If you’re a seasoned adventurer looking for a way to take your experience to the next level, backcountry skiing could be the perfect way to explore the untouched parts of the world. For those who enjoy breathtaking mountain views, a rewarding challenge, or the adrenaline of flying down the slopes after a long skin up, backcountry skiing is an unforgettable experience. Before you strap on … Continue reading Five Tips for New Backcountry Skiers
A few ideas for a social beer with buddies to add to your Covid coping toolbox. The COVID-19 pandemic seemed to go from an issue affecting other people in distant parts of the globe to knocking on the front door almost overnight. And, now that it’s here, social distancing and self-isolating have become a social imperative. In some areas even a … Continue reading Getting Cabin Fever?
Here at Black Sheep we don’t mess around when it comes to coffee! We are firm believers that a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning is an essential part of the day, no matter where you are. But…! To prepare said cup of coffee, the right equipment is essential. For this review we’ve tested out a wide assortment of coffee equipment to help … Continue reading Coffee Review 2.0
A head-to-head comparison review of synthetic Arc’teryx Puffy Jackets. Specifically the Quantum Series which includes the Proton, Atom & Nuclei. Walking around an outdoor gear store, or perusing one online for that matter, can be both fun and intimidating. There’s an absolute mountain of choice (yes, the pun was intended) when it comes to good quality kit! Now, a wide selection can be a great … Continue reading Picking the Perfect Arc’teryx Puffy:
The Tantalus Traverse is a beautiful breath taking adventure through some of Squamish’s local Mountains. Depending on your route it will be anywhere from 36km – 45km with 3600m – 5000m of elevation gain. Most commonly done from North to South, the full traverse starts at Sigurd Creek and finishes at Lake Lovey Water trail head. Some parties will take a helicopter to the Zenith … Continue reading Beta / Trip Report: Tantalus Traverse – Fast and Light
VIDEO In this first installment of our educational series on Carabiners we look at different types of carabiner actions: Non-Locking, Screw-Gate and Triple Action. In the video we discuss the differences and where the different carabiners are best used. Special thanks to our friends at Climb On Squamish for providing the space and gear for the video and Nic Vissers for editing. Continue reading Climbing Basics 2: Types of Carabiner Actions & Uses
VIDEO In this first installment of our educational series on Carabiners we look at different loading characteristics. Basically how strong is a carabiner in use and where is this information found. Special thanks to our friends at Climb On Squamish for providing the space and gear for the video and Nic Vissers for editing. Continue reading Climbing Basics 1: Carabiner Strength
Indian Creek is truly a crack climber’s paradise. With mile after mile of beautiful splitters in a magical desert setting it’s easy to see why crack enthusiasts return year after year. But for all you first timers out there this article will focus on some of the key equipment needed for a trip to this dessert climbing mecca. Of course I’m not going cover the … Continue reading Trip Guide: Indian Creek Essentials
This video features the PowerPoint slides from a presentation on Ice Climbing I gave at the Arc’teryx store in Kitsilano on January 31st, 2018. Continue reading Presentation: So you want to be an ice climber?
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
