Reusable hand warmers? Now that's something I'd get into.

I remember reading about a climber using duct tape for quicker access to gear while climb a really intense crack. What a bout a harness that uses standard gear loops but also some type of quick release mechanism for gear placement. Cutting down on the amount of lock off time needed when climbing difficult routes.

Actually there is such a thing. http://www.rei.com/product/608751

Good lord NOO!!!!!!! JL and I have been kicking this around offline since his thread died down and last night I finally placed the order for the last piece of equipment I need to do it! My wife will kill me if it turns out that it was all for naught..... Its mine! MINE!!!11111



But seriously, I did just order the last of the equipment and am now waiting on word if one of the rope companies is willing to donate a spool of 7mm perlon for the testing. I had wanted this to be a surprise, but oh well.

-a.

That's interesting. Any idea if this works better than the old ski hand warmers that were also reusable? While they were reusable, they weren't nearly as good on the second try as the first, and on the third as the second, etc...

My husband has a couple of these little boxes which he got from his grandfather:
http://www.realoutdoors.co.uk/...KET_HAND_WARMER.html

They use charcoal sticks like these.
http://www.realoutdoors.co.uk/...CHARCOAL_STICKS.html

That's about the most reusable handwarmer that I can think of that doesn't loose performance (though it does take a bit of effort because you have to get the charcoal sicks going).

That's interesting. Any idea if this works better than the old ski hand warmers that were also reusable? While they were reusable, they weren't nearly as good on the second try as the first, and on the third as the second, etc...

So, erm, you've a fire in your chalkbag?

I trust it works, but is that what they're saying? How big is it (will it fit nicely in the chalkbag)? How long does it last per session (will one light last all day or just 30min)? How long do the sticks last (will one burn in one day, or will it last several lightings)?

Sorry for questions, but that's pretty damn cool.

Thanks!

I used to use these deer hunting. You do indeed have a "fire" in the little metal box, but its more of a hot ember than an open flame. The boxes are a little bit bigger than a deck of cards, and they burn quite a long time. Huddled in a tree stand in the Appalachians for hours at a time without moving, I would often stuff one down each of my boots and keep one in the big two-hand pocket on my hunting jacket. They worked amazingly well, but buying the charcoal sticks can be a pain in the ass sometimes. I've gone into Bass Pro already and they had the metal boxes but didn't sell the refills - sort of missing the point, don't ya think?

I would write a thesis on an industrial engineering subject that will help you when you get a job. materials, finishes, coatings, paint, adhesives, ect

Go look at John Long's "we need to test everything dynamically" thread.

Do a controlled study on how static loading differs from dynamic loading on anchor systems.

You guys are missing a key point: the OP is an industrial design major, not engineering, not physics, not mechanical engineering. The OP's major is focused on the creative and aesthetic aspects of a product, not how much force it can hold or what anti-corrosion coating should be used.

Edited to add:
You might want to read the wiki entry to see what ID is and is not:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_design

Design a customizable, moldable foot bed for a climbing shoe.

Either the entire shoe, or a foot bed that can be transferred from your trad shoes to sport to bouldering shoes. Something that will be comfortable, take up any extra volume in the shoe, and very performance oriented.

Good lord NOO!!!!!!! JL and I have been kicking this around offline since his thread died down and last night I finally placed the order for the last piece of equipment I need to do it! My wife will kill me if it turns out that it was all for naught..... Its mine! MINE!!!11111

make some type of ceramic (or whatever) box with heating coils inside of it that you can plug into your car's power supply thing that will heat up when it's plugged in. use it to warm your shoes up in the winter while youre on the way to the gym (or outside if youre one of those people)

im tired of warming my shoes up on the dashboard. the smell alone is reason enough to be annoying, sometimes they fall and land under my brake too.

That's interesting. Any idea if this works better than the old ski hand warmers that were also reusable? While they were reusable, they weren't nearly as good on the second try as the first, and on the third as the second, etc...