Tag: review

Thermarest Corus
Alpine & Mountaineering, Articles, Reviews

Review: Therm-A-Rest Parsec & Corus Sleeping System

Therm-a-Rest recently released a series of new sleeping bags and backcountry quilts designed to be compatible with one another. With the ability to be mixed and matched you can create a expandable sleeping system suitable for almost any trip or season. Much like a sleeping bag – over bag combination but more finessed. In this review we’re focusing on one such combination: the Parsec sleeping … Continue reading Review: Therm-A-Rest Parsec & Corus Sleeping System

Monte Johnston
Apparel, Reviews

Review: Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown

Is this the start of a new era? A question worth asking for a product that’s as innovative as Mountain Hardware’s new Super/DS StretchDown. Combining a softshell type stretchy fabric with down insulation is innovative and truly a game changer. With this jacket you get the warmth you need from the 800 loft down in the performance fit package you’d expect from a soft shell. Needless … Continue reading Review: Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown

Nic Vissers
Big Agnes Fire Tower Jacket
Apparel, Reviews, Rock & Ice, Ski & Snowboard

Review: Big Agnes Fire Tower Jacket

When I put on the ridiculously warm Fire Tower jacket from Big Agnes it feels like I’m wearing my sleeping bag! Soft and cozy it makes frigid belay stances or mornings on a mid-winter camping trip not only bearable but almost comfortable. A surprising feat given the exceptionally reasonable cost. So if you’re willing to trade a little room in the backpack for the warmest … Continue reading Review: Big Agnes Fire Tower Jacket

Monte Johnston
Osprey Kamber 42
Reviews, Ski & Snowboard

Review: Osprey Kamber 42

Osprey’s new Kamber line of packs replaced the familiar Kode line and features a trio of pack packs specifically designed for the needs of the male ski touring or splitboarding crowd. The female version of the packs are found in the Kestra line. This review focuses on the largest of the Kamber packs, the Kamber 42. A cavernous pack that’s meant for multi-day trips but can still … Continue reading Review: Osprey Kamber 42

Monte Johnston
Patagonia R1 Techface
Alpine & Mountaineering, Apparel, Reviews

Review: Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody

The new Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody is basically a marriage of the R1 Regulator® fleece insulation with a thin external facing fabric for wind resistance and durability. The hoody is lightweight in terms of insulating value, breaths very well and is quite stretchy. A fantastic summer alpine layer as it cuts the wind, moves well and isn’t overly warm. Specs: R1 Regulator fleece with DWR … Continue reading Review: Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody

Monte Johnston
Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Scarpa Maestro

A whole new style of climbing shoe, Scarpa introduces the Maestro range of climbing shoes. Scarpa really went back to the drawing board with these shoes, producing a high performance flat-profile design, with all-day performance and comfort. Replacing the Techno-X, the Maestro has big shoes to fill (pun intended). I would not consider this a remake for the Techno-X but more a totally new shoe … Continue reading Review: Scarpa Maestro

Nic Vissers
BD 9.4mm Rope
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

Review: Black Diamond 9.4mm Dry Climbing Rope

The 2018 version of the Black Diamond 9.4mm Dry Climbing Rope is a totally different animal than the previous version. Why? Well BD changed manufacturers for 2018 which has drastically improved the product. Now this review is not and an “old versus new” comparison but will rather focus on the features and performance of the new rope. However, that being said, I’ll still be commenting … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond 9.4mm Dry Climbing Rope

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Travel & Lifestyle

Review: MSR Windburner Group Stove

With the introduction of the new Windburner Stove System (Duo & Group versions), MSR has taken the popular and efficient Windburner system and made it compatible for larger groups. Similar in design to the original Windburner Personal Stove the new Duo & Group system have one huge difference, the burner isn’t attached to the canister. It’s still a portable, lightweight, weather-proof, high efficiency canister stove … Continue reading Review: MSR Windburner Group Stove

Monte Johnston
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Rock & Ice

First Look Review: Scarpa Mescalito Mid GTX

The Scarpa Mescalito Mid GTX, which I’m now calling my mountain hoppers, are part of the new Summer 2018 line. A mid-top version of the Mescalito approach shoe they make a great mountain scrambler that’ll get you up and down some serious mountains. Comfortable right out of the box the Mescalito’s feature a Gore-Tex liner that makes them great for crossing short snow fields or … Continue reading First Look Review: Scarpa Mescalito Mid GTX

Nic Vissers
Alpine & Mountaineering, Reviews, Ski & Snowboard

Mountaineering / Ski Harness Review Part 4: Edelrid Loopo Lite

The Edelrid Loopo Lite is a crazy light harness that will fit in your pocket. It takes the saying “Minimalist” to a whole new level. Coming in at around 80g (depending on what size you buy) this is for someone who is going to be moving very fast and light. Now having something so light will have restrictions. That said, if this specialized piece of … Continue reading Mountaineering / Ski Harness Review Part 4: Edelrid Loopo Lite

Nic Vissers