Tag: Climbing

Christmas Specials, Features

Climbers Christmas Guide 2017: Stocking Stuffers

Another year seems to have flown by and the holiday season’s approaching once again. If you’ve got a hard-to-shop-for climber in the family don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this first installment of the guide we’ll look at 10 great ideas for smaller “stocking stuffer” type gift options. Basically cool stuff that will cost less than $100. The next installment will cover some bigger … Continue reading Climbers Christmas Guide 2017: Stocking Stuffers

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Petzl GriGri+

Since its release, Petzl’s GriGri has been the standard against which all other assisted braking belay devices are compared.  With the release of the new GriGri+, Petzl has once again set the bar a little higher. By utilizing their expertise in both recreational climbing and industrial / rope access Petzl was able to improve both the safety and performance of the GriGri+. And while there … Continue reading Review: Petzl GriGri+

Monte Johnston
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Edelrid Rap Line II (new)

Climbing with a rappel or tag line can offer a number of advantages over using double or twin ropes in many situations.  As a result they’ve been quickly gaining in popularity. Traditionally a long piece of accessory cord was the go-to for a tag line.  However, due to increasing popularity, many companies now make a specific product for this use including Sterling Ropes, Mammut, Petzl, … Continue reading Review: Edelrid Rap Line II (new)

Monte Johnston
Articles, Tips & Tricks

A Comparison Review of Prusik Cord Options

A prusik hitch is an invaluable tool when rock climbing, traveling across glaciers, climbing ropes, etc. However, there are a range of options when it comes to prusik material and of course each has its strengths and weaknesses. I review three of the more common options below in a long winded rant but threw in a few photos to keep you going. Continue reading A Comparison Review of Prusik Cord Options

Monte Johnston
DMM Pivot
Articles

Review: DMM Pivot Belay Device

The new DMM Pivot has stepped away from the standard design for multi-pitch belay devices (dual mode, tube style) and solved a long standing challenge: How to safely lower a second. Features: Weight:  72g Type:     Tube style, dual mode Rope Range:  8.7 to 11mm (single) Most standard multi-pitch belay devices look and perform about the same with only superficial differences to differentiate between brands.  Some work better … Continue reading Review: DMM Pivot Belay Device

Monte Johnston
Black Diamond Creek 50
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Black Diamond Creek 50 – Crag Bag Bliss

Black Diamond really nailed it with the Creek 50.  The haul bag inspired cragging pack is well thought out, nicely featured and fits all the gear you’ll ever need for a day on the rock and more.  If you’re in the market for a new cragging pack the Creek 50 should be on your radar. Features:  Top-loading, stand-up design Haul bag style main compartment with … Continue reading Black Diamond Creek 50 – Crag Bag Bliss

Monte Johnston
Five Ten Quantum
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Five Ten Quantum Rock Climbing Shoe

Five Ten updated the Quantum last year and the result is a well-designed, featured and finished shoe that’s hard to miss in bright blue suede.  The breathable tongue and lined interior give the shoe a soft feel and soak up the sweat on long days while the always reliable C4 Stealth rubber provides secure footing on the rock.  A versatile shoe that’s good for everything but the … Continue reading Review: Five Ten Quantum Rock Climbing Shoe

Monte Johnston
DMM Dragon
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: DMM Dragon Cams

It seems like all the various climbing hardware companies decided that this was the year to come out with new or updated cams: BD has the Camalot Ultralights, Metolius the Ultralight Mastercams (actually these came out in late 2015), WildCountry the new Friends, etc.  And while most of these companies have chosen to focus on making their cams lighter, DMM decided to buck this trend and focus … Continue reading Review: DMM Dragon Cams

Monte Johnston
Crack climbing Glove
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Comparison Review: Crack Climbing Gloves

Crack climbing gloves have become increasingly common over the past few years with more and more companies making their own versions.  They’ve even become popular enough that the ethical debate seems to have subsided.  Of course the reason for this popularity is easy to understand once you try a pair: they work!  Well at least if you get the right gloves of course. With the … Continue reading Comparison Review: Crack Climbing Gloves

Monte Johnston
Scarpa Vapor Lace
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Scarpa Vapor Lace

I’ve been a long-time fan of Scarpa’s Vapor V shoes, both the original and the 2015 updated version, they fit my feet well and really seemed to have found that Goldilocks zone of comfort and performance.  The recently released lace-up version of the shoe, which is simply called the Vapor Lace (or just Vapor), takes the performance of the sport shoe into the realm of crack climbing, all … Continue reading Review: Scarpa Vapor Lace

Monte Johnston