Author: Monte Johnston

Editor in Chief at Black Sheep Adventure Sports. Monte uses the combination of his guiding experience and civil engineering background to critically analyze equipment and apparel providing in-depth reviews on exhaustively tested gear.
Adidas Tycane
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Ski & Snowboard, Travel & Lifestyle

Review: Adidas Tycane Pro Outdoor Sunglasses

The Tycane line of sunglasses by Adidas Eyewear have been specifically designed for climbing, skiing and mountaineering as well as for watersports.  And while not necessarily a household name in eyewear, Adidas boasts a wide range of high quality, sport-specific and casual sunglasses with top notch optics.  If you’re looking for a pair of glasses that will work for ski touring, climbing, glacier travel, mountaineering, … Continue reading Review: Adidas Tycane Pro Outdoor Sunglasses

Monte Johnston
RAB Electron
Apparel, Reviews

Review: RAB Electron Jacket

RAB’s new Electron jacket is an incredibly versatile technical layer that has found a place in my pack on a wide variety of trips from skiing to alpine climbing and mountaineering in every season from winter to summer.  Designed for year-round use the mid-weight jacket utilizes water resistant Pertex® Endurance fabric and hydrophobic down to allow it to perform in all weather conditions while the bright blue … Continue reading Review: RAB Electron Jacket

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

Long Term Review: Osprey Mutant 38 Pack

Osprey has the reputation for making extremely comfortable packs and the redesigned Mutant 38 doesn’t disappoint.  This spacious 38L top loader fits like a glove, making it easy to forget how much heavy gear’s in it.  It’s also a very well thought out and versatile pack with features for just about any alpine mission.  While it’s not perfect, the Mutant’s a fantastic tool for the … Continue reading Long Term Review: Osprey Mutant 38 Pack

Monte Johnston
Articles, Tips & Tricks

Canister Stove Freezing Fix

Modern canister stoves like the MSR Reactor work great and have deservedly become very popular with alpinists and ski tourers.  The reason for this popularity is simply because they work really well.  The Reactor for example is extremely fast (a key consideration when making coffee in the am!), fuel efficient and works well in the wind.  However, the fatal flaw with the Reactor (and other … Continue reading Canister Stove Freezing Fix

Monte Johnston
Articles, Editorials

10 Cool Products to Check Out in 2017

Each year at the Outdoor Retailer show hundreds and hundreds of new products and designs are introduced by brands from all over the world.  Of course many of these so-called “new” products or innovations are realistically “me-too” products.  (me-too product: a brand introduces something new or different, soon after many other brands develop similar products).  However, every year there is some real innovation and new … Continue reading 10 Cool Products to Check Out in 2017

Monte Johnston
G3 Via Carbon
Reviews, Ski & Snowboard

G3 VIA Carbon Ski Pole

The VIA Carbon pole from G3 is exactly what a ski touring or mountaineering pole should be.  And while G3 may not yet have the brand recognition of some of the larger companies, when it comes to backcountry ski touring and mountaineering they’re on the cutting edge!  I’ve been testing a few of their products this year so you can expect to see several reviews … Continue reading G3 VIA Carbon Ski Pole

Monte Johnston
Bella Coola Ice
Features, Trip Guides & Reports

Trip Report – Bella Coola Ice Climbing 2016

The name Bella Coola conjures up visions of extreme Alaska-esq type skiing for the power hounds out there due to the number of ski movies that have filmed in the area.  However, it’s relatively unknown in the ice climbing world.  One of the obvious reasons for this, of course, is the remote nature of the community. You don’t drive through Bella Coola on the way … Continue reading Trip Report – Bella Coola Ice Climbing 2016

Monte Johnston
Climbing Knife
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Climbing Knife Comparison Review

A good knife is an essential tool for all types of climbing.  It’s used for cleaning manky tat off at a rap anchor, cutting cord for a v-thread, removing tape gloves, cutting a stuck rope out of a crack, slicing up a crag apple or cheese and much more.  Despite the obvious importance of a knife in climbing it doesn’t seem to get discussed much … Continue reading Climbing Knife Comparison Review

Monte Johnston
Christmas Specials, Features

Climbers Christmas Guide 2016: Stocking Stuffers

Here at Black Sheep we know there’s a lot of hard-to-shop-for climbers out there and of course we want to help connect that climber with the perfect gift.  In the first installment of this year’s Christmas Gift Guide we highlighted some options for larger gifts.  Now in this, the second part we’re talking Stocking Stuffers.  These smaller or less expensive items may or may not be new but … Continue reading Climbers Christmas Guide 2016: Stocking Stuffers

Monte Johnston
Christmas Specials, Features

Christmas 2016: Gift Ideas for Climbers

Well it’s that time of year again and I’m sure that there’s a bunch of you out there with a hard-to-shop-for climber in the family.  Not to worry, we have a 2-part special that should help you with some Christmas gift ideas.  Part 1 will highlight five great gift ideas for climbers.  Not all of this gear is brand new but it’s all good stuff … Continue reading Christmas 2016: Gift Ideas for Climbers

Monte Johnston