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Micro 4/3 Update: Olympus OM-D E-M1 ; Olympus 12mm-40mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens ; Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Prime Lens
Review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Camera; Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens; and the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 Prime Lens I have been a proponent of Olympus Micro 4/3 camera systems for a long time. The flexibility of having an interchangeable lens camera that is a fraction of the size of a traditional DSLR is great […]
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Vintage Gear
I love old gear. I collect old gear catalogs (some scans from my collection here.) Even though modern clothing and equipment is (usually) better than old school stuff, there is an undeniable satisfaction in using a piece of gear of clothing that has been around the block and proven itself over the years. There’s some […]
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Suunto Ambit 2 Saphire (HR)
For over a decade, I’ve used a Suunto Vector watch with built in compass and barometer/altimeter. I’ve been pretty happy with the Vector, but have always thought that having a wrist-top GPS would be useful. About 6 or 7 years ago, I bought a wrist-top GPS, but ended up getting rid of it because it […]
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Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer line of clothing are pieces that are designed with the overall goal of providing protection with the least possible weight and bulk. I own the hooded down jacket and the hooded windbreaker. This review is of the hooded down jacket Ghost Whisperer Hooded Down Jacket 8.8 ounces (size […]
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First Aid, Repair, and Emergency Survival Kit
Over the years, my first aid kit has morphed, getting bigger or smaller depending on my level of optimism. I’ve carried big kits with everything plus the kitchen sink, and minimalist kits consisting of a few aspirin and a roll of tape. After decades of fluctuation, I’ve finally settled on a largish kit (at least by climber standards.) […]
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Assisted Braking Belay Rappel Devices Suitable for Trad and Alpine Climbing: Edelrid Mega Jul and Micro Jul, CT Alpine Up
I am becoming more and more convinced that belay/rappel devices with assisted braking are a big improvement over traditional ATC or Reverso type belay/rappel devices. Assisted braking devices are not fully auto-locking like a Gri Gri, but provide significant extra friction when catching a falling leader or rappelling, when compared with an ATC or Reverso. […]
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Ski Pulk sled
I’ve used sleds on occasion to carry large winter loads. However, the sleds I’ve used have always been home made jobs. I’ve bought kiddie sleds and modified them in various ways to make them serve as ski sleds. My modifications began relatively simply, just drilling holes in the front of the sled and attaching […]
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Climbing Communication and Commands
Go to a climbing crag anywhere in the United States, and you’ll hear a chorus of climbers yelling, “On Belay’” “Belay Off’” “Take’” “Climbing,” “Climb On,” etc. These communications work fine on a short route, with no wind, where you can easily see and hear your partner. However, on a long route, where wind and […]
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Hiring a Guide
A rope joins two beings who have only one life; the guide for some hours ties himself to an unknown man who is going to become a friend. When two men share the best and the worst, they are no longer strangers. The guide does not climb for himself; he opens the gates of […]
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Ricoh GR Pocket Camera
I am a big proponent of using small, compact cameras when climbing. Although I sometimes take larger, interchangeable lens cameras with me on climbs, there are many circumstances where the bulk and weight of a big camera doesn’t make sense. If I’m climbing something difficult, I will often opt for a pocket camera. Even if […]