Ken Glover's photo from the Canadian classic, Deltaform.
Colin Haley said it well, "it's 2000 year old technology...amazing how pack manufactures can still screw it up". That was just before him showing his audience for the evening two really basic alpine climbing packs that were prototypes he was using and happy with from one of his sponsors, Patagonia.
Those same packs that could just as easily be copies of the original Wild Things or later CCW packs. Or the Karrimore Brown, Whillians or Haston sacs bitd. See a theme there?
"Colin Haley photo of Bjørn-Eivind Årtun unroped onthe Cassin, June ."
It doesn't take a large pack toalpine climb in. Most have figured it out thatsomewhere between 18L and 35L is about all they want toclimb seriously inanyway.
Nothing has really changed. Some are going bigger today and mostare climbing faster and lighter because of the new technology.
John Bouchard..who had more imagination and an idea of where we would be going that almost anyone else in NA at the time.
In 1981 John Bouchard and Marie Meunier started Wild Things. New to most Americans,the "light is right" ideawas already well entrenched by those climbing hard things in the Alpine. Guys like Bouchard pretty much had the idea written in stone for themselves. Generally back then everyone sewed their own stuff (swamis, packs and clothing) to some extent. Wild Things was one of the first to sew up stuff guys were trying to make on their own.
It was a big deal in 1981.
Not that well known but Wild Things supported and influenced and entire generation of serious alpine climbers, Bill Belcourt (now at Black Dianmond), Randy Radcliff (now at Cold Cold World) and Mark Twight (where is he these days?)all got started in the retail/whole sale business to some extent and stayed a while at Wild Things. It was the "tin shed" of alpine climbing on the East Coast (most of NA actually) with Bouchard instead of Chouinard at the helm and a good step higher in technical alpine climbing. Bouchard maybe with even more impact on what we do and see today in gear than Chouinard has.Micheal Kennedy, Mark Richey, Mugs Stump were all big Wild Things gear fans. Most were.
Mugs Stump had that same imagination pushed the idea even further by his own climbs.
Wild Thingsgear was a natural progression of what Lowe Alpine Systems, Don Jensen and Sacs Millet started before them.
You either got it or you didn't, then and now. The gear was exceptional for a certain use. If you weren't using it for that, it likely sucked for your use. Many of those original designs were the first look at very specialised climbing gear...clothing and packs.
Pays to remember that Mugs and Paul went over the 'shrund on Moon Flower with one Wild Things Andinista. It was in part their climbing sac, haul bag, bivy sac and hammock. Today guys do it in day packs. But they wouldn't be able to do that today if a few weren't always pushing the limits on gear and technique before them.
And several generations later. And here is a Cold Cold World pack..still sewn one at a time by Randy Rackliff. You are looking at 40+ years of experience and technology here.
Few designers have so much experience in the use and application of their own designs. Chouinard, Todd Bibler, John Bouchard, Don Jensen come to mind. My point is there aren't many in the same category. None making climbing packs. When cutting edge practioniers are directly involved in design and manufacture it makes a difference.
Rackliff's alpine climbing resume is worth a look. Findingout what he has done is a little harder. Among hisclimbs are earlysolo ascents of Slipstream andPolar Circus,a complete ascent ofMoonflower Buttress, and the obvious and unrepeated Reality Bath.
A video and more here:
http://www.marktwight.com/videos.php?id=2
When I wanted to replace my small (30L) climbing pack I looked around, bought a few production packs and one "custom". One of the production packs I have kept but the others I returned in short order including the spiffy "custom". Obvious the makers had no idea what the intended use was to be for a "climbing sac".
A little heavy and too expensive, but one I keptand really like, but now use only as a ski pack, the Arcteryx Khazi 35.
Back to Colin Haley's original comment, ""it's 2000 year old technology...amazing how pack manufactures can still screw it up".
For most every climb I have done that didn't require a sleeping bag I've useda pretty basic but actually very complicated pack.
*1973*
So when I went to replace that pack it quickly became obvious I'd want someone building them that was of a like mind set. The pack I was looking for wasn't full of flash, hype or excuses just the basics done extremely well.
Custom red Ozones in **
I like the option of a removable lid as I seldom use one climbing.
Custom Ozone made from White Widow Spectra Ripstop.
Turns out Randy Rackliff at CCW was already making what I wanted and was willing to make it even better for my own needs with little extra cost. Although I suspect it was more labor than I imagined, he has been more than happy to oblige when I ask. No excuses, no argument, just helpful suggestions and a quick delivery time. With one more even smallerclimbing pack in the worksnowat CCW, my long term climbing pack requirements are covered.
Specs off the Spectra Ripstop Ozone:
Cost $130.
Pack weighs in at less than 1.5 #. Material is Spectra ripstop. Shoulder harness is off a full size CCW pack for the extra padding required on heavier loads. Some where above a 35L in my 21" back size.
custom sizing
custom pattern originally based on the Ozone size
2 liter+ top pocket
2nd zippered pocket in lid with key holder
Zippers reversed for use on hanging belays
pull down shoulder straps
main bag guide book zippered pocket
coveredlid buckle
removable foam pad
oversize shoulder straps
Perlon haul loop
dbl strap patches on lid
dbl rope straps
dbl bottom
10" extension
lid is extendable or removable
bar tacked daisy chain on the bottom of the lid strap
Another project from CCW that I am pleased with is a big sack. Something I don't use often these days but when required a big sack needs every bit of the attention to details as a smaller more sophisticated climbing sac does.
No surprise I suspect that I base my needs on the Wild Things' original Andinista. I used one a lot over the years both guiding and my own trips to the greater ranges.
Wild Things took the large pack idea way beyond anyone before them. The Andinista was a pack you could lug huge loads of gear to base campwith, then zip it downand strip the lid and use it as a summit pack. Wild Things and CCW were also the some of first to use Dyneema® in pack production.More than one pack sewn at CCW that went out with a big name manufactures label sewn on for the brand name, sponsored climber. Saying it, doesn't make it a reality.
From the Wild Things web page:
I went looking for a new larger volume climbing sack. Of course anything I wanted would have to be sewed up to my size and a special order. I have lots of packs but the only company I own several of and continue to use every where, is the CCW stuff.
Built mainly from a black "spider web" Spectra rip stop, Choas in size, leashless tool attach and crampon bag included.
Worth noting CCW retails (and still amazing to me) are less for a totally custom pack than others are for a production pack.
Totally custom pack to my specs, with select materials, harness and accessories with the Chaos' volume. $245 and $10 shipping from the East coast to Issaqauh WA. And amazingly, a week after the order was placed it was shipped out to me. Freak'in stellar customer service!
Not the best know fact...but certainly no surprise if you know their back grounds,Twight, Belcourt, House and dozens of others have used "COLD COLD WORLD" packs off and on for years.
The one shown is a size Large with a 19.5 back.
Postal scale says 2# 4oz stripped (lid and foam off)
Tri folded 9mm Foam 3 or 4 oz (3/4 size and 22"x37")
mongo size lidanother 8 oz
Just under 3# all added up and 4000+ cu in. for a size large. Extension is at least another 1500ci. 4000 in³ = 65.5482 L
Big enough to be used as a half bag if required and strong enough to stand in while hanging on the haul loops. Material is 500 denier nylon with a Spectra carbon fiber ripstop reinforcement woven into the fabric. The pack could be made lighter using lighter weight materials and triple the cost. I was looking for something lwt weight, would look good in photos and tough enough to last a decade or so, all without dropping a gazzillion $.
CCW's even sewn up a few "white" ones you've seen in the Patagonia catalog that another company just loves to take credit for :-) Imagine their customer service with that as a base line.
If you are looking for something really special for your own climbing you should make the effort to discuss your project with Randy @ CCW 603 383 9021 http://www.coldcoldworldpacks.com/
FWIW I have happily paid full retail (which is generally way less than anyone's normal retail ) for every CCW I own. This blog postis about as good as a personalendorsement as I'll evergive a piece of kit or a manufacture. No one even in the same ball gameas CCW for design and customer service building climbingpacks these days. When you are that good no incentive to brag about it.
Oh what a happy September 1st! I have a new bicycle!! More accurately, it is a newly-acquired old bicycle. This was completely unplanned, but the opportunity presented itself and I could not pass it up.
This is a Raleigh DL-1 Lady's Tourist - one of the best known original loop-frame bicycles. I got it from a very nice local collector, and I really can't thank him enough. The 22" frame feels tailor made for me. The actual height of the saddle is the same as on my 21" Lady's Sports, because the seat tube on the DL1 is considerably more slack. This bicycle is in great condition. We will replace the tires and brake pads, and she will be ready to roll.
As you can see, it is missing a chaincase - but I already have a lead on a full chaincase that should fit it. I also have a lead on a set of vintage-style rope skirtguards, the kind that connect to holes in the fender. I love the vintage bicycle community.
Here is the 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub. Filthy but so sexy!
And here is the gear shifter. The DL-1 has rod brakes, which I would not want on a commuter. But I am fine with them on a collector bicycle that I only plan to take on quiet rides.
I have no place to store this bicycle, so I am still not sure how I will deal with it logistically! But this really is a vintage dream come true, so I will think of something. You can see how happy we are together, even before the chaincase/tire/skirtguard upgrades!
This is another of the horrid weeds we have here in the desert. I have no idea of any other name for it besides Goathead which really makes people that don't know what it is wonder until they experience the terrible thing. It doesn't look that bad. Doesn't seem to cause allergies. Has a cute little yellow blossom. Grows in a circle that some people, at first, think is a nice growncover as it will grow with no water what so ever. Until you find the seeds which give it it's name, Goathead. The seed are round with two 'horns' that want to break of into the food or hand of what ever encounters it. And it HURTS. Boy does it hurt. I have known of several people who have had to have the 'horn' off of one of these seed surgically removed after it has become infected. One man I know of almost had to have his foot amputated. I was unable to find a seed to take a photo of as I try to keep them all picked up and all plants pulled. They are easy to pull and will die when it freezes, but leaves the seeds to sprout next spring. And each and every seed will sprout. I fight them constantly. Each seed is sent to the trashcan and each plant without a seed is pulled and turned with the root up to die. Several of my neighbors fight them but a lot of people don't fight them and they will stick to anything and make their way back to mine or your yard. They love to hitchhike of car and truck tires and on the rubber soles of shoes, as well as bike tires. They are death to bicycle tires. If you ride a bicycle in the desert you are sure to go buy the special tubes that can't be punchered by the 'goathead seeds'. And of course dogs and cats hate them as well as those of us that try to get rid of them. Again this weed is not native to the desert but I don't know where it did come from
Somervillain brought his meticulously restored 1984 Shogun 2000, which he built up as a classic randonneur. The Co-Habitant brought his 1976 Motobecane Super Mirage (a lower-end model than the Shogun - but still nicely done up) to compare.
And compare they did.
This went far beyond test riding each other's bikes, and gradually turned into what seemed like a millimeter by millimeter comparison of various measurements.
There was a question of whose top tube was longer and no effort was spared to investigate the matter. I wish I were joking.
My 
Having resolved this issue to their satisfaction, a discussion of component choices ensued.
I think the conclusion is clear: Both bicycles are gorgeous, because I helped choose the accessories when they were being built up. Obviously! I will post more about Somervillain's newly built up randonneur soon - it really is something, and I took detailed pictures.
The same morning, 
Cotter press in action.
Cotter.
Crank.
And 
Boys. Bicycles. Boston.
On Sunday, we had a truly beautiful winter day. Because the blizzard hit Boston on a weekend, the snowplows were not as active as they would have been during the working week. For the first half of Sunday, the entire neighborhood lay covered in a blanket of pristine white snow, and only around lunchtime did people begin emerging from their houses to reluctantly shovel their driveways.
Despite being down with a minor cold, Velouria could not sit still in the blizzard. Stir-crazy in our small apartment and desperate to feel the fresh snow under her tires, she begged me to come out just for a bit, at least to give it a try. How could I resist her charms?
She posed for me next to the fence while I photographed her this way and that. A kickstand was not necessary, because the foot-deep snow enveloped her wheels and functioned as a bicycle rack. With her black frame and cream tires, Velouria was stunning in the snow. The aesthetic experience of seeing her thus even made up for carrying her down the front stairs - which had been semi-visible when the Co-Habitant left for work several hours earlier, but were now completely buried in snow. With the bike in my arms, I slowly extended my toe and felt each step under the snow before proceeding onto it. With the 40lb DL-1 this was doable, but I would not have been able to execute the same maneuver with the heavier Pashley.
The snow was still falling as we prepared to head out, quickly covering the saddle with a thin layer of powder.
Upon Velouria's advice, the voyage I chose was an easy and safe one: a trip to a grocery store that is just a 6 minute walk (3 minute ride under normal conditions) from our house via a secret route through dead-end back streets. There would hardly be any cars there, and if I found myself unable to ride I could just walk the bicycle the rest of the way to the store and back.
I took my camera along and had grandiose plans to stop every so often and photograph Velouria against the backdrop of various winter scenes. However, the visibility was so poor and the snow so... snowy, that getting off the bicycle to pose it became the farthest thing from my mind once we were underway. Instead I offer you views of a few landmarks.
"No Outlet" - Hah! Perhaps not for cars, but for a bicycle the gaps between fences will do just fine.
Arriving to the grocery store via the back parking lot.
I did not experience a sense of slipping on the snow while going straight or while making turns, but again, I was intentionally cycling very slowly. The tires on my DL-1 are the Schwalbe Delta Cruisers, 28" x 1 1/2". By the time I returned home from the grocery store (having purchased a bag of raw cranberries and some chocolate), the snow had made its way into every single crevice of the wheels, covering the spaces between the spokes and dress-guard cords.
If you click to enlarge the picture above, you can see that the snow also made its way into the gaps around the brakes. This is a problem not just for bicycles with rod brakes, but for 
This short but beautiful winter adventure was more than enough for me and Velouria. We were happy to return to the warmth of our home - both of us trailing lots of snow. That snow on the saddle accumulated during the time it took me to drag the bicycle up the front stairs. If you don't want snow on your leather saddle, consider swapping it out for a vinyl one for the winter. For me, a little precipitation on the leather is okay though.
I did experience a panicked sense of remorse when I saw the extent of snow accumulation on the bicycle once we got home, and the next 30 minutes after this photo was taken were spent with a rag, frantically wiping off the moisture. I have been assured however, that the snow in itself is not bad for the bicycle; it is only the salt that is damaging. Thankfully, the roads had not been salted yet at the time of our ride. Velouria enjoyed the refreshing tour through our local Winter Wonderland. She is up for doing it all again - as long as I promise to go slowly, keeping her rod brakes in mind.