Review: DMM Alloy Offset Nuts
Ok, I must admit that I am a bit of a gear junky. I enjoy checking out new gear (who doesn’t), reading technical specs (starting to leave the pack here), checking out design details and analysis (ok, starting to geek out) and at times material or metallurgical details (I know, I know…). But hey, I’m an Engineer (guiding doesn’t cover all the bills) and so … Continue reading Review: DMM Alloy Offset Nuts
Climbers Guide to Squamish
With spring fast approaching I’ve found myself thinking about rock climbing more and more and getting excited about the upcoming season. Excited for new climbs and to get back onto old projects, excited to be on the rock with the wind in my hair and the sun on my back. However, as it’s currently pouring rain outside here in Squamish, this excitement has drawn me … Continue reading Climbers Guide to Squamish
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Review: G3 Stinger Skis
So your ice climb is a little off the beaten path. Literally, as no one else has yet beaten a path in! You put your head down and start to post hole through the rotten snow. After a few steps the crust is wearing at your shins, after a few hundred feet you’re starting to bleed. You’ll be down to the bone before getting anywhere … Continue reading Review: G3 Stinger Skis