10 Cool Products to Check Out in 2017
Each year at the Outdoor Retailer show hundreds and hundreds of new products and designs are introduced by brands from all over the world. Of course many of these so-called “new” products or innovations are realistically “me-too” products. (me-too product: a brand introduces something new or different, soon after many other brands develop similar products). However, every year there is some real innovation and new … Continue reading 10 Cool Products to Check Out in 2017
G3 VIA Carbon Ski Pole
The VIA Carbon pole from G3 is exactly what a ski touring or mountaineering pole should be. And while G3 may not yet have the brand recognition of some of the larger companies, when it comes to backcountry ski touring and mountaineering they’re on the cutting edge! I’ve been testing a few of their products this year so you can expect to see several reviews … Continue reading G3 VIA Carbon Ski Pole
Trip Report – Bella Coola Ice Climbing 2016
The name Bella Coola conjures up visions of extreme Alaska-esq type skiing for the power hounds out there due to the number of ski movies that have filmed in the area. However, it’s relatively unknown in the ice climbing world. One of the obvious reasons for this, of course, is the remote nature of the community. You don’t drive through Bella Coola on the way … Continue reading Trip Report – Bella Coola Ice Climbing 2016
Climbing Knife Comparison Review
A good knife is an essential tool for all types of climbing. It’s used for cleaning manky tat off at a rap anchor, cutting cord for a v-thread, removing tape gloves, cutting a stuck rope out of a crack, slicing up a crag apple or cheese and much more. Despite the obvious importance of a knife in climbing it doesn’t seem to get discussed much … Continue reading Climbing Knife Comparison Review
Climbers Christmas Guide 2016: Stocking Stuffers
Here at Black Sheep we know there’s a lot of hard-to-shop-for climbers out there and of course we want to help connect that climber with the perfect gift. In the first installment of this year’s Christmas Gift Guide we highlighted some options for larger gifts. Now in this, the second part we’re talking Stocking Stuffers. These smaller or less expensive items may or may not be new but … Continue reading Climbers Christmas Guide 2016: Stocking Stuffers
Christmas 2016: Gift Ideas for Climbers
Well it’s that time of year again and I’m sure that there’s a bunch of you out there with a hard-to-shop-for climber in the family. Not to worry, we have a 2-part special that should help you with some Christmas gift ideas. Part 1 will highlight five great gift ideas for climbers. Not all of this gear is brand new but it’s all good stuff … Continue reading Christmas 2016: Gift Ideas for Climbers
Petzl RAD Kit Review
Last year Petzl released the RAD (Rescue And Decent) system which is basically a lightweight rope kit. The idea is that skiers and mountaineers can take it with them into mountains to deal potential issues such as rappelling cliff bands, undertaking crevasse or cliff rescue and for roping up when crossing glaciers. While light-weight kits of this nature have been available to Guides for some time Petzl … Continue reading Petzl RAD Kit Review
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
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
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