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+
It wasn’t all that long ago that climbers had to choose between a lightweight carabiner and a snag-free carabiner. However, with innovations in technology, material processing and manufacturing more and more companies are blending these two features. We’ve reached the point where most brands have their own version but the designs are all a bit different. So it seemed like a great time for a … Continue reading Comparison Review: Lightweight Snag-free Carabiners
This is the third installment of a multi-part series covering light mountaineering and ski harnesses. The first review covered the Mammut Zephyr Altitude followed by the Camp Alp Mountain and of course this one covers the Petzl Altitude. I’ll continue the series if there’s a good response and I’m able to get some more test samples. Petzl Altitude At less than half the weight of a standard climbing harness, the … Continue reading Mountaineering / Ski Harness Review Part 3: Petzl Altitude
I’ve been really impressed with all the amazing new (or redesigned) products coming from Petzl lately and the new Ride axe is no exception. While it was designed as a compact and lightweight ski mountaineering axe the Ride is also a very functional summer mountaineering tool. It works great on mountaineering and alpine objectives where portability and weight are critical regardless of the season. Features: Length: 45cm Weight: 280g … Continue reading Petzl RIDE Axe Review
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
Each year at the Outdoor Retailer show hundreds and hundreds of new products and designs are introduced by brands from all over the world. Of course many of these so-called “new” products or innovations are realistically “me-too” products. (me-too product: a brand introduces something new or different, soon after many other brands develop similar products). However, every year there is some real innovation and new … Continue reading 10 Cool Products to Check Out in 2017
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
Last year Petzl released the RAD (Rescue And Decent) system which is basically a lightweight rope kit. The idea is that skiers and mountaineers can take it with them into mountains to deal potential issues such as rappelling cliff bands, undertaking crevasse or cliff rescue and for roping up when crossing glaciers. While light-weight kits of this nature have been available to Guides for some time Petzl … Continue reading Petzl RAD Kit Review
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
