217 days till

[Gary]

Ron....Ok....it's a little pack!

[Glenn]

The only thing I don't like about the pack is riding the lift. The pack tends to push me forward a bit. Also, I only ran the pack during the warmer months. I'm not sure how those waters would have done on a day when the wind chill is -20F. 

[Ron]

2 things, when you get on the lift, juct pull the pack to your side.  Keeping the line from freezing can be tough. Remember to back blow the line. After your done drinking, blow air back into the tube until you hear it gurgle in the main compartment. This works for the most part but your right, on real cold days or days when your skiing fast, the line will tend to freeze. I am looking for a good low profile, flat internal camelbak or similar. I saw one from high-sierra this winter but I have to find it cheap it was really nice, it spread 60-70 ozs across your entire back to it was only a couple of inches thick. if anyone sees a nice low-profile ine, please let me know. I think gary and/or Ed was looking for one

[midwif]

The CamelBak I have only carries 40 oz, but usually sufficient for a half day, refill at lunch. The neoprene covered tube is completely inside  the shoulder strap and there is a pocket where you could even put a toe warmer to insure no freezing. Previous CamelBaks with the tubing uncovered except for neoprene, often froze. No problems with this setup.

[Ron]

Lynn, I was just looking at a High Sierra model that is 50oz, I agree that's plenty. I love the hand/toe warmer trick!  Very cool, where do you place the warmer? Anyway to keep the line warm?

[midwif]

The model I have has a small net pocket inside the shoulder strap near the mouth piece. I only use the toe warmer on really cold days. Since I switched to this type, no frozen tubing.
 I don't need to drink as frequently in the east, so no back pack used in this neck of the woods.

[Ron]

very nice, what's the model?

[Glenn]

My backpack isn't a Camel Back or anything like that. It's some $10 special (regular ol backpackl) I picked up a Wal-Mart. "I've never skied with one of these and I'm not dropping $80 on something I may hate after 2 runs." 

[midwif]

Pardon MOI!!  I got my current CamelBak for about $20 on SAC!!
Keep your eyes open and your keyboard handy. I am sure they will be on again.

[Ron]

oh glenn you have so much to learn....

[Glenn]

I have a thing with backpacks. I used to ATV with one. Slogging around a 20/30 pounder with food, water, tools and whatnot somewhat soured my experience with them. 

[Ron]

No, no one hear ever pays full price! It's against our morals.  If you haven't already, go to www.steapandcheap.c om and sign up for the instant alerts. Your life will change........

[jim-ratliff]

oh glenn you have so much to learn....

Glenn:

What you have to learn is that all of the "Super Moderators" except me are compulsive shoppers, who love nothing better than to spend someone elses money.? You don't have to do ANY shopping yourself, you just have to sound a bit helpless when you voice something that you were sort of looking for but "haven't been able to find."? Voila, they will find it for you.?

For example, those bindings for your skis??? Midwif bought 4 pair of the old style for $5 each.? She had no use for them, but it was TOO GOOD A DEAL TO PASS BY. (and she sold me a pair for $20).?

It's sort of like Christmas (minus the Santa Claus part).? Make your list, submit it to the group, watch the shoppers do their thing.

Jim (the only non shop-aholic Moderator).? ??

[Ron]

well, guilty as charged however, I spend plenty on myself but part of the contingency to the buying compulsion part is the abilty to buy at the right price and sell for the right price. Great example is Lynn's bindings. i bought and sold at least 5 pairs of skis last year alone but basically broke even. It's all in the deal here..... Welcome....... 

NOTE: Mr. Cassara, on the other hand is the true evil one; he doesn't buy much for himslef but will help others; especially those with the same boot sole length........ (308) 

[Gary]

Well Ron...although when I've made up my mind to purchase a new ski item...I pull the trigger. Takes me a bit to get there especially with clothes. With skis...nope, if they're a magic bullet...they're in my quiver!

Still, my SS are 1 year old, my Fischer are 1 year old, clothing new this past season my boots now 3 years old but wouldn't change them for the world for right now....they're so dialed in...I'm scared to even think about all the grinding and sanding I'd have to do on a new pair of boots. Thinking down the road I might just change the liner to an Intuition.....more of a wait and see.

Some do well buying and selling skis, I have purchased and sold in the past...since our local shop takes skis back in trade, (policy used to be every 3 years now every 2) I usually take them back there where I get 50% of what I paid for them towards another pair.

This coming season....just need a few maintenance things....Me and my boys are ready to go now!

G