Category: Reviews

Reviews, Rock & Ice

First Look Review: New Petzl DART Crampons

The New & Improved Petzl DART Crampons Petzl is replacing the old DART (mono-point) and DARTWIN (dual-point) crampons with a fantastic new ice climbing weapon. While they’re just calling it the DART, don’t be mistaken, it’s an entirely new design. The new DART blends design features from the old DART & DARTWIN along with the LYNX into a lightweight package that climbs exceptionally well. And, … Continue reading First Look Review: New Petzl DART Crampons

Monte Johnston
Apparel, Articles, Reviews

The New GORE-TEX Pro

GORE-TEX has announced that they’re replacing the current GORE-TEX PRO with a new line of products starting in the Fall/Winter of 2020. Since it was introduced in 2007, having the “PRO” tag on a GORE-TEX garment has announced a rugged, top-of-the-line waterproof-breathable product. However, as there was only a single membrane available under the PRO umbrella a compromise between durability, breathability, waterproofness and so on … Continue reading The New GORE-TEX Pro

Monte Johnston
Apparel, Reviews

Arc’teryx Professional line of Jackets: Details, Fit & Features

This article provides additional information on the various offerings in the Arc’teryx Professional Jacket line as of 2019. As I’m sure you know, Arc’teryx makes a line of jackets (and other items) specifically for professionals which are sold via their pro-member site. However, that site doesn’t provide very much information on these great products. This can make an online purchase difficult. However, that’s the only … Continue reading Arc’teryx Professional line of Jackets: Details, Fit & Features

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

Review: Scarpa Ribelle HD

Scarpa is adding to their high-tech Ribelle line with the introduction of the new Ribelle HD. Like the Ribelle Tech OD, which is basically a running shoe crossed with an alpine boot, the HD version is focused on providing fast and light performance in the mountains. Just with a more traditional, ankle supporting design. After testing the new HD in the mountains this summer I’ve … Continue reading Review: Scarpa Ribelle HD

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Edelrid Giga Jul Belay Device

The Giga Jul from Edelrid is the newest addition to their growing line of Jul belay devices. While it’s the most traditional of the line it is also the most unique, as strange as that might sound. Traditional in the sense that it can operate the same as the ever popular ATC or Reverso. Unique in that it offers an assisted belay mode with the … Continue reading Review: Edelrid Giga Jul Belay Device

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

Review: Mammut Taiss Mountaineering Boots

The Taiss Light Mid GTX is a new lightweight mountaineering boot from Mammut which debuted this spring. While the colors may be understated, at least for the 2019 version, this boot is anything but. Exceptionally lightweight but still quite stiff and very dexterous, it walks well and climbs even better. I actually feel faster and lighter just putting these sick new boots on! Definitely one … Continue reading Review: Mammut Taiss Mountaineering Boots

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

First Look Review: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX

Continuing with the expansion of the Trango line of mountaineering boots, La Sportiva added the Trango Tech this summer (2019). Next year will see further expansion, with a leather version of this boot hitting the market. The line now includes the Trango Tower, Tower Extreme, Cube, Ice Cube and a hiking boot version called the Trango TRK, in addition to the new Trango Tech. The … Continue reading First Look Review: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX

Monte Johnston
Apparel, Reviews

Review: Mammut Rime IN Hybrid Flex Jacket

We all have that jacket. We’ve worn it on our highest summits and in our lowest valleys. It’s kept us dry and warm, and is the perfect pillow when no other options exist. Life outside is intertwined with a reliance on the clothing we wear. Mammut have done it right with the Rime IN Hybrid Flex Jacket, I’ve been living in it for the last … Continue reading Review: Mammut Rime IN Hybrid Flex Jacket

Nic Vissers
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

Review: CAMP Alpinist Crampons

The Alpinist crampons from CAMP are not the lightest summer alpine climbing crampons on the market but if you’re willing to sacrifice a little weight for performance, they’re definitely a winning option! There’s often a big focus on lighter and faster when it comes to climbing and alpinism. But lighter is not always better or faster, especially when routes get more technical. Just as a … Continue reading Review: CAMP Alpinist Crampons

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Beal Joker 9.1 Climbing Rope Review: Soft and Regular

Climbing ropes have changed over the years. They’ve gone from 11mm ropes good for hip belays to ropes that meet single rope UIAA requirements. Ropes so skinny that belay devices had to be redesigned! Fat, old-school ropes are being left for top-roping school groups while skinny single lines are becoming lighter and more durable with better handling, all dramatically helping you to send that next … Continue reading Beal Joker 9.1 Climbing Rope Review: Soft and Regular

Nic Vissers