locking carabiner

Climbing Basics 2: Types of Carabiner Actions & Uses

VIDEO In this first installment of our educational series on Carabiners we look at different types of carabiner actions: Non-Locking, Screw-Gate and Triple Action. In the video we discuss the differences and where the different carabiners are best used. Special thanks to our friends at Climb On Squamish for providing the space and gear for the video and Nic Vissers for editing. Continue reading Climbing Basics 2: Types of Carabiner Actions & Uses

Carabiners

Climbing Basics 1: Carabiner Strength

VIDEO In this first installment of our educational series on Carabiners we look at different loading characteristics. Basically how strong is a carabiner in use and where is this information found. Special thanks to our friends at Climb On Squamish for providing the space and gear for the video and Nic Vissers for editing. Continue reading Climbing Basics 1: Carabiner Strength

Edelrid BulletProof

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

Lightweight Carabiner

Comparison Review: Lightweight Snag-free Carabiners

It wasn’t all that long ago that climbers had to choose between a lightweight carabiner and a snag-free carabiner. However, with innovations in technology, material processing and manufacturing more and more companies are blending these two features. We’ve reached the point where most brands have their own version but the designs are all a bit different. So it seemed like a great time for a … Continue reading Comparison Review: Lightweight Snag-free Carabiners

RAB Electron

Review: RAB Electron Jacket

RAB’s new Electron jacket is an incredibly versatile technical layer that has found a place in my pack on a wide variety of trips from skiing to alpine climbing and mountaineering in every season from winter to summer.  Designed for year-round use the mid-weight jacket utilizes water resistant Pertex® Endurance fabric and hydrophobic down to allow it to perform in all weather conditions while the bright blue … Continue reading Review: RAB Electron Jacket

RAB Flashpoint

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

The Durston Kakwa 40 review

opefullyThe Durston Kakwa 40, unassuming at first glance, is a premium pack made with ultralight materials that offers surprising comfort and the functionality of packs that are much more expensive. I’ve taken mine from Canada, to the Alps and then to Hokkaido and cannot imagine there is a better pack at this weight and price point. The Durston Kakwa 40 Review Sizes Available: 40 and … Continue reading The Durston Kakwa 40 review

The RUX Soft Cooler and Cooler Cube review

Keep cool and venture into the outdoors. The Rux Soft Cooler and Cooler Cube seamlessly expand the RUX system into the wild, providing both insulation and protective padding for essential gear, whether that is a four-pack of IPA or your DJI drone. The Rux Cooler Bag and Cube Review Sizes: 25L Soft Cooler and 5L for Cube Weight Cooler: 1160 grams Weight Cube: 340 grams … Continue reading The RUX Soft Cooler and Cooler Cube review

The Ortovox 150 Cool Merino Review

I put a pair of Ortovox 150 Cool Merino shirts through their paces, from international travel, long days on the trail and in the gym. Aside from a little sunfade, they prove that the combo of merino and tencel is a hard wearing odor defying winner.  Ortovox 150 Cool Merino Shirt Material: 44% Merino, 43% Tencel, 13% Polyamide Weight: 160 grams for XL Origin: Vietnam … Continue reading The Ortovox 150 Cool Merino Review

The La Sportiva Bushido 3 Review

Despite its legendary status I’d always avoided the Bushido due to its lower volume of padding. I moved from hiking boots to trail runners for the padding and a stack height of 19mm in the heel. I was wrong. These are fantastic trail shoes. Great grip, stability when the going gets rugged and just the right amount of protection make this a contender for my … Continue reading The La Sportiva Bushido 3 Review