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.
Alien Evolution
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Update: Alien Evolution, Trigger Wire and Sleeve Issues

July 6, 2015 Update:  Trigger Wire & Sleeve Issues In the month since writing the below article I’ve come across a few small issues with the Alien Evolution Cams.  One involving the trigger sleeve and the other the trigger wires.  The issues first cropped up on a pitch mid-way up Mt. Slesse.  My partner was having trouble getting a green alien cam placement out, a lot of trouble.  … Continue reading Update: Alien Evolution, Trigger Wire and Sleeve Issues

Monte Johnston
Alien cams
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Field Tested: Alien Evolution Cams

When Alien cams were first introduced by Dave Waggoner they revolutionized climbing protection and have since become a familiar name in every crack climbing household.  The narrow head and flexible stems were unlike any cam available on the market at the time and could be securely placed where no other cam could.  While these cams have set the standard for big walls and protecting tight … Continue reading Field Tested: Alien Evolution Cams

Monte Johnston
Crack Climbing Shoes
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Comparison Review: Crack Shoes

As a climber, I find that one of the hardest pieces of equipment to get right are my climbing shoes.  They never feel the same in the atmosphere controlled environment of the local climbing shop after wearing them for a few minutes as they do wrapped around my fear sweat soaked feet a few pitches up a sun baked rock wall.  Add to that the … Continue reading Comparison Review: Crack Shoes

Monte Johnston
Patagonia Crag Daddy
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Patagonia Crag Daddy

Spring is here once again and many of us are taking our rock gear out of the dark corner that we threw it into after our fall climbing trip and getting ready to hit the crag.  To cart all that lightweight but surprisingly heavy gear around most outdoor companies have been coming out with very specialized cragging packs.  No longer do you have to use … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Crag Daddy

Monte Johnston
La Sportiva Nepal Cube
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX

I’ve been using the Nepal Evo GTX for a few years now but recently had the opportunity to try the new Nepal Cube GTX (these names are a bit of a mouthful… let’s go with Evo and Cube for simplicity).  This new addition to the Nepal line-up not only looks way cooler than my old Evo’s (and you have to admit that’s an important feature) … Continue reading Review: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX

Monte Johnston