Review: Petzl Sum’tec
There’s a wide range of alpine ice axes or piolets on the market and it can seem confusing or intimidating when trying to choose one. However, when it comes to a versatile alpine climbing and mountaineering tool the Petzl Sum’tec has no rival. If you’re in the market for a great tool for summer mountaineering and alpinism this is it! Features: Options*: 52cm Hammer 52cm … Continue reading Review: Petzl Sum’tec
Review: Butora Altura Rock Shoe
New to the climbing shoe scene, the Korean company Butora (BOO-TORE-AH) has come out with some great shoes and a unique fitting ideology that is sure to please climbers with hard-to-fit feet. While it would be fun to test the entire line-up we have to start somewhere and so chose the Butora Altura, a laced high-top like the TC Pro, to get us started. Features: High-top … Continue reading Review: Butora Altura Rock Shoe
Review: Evolve Cruzer Psyche Approach Shoe
Exceptionally light and compact, Evolv’s Cruzer Psyche is the way to go when you expect to spend most of the day with your approach shoes in the pack or clipped to your harness. This of course means that they excel on multi-pitch climbs that require a walk-off but they’re also good for the crag and I even as a hut bootie. So what’s the downside with these … Continue reading Review: Evolve Cruzer Psyche Approach Shoe
Backcountry Coffee Brewer Face Off
Like much of life, a day of climbing is best kick started by a heavy dose of caffeine. The performance and mood enhancing effects of caffeine greatly increase success rates by supplying the necessary motivation for the climber to get up and then, once imbibed, lubricate synapses whereby headaches are avoided and speech becomes possible. After a few more cups, there is a buildup of … Continue reading Backcountry Coffee Brewer Face Off
Long-Term Review: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodie
If you’re looking for a super lightweight, breathable softshell for rock, alpine, skiing, running, etc. Black Diamond’s Alpine Start Hoodie is worth checking out. This simple and lightweight layer cuts the wind, sheds light precipitation and keeps the sun and bugs off all while breathing very well. It’s not waterproof though so any continuous rain or snow will quickly soak through. Features: Weight: 210g (mens … Continue reading Long-Term Review: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoodie
Edelrid Boa Eco (AKA Parrot) Climbing Rope Review
Every climber needs a robust, all-round go-to rope that they can abuse at the crag. Something to use when working a project, top-roping or teaching a friend how to climb. While all these sleek new triple rated, by-patterned, dry certified, sub 9mm ropes on the market are great, they’re also quite specialized and not really meant for everyday cragging. For that type of service the Edelrid … Continue reading Edelrid Boa Eco (AKA Parrot) Climbing Rope Review
Review: GSI FairShare Mug II
The GSI Outdoors Fairshare Mug has been a staple of back-country enthusiasts for over a decade. Basically a measuring cup with a screw on lid, it’s a favourite of alpinists, backpackers, climbers, skiers, etc. The reason: It works! It’s the perfect size to dupe an unsuspecting cook into giving you an extra scoop of grub, it’s easy to clean and it’s very multi-functional working as … Continue reading Review: GSI FairShare Mug II
La Sportiva TX2 Approach Shoe Review
La Sportiva came out with a new line of technical approach shoes this past spring and the lightest of this new trio, the TX2, caught my eye and begged to be looked at in detail. This new shoe was designed to be lightweight and packable with a sticky sole. A great combination of features for a place like Squamish. When first testing them out I was blown … Continue reading La Sportiva TX2 Approach Shoe Review
Arc’teryx Climbing Academy 2017
Squamish, located at the head of Howe Sound, is home to world class rock climbing on granite cliffs that seem to poke right out of the ocean amidst a thick forest of lush, towering trees. It is also home to the annual Arc’teryx Climbing Academy. Organized and run by Arc’teryx, the event will take place July 20-23, 2017. The line-up looks fantastic! Educational seminars and clinics … Continue reading Arc’teryx Climbing Academy 2017
Light Piton Hammer Review
The dark art of piton craft has faded into obscurity for the vast majority of climbers. Because of the propensity to damage and alter the rock when driving a piton, forward thinking climbers started a movement in the 1970’s away from such destructive forms of protection and towards “clean” alternatives. This has evolved to the point where today it’s unthinkable to approach any popular crag … Continue reading Light Piton Hammer Review