Category: Reviews

Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoody
Apparel, Reviews

Review: Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoodie

Designed as a technical mid-layer, Black Diamond’s new Deployment Hybrid Hoody utilizes a mixture of different materials and fabrics in different locations in an effort to provide warmth where it’s needed and breath-ability where it’s not.  The result is a nice fitting mid-layer with some great features though it still has it’s flaws. The light green panels are insulated Shoeller and the dark green a thinner … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoodie

Monte Johnston
Osprey Shuttle
Reviews, Travel & Lifestyle

Review: Osprey Shuttle Wheeled Duffle

Many of the most exciting and memorable trips, expeditions and vacations include a flight or two requiring heavy, gear laden bags to be hauled though airports.  While most travelers have color coordinated suitcases that strap together into a tidy package that is easily rolled around airports, almost eliminating the requirement for any physical exertion, climbers are not most travelers.  Climbers can instead be spotted at … Continue reading Review: Osprey Shuttle Wheeled Duffle

Monte Johnston
Patagonia Houdini
Apparel, Reviews

Review: Patagonia Houdini

Patagonia’s Houdini Jacket is a simple, lightweight, weather resistant shell that almost disappears into its own pocket when it’s not being used.  While advertised as a shell for runners on Patagonia’s website we tested it on some multi-pitch rock climbs where weight and bulk are the enemy.  The Houdini worked very well as a wind resistant layer and kept me dry during a few short … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Houdini

Monte Johnston
RAB Flashpoint
Apparel, Reviews

Review: RAB Flashpoint Jacket

If you’re like me you take a waterproof jacket on most summer alpine missions, just in case.  In case there’s a rain shower or a snow flurry, strong winds or (hopefully not!) an unplanned bivi.  So, if the jacket is going to spend the majority of the time in my pack I don’t want to take something bulky or heavy.  So instead of the eVent … Continue reading Review: RAB Flashpoint Jacket

Monte Johnston
Mammut Chalk Bag
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Mammut Multi-Pitch Chalk Bag

This ingenious innovation from Mammut is always met with excitement from anyone I show it to and skepticism from anyone I describe it to… “it’s kinda like a rock climbers fanny pack, but really cool!”.  All kidding aside, the multi-pitch chalk bag is a very functional piece of equipment that helps reduce harness clutter and fills the gap for multi-pitch climbs that are too long … Continue reading Review: Mammut Multi-Pitch Chalk Bag

Monte Johnston
Arcteryx Lithic Comp
Apparel, Reviews, Ski & Snowboard

Review: Arc’teryx Lithic Comp pant

When Arc’teryx released the Lithic Comp pant (well actually they’re technically bibs) last fall I was a bit skeptical as I’m not a big fan of bibs; I find that they tend to be hot on the up-track.  However the promise offered by the combination of hardshell and shoftshell fabrics drew me in.  The idea behind the pants is simple, waterproof breathable fabric where you need … Continue reading Review: Arc’teryx Lithic Comp pant

Monte Johnston
Black Diamond Evac 7
Reviews, Ski & Snowboard

Review: Black Diamond Evac 7 Shovel

Black Diamond, like many companies that make avalanche rescue equipment, has an avalanche shovel that can be set-up either as a hoe or shovel.  However, the elegant design of the BD Evac 7 make the conversion between the two modes simple and intuitive on a shovel that is still light and extremely effective at moving a lot of snow quickly. Before looking at this particular … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond Evac 7 Shovel

Monte Johnston
Adidas Terrex Climaheat Agravic Down Hoodie
Apparel, Reviews

Adidas Terrex Climaheat Agravic Down Hoodie

Since arriving on the market a few years ago Adidas’ new Outdoor line has been making a big impact with impeccably cut, well-fitting jackets made from cutting edge materials.  The Terrex Climaheat Agravic Down Hoodie is no exception, a very light-weight and warm down jacket that feels great to wear and has a flattering cut.  I received the jacket last fall and have spent the … Continue reading Adidas Terrex Climaheat Agravic Down Hoodie

Monte Johnston
Ski Pack Comparison
Reviews, Ski & Snowboard

Comparison Review: Ski Packs

I’ve done a lot of pack reviews over the years though but traditionally focused on ice, rock or alpine oriented packs.  This year I decided to take this expertise and apply it to a comparison review of some newer mid-size ski packs.  I chose this size of pack as it’s so versatile: great for hut-based overnight trips, hut-to-hut ski tours, ski/snowboard mountaineering trips or even … Continue reading Comparison Review: Ski Packs

Monte Johnston
Patagonia Reconnaissance Pants
Apparel, Reviews

Review: Patagonia Reconnaissance pants

Like many outdoor companies Patagonia has come out with a new hybrid pant and jacket that combines 3-layer waterproof-breathable fabric with stretchy soft-shell material into one piece of clothing.  The idea of course is to create a garment that benefits from the advantages of both fabric types through their strategic placement.  Due to this amalgamation of fabrics the resultant garments are not technically a soft-shell or … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Reconnaissance pants

Monte Johnston