Black Diamond has been a dominant player in the climbing gear industry for years, so it was only a matter of time before they decided to start making climbing shoes as well. Of course the climbing shoe market is a hard nut to crack considering the fact that this crowded market is dominated by brands hand-making high quality shoes in Europe. Regardless of the potential … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond Shadow Climbing Shoe
The Alpinisto 35 backpack from Gregory is exactly what the name suggests: an alpine climbing and mountaineering pack. With features like a crampon pocket, ice tool attachments and a top-lid cut-out that allows a climber to look up while wearing helmet, this pack was designed with technical alpinism and ice climbing in mind. Of course it also makes a great mountaineering and scrambling pack. But … Continue reading Review: Gregory Alpinisto 35 Pack
The Beal 5mm Back Up line (tag line) is one of the ultimate weapons and backup tools for any Alpine or Trad Climber. I could see this being a great piece of equipment for the guiding community as well. Being ultra-static and soft to handle this thin cord is my new favourite tag line! Features: Weight: 21g/m Length: 40m 50m 60m 70m (we tested 60m) … Continue reading Review: Beal 5mm Back Up Line
The new Konseal FL shoes from Arc’teryx are designed as a lightweight scrambling and climbing approach/hiking shoe. And while they feature a more traditional design (with a tongue) and sport a sleek look don’t be fooled, these are cutting edge technical shoes. Arc’teryx has put a lot of thought into the the new Konseal FL and created a versatile high performance shoe that is sure … Continue reading Review: Arc’teryx Konseal FL Approach Shoes
Belay glasses have come a long way over the past 10 years. Once hard to find, often requiring an online order from overseas, they’re almost commonplace nowadays. With this increase in availability has come a variety of options with ranges of quality, cost and style from different manufacturers. But now that we have a spectrum of different belay glasses to choose from it’s harder to … Continue reading Comparison Review: Belay Glasses
Move over Uberlayer, there’s a new put-on, leave-on layer in town called the Ascendant. This new active insulation layer from Outdoor Research takes advantage of some newer tech to make a more breathable and lighter hoody without changing the overall warmth offered by its predecessor. Features: Facing fabric: 20D Pertex® Quantum Insulation: Polartec® Alpha™ Direct (95g/m2) Pockets: 3 Fit: Trim Weight (L): 370g Water & … Continue reading Review: Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
The Patagonia Micro Puff is a super lightweight zip up hoody that should be highly considered by anyone who is going into the outdoors! The warmth to weight ratio is outstanding for a synthetic jacket. Specs: Insulator: PlumaFill 65g 100% polyester Shell and lining: 0.7-oz 10-denier 100% nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum with a DWR Pockets: Two welted zippered pockets Stuff sack: Yes, Pocket stuff sack … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Scarpa recently released the new Maestro rock shoe in both a mid and a low version. These new flat lasted shoes are designed for all-day comfort without sacrificing performance and they definitely didn’t disappoint. This review will focus on the Maestro Mid, the high-top version of the shoe. I haven’t tested the low-cut version but have been told that they’re slightly more aggressive as the … Continue reading First Look Review: Scarpa Maestro Mid Rock Shoe
Outdoor Research has updated their Splitter rock climbing gloves for 2018. And while on the surface it may look like a purely cosmetic change, they’ve also tried to address some of the durability and fit concerns expressed by climbers. Now this review will focus solely on the new Splitter gloves. If you’re interested in how different climbing gloves options stack up to one another check … Continue reading Update Review: New OR Splitter Gloves
A climbing helmet becomes a critical piece of safety gear when transitioning outdoors. Some cragging areas can be prone to rock fall while in other areas your main concern might be protecting your head in a fall. However not all helmets are created equal. To help you pick the right one for you this article will outline the main types of helmets, features to consider … Continue reading From Gym to Crag Pt. 4: How to Pick a Climbing Helmet
