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.…
Read the story ↗Gear Reviews
Stories, experiments, and lessons from the backcountry. Browse the posts or look for a favorite place or piece of gear.
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…
Read the story ↗
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…
Read the story ↗
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…
Read the story ↗
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,…
Read the story ↗
Eddie Bauer Guide and Guide Lite Gloves
I have 30+ pairs of outdoor gloves and mittens. It seems like every year for the past 20 years, I've bought one or two new pairs of…
Read the story ↗
Training for the New Alpinism by Steve House and Scott Johnston (Book Review)
This is a new book on training for alpine climbing, by uber-alpinist Steve House and elite sports trainer Scott Johnston. There are tons of books on the…
Read the story ↗
Cassin Bladerunner Crampons
The Cassin Bladrunner crampons are a new modular design that is supposed to provide both maximum versatility and excellent performance. The design allows the crampons to be…
Read the story ↗
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…
Read the story ↗
2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Highlights
The 2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market presents an overwhelming array of products to assess and be dazzled by. After a couple of days wandering the…
Read the story ↗