What's happened to this board?????

[EdK]

I remember a time when this board used to jump with posts. "Regulars" could hardly keep up with the pace of inquiries...questions...comments. NOW, it seems like days go by without input. I include myself in this also.
There's a wealth of information to share. I know that lightweight/Ultra-lightweight is the main focus today, and maybe this board isn't specifically geared to that, but there are many tried and true practices to be shared with folks. Being prepared, being knowledgeable, is all-important when 20 miles from nowhere.
Anyway,...I kind of "cut my teeth" with internet outdoor info on this board and I just hate to see it soo slow.....Does anyone remember Reb...Stew...Climb14er...Duckman????
Just my 2 cents......Ed.

[Montana Ron]

I remember a time when this board used to jump with posts. "Regulars" could hardly keep up with the pace of inquiries...questions...comments. NOW, it seems like days go by without input. I include myself in this also.
There's a wealth of information to share. I know that lightweight/Ultra-lightweight is the main focus today, and maybe this board isn't specifically geared to that, but there are many tried and true practices to be shared with folks. Being prepared, being knowledgeable, is all-important when 20 miles from nowhere.
Anyway,...I kind of "cut my teeth" with internet outdoor info on this board and I just hate to see it soo slow.....Does anyone remember Reb...Stew...Climb14er...Duckman????
Just my 2 cents......Ed.


Yep, this board sure has been quite. Ed, how is the pack search going?

Ron

[EdK]

Hey Ron....My pack search....hmmmm....well, I kinda decided to just put it on "hold" for a while. I do have 2 very nice full-size packs I use, but was just getting the bug to get another. I do think though, that somewhere in the future I may take the plunge for a McHale....after I sell my first-born maybe ?? :o) Ed

[Montana Ron]

Hey Ron....My pack search....hmmmm....well, I kinda decided to just put it on "hold" for a while. I do have 2 very nice full-size packs I use, but was just getting the bug to get another. I do think though, that somewhere in the future I may take the plunge for a McHale....after I sell my first-born maybe ?? :o) Ed

I;ll be hitting the trails with mine soon. I'm tied up with admin stuff for the next week or so, then it's outside work until mid Sept.

As for the first born, mine is 6. He has discoverd fly tying, and now i can't seem to get him away from MY vise. He's been at it for two hours already this morning. He's turning out some wild stuff that's for sure.

Ron

[EdK]

6 years old is a magical age. Kids suck information up like a vacuum at that age....how great! My first born is 31 now....maybe I could offer him at a discounted price....ha! Anyway....what pack in particular are you using right now? I have a made in Bozeman, Dana Alpine in "overkill" that I wrestled out of Duckman's hands and also a Dana ReDirect. Either one works very well for me, but a couple of months agao I ordered the video from McHale. I do like some of his newer pack configurations and the thought and workmanship that goes into them.....but, you do indeed pay for it. Ed

[Montana Ron]

6 years old is a magical age. Kids suck information up like a vacuum at that age....how great! My first born is 31 now....maybe I could offer him at a discounted price....ha! Anyway....what pack in particular are you using right now? I have a made in Bozeman, Dana Alpine in "overkill" that I wrestled out of Duckman's hands and also a Dana ReDirect. Either one works very well for me, but a couple of months agao I ordered the video from McHale. I do like some of his newer pack configurations and the thought and workmanship that goes into them.....but, you do indeed pay for it. Ed

Hi Ed,

I bought the Non CM Alpine 2. I was using an Arc Teryx Khasmin 62? before. The Arc Teryx was a nice pask but it's not in the same league quality wise as the Mchale. Of course it was not in the same league prrice wise either.

A side note on the Dana's. I recently upgraded the links page on my web site. I've listed local outdoor gear stores etc. I noticed Dana Gleason, now of Mystery Ranch Packs has opened a new retail store here in Bozeman. I stopped by the store and spoke with his wife regarding adding a link to their web site.

I took a look around while there and noticed they had quite a selection of packs. Some looked quite a bit like the old Dana's. I'll have to go back again when I have a little more time. Here's the link if your interested in taking a look. Notice the Mystery Ranch store is right next to my favorite Fly shop :)

http://www.mysteryranch.com/

[EdK]

Ron...this is the one that's caught my eye... A Non-CM Sierra Alpine I: http://www.backpacking.net/mchale/mchale.html If you click on the links at the left column it shows the versatility on this pack. Everything from a day pack to a full-size capable multi-day pack.Also....that Mystery Ranch 5000 pack has got my attention. If you ever get the chance to spend some time at the MR store there in Bozeman, let me know what your over-all impression is of their gear. Since redesigning his packs/suspension from the original Mystery Ranch design, I think they look very capable of doing the job comfortably. Thanks Ron, Ed.

[Gam]

about the technical stuff Ed, but it sounds like it's time for a story! :D

[Montana Ron]

Ron...this is the one that's caught my eye... A Non-CM Sierra Alpine I: http://www.backpacking.net/mchale/mchale.html If you click on the links at the left column it shows the versatility on this pack. Everything from a day pack to a full-size capable multi-day pack.Also....that Mystery Ranch 5000 pack has got my attention. If you ever get the chance to spend some time at the MR store there in Bozeman, let me know what your over-all impression is of their gear. Since redesigning his packs/suspension from the original Mystery Ranch design, I think they look very capable of doing the job comfortably. Thanks Ron, Ed.

yep, that's just the way mine is. it will go from a large winter type hauler to aa rucksack in a matter of minutes. You can even remove the stays if you wish. Come on over to Bozeman and we will check out the Mystery ranch packs together :)

[EdK]

Hey Gam....Good to see you still be around. Hope things are going good for you. I've been very consumed lately by volunteer work, but the labor-intensive 10 month project is over and I'm ready to hit the trails again for some multi-day trips. Been getting out lately? Ed

[EdK]

I'll have to check and see how many miles it is from Riverside, Ca. to Bozeman, Montana :o) As for that McHale....after I saw those pics of Charles wearing that Alpine, I thought that this just might be next on the list....it never ends, heh? Ed

[Rich M]

Hey Ed K. I have eight backpacks but since I purchased my McHale Alpine 1 Sierra and SubPop I don't use the others anymore. So I am done purchasing backpacks. My wife was glad to hear that! I use the SubPop more but will be using the Alpine 1 Sierra next month when she goes on her very first backpack trip with me. I don't want to load her down too much on her first trip so I will be carrying most of the heavy stuff. It is amazing how the Alpine 1 Sierra carries heavy loads. The quality of the McHale packs is amazing. My first born is almost 40 now so I guess I don't have to worry about that, or do I?

I am leaving this morning for a seven day solo bicycle tour of the Oregon coast. I will be staying at the State parks along the way. It is supposed to rain for most of the week. How is that for planning? I will be riding my recumbent bike and towing a Burley Nomad trailer with my camping gear. Seven relaxing days. What a life!! Take care my friend. Rich M

[wayne-o]

my excuse is simply time..... my work doesn't leave me much free time to post, i lurk all day
and i'm so tired of looking at a computer during the day that i don't want to get on one at home at night. Duck embellished well with his story, but he had an abundance of time to do so at his work,
climb14 just steped away for some reason, maybe some of the arguments soured his taste. I bet a lot of people are out there, i wish it was more active too

[Montana Ron]

I'll have to check and see how many miles it is from Riverside, Ca. to Bozeman, Montana :o) As for that McHale....after I saw those pics of Charles wearing that Alpine, I thought that this just might be next on the list....it never ends, heh? Ed


Nope it never ends.....and if you ever get to the point where you think it might, you discover a new hobby. For me it's fly fishing. I guess for Duck it is mountain biking, for others who knows? As for you original question, I'll try to post to this board a little more often.

[JohnK]

I remember a time when this board used to jump with posts. "Regulars" could hardly keep up with the pace of inquiries...questions...comments. NOW, it seems like days go by without input. I include myself in this also.
There's a wealth of information to share. I know that lightweight/Ultra-lightweight is the main focus today, and maybe this board isn't specifically geared to that, but there are many tried and true practices to be shared with folks. Being prepared, being knowledgeable, is all-important when 20 miles from nowhere.
Anyway,...I kind of "cut my teeth" with internet outdoor info on this board and I just hate to see it soo slow.....Does anyone remember Reb...Stew...Climb14er...Duckman????
Just my 2 cents......Ed.


Sorry for not posting recently - have been consumed by work (gasp) and the search for a new place to live. Did want to say hi and wish you well!!!

[EdK]

Awww, c'mon Rich!! You didn't have to tell me all that.....bicycling the Oregon caost with cool, wet weather hitting you in the face, staying at State Parks along the way, having a good time, being away from nasty reality......I think I need to retire ! And thanks for the pack input. I think it's only a matter of time, and that Sierra Alpine is looking better every time I see it. You have yourself a great time and watch out for them cars! Let me know how it went when you get back. Ed

[ncmtns]

I still lurk.. Im going by ncmtns now. When they upgraded the board, it wouldnt take my old 'Bill C' name anymore.....soooo
Hope all is well with you and yours. Looks like another drought situation over there, huh?

[EdK]

Hey JK...Yep, I know all too well how the real world tries to swallow up all the spare time. Good to see you're still in the general vicinity :) Ed

[EdK]

Bill ! !....Very good to hear from you! I still fondly remember our converstaion atop Black Balsam. I thoroughly enjoyed that trip. As for our drought....it is very bad. Many, many of out pines in the local mountains are being killed by the bark beetle, as the trees just don't have the resources to fight them off. Estimates are a high as 60% mortality rate. And just in general, the drought affects everything. I believe we're heading into our 6th or 7th year. Other than that, we are all doing fine in this neck of the woods and I wish y'all the same. Ed

[JohnK]

Hey JK...Yep, I know all too well how the real world tries to swallow up all the spare time. Good to see you're still in the general vicinity :) Ed


Is good to hear from you, too. The high tech job situation on the East Coast is horrible - I was out of work for quite some time. Quite recently I was able to get a full-time position at Verizon. Unfortunately my daily commute is 180 miles round-trip, which doesn't give me a lot of extra time to do stuff after work. I did however, purchase a Honda Insight hybrid vehicle - gets an incredible 76 mpg on the highway and is an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (which I feel good about). As soon as the economy picks up a little I am hoping I can find something closer to home and get my life back.

[EdK]

180 miles r/t ???? Holy crap! You don't need the Honda.....you need a freakin' helicopter. But I know what you're saying........everyone I know seems to be preoccupied with keeping their noses above the water. The high tech situation on the west coast is equally dark. My older brother, near San Jose, Ca. has just been laid off after many years with Fujitsu. Unemployment rate in the silicon valley is over 10%. I do hope you can eventually find something a bit closer soon....driving that far to and from work is like having 2 jobs! Stay sane John.... Ed

[brad nicholson]

my corporation is always looking for self-starter types to hire....let me know if you want more info! ;)

[TonyB]

I'm still lurkin' about. I got promoted to the dark side (aka management) at work and haven't had time for much since. I even had to quit SAR due to time constraints. I did get a couple days off for a long weekend back in Missouri for my sister's wedding and some fishing.

I guess everyone knows everything now and doesn't have any questions. :)

Just waiting for the boys from the SE to come back to Colorado.

[NoKnees]

Life... That's what happens I guess...

I know I'm not getting out like I had in the past. And when I did, I didn't make time to post as I had before.. Right after loosing my job last fall I spent a lot of time snowboarding in Tahoe, but that's about it. An early spring injury put me on my butt for a while.. Now I sit at home looking for a job while nursing a ruptured achilles tendon. So yah, I'm out of the "outdoors" for a while..

At least the good core folks are still around lurking. I know I can still ask some random question and get a good response, even if it's a shove in the right direction to find what I'm looking for. It's just missing some of the old trip reports and stories that came up more often.. I'm sure it'll cycle back around..

Gimpy

[JohnK]

my corporation is always looking for self-starter types to hire....let me know if you want more info! ;)

Yes, I am interested in more info - email me if you have a chance.

thanks > John

[Snow Nymph]

I'll be posting trip reports again soon, or at least photos. Two more weekends of snowboarding and I'll be on the trail again.

[Frednz]

I remember the days.... I joined you lot just after Reb left us. The Friday pole :) I guess everyone fell off, sort of like I have. Can't say that I am on the 'net much any more (I've got a real job now....).

Anyway EdK, you must be wondering who the hell I am (unless you remember me from my real name, not my screen name). I tried to log on as myself, but it looks as if my name as been taken away from me. I come from the Land of the Long White Cloud. No, I am not Shirl, but she is still doing well. But her house was almost flooded a few months ago when the river burst it's banks. Kiwizer was my name.

New Zealand is still a great place to live :)

And we still seem to make the best gear :) That said, I'm not so much of a fan of MacPac anymore.

Later,
Fred

I remember a time when this board used to jump with posts. "Regulars" could hardly keep up with the pace of inquiries...questions...comments. NOW, it seems like days go by without input. I include myself in this also.
There's a wealth of information to share. I know that lightweight/Ultra-lightweight is the main focus today, and maybe this board isn't specifically geared to that, but there are many tried and true practices to be shared with folks. Being prepared, being knowledgeable, is all-important when 20 miles from nowhere.
Anyway,...I kind of "cut my teeth" with internet outdoor info on this board and I just hate to see it soo slow.....Does anyone remember Reb...Stew...Climb14er...Duckman????
Just my 2 cents......Ed.

[EdK]

Hey Fred!!! Holy crap!! Very long time since we've seen your smiling face. When you and Shirl were regulars is when this board was red-hot, heh? I still remember seeing those pics of you carrying that barrel on your back all the way up to that hut to make improvements. I do hope all has been going good for you, even though you've had to resort to getting a "real job" now....damn, life just sucks sometimes :o) Anyway...I do recall some emails we exchanged when I was considering a Macpac. Never did get the Macpac, but the info was all good. So, what's been the problem with Macpac, in your opinion? I was sooooo close at one time to ordering one. Good to see you're still around Fred. Ed, in sunny southern California : )

[Duckman_]

Holy slow forum Batman!..and wheres my damn Alpine pack? Ha!, and damn me!

Wayneo and I are going packing in Cohutta this weekend with the dogs(3, or 4 if Morris goes). Too hot and sunny for'm at the Rock. We'll need to post a trip report me thinks.

I can't get her in the water....

<img src="http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={E249A578-AFA3-4A96-B989-EE187A3FE7CE}">

Raced in an friggin adventure race week before last. Pedaled 59+ miles and over 7000' climbing(lots were hike-a-bike stuff), all in Pisgah...all in 9+ hours. And to think I was on my death bed 2yrs ago this July 9th. I'd be right next to Reb if I didn't stop killing myself. Life is good.

Duckout

<img src="http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={06180196-E7DD-4D29-889C-3E90F9D2E89B}">

[EdK]

Your Alpine is in my grubby hands now!!! In fact, it's all packed up,(almost), right now, waiting for me to take it for a walk this weekend :) It's hard to believe, looking at that one pic of the Duck on the bike, that you almost bit the dust a while back....life is weird, heh? Edster.

[Frednz]

Well, alas, life does suck a bit. But I haven't had a real job that long. Most of the time I've been playing around the world. If you are looking for another outdoor activity, I recommend you have a go at cycle touring. Put everything you would normally have on your back onto your bike and go for a ride. Lots of fun.

But first, your question. Macpac were very proud (rightly so) of being NZ owned and operated. They had a nice factory in Christchurch (were I used to work), and the company was owned only by people who worked for them. But now, as with most manufacturers, they have popped across to Asia. Now they are made over there, but the prices are still higher than the competition. Something doesn't quite work there.....

I popped in to "sunny California" for a visit at the start of the year. It definitely was sunny!! I was only there for one day; my flights forced me to stay a night. Needless to say, I wasn't there to really appreciate it, What I saw isn't the sort of thing that gets me excited about a country (I saw LAX and a bit of the city).

Have fun and all that.
Fred

Hey Fred!!! Holy crap!! Very long time since we've seen your smiling face. When you and Shirl were regulars is when this board was red-hot, heh? I still remember seeing those pics of you carrying that barrel on your back all the way up to that hut to make improvements. I do hope all has been going good for you, even though you've had to resort to getting a "real job" now....damn, life just sucks sometimes :o) Anyway...I do recall some emails we exchanged when I was considering a Macpac. Never did get the Macpac, but the info was all good. So, what's been the problem with Macpac, in your opinion? I was sooooo close at one time to ordering one. Good to see you're still around Fred. Ed, in sunny southern California : )