My Talon did not do so well on Monday’s outing. The side straps didn’t do so well locking them planks in place, and in addition to thwacking the backs of my legs occasionally, the edges wore a few small holes in the thin fabric.
That won’t do. So, I hit up the outdoor gear consignment shop. An interesting institution, with (currently) a massive amount of old tele gear in the house, there’s good stuff if you know what to look for. Too bad the owner makes it seem like he’s doing you a favor by selling you old shit.
I bought this gem for sixteen dollars.
An olllld Mountainsmith lumbar-pack-on-steroids. I cut off some superfluous straps, and sewed on a spare set of Talon shoulder straps I just happened to have laying around. I cut down a bit of Z-rest for the back pad.
It holds skis very well, and is surprisingly big.
There’s an avy shovel in there.
Ugly, but I like it that way. I tested it on a hike this afternoon, scoping tree lines off trail in the Rattlesnake. Very stable and dynamic. I think it’ll get use outside of skiing. This stuff is fun.
Edit: Peter Bakwin’s homepage, for the record (KTR foot in 34 hrs!).
Bedrock & Paradox 
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