“FAALLLLIIIIING!!!!” This is not something you want to hear through the howling wind and piercing darkness of someone on your team plummeting through the trap door of a crevasse. Although it is fairly rare to have a completely free hanging…
Whether at the gym or at the crag, there always seems to be someone attempting to smash their feet into downsized and aggressively downturned climbing shoes. While they most likely can warm up on my projects, I prefer a more…
This bag is sleek, comfortable, and easily adjustable. It is high-volume (55L) but not too bulky. The removable day pack integrates seamlessly with the rest of the pack and is useful both as one unit and two separate packs. I…
As a member of the USA ice climbing team, I find myself doing a wide variety of climbing year-round. Since my summer training necessitates trading in the crampons for rock climbing shoes, the Scarpa Vapor V accompanied me through just…
As a mere mortal, I am subject to the law of climbing that states that shoes have more impact on performance or ability than any other piece of equipment. Quickdraws clips, ropes catch falls, helmets protect your head, backpacks hold…
Bag junkies, unite. The Gregory Tetrad is two packs in one, which means when you buy it, you have another one. That alone makes it pretty great. However, its collection of thought-out features go a long way toward supporting that…
The Himali Ascent Stretch Hoodie has become one of my all-time favorite pieces of outdoor gear to date! I rarely rate something 5 stars since most things can be improved upon. However, Himali hit the nail directly on the head…
As a backpacker and mountaineer, finding gear that can adapt to rapidly changing conditions is always a challenge, especially when it comes to pants. Normal “softshell” pants can be too bulky for summer conditions, while lightweight and breathable alternatives may…
Everything from absolutely bitter cold ice climbing with temperatures far below zero, to ski touring and everything in between, I put the new Outdoor Research Cirque II’s to the test! The only reason I didn’t give these pants 5 stars…
As a new climber, (by new I mean I’ve never climbed before in my life), I was at a loss for what kind of shoes to start with. I jumped at the opportunity to review the Kiras by Evolv, a…