Comments for Bigfoot Mountain Guides

Comment on How To Use a Pull Cord For Rappelling by Ryan Stefiuk

Ryan Stefiuk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:52:27 +0000

If you know, like positively know, that you won’t need to do longer pitches and that the rappels are clean or the descent is simple then the 35m rope with a short pull cord is a super light setup. It’s useful at spots like Buttermilk and Wildcat in the Catskills too, where the rappels are short.

If you can find it, the best pull cord material is the 5mm tech cord, which is stiffer than accessory cord. For an even lighter setup, I believe the military has been known to use 550 (parachute) cord to retrieve ropes too.

Comment on First Impressions – La Sportiva Baruntse by Ryan Stefiuk

Ryan Stefiuk — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:44:20 +0000

The Spantiks, which I haven’t used are allegedly stiffer. There’s a good comparison on Cold Thistle that’s worth a look. Otherwise it’s hard to find good information about the boots. Even Sportiva doesn’t say much about them. My guess is that they’ll climb similarly and I’m not sure I’d ever need a boot stiffer than the Baruntse if that helps you out at all.

Comment on First Impressions – La Sportiva Baruntse by Sam

Sam — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:02:18 +0000

How do the Baruntse’s climb compared with the Spantiks? I’ve tried them both on (but never climbed in them) and the Spantiks seem a little stiffer than the Baruntse’s.

Comment on How To Use a Pull Cord For Rappelling by Sam

Sam — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:59:02 +0000

I’ve used a 7mm pull cord on long routes where it’s nice to have a 2nd rope to rappel but where I don’t want to bring double ropes, such as Royal Arches in Yosemite. The 7mm I have is pretty heavy for a pull cord, so I like your idea of using a skinnier 6mm or even 5mm. I never thought about bringing a 35m climbing rope along with a 35mm pull cord but that sounds like an awesome idea. It would make rope management a little easier at the belays.

Comment on How I Use A Heart Rate Monitor For Training by Ryan Stefiuk

Ryan Stefiuk — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:30:41 +0000

Dane,

Thanks so much for your comment and valuable anecdote. I too have used a HRM for training nearly all my life. I identify myself mainly as a climber nowadays, but before climbing and through it all I’ve always considered myself more an endurance athlete than a talented climber. The HRM is a useful yet undervalued training tool in the climbing world. While training for climbing is catching on I still don’t feel it’s something many of us are very scientific about.

I think I can say on behalf of all your readers that we’re thankful you’re healthy again. Cold Thistle is an oracle of sorts. There’s so much crap on the internet and your blog is a true diamond in the rough. I routinely refer people to it and check it daily on my feedreader. Thanks to you as well and perhaps we’ll meet out there someday!

Comment on First Impressions – La Sportiva Baruntse by Ryan Stefiuk

Ryan Stefiuk — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:23:03 +0000

Hey Kevin,

Thank you for your kind feedback. I’m glad you enjoy the content. I’ll be publishing a page/post soon that details good footwear options for people with large feet. When I began climbing I finding the right footwear was a struggle. It still is, but I now know where to look. I think that’s the key, and when I first started out I wish someone helped me. So, stay tuned for a page regarding footwear for size 14+ climbers.

Comment on How I Use A Heart Rate Monitor For Training by Dane

Dane — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:54:22 +0000

Just wanted to say think for the occasional link on the gear reviews. Much appreciated! Wanted to add this as well on HRMs. I trained with them for a long time, running, climbing, swimming, and on the bike. Typical Tri, endurance running and road bike stuff.

I’ve had friends that pummel me in training and wonder why I bother. Besides the fact I am generally 10 or more years older than my outdoor peers knowing how my body is doing and being able to even keep up is important to me. I need the extra edge. But without a HRM I would most likely be dead or damn near by now. Because I monitor my resting HR as well I noticed I wasn’t recovering like I normally would be while in Cham last winter. With literally no symtoms beyond a high RHR I kept looking for the cause last spring and summer. What I did find eventually was stage IV throat cancer. Without the HRM….I would not have found the real issue behind the lack of recovery. There would have been no cure. On the mend now but worth thinking about how much more a HRM can do if you use them on a regualr basis. Great blog BTW…fun reads!

Comment on First Impressions – La Sportiva Baruntse by Kevin

Kevin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:45:45 +0000

Thanks for the review Ryan, and for all your posts. I have the Nepal EVOs in a size 48 and they are a perfect fit, but only barely. Were you able to get them in larger than a 48? I also would like to get doubles eventually. I just wish there was some place to try them on.

On a side note, I’d love to hear some rock shoe recommendations for larger feet. La Sportiva really lets us bigger footed guys down on many models.

Comment on Black Diamond Glissade Glove by Ryan Stefiuk

Ryan Stefiuk — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:38:41 +0000

Kinco gloves seem to be quite popular and are a good cheap alternative to expensive climbing gloves. I love the one handed glove setup.

Comment on Black Diamond Glissade Glove by Tony

Tony — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:51:37 +0000

I like to bring one right-handed kinco insulated work/ski glove (with several applications of sno-seal). At about $20 a pair they can easily be replaced, but they are super burly for belays and rappels.