The waterproof and minimalist backpack ready for your next alpine adventure. The alpine provides conditions that are harsh, and sometimes inhospitable. High winds, cold temperatures, and freezing rain can be common occurrences up high where the trees don’t grow. Despite…
The G3 Scala LT climbing skin is durable and compacts well. It is well thought out and the design makes many improvements on the standard nylon climbing skin that most of us have used over the years. Performance My first…
Together, Outdoor Research’s BlackPowder II Jacket and Pants make a versatile, feature-filled snowsuit that is ready to tackle a variety of conditions both in the backcountry and at the resort. To test it, I wore it backcountry skiing in weather…
Mayhem – a situation in which there is little to no order or control. Every time I pack for a trip, jackets, shirts, and pants are thrown over every chair, and gear covers every inch of the floor. What does…
C.A.M.P. is a company entrenched in experience. Founded in 1889 they’ve been doing this for a while. Like most things Italian; they focus on thoughtful design coupled with style, elegance, and functionality. Much like a Ferrari. Through experience, you get…
Blisters, calluses, pruned ball mounds, multicolored feet, tight cuff marks, crust, fuzz, fungi and bacteria – all waiting to ravage the toes of the underprepared or the unanticipated. There is a stigma in outdoor sports that if you whine about…
Outdoor Research, you’ve done it again! I had the pleasure of reviewing the Outdoor Research Women’s Iceline Versa Pants. While these are often used for ice climbing, I had a blast testing out this crowd-favorite while skiing and snowshoeing my way…
Mountainsmith’s Glissade 7075 trekking poles are the perfect companion for keeping your balance in the alpine, and I’ve been waiting for the opportune moment to get out there and beat them up a bit. Getting them prepped was easy- no…
I was really excited to test this jacket from BlackYak. Based on my social media feed this season, they seemed like the hottest new thing in town. It turns out BlackYak has been making mountaineering gear since 1973 in South…
With winter finally coming into full swing, it’s time to break out the ice tools and join the mad rush to find the best ice. The hunt for backcountry ice often involves long and steep approaches. Typically those require a…