of a harness.  The cut isn't as good for climbing as the Rab jackets I've used, but it is a little more comfortable cut, especially under the armpits, than the Rab.  The only place I think the cut is a downer is when climbing.  Unfortunately, that's exactly what I want this jacket for.  

The jacket has a drop hem in the back.  The sleeves are a comfortable length on me (I have pretty average arms).  For those that have longer-than-normal arms, the sleeve length may be a little frustrating when climbing in the jacket.  For most people, the length should be fine.

There is great stretch in this jacket.  Because of the stretch and the softer face fabric, it is a very comfortable jacket to move in.  It feels less restricting than the Zion.  It also feels significantly lighter than the Zion.  Even though it is only 4.5oz lighter than the Zion, it feel to me like it's much lighter.  I think that is because the face fabric is thinner and more supple and the wearer has to put in less effort to move in it than the Zion.

More stretch.

Final Observations

Both Phil and I have been very impressed with the Zion jacket, but mostly with the softshell Neoshell fabric.  The jacket itself, needs some work.  Marmot told me that the hood is being revamped on the Zion jacket to better accommodate a helmet.  That's definitely a much needed update.  But there were multiple gripes that we had with the Zion jacket that we felt needed to be addressed.  To review, here they are:

• Hood to small/jacket too trim around the mouth
• Fabric too heavy
• Jacket too warm for shoulder seasons and warmer winter days
• Too many pockets (interior pockets, many exterior pockets, a shoulder pocket, etc)
• Medium fit well in the body but pulled up out of a harness when lifting hands above the head

I think the Marmot Nabu remedies all of these problems, except maybe the jacket pulling up too much when lifting hands above the head.  

The hood is much better than on the Zion.  

The fabric is lighter and more supple, making the jacket feel much lighter than the Zion, even though there's only a 4.5oz difference.  

The grid-mesh liner fabric is much lighter than the fleece used in the Zion jacket, making the jacket less warm (which I consider a good thing, though many may disagree with me on that).  The fact that this jacket is less warm means it's a better 4-season jacket, instead of a cold weather only jacket that I feel the Zion is.

There are less pockets on the Nabu.  Only one less, but that's a start.  They got rid of the arm pocket that is on the Zion.  I like the pockets that are on the Nabu.  They make it a more versatile jacket.  If I was designing the perfect climbing jacket, I would have taken off even more pockets, but the pocket configuration on the Nabu are fine.  They're out of the way of a harness/hipbelt, so I'm happy.

The jacket doesn't come untucked out of a harness when I lift my arms.  This is true about both medium and large sizes.  It does pull up a little and then bellow out over the harness a bit, but most of my jackets do.  This cut is as good for climbing as most any I have tried, Rab and Arc'teryx not included.

Overall I am super impressed with the jacket.  I haven't used it yet in the mountains, so my mind could very well be changed in the coming months, but so far I think it could be one of the best active jackets on the market.

Citizen Series Skimo Race

Last night I had the opportunity to participate in one of the Citizen Series skimo races that are put on by some Salt Lake skimo guys.  I've read about them for a long time on various blogs (Andy Dorais, Jason Dorais', Jared Inouye's, etc) and have been wanting to participate, but a busy schedule with work and family have kept me from going until yesterday.

The format was a team sprint relay, with two people per team making 3-4 laps each.  One lap consisted of two climbs (probably about 3-400 vertical feet each or so), a booter section, and 3 transitions.  This was my first taste of skimo "racing", so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was an absolute blast.  The casual atmosphere was comfortable to a newby like myself, everybody was friendly, and it was good to get my heart rate up in the clean air with other like-minded people.

I didn't get any pictures of the event, but for all those that enjoy being fit and skiing/ski touring, I highly suggest checking out these races.  They are free, fun, there's swag for first-timers, and pies for the winners.  It's worth the drive up to Brighton ski resort, even for those whose drive is a bit longer, like myself.

I can't wait til the next race on the 19th.

For more info on these races, check out:

http://citizenseries.wasatchpowderkeg.com

Marmot Nabu Jacket Review/Preview

Women's Marmot Nabu Jacket

One of the most searched Marmot products in the past year has been the Zion jacket, according to the local Marmot sales rep.  That doesn't surprise me.  In a short time after posting Phil's review of the Zion jacket on this blog, it moved up to the second most read review and is still there.  We have been quite impressed with the Zion Jacket over the last year or so, but as was stated in the review, it isn't perfect.  The best part of the jacket is the Neoshell in a softshell application.  It breathes very well without the cool feeling that tends to accompany Neoshell hardshells.  The downside of the jacket is that it's on the heavy side and it is quite warm, making it a little less versatile during the warmer months.

When I saw the Marmot Nabu jacket at summer OR in July, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  It seemed to me like they took mine and Phil's complaints about the Zion jacket , fixed them, and called it the Nabu.  I am happy to say that the Nabu jacket showed up at GEAR:30 last week, one of the few placed around that have them this early.

*I haven't been able to use it yet, but from trying it on and checking it out in the store, I have not been disappointed.  I think this could be the ideal foul weather active piece for the whole year.

The rest of this Preview/Review/Article can be found here:

http://www.gearthirty.com/blog/2013/01/31/marmot-nabu-neoshell-jacket-preview/


Updates on the performance of this jacket will come as I get to use this jacket a bit.  Stay tuned.

Arc'teryx Quintic 28 Backpack Review

My backcountry backpack for the last few years has been a 40 liter winter pack that could carry anything from skis to ice tools to snowshoes to the kitchen sink.  Unfortunately, to do so necessitated lots and lots of straps.  It was a fine pack as a do-everything winter pack, but I really only used it as a ski pack, so it was a little too complicated.  I wanted something a little simpler, sleeker, and smaller.

When the Quintic was first released, I impulsively ordered one.  I ordered it for a few reasons.  First of all, it is a unique design.  The shape of the pack and the unique pockets piqued my interest.  The second reason was, unfortunately, the brand.  I have had good experiences with most of the Arc'teryx pieces I have tried.  They are generally clean, sleek, and functional.  The third reason was that I had access to a discount on that pack.  I pulled the trigger and this is what I have found, so far.

Stats and Features

From Arc'teryx's Website:

Designed for everyday use, this 28 litre pack is a steadfast partner for backcountry and close-to-area tours and features a lowered, wide, flat body of the pack that is shaped to the contours of the lumbar vertebrae and that holds and transfers the pack’s load through the body’s centre of gravity. Stable support and with easy access to items in the main compartment while in transit, this is a skier’s/snowboarder’s tool kit. Separate compartments keep shovel, safety gear, food and extras balanced and organized, and a reinforced, external wrap system is robust enough to carry skis and boards (A-frame, split and diagonal carry of skis; horizontal and vertical carry for snowboard). This pack is large enough to accommodate all your necessities for day tours.

Construction

            Top grab handle

            Supportive framesheet

Zippers & Fly Configuration

            Webbing zipper pulls

Pack Pocket Configuration

            Front pocket with internal organizational pocket and key clip

            Secondary storage compartment with external side zipper access, and alternative access from inside the main compartment

            Panel loading main compartment with front U-zip access and organizational slots

            Internal zippered pocket inside side-access secondary storage compartment

            Top pocket with internal security pocket stores skins or goggles

            Water bottle pocket

Pack Hydration

            Hose clip

            HydroPort™

            Internal hydration pocket with zip

Pack Suspension Configuration

            Webbing hipbelt

            Adjustable, removable sternum strap

            Laminated shoulder straps

            Breathable backpanel

            Removable framesheet contained inside an anatomically patterned sleeve that conforms to the curve of the back when fully loaded

Pack Loading & Closure Configuration

            Panel loading

            Side access to main compartment during transit

Weight: 35oz (short torso 26L); 42oz (Reg Torso 28L); 49oz (Tall torso 30L) 

Pictures and Explanations

Hiking the last 100 yards back to the truck at the end of a good day

The Arc'teryx Quintic 28

The left lower pocket of the pack is designed to carry a water bottle.  It is large enough, albeit tight, for two 1-liter nalgenes.  This pocket is located on the left hip so that it's easy to reach on the go.  I find that it's much easier to pull the bottle out than to get it back in.  I carry a 1-liter nalgene with a warm drink and all my energy gels/chomps/etc so they don't freeze. 

The right side lower pocket is the zipper to access the main compartment.  The compartment is large enough for gloves, a jacket or two, and whatever else you may want in the backcountry.  It's also large enough for a lightweight skimo race helmet, but not large enough for a normal ski helmet.   The zipper is a little on the small side, making it a slightly more difficult to get to the contents of the pack.  It's not a big deal unless you're trying to get a large item out of a full pack.  Where the two side zippers are located, it would be pretty difficult to get into the pack through most any pocket if the skis are being carried A-frame.  For this reason, I like packs with access through the backpanel. 

Within the inside of the main compartment is a zippered pocket.  This pocket is easily big enough for a pair of gloves and a water bottle.  I rarely use this pocket, except maybe to keep a wallet and car keys so they don't accidentally fall out.  

There are three zipper pockets on the top of the pack.  The pocket closest to the face of the pack is large enough for goggles and has a key clip and a small internal pocket.

Within the goggle pocket is a smaller pocket, not zippered.  I'm not sure what the pocket is for, but why not.  There are so many pockets within other pockets in this pack that most of them go unused.

The second zipper accessed from the top is for avy tools.  It's large enough for a shovel, probe, saw, and skins.  It folds wide open for easy access to tools.

As with most backcountry packs, the tool pocket has storage slots.  It is pretty easy to rip open this pocket to get to tools, but the zipper pulls blend in with all the others.  I haven't done it yet, but when every second counts, a little colored shrink wrap over the zipper pulls may help identify the tool pocket.

The third zipper accessed from the top is for whatever else you need.  It is large enough for gloves or whatever else of similar size.

The zippered pocket within the zippered pocket on this one is made of soft mesh.  It is a good pocket for a smartphone or anything else you don't want scratched.  Within this pocket is another zippered pocket.  Just kidding.

In this same third top pocket the bottom of the pocket can be detached so that you can access the main pocket from this top pocket or from the right side zipper.

The bottom fabric of the pocket detached where my pointer finger is.   It attaches/detaches with velcro.

The pack is shaped like a teardrop.  The wider, lower part of the pack fits in the small of the back and wraps around the body comfortably.  When snugged up tight with the hipbelt, it rides real nicely.  Whenever I ski, the pack doesn't move.  It doesn't even feel like I'm wearing a pack.

The webbing straps can be configured to carry skis A-frame or as a diagonal carry.  It will also carry a snowboard in both an up and down and a wide configuration.

When carrying skis A-frame, the lower webbing strap can be attached to the hipbelt

Just above the shoulder straps is a port for a hydration tube or headphones.  This port is accessed from the top pocket.

I retrofitted an avalung to the shoulder strap of the pack.  I don't like wearing a beacon, an avalung, and a backpack.  It gets a little congested.  The avalung on the shoulder strap cleans it up a little, but it's still not as clean as a BD avalung pack.

The avalung is held on with zip ties.  I hope that's enough in an avalanche.  I've never been in an avalanche before, so I don't know how well the avalung or the zip ties would handle it, but I like the arrangement so far.

The pack carrying skis diagonally.  The pack carries the skis pretty well, bit it feels like the skis pull away from the pack a little.  I think if there was an attachment from the shoulder strap to the skis it would carry better.  The skis wouldn't pull away as much from the pack.

The Verdict

I am a huge fan of this backpack for many reasons.  First of all, it is well made, just like all Arc'teryx pieces.  The materials used in the pack are superb.  Second, the features, pockets, and strap configurations are innovative and work well.  Finally, I love the shape of the pack.  It rides better than any other pack I have ever worn skiing.  It really is an incredible fit for skiing.

As far as a backcountry skiing pack, I think the Quintic is a great pack with a great design.  As far as a ski mountaineering pack goes, it wasn't designed as such.  It's not designed to carry an ice axe, for example.  

I am very happy with this pack for most of the skiing I do.  For spring ski mountaineering in the Tetons, for example, it may not be my go-to pack.  But for 90% of the skiing I'll do in the Wasatch, I'll be wearing it.

I would give this pack 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The only complaints I have so far is that the zipper to the main compartment is a little small so it can be a little difficult get to your gear.  Second, the diagonal ski carry system works pretty well, but not perfect.  As I mentioned before, in my opinion, an attachment from the shoulder strap would be better.  Other than those things, I really like the pack.   In my opinion, if you want a good backcountry ski pack that fits well for the downhill, this one is great.  If you want a ski mountaineering pack, there are better options.

Cutler Ridge and Ben Lomond

After a nice Christmas storm dropped a couple feet of snow on the local peaks, a little bit of backcountry skiing was in order.  The snow was deep and mostly untouched.  I took some pictures and video, but they don't do it justice.  Here's a little clip.  It's poorly made because it is my first attempt at using iMovie, but it's something.

I was skiing with my father-in-law who is learning to ski powder.  He's never really skied powder before, so he was looking pretty good for a first timer.

I apologize for the poor ski footage.  I was using a digital point-and-shoot held in my hand.  I didn't realize until I got home that most of the footage I got was of the sky and the top of the trees.

My Resolution for the New Year

I want to briefly wish everyone a Happy New Year!  This year has been a great one for me.  In addition to starting this blog, I have been fortunate enough to open a climbing/bc skiing/backpacking/trail running/whitewater paddling shop with a few friends; climb, ski, trail run, and backpack all year long with great friends and family without any injuries or major epics; met a lot of new people and gained many new friends; and graduated from college.

I have enjoyed the past year, but I have a good feeling that this next year will be the best yet.  A few things I have to look forward to are a business that will (hopefully) continue to gain traction; great skiing, climbing, running, etc in the mountain ranges of Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah. . . especially Ogden; and most importantly, our first child will be born in March.

Each year at the new year I contemplate whether I wisely took advantage of the time I had in the previous year.  This leads to memories of climbing trips, biking, skiing in incredible locales, beautiful runs in the mountains, etc.  But the greatest memories are about the people that I spent time with while doing these activities.

I also use this time to set goals for personal progress for the coming year (as I know many other people do as well).  In the past, my goals have often been selfish.  Things like training and racing in a particular mountain marathon, training and completing a certain bike race within a certain time, climbing a particular grade of rock climb, or doing a winter ascent of a technical route on a mountain.  These are all goals that push me to better myself in a certain way, but they are all selfish goals.  Though I work hard to complete them and feel satisfaction when I reach the goal, that happiness is fleeting.  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think these types of goals are bad.  They serve their purpose by helping me achieve a higher level of personal performance than I would have otherwise attained.  But when I look back at the most enjoyable times of the year, the highlights almost always include friends and family and have little to do with the initial goal.

I am writing this post more as a reminder for myself than for anybody else.  I have been contemplating how having a child will change my life and what kind of a father and husband I would like to be.  I have seen how some friends' and acquantances' good goals have gotten in the way of more important goals; how an obsession with mountains and exercise have strained a marriage and family relationships.

I am reminded of something I heard a few years ago.  In a speech about priorities, the speaker said,

"We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best."

The principle is simple to understand, but harder to put into practice, especially when the good things are more fun than the better or best things.  So, with all of this said, here is my resolution:

Do not let personal (selfish) goals compromise quality family time and activities.

A key to setting and achieving goals is to make them measurable and realistic.  I don't think this resolution passes either of these tests.  Without a little more clarification of what "quality family time and activities" and what "personal goals" are, it is hardly measurable.  And to believe that going out and spending time in the mountains away from family will not negatively affect family time and activities is naive at best.  So to achieve this goal to perfection is not likely.  But, what I'm hoping this resolution will do is remind me to err on the side of family time and quality relationships, and not chase personal (selfish) goals that have little or no lasting value at their expense.

This does not mean I will stop playing in the mountains.  This does not mean I will stop setting selfish personal goals that only benefit me.  This hopefully means that I will remember the proper place for these goals: in the "Good" column, under the "Better" and the "Best" columns.