The New GORE-TEX Pro

GORE-TEX has announced that they’re replacing the current GORE-TEX PRO with a new line of products starting in the Fall/Winter of 2020. Since it was introduced in 2007, having the “PRO” tag on a GORE-TEX garment has announced a rugged, top-of-the-line waterproof-breathable product. However, as there was only a single membrane available under the PRO umbrella a compromise between durability, breathability, waterproofness and so on … Continue reading The New GORE-TEX Pro

Review: Scarpa Ribelle HD

Scarpa is adding to their high-tech Ribelle line with the introduction of the new Ribelle HD. Like the Ribelle Tech OD, which is basically a running shoe crossed with an alpine boot, the HD version is focused on providing fast and light performance in the mountains. Just with a more traditional, ankle supporting design. After testing the new HD in the mountains this summer I’ve … Continue reading Review: Scarpa Ribelle HD

Review: Mammut Taiss Mountaineering Boots

The Taiss Light Mid GTX is a new lightweight mountaineering boot from Mammut which debuted this spring. While the colors may be understated, at least for the 2019 version, this boot is anything but. Exceptionally lightweight but still quite stiff and very dexterous, it walks well and climbs even better. I actually feel faster and lighter just putting these sick new boots on! Definitely one … Continue reading Review: Mammut Taiss Mountaineering Boots

First Look Review: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX

Continuing with the expansion of the Trango line of mountaineering boots, La Sportiva added the Trango Tech this summer (2019). Next year will see further expansion, with a leather version of this boot hitting the market. The line now includes the Trango Tower, Tower Extreme, Cube, Ice Cube and a hiking boot version called the Trango TRK, in addition to the new Trango Tech. The … Continue reading First Look Review: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX

Review: Mammut Rime IN Hybrid Flex Jacket

We all have that jacket. We’ve worn it on our highest summits and in our lowest valleys. It’s kept us dry and warm, and is the perfect pillow when no other options exist. Life outside is intertwined with a reliance on the clothing we wear. Mammut have done it right with the Rime IN Hybrid Flex Jacket, I’ve been living in it for the last … Continue reading Review: Mammut Rime IN Hybrid Flex Jacket

Review: CAMP Alpinist Crampons

The Alpinist crampons from CAMP are not the lightest summer alpine climbing crampons on the market but if you’re willing to sacrifice a little weight for performance, they’re definitely a winning option! There’s often a big focus on lighter and faster when it comes to climbing and alpinism. But lighter is not always better or faster, especially when routes get more technical. Just as a … Continue reading Review: CAMP Alpinist Crampons

Beal Joker 9.1 Climbing Rope Review: Soft and Regular

Climbing ropes have changed over the years. They’ve gone from 11mm ropes good for hip belays to ropes that meet single rope UIAA requirements. Ropes so skinny that belay devices had to be redesigned! Fat, old-school ropes are being left for top-roping school groups while skinny single lines are becoming lighter and more durable with better handling, all dramatically helping you to send that next … Continue reading Beal Joker 9.1 Climbing Rope Review: Soft and Regular

Summer OR 2019: Winter Climbing Gear

Surprisingly, in a very good way, there was a lot of winter-focused gear at this year’s Summer OR show. Enough to justify a winter specific article anyway! So, as an avid ice climber I just had to start this summer’s series of OR reports by covering winter climbing kit. Asolo Boots: Asolo has given a few of their alpine boots a serious upgrade and the … Continue reading Summer OR 2019: Winter Climbing Gear

First Look Review: Updated Black Diamond Camalot C4

Friends are great to have. They have evolved over the years, getting lighter, stronger and smarter… Black Diamond have recently updated the forever loved and well trusted Camalot C4. The main change is in the lobes, and the larger sizes got some clever features. This next generation was due, with new Wild County Friends and DMM Dragons circa 2017. This saw both having major upgrades … Continue reading First Look Review: Updated Black Diamond Camalot C4

Mountaineering Axe Comparison Review

Technical Mountaineering Axe Comparison

Last year I wrote an article comparing different lightweight mountaineering axes. This year I’m comparing their slightly heavier brethren. And while a really lightweight axe is great if it’s going to mainly live on your pack, a slightly sturdier tool is ideal for more technical objectives. Routes where you plan on using one (or more) axes to climb some alpine ice, work through some deep … Continue reading Technical Mountaineering Axe Comparison