Climbers Christmas Guide 2015
Not sure what to get the ice climber or alpinist in the family? We’re here to help with some ideas for stocking stuffers and gifts.  In no particular order here are five great ideas that won’t break the bank: Lorpen Socks: Besides just being a great gift idea in general, socks are a layer that can often be taken for granted or overlooked when thinking of … Continue reading Climbers Christmas Guide 2015
Review: Adidas Terrex Agravic Primaloft Jacket
The Terrex Agravic Primaloft Jacket is, simply put, a really nice jacket. The name is a bit of a mouthful though so I’ll refer to as the TAP jacket for the rest of the review. Since getting a sample to test I have taken this jacket with me everywhere, used it rock climbing in the desert, ice climbing in the Rockies, skiing on the north … Continue reading Review: Adidas Terrex Agravic Primaloft Jacket
Review: Helinox Cot Lite
Cots have the reputation of being heavy, bulky and not always all that comfortable. Not really something that you want to take into the backcountry, right? But wait, Helinox, a company that’s been creating some amazingly light and comfortable camping gear such as the Chair One, has created a matching cot, the Cot One. Lightweight, portable and comfortable, I’m going to miss having this unit … Continue reading Review: Helinox Cot Lite
Review: Scarpa Vapor V
The 2015 version of the Vapor V has been on the market since the spring giving me the opportunity to really put them to the test.  The original Vapor V shoes were my go-to shoes for the gym and outdoor face climbing, both cragging and shorter multi-pitch climbs.  They performed like the Muira but fit my foot much better. The only complaint that I had with the … Continue reading Review: Scarpa Vapor V
Update: Alien Evolution Issues
I was recently at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City and had a chance to sit down with one of Fixe’s designers to discuss some of the issues that have been cropping up with their new cams and get a few answers to some questions I had regarding the trigger wires and the absent black Alien Evolution cam. As you may or may … Continue reading Update: Alien Evolution Issues
Review: Canada Goose Timber Shell
Canada Goose is a Toronto, Canada, based company that is renown for making exceptional extreme weather outerwear. The company specializes in down-filled jackets and parkas, and since the 1970’s has been supplying mountaineering, Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. The clothing is well thought-out, warm and durable, and has earned a well-deserved reputation for cold-weather use everywhere from long urban winters to unrelenting arctic storms. The Timber … Continue reading Review: Canada Goose Timber Shell
Update: Alien Evolution, Trigger Wire and Sleeve Issues
July 6, 2015 Update:  Trigger Wire & Sleeve Issues In the month since writing the below article I’ve come across a few small issues with the Alien Evolution Cams. One involving the trigger sleeve and the other the trigger wires.  The issues first cropped up on a pitch mid-way up Mt. Slesse.  My partner was having trouble getting a green alien cam placement out, a lot of trouble. … Continue reading Update: Alien Evolution, Trigger Wire and Sleeve Issues
Field Tested: Alien Evolution Cams
When Alien cams were first introduced by Dave Waggoner they revolutionized climbing protection and have since become a familiar name in every crack climbing household. The narrow head and flexible stems were unlike any cam available on the market at the time and could be securely placed where no other cam could. While these cams have set the standard for big walls and protecting tight … Continue reading Field Tested: Alien Evolution Cams
Comparison Review: Crack Shoes
As a climber, I find that one of the hardest pieces of equipment to get right are my climbing shoes. They never feel the same in the atmosphere controlled environment of the local climbing shop after wearing them for a few minutes as they do wrapped around my fear sweat soaked feet a few pitches up a sun baked rock wall. Add to that the … Continue reading Comparison Review: Crack Shoes
Review: Patagonia Crag Daddy
Spring is here once again and many of us are taking our rock gear out of the dark corner that we threw it into after our fall climbing trip and getting ready to hit the crag. To cart all that lightweight but surprisingly heavy gear around most outdoor companies have been coming out with very specialized cragging packs. No longer do you have to use … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Crag Daddy