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…
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Stories, experiments, and lessons from the backcountry. Browse the posts or look for a favorite place or piece of gear.
Fuji X100 (Black Special Edition)
The Fuji X100 is a camera that has received more hype and publicity than just about any camera I am aware of. Its retro, rangefinder style and…
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Cascades Part 2: Forbidden Peak, East Ridge
After our success on Mount Baker's snow and ice (see part 1 below,) I wanted to try my hand at a rock route. Chris originally thought that…
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Cascades, Part 1: Mount Baker North Ridge
I had been looking forward to a trip to the Cascades for several months. Plane tickets bought, plans made. I'd been training, dreaming, putting together gear lists,…
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ice Pack
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ice Pack is a lightweight alpine pack that I have been using lately for big days and light overnights in the mountains. 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…
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Outdoor photography gear update Part 1: Pocket Cameras
Outdoor photography gear update Part 1: Pocket Cameras This update addresses Pocket Cameras. A follow on update will address Micro 4/3 system cameras and lenses, including the…
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Phone, GPS, and Emergency Beacon
Casio Commando Android Phone with Backcountry Navigator Software (5.4 ounces) Delorme inReach Satellite Communicator (8.6 ounces) For many years, I didn't even own a cell phone or a…
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Sleeping Pads
This blog entry focuses on various sleeping pads I've used over the years. Left hand column, top to bottom: Prolite Plus; Prolite3; Ortik; Karrimat Evazote; MEC Winter…
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Teton Crest Ski Tour
April 9-12 I just returned from a four day trip skiing along the Teton Crest trail. We started the trip at Teton Pass at the base of…
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Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Bags Down or synthetic fill? This question has probably occupied the minds of climbers at least as much as any other gear question. Like the…
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Trail Designs Gatewood Cape and Evernew Ti DX Stove Kit
I had the opportunity to test out a couple of pieces of lightweight backpacking gear, the Evernew TiDX Stove kit, and the Six Moons Designs Gatewood Cape. I…
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