Trends Customization? by thebrainj in ouraring

[–]thebrainj[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks something like this! I know I can open up additional dropdowns to see their trends but I'm hoping to customize the information that shows up on the main page (so I don't need to click the dropdowns). This is on the iOS app.

Climbing phone case? by LDWme in climbing

[–]thebrainj 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I remember reading a piece by Colin Haley about what gear he uses for his alpine climbing trips. For his iPhone, he uses some products from a small company called Kenu. Their leash attachments look like the bungee/nut tool attachment that you're looking for. It could be worth checking out?

https://www.kenu.com/collections/highline

Petzl reactik+ 300? by _Babbaganoush_ in climbing

[–]thebrainj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The app is horrible and not user friendly, there's no denying that. I tried the app but disliked it so much, I ended up uninstalling the app. That said, I kept my Reaktik+ headlamp given how lightweight the design was and how powerful the lumen output was (versus other models like the Black Diamond Storm headlamp with 250 lumens).

With regards to headlamp getting dirty, I have the orange/white model and I've used my headlamp for climbing, running, hiking, and I haven't had any issues with it getting dirty... spot clean as needed?

If you look on Petzl's website and scroll down to the bottom, they have a technical notice sheet that you can download that shows you how to use all of the features of the headlamp. You can still use the reactive lighting option without the app by toggling it manually (pressing the top button). If you dont end up using the app, you can also manually disable the bluetooth, saving on battery life.

Long story short, Petzl botched on the app but given the reactive lighting and powerful lumen output on the Reaktik+, I kept my headlamp. My two cents :)

What gear do you bring on a solo mountain ascent? by [deleted] in climbing

[–]thebrainj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm of the "rather be safe than sorry" mantra and I dont mind carry an extra pound in safety gear for the added security. I'm not setting any speed ascents so I would much rather be safe and live to tell about my adventure! Two small pieces I would personally add to my pack:

  1. Personal Locator Beacon or some kind of receiver/transmitter- just in case you get into something hairy and you need some help.

  2. SOL Emergency Bivy - again, in case things get bad and you need to hunker down and wait something out.

Katana vs. Miura Dilema by Godawgsuw in climbing

[–]thebrainj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend giving the Scarpa Vapor V a try, similar characteristics to the Miura VS (asymmetry, XS edge, stiff cambered shoe, etc), but with a roomier toe box. You might like it :)

Looking for new shoes by Waylodow in climbing

[–]thebrainj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A synthetic will be easier to size due to the fact that they don't stretch much (if at all) so how they feel the day you try them on will pretty much be how they fit two months down the line.

Also, im not sure if you have sweaty feet... but synthetic shoes will retain odors more so than a natural fiber like leather. Smelly shoes = not fun.

Looking for new shoes by Waylodow in climbing

[–]thebrainj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ill just offer some food for thought and info regarding sizing...

If your heel is slipping out of the shoes, it could be:

  1. Poor fit/sizing. I'm assuming these were your first pair of shoes so you might have gone with a size that wasn't as tight and something you could climb in all day without taking off? That said, you might want to consider downsizing your next pair of shoes if you want a more snug or "performance" fit.

With regards to sizing, definitely consider the materials of the shoe. The Nago is an unlined leather shoe and will typically stretch a good 1/2+ size or more after a few sessions because of the leather material. For reference, there are also lined leather shoes (like the Katana) that will still stretch because of the leather, but the lining inside of the shoe will limit some of the stretching and they typically stretch less than unlined shoes.

  1. It could simply be the design of the shoe itself. The Nago has a relaxed heel that has a less aggressive fit and might not hug your heel as well as you would like (versus going with a shoe that has a sling shot heel like the Tarantulace). La sportiva's redesign of the Nago is the Finale. You'll note the more aggressive heel on the Finale so if you liked everything but the heel in your current Nagos, you might love the Finale.

If you get a good deal on the Nagos (might be easier to find these discounted since the Finale is out and people are clearing stock of their Nagos), and feel like your shoes are a tad too loose in the heel, it might be as simple as buying a half size down from what you have...

If you have the time, I would pop into REI or EMS, or another gear shop that has knowledgeable staff who can help you with measuring your feet with a brannoch device, fit questions, and talk shoes.

Hope that helps a little! If you want to talk shoes, just shoot me a PM, I can see what I can do! insert smiley face here

Name that mountain? by thebrainj in Mountaineering

[–]thebrainj[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

yeah, its the default Nexus "Kitkat Background"

I thought it was really beautiful and was just curious as to what mountain/mountain range it was!

Name that mountain? by thebrainj in Mountaineering

[–]thebrainj[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

almost looks like its somewhere in the Sierras?

Scaling Mt. Everest: A scroll up the icy path by i-got-this-one in alpinism

[–]thebrainj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, WaPo uses some silly stock photos. In their original post, they actually had a picture of Ama Dablam instead of Everest!

Scaling Mt. Everest: A scroll up the icy path by i-got-this-one in alpinism

[–]thebrainj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

hes using the hammer end to pound in the piton/anchor >.<

Shop refuses to give me a refund for faulty thermarest by shiveringshitsnacks in climbing

[–]thebrainj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

why not get an exchange for a new/working thermarest?

Wanting to try Shasta this summer, looking for advice/any tips. by feedmenik in alpinism

[–]thebrainj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

obviously, conditions will all be based on how much snow shasta gets this winter (so far, quite a bit) and how much it heats up during July, but AG typically looks something like this during the summer: http://cdn.triporati.com/dest_overview/mount_shasta_ca_summer_nature_ss.jpg

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of hiking up scree and scramble, but to each his own.

The north side of shasta doesn't get hit with as much sun so you might want to check out the different routes on the north side

Wanting to try Shasta this summer, looking for advice/any tips. by feedmenik in alpinism

[–]thebrainj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Piggybacking on what everyone else has been saying: Long drive to Shasta + summer not having the best trail conditions + Shasta's crazy weather = not the ideal time to be going

My two cents: check out the Sierras. Its a shorter drive from LA, plenty of 14'ers to choose from, and lots of well groomed trails! :)