Suluk 46 TiCa Ice Tool
The Suluk 46 TiCa ice axe weighs 4.9 ounces with a 55cm shaft. (Yes, that's 4.9 ounces, as in less than 5 ounces.) Suluk 46 website HERE.…
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Stories, experiments, and lessons from the backcountry. Browse the posts or look for a favorite place or piece of gear.
Petzl Laser Speed Light Ice Screws: First Impressions
I recently bought some of the new Petzl Laser Speed Light ice screws. The Speed Light screw is one of two screws on the market that is…
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Mount Helen, Tower 1 Gully
September 25-27, 2014 Tower 1 Gully on Mount Helen is considered the premier alpine ice climb in Wyoming's Wind River Range. It's a long, moderate alpine ice…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Kanz Field Kitchen with Partner Steel Propane Stove
When I'm car camping, I don't like to rough it. I like to live in luxury. If I've got a truck to carry my stuff, I'd just…
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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.…
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Alpine Rock, Part 2: Washington Pass
After climbing in the Bugaboos, we decided to head back down to the U.S. in search of good weather and good climbing. We ended up at…
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Alpine Rock, Part 1: Bugaboos
It has been more than 20 years since I last visited the Bugaboos. I had planned three trips since then, and actually bought plane tickets twice, but…
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Summer, 2014 Outdoor Retailer Highlights
The 2014 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show is in full swing here in Salt Lake City. It's a huge event, taking up not only the full space in…
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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…
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