Tag: Mountaineering

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
La Sportiva Trango Cube
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

Review: La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX

La Sportiva’s Trango lineup has undergone a progressive renewal over the past few years and at the time of this post includes the Trango Cube GTX, Ice Cube GTX (light ice climbing boot), Trek (hiking boot) and the new Tower GTX (basically an updated Evo).  This lineup of boots is really focused on lightweight performance.  Now the Trango Cube GTX fits squarely in the middle between the winter focused Ice Cube and … Continue reading Review: La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX

Monte Johnston
Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles
Alpine & Mountaineering, Other, Reviews

Review: Black Diamond Carbon Z Trekking Poles

Black Diamond really set the bar for lightweight and packable trekking poles when they came out with the Ultra Distance Carbon Z.  Now while those original poles are no longer available the new Distance Carbon Z poles have improved upon the design of their predecessor resulting in a very functional, ergonomic and packable trekking pole.  Ideal for trips where the poles have to be stashed … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond Carbon Z Trekking Poles

Monte Johnston
Arc'teryx Acrux SL
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Arc’teryx Acrux SL Approach Shoe

Easily the most surprising shoe I’ve reviewed, the Arc’teryx Acrux SL is an incredibly versatile technical approach shoe.  While light enough to live up to the SL (super light) name it’s still burly enough to be a great shoe for longer approaches and scrambles.  With sticky rubber, a great tread pattern and a comfortable fit it‘s become my go-to when I want a light shoe … Continue reading Review: Arc’teryx Acrux SL Approach Shoe

Monte Johnston
Petzl Sum'tec
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

Review: Petzl Sum’tec

There’s a wide range of alpine ice axes or piolets on the market and it can seem confusing or intimidating when trying to choose one.  However, when it comes to a versatile alpine climbing and mountaineering tool the Petzl Sum’tec has no rival.  If you’re in the market for a great tool for summer mountaineering and alpinism this is it! Features: Options*: 52cm Hammer 52cm … Continue reading Review: Petzl Sum’tec

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews

Long Term Review: Osprey Mutant 38 Pack

Osprey has the reputation for making extremely comfortable packs and the redesigned Mutant 38 doesn’t disappoint.  This spacious 38L top loader fits like a glove, making it easy to forget how much heavy gear’s in it.  It’s also a very well thought out and versatile pack with features for just about any alpine mission.  While it’s not perfect, the Mutant’s a fantastic tool for the … Continue reading Long Term Review: Osprey Mutant 38 Pack

Monte Johnston
Climbing Knife
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Climbing Knife Comparison Review

A good knife is an essential tool for all types of climbing.  It’s used for cleaning manky tat off at a rap anchor, cutting cord for a v-thread, removing tape gloves, cutting a stuck rope out of a crack, slicing up a crag apple or cheese and much more.  Despite the obvious importance of a knife in climbing it doesn’t seem to get discussed much … Continue reading Climbing Knife Comparison Review

Monte Johnston
La Sportiva Nepal Cube
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX

I’ve been using the Nepal Evo GTX for a few years now but recently had the opportunity to try the new Nepal Cube GTX (these names are a bit of a mouthful… let’s go with Evo and Cube for simplicity).  This new addition to the Nepal line-up not only looks way cooler than my old Evo’s (and you have to admit that’s an important feature) … Continue reading Review: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX

Monte Johnston