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Review of the Leica Geovid 10 x 42 HD-B EDITION 2200 Binoculars
These binoculars are marketed as the Leica Geovid 10 x 42 HD-B EDITION 2200 model. Leica’s “Geovid” range of binoculars all feature integrated laser rangefinding. The “10×42” indicates that they are 10 power magnification, with a 42mm objective lens. The “B” in “HD-B” means that they have on board ballistics software. (I assume that the HD […]
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Two New Knives: Rod Garcia Skookum Bush Tool and Chris Reeve One Piece Tanto 1
Since I wrote my last knife review, I’ve picked up a couple of new knives. Both are fixed blade knives, but they are somewhat different in their design. Chris Reeve Once Piece Range, Tanto 1 The Chris Reeve one piece range has been around since the 1980’s, but this style of knife was discontinued in 2009. […]
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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 […]
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Patagonia Knifeblade and Northwall Lines: Winter Clothing made from Polartech Powerstretch Pro Fabric
Polartech Powerstretch Pro is a new highly breathable and water resistant fabric from the folks at Malden Mills. Patagonia incorporated it into two different lines of clothing, the Knifeblade and Northwall lines, which are blurring the lines between softshells and hardshells. The Knifeblade line is uninsulated, and the Northwall line has a light gridded fleece […]
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E Climb Klau Aluminum Ice Screws
The E-Climb “Klau” ice screw is not widely available in the United States. As of this date, I couldn’t find a single U.S. seller. I ended up ordering the screws directly from Spain, where E-Climb is headquartered. E-Climb Website HERE The E-Climb Klau screw has a couple of features that make it different from most […]
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Shelter
1 pound, 12.5 ounces (tarp, inner tent, beak, and stuff sack.) 5.5 ounces (12 aluminum stakes and small stuff sack.) Total packed weight of full tent with 12 stakes: 34 ounces (2 pounds, 2 ounces) The Echo II from Hyperlite Mountain Gear is my latest backcountry shelter. It’s a hybrid tarp/tent made mostly from lighweight […]
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Patagonia River Crampons
It’s been a while since I have reviewed any fly fishing gear. This isn’t because I haven’t been fishing (I fish a couple times a week when conditions are good,) but rather because I haven’t bought any fishing gear in a long time. I’ve been pretty happy with the gear I’ve been using. However, […]
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Mammut Smart Alpine Belay/Rappel Device
Mammut Smart Alpine Belay/Rappel Device 4.4 ounces I’ve been using the Mammut Smart Alpine device for several months now. It has become my favorite belay/rappel device. Its primary defining feature is that it is an autoblocking device, much like the well-known Gri Gri. It isn’t guaranteed to hold a fall without help from the […]
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Olympus OMD EM-5 Camera System
The Olympus OMD EM-5 Camera (15.3 ounces) I’ve been using an Olympus PEN E-P2 camera for several years now. It’s a micro 4/3 system camera that accepts interchangeable lenses. The sensor is half the size of a full frame sensor, so the “crop factor” provides the field of view equivalent to that of a […]