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.…
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Stories, experiments, and lessons from the backcountry. Browse the posts or look for a favorite place or piece of gear.
Backcountry Boiler
The Backcountry Boiler is an updated version of a very old design, often referred to as a Storm Kettle, Chimney Kettle, Shepherd's Kettle, or a Kelly Kettle.…
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Climbing Knives
It's good to have a knife with you when you're climbing. I use a knife for making V-Threads, cutting away old rap tat, cutting slings, and…
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The Greatest Chalk Bag Ever Made (Tufa Climbing Houdini Chalk Bag)
Chalk bags are a pretty generic piece of climbing gear. It's hard to get excited about a chalk bag. They are really just a bag that holds…
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The North Face Ice Project Pack
Some folk built like this, some folk built like that But the way I'm built, Don't you call me fat Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't…
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Winter Climbing Gear Update: Petzl and Salewa Ice Screws
Ice Screws: Salewa Quick Screw and Petzl Laser Speed Light The winter of 2014-15 was something of a disappointment for those of us living in the Mountain…
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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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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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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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