Osprey expanded and updated the popular Mutant pack into a line of climbing and mountaineering packs for 2018. This included the introduction of a new Mutant 22, an update to the Mutant 38 and the inclusion of a new Mutant 52 to replace the Variant 52. For this review we’ll focus on the Mutant 38, a great pack size for one day alpine and mountaineering … Continue reading Review: Osprey Mutant 38 Pack (2018)
A whole new style of climbing shoe, Scarpa introduces the Maestro range of climbing shoes. Scarpa really went back to the drawing board with these shoes, producing a high performance flat-profile design, with all-day performance and comfort. Replacing the Techno-X, the Maestro has big shoes to fill (pun intended). I would not consider this a remake for the Techno-X but more a totally new shoe … Continue reading Review: Scarpa Maestro
The 2018 version of the Black Diamond 9.4mm Dry Climbing Rope is a totally different animal than the previous version. Why? Well BD changed manufacturers for 2018 which has drastically improved the product. Now this review is not and an “old versus new” comparison but will rather focus on the features and performance of the new rope. However, that being said, I’ll still be commenting … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond 9.4mm Dry Climbing Rope
With the introduction of the new Windburner Stove System (Duo & Group versions), MSR has taken the popular and efficient Windburner system and made it compatible for larger groups. Similar in design to the original Windburner Personal Stove the new Duo & Group system have one huge difference, the burner isn’t attached to the canister. It’s still a portable, lightweight, weather-proof, high efficiency canister stove … Continue reading Review: MSR Windburner Group Stove
The Scarpa Mescalito Mid GTX, which I’m now calling my mountain hoppers, are part of the new Summer 2018 line. A mid-top version of the Mescalito approach shoe they make a great mountain scrambler that’ll get you up and down some serious mountains. Comfortable right out of the box the Mescalito’s feature a Gore-Tex liner that makes them great for crossing short snow fields or … Continue reading First Look Review: Scarpa Mescalito Mid GTX
The Edelrid Loopo Lite is a crazy light harness that will fit in your pocket. It takes the saying “Minimalist” to a whole new level. Coming in at around 80g (depending on what size you buy) this is for someone who is going to be moving very fast and light. Now having something so light will have restrictions. That said, if this specialized piece of … Continue reading Mountaineering / Ski Harness Review Part 4: Edelrid Loopo Lite
MSR’s new Dynalock Carbon Ascent poles are lightweight, sturdy and quite versatile. With a folding design they collapse down to a small package that can easily be stashed inside a pack when not needed. But when deployed the well thought out poles are a fantastic option for both winter and summer. Great for winter skiing, riding and snowshoeing with the powder basket but swap it out … Continue reading Review: MSR Dynalock Carbon Ascent Poles
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
