thomc

Thanks Ben, very helpful. I did not frame my inquiry well. I should have emphasized that I'm looking most of all for a probe that packs short and has a very good locking mechanism. Carbon is by no means necessary. I have a lovely Apocalypse pack which does not seem to like long probes in the compartment behind the back pad. My probe is an old G3, 320cm long, collapsed it's ~55cm. I'm looking for something short mostly, and with a very good locking mechanism (I like the G3 which is bomber, but it does leave ...

I’m seeking feedback on lightweight probes that work well and pack small. This and the Arva seem to meet that criteria, along with the BD and BC 240s which caught a bit of shade in the above review. Would love to hear your thoughts on specific models and the usability of these in consequential situations.

Love for climbing considering for touring. I agree with the other reviewers (although I have not had the wet cuff issue as yet). However my main use has been ice and alpine climbing. The lack of any wind or sun protection means it would be most likely I’d use them on a stormy cold day, and/or resort skiing). I still like to have some kind of sun hoody in the mix for touring. And I am pretty hooked on the options referenced in my review of Raide’s bottoms. But as part of my ‘go-suit’ these are a favorite for...

Unique solution to a common problem. I like the previous reviewer have long sought something like this, especially for warmer tours or wide ranging temperatures. These worked well over several days this spring in NH. I also found the waist a bit weird, with Velcro tabs barely closing my size L over a 36-7 inch waist. They seem a bit more like compression tights than long John’s, but worked well, and I pulled them off and put them back on several times and they improved my temperature management in condition...

I’ve been very happy over the years with bridgedale, smartwool, darn tough. That said these are the best for blister prevention and performance fit. I use them with zipfits and technicas (light and 4 buckle) and a custom footbed. They are hard to get on and off, and seem a bit like what I imagine a compression sock would feel like, but it has worked very well for me over 2-3 seasons. If the high quality socks I listed up top (and still use at about half the price) work, no need to change, but if you’re seek...