Softshell pants are, in my opinion, one of the single greatest clothing innovations to come along in quite a while, especially for climbing. I have tried the traditional 3 layer approach on my legs and it fails every time. Hard shell pants simply cannot breathe as fast as I need. The other problem with the [...]
Continue reading about Patagonia Mixmaster pants gear review
Belay jackets are an essential piece of mountaineering gear. I picked up the idea from Mark Twight’s excellent book Extreme Alpinism: Climbing Light, Fast, and High. It works so well that I use it anytime I’m traveling in cold conditions. Climbing involves one of two states; climbing or belaying, or to put it another way, [...]
Continue reading about Belay jacket – concept and use in the less than vertical world
I’ve tried a number of things for electrolyte replacement on extended trips. I tend to sweat a lot, and can quickly get headaches and cramps. Proper electrolyte replacement helps a lot. A lot of people argue that extra salt isn’t necessary, because there is plenty of sodium in a normal diet. The reality is that [...]
I first heard of Leukotape in the fantastic book Fixing Your Feet: Prevention And Treatments for Athletes. I decided I would try it, and I have to say, it is truly the best tape I have ever found. As a climber, I often tear myself up. Sharp things like ice axes, ice screws, crampons, and [...]
Continue reading about Leukotape P – best athletic tape I’ve found
I’ve been using Sealskinz for about a year now. I originally bought them for trail running in wet conditions as my shoes are not waterproof and I wanted dry feet. I then realized they were far more useful than I expected. First, like any waterproof breathable material, this will make your feet sweat. So you [...]
It is still only August, but I am counting the days until we hit North America’s winter. Skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing are some of my favorite activities. Those activities mean having bombproof gear that can keep you healthy and safe during the worst weather winter can throw at you. With that in mind, today [...]
Continue reading about Marmot Col -20F sleeping bag – initial review
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