I'd be careful with dryer lint. If you've been drying synthetics, that lint will contain synthetic material, not good to breathe the smoke. And for cotton, be certain the garment is not treated to be fire resistant before using cotton lint. Cotton balls dipped in vasoline are great for starting fires. And vasoline is cheaper than the lip balm someone else suggested. ... View more

I am opposed to anything resembling a quota system. Hiring someone because of skin color is quite as racist as refusing to hire them for that reason. And REI employees should be representative of the outdoor community, not the population as a whole. I have long wondered why minorities seem to be underrepresented in outdoor activities, but such seems to be the case. And since REI attracts employees who enjoy such activities, it is no surprise that there are few minorities employed there. Now if you are a minority and want more minorities working at REI, put in your application. ... View more

A method I've heard of for getting over fear, and which sounds reasonable to me, is to slowly approach the fearful item. Don't let your fear level get too high, when it gets uncomfortable don't go closer. Get a bit closer each day so your subconscious learns that it is safe. You must do this yourself, if someone is forcing or pressuring you, it will only make the phobia worse. And of course, make certain that it really is safe. You don't want to be getting closer and closer to a cornice that is likely to break under your weight, nor to any other dangerous edge. ... View more

Have you tried a hydration bladder? Hose comes over the shoulder so you don't have to turn or twist to get water, just grab the hose, bite the bite valve and suck. ... View more

I think you forgot the most important consideration for wild food? It must not be poisonous. I remember years ago in my area some people from SE Asia collected some mushrooms that they thought were a delicious variety they were familiar with in their home country. The appearance was deadly, those were death cap mushrooms and everyone who ate them either died or had a liver transplant. ... View more

I agree with Dmitry. Unless you confine your skiing to resort areas, emergency supplies are a must. Look up "ten essentials" and adapt to your situation. Things happen, equipment breaks, people get hurt or off trail or otherwise have problems. And as for water, be sure the container is well insulated and, if outside a resort, it is a good idea for someone in the group to carry a stove, fuel, and pan so you can melt ice or snow. ... View more

First, be certain that your boots fit well. Then as others have suggested, try double socks but be certain that does not cut off circulation in your feet. For me, double socks do not help but for others they are great. And as quick as you feel a hot spot on your foot, take off boot and sock and apply Vasoline or something to  the area, or put tape over that area. You should prevent blisters and not need to treat them. ... View more

Much as I hate ot make this recommendation, I must do so. Find a good local store where you can try on the boots, walk around a bit in them, and preferably stand on a slope, facing upslope then downslope (or vice versa), and sideslope. Different people have different shapes for their feet, and different companies use different shaped lasts for their footware. What works for your buddy may not work for you. Other than custom made boots, I know of no other way to get a good fit. ... View more