G.A.S.

I have a horrible case of G.A.S. aka Gear Acquisition Syndrome.  My current harness is a little large for me now that I’ve dropped a few pounds, and tightened down as far as it goes I can still get a fist between my waist and the swami belt, so I’ve decided it’ll be a winter ice-climbing/skijoring harness, and I will be purchasing a new harness.  I’m taking a good hard look at the Arc’Teryx R320.  It’s supposed to be light, comfortable, and small.  Pretty much everything anyone ever wanted from a harness.  It’s also expensive. at $125.  Still, you buy one harness and it lasts at least two years if it’s durable.  You have to love it, so you might as well get the best you can afford.

I also need new shoes.  My La Sportiva Cliffs have stretched to the point that they’ve become…comfortable.  This is simply unacceptable.  Your feet should hurt when you climb for crying out loud!  I really dig La Sportiva shoes and will probably snag a pair of Mythos.  A friend loaned me a busted pair of the old style Mythos, and if they are any indication of what the newer ones are like then they are without a doubt the shoe for me.  Still at $130 they aren’t cheap.

There’s still enough season left that if I buy the gear I’ll have time to enjoy it outdoors, and I can always climb on it inside.  These are the decisions that keep me up at night.