Category: Reviews

Outdoor Research Asendant
Apparel, Reviews

Review: Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody

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

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Apparel, Reviews, Ski & Snowboard

Review: Patagonia Micro Puff 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

Nic Vissers
Scarpa Maestro Mid
Reviews, Rock & Ice

First Look Review: Scarpa Maestro Mid Rock Shoe

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

Monte Johnston
OR Splitter Climbing Gloves
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Update Review: New OR Splitter Gloves

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

Monte Johnston
Rock Climbing Helmets
Reviews, Rock & Ice, Tips & Tricks

From Gym to Crag Pt. 4: How to Pick a Climbing Helmet

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

Monte Johnston
Five Ten Access Knit
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Five Ten Access Knit Approach Shoe

Five-Ten’s new Access Knit approach shoe expands upon their line of “Urban Approach” shoes. Other models currently available include the Access Leather and Access Mesh. The new Access Knit features the same versatility as its predecessors but with a slightly different design which I really like. The “Urban Approach” moniker given the Access Knit really suites the shoes well. They’re solid technical everyday shoe that’s … Continue reading Review: Five Ten Access Knit Approach Shoe

Monte Johnston
Reviews, Rock & Ice

First Look Review – Five Ten Quantum VCS

The Five Ten Quantum VCS The Quantum VCS are new to the Five Ten shoe line as of spring 2018 (In Canada). Developed with the help of the Huber Brothers, they’re supposedly a velcro version of the Quantum Lace which was released in Spring of ’17. The overall build is not like your standard Five Ten shoe, this new line might be a game changer … Continue reading First Look Review – Five Ten Quantum VCS

Nic Vissers
Indian Creek
Articles, Editorials, Rock & Ice, Trip Guides & Reports

Trip Guide: Indian Creek Essentials

Indian Creek is truly a crack climber’s paradise. With mile after mile of beautiful splitters in a magical desert setting it’s easy to see why crack enthusiasts return year after year. But for all you first timers out there this article will focus on some of the key equipment needed for a trip to this dessert climbing mecca. Of course I’m not going cover the … Continue reading Trip Guide: Indian Creek Essentials

Monte Johnston
Edelrid BulletProof
Reviews, Rock & Ice

First Look Review: Edelrid Bulletproof Carabiners & Draws

One of the more unique and innovative climbing technologies to be released this year is Edelrid’s new BulletProof line of carabiners. These hybrid Stainless Steel / Aluminum Alloy ‘biners blend the benefits of the two metals and are sure to be a popular addition to racks everywhere. Surprisingly this new technology hasn’t seen much fanfare but it’s definitely worth checking out next time you’re at … Continue reading First Look Review: Edelrid Bulletproof Carabiners & Draws

Monte Johnston
Reviews, Rock & Ice

1 Year Review: Totem Cams

The Totem Cam is truly one of a kind, they offer extraordinary holding power by using a Direct Loading system.  For any free or aid climber these hard-to-get cams are a must have. Specs: Size STRENGTH RANGE MIN RANGE MAX WEIGHT Black Totem 0.50 6kN 11.7mm 18.9mm 69g Blue Totem  0.65 8kN 13.8mm 22.5mm 75g Yellow Totem 0.80 9kN 17mm 27.7mm 83g Purple Totem  1.00 10kN 20.9mm 34.2mm … Continue reading 1 Year Review: Totem Cams

Nic Vissers