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…
Scarpa recently released their Spin Ultra trail running shoes to meet the needs of ultra-distance alpine runs, and they hit the proverbial nail right on the head. I had a blast scrambling up backcountry trails and mobbing down descents around…
The Zodiac Plus GTX Women’s Hiking Boot is a cross between an approach shoe and a hiking boot. It’s great for 3rd or 4th class scrambling as well as long hikes with varied terrain. So, when I received a backcountry…
The Scarpa Spin Ultra is a great shoe for 1-26 miles! Stomp through puddles, scurry through dirt and rocks, or conquer asphalt. This shoe can do it all. Testing Conditions I tested this shoe in the rain, mud, and hardpack…
From the burly approach to Castleton Tower, to the rugged washes in white sandstone canyons in northern Arizona, to the wild flower basins in Ten Sleep, and in the back yard playground of Eldorado Canyon and Chautauqua, the Scarpa Rapid…
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX are a very light, supportive, featured boot that are at home under heavy loads and off trail. I have always been committed to wearing approach shoes while backpacking, both on personal trips and while instructing…
The Scarpa Spin is a new addition to their Alpine line of trail runners, finding its place right in-between the minimalist Atom and the higher profile Neutron. They call it the “Goldilocks of [the] Alpine Running collection, for those who…
The Scarpa Force V is another contender as a great all day rock shoe. With most climbing shoes comfort usually means a decrease in performance, but the Force V maintains a pretty solid balance between the two. Fit Because I…
The Instinct lace-up is another great climbing shoe by Scarpa. It’s made for steep face climbing and feeling secure on small features, but is also good for bouldering and thin cracks. The Instinct has a moderately aggressive downturn, making it…