The Smith Summit Mips Review

The Smith Summit Mips Helmet Smith has been making goggles since 1969 and helmets since 2006. No doubt you have seen their gear on the hill, I rocked a Smith Vantage helmet for many years. With the explosion of backcountry and ski- mountaineering, Smith had to innovate to make a helmet to match the changing interests of skiers and boarders and the Smith Summit Mips … Continue reading The Smith Summit Mips Review

The Rab Khroma Latok Review

The Rab Khroma Latok Gore-Tex Pro 2 Year Review When the opportunity came to test out Rab’s Khroma Latok we immediately jumped at the chance. The Rab Khroma jacket was winner. Could the Khroma Latok be even better? We took the Rab Khroma Latok GTX Jacket and Pants from Japan to the Callgahan and all the places in between and were incredibly stoked with the … Continue reading The Rab Khroma Latok Review

Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody

The Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody  The Fleece Rib Hoody continues Ortovox’s innovative use of Merino blends in its tried and true outdoor gear. The Fleece Rib Hoody combines Merino-based fleece and softshell materials to create a jacket that stands up to abuse in high-wear areas while keeping the wearer warm in almost all conditions. I carried this jacket with me for more than 75% of … Continue reading Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody

Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket

The Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket  The Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid jacket marries Merino infused fleece with zoned windproof layers making for a fantastic shoulder season hybrid windbreaker and insulation jacket. Does it insulate? yes! Does it block the wind? A little bit. Is it a great jacket? You bet.  The Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket at a glance: Material : Tec-Stretch and Merino Fleece Light Grid Weight: … Continue reading Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket

The Oyuki Pep GTX Trigger Mitt Review

A Guide’s Review of the Oyuki Pep GTX Trigger Mitt Procrastinate no longer. If you can’t decide whether you want to wear mittens or gloves, split the difference and wear both. The Oyuki Pep GTX Trigger Mitt combines an independent thumb and forefinger while the rest of your fingers are all cuddled up in a small mitten. Cover your digits with Nikwax treated leather cradled … Continue reading The Oyuki Pep GTX Trigger Mitt Review

The Poc Nivalis Review: Modern Glacial Cool

The POC Nivalis glasses Glacier glasses are in, just ask Hotdog Hans. Large round reflective lenses, side shields, and 70’s chique. What’s not to like? The Poc Nivalis are a modern take on a mountaineering classic. Read on to see what BlackSheep’s experience with these glasses was like.  Overview Frame Material: Bio Grilamid frame Lens: Clarity Universal Sunny White Cat 3 Color: Hydrogen White Weight: … Continue reading The Poc Nivalis Review: Modern Glacial Cool

Lightweight Chameleons: The Julbo Density Review

Julbo Density Sunglasses Julbo has been making sunglasses since 1888 with the guiding principle of innovation. Their innovation is no more evident than in the Julbo Density Sunglasses. Fantastic photochromic lenses with a wide field of view on glasses that weight less than a carabiner. In a world obsessed with lightweight functionality, what more could you ask for? Overview Frame Material: Rilsan Lens: Reactiv 3-1 … Continue reading Lightweight Chameleons: The Julbo Density Review

The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoodie Review. 2023 Update

The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody Review (2023 edition)   Patagonia is known for making some legendary gear. Perhaps, the most well known is the R1 Techface Hoody. Our own Monte Johnston reviewed The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody in 2018. He found it to be a fantastic summer alpine layer as it cuts the wind, moves well and isn’t overly warm. Has much, if anything changed? Did … Continue reading The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoodie Review. 2023 Update

The Hestra Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry Glove

The Hestra Ergo Grip Wool Terry Gloves Review.  We’re all looking for that perfect glove for ski touring and in the case of the Hestra Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry, I may have found it. Cool enough on the skin track, warm on transitions and dextrous enough for rope work. How do these thin ski gloves known for their contrasting color index finger patch fair … Continue reading The Hestra Ergo Grip Active Wool Terry Glove

ThirtyTwo TM-2 Jones Boot Review

A Guide’s Review of the ThirtyTwo TM-2 Jones Boot Not everyone needs a super stiff and gnarly splitboard boot.  Enter the ThirtyTwo TM-2 Jones boot. With a medium stiff flex, two lacing options and a walk mode that disappears when riding,  the ThirtyTwo TM-2 Jones is an excellent snowboard boot, never mind just a splitboard boot. If they’re good enough for Jeremy they’ve got to … Continue reading ThirtyTwo TM-2 Jones Boot Review