Therm-a-Rest NeoAir: Compact, But Fragile
In all, the NeoAir’s most impressive feature is its (remarkable) compressibility. On top of that, the outer nylon has a pleasant, grippy-but-not-sticky feel that keeps
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John Race
Ibex Shak Lite FZ Sport: Frontcountry Function
What started as a gift from a client that I planned only to wear out of courtesy, inadvertently became my go-to layer for climbing, skiing
Goal0 Sherpa 50 Adventure Kit: Charges Everything
I had owned and eventually broken six solar-powered battery chargers when I started using Goal0’s Sherpa 50 Adventure Kit. No piece of the system ever
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MSR Reactor Stove: Powerfully Efficient
For many years, stove inefficiency was a problem that was largely unaddressed by manufacturers. Finally, a new generation of hyper-efficient stoves hit the market, and
Marmot Helium MemBrain Sleeping Bag: Old Faithful
In a seven-month period I logged 100-plus days in the Helium in a wide variety of situations: spring snow storms on Mt. Rainier, trekking in
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Golite Shangri-La 2 Shelter: Keep It Simple Stupid
In all, the Shangri-La 2 Shelter is an efficient use of expertly constructed material, whose simple design makes for a well-balanced space-to-weight ratio.
Ortovox Merino Competition Base Layer: Sheep Meet Science
After a couple months of testing, this shirt has become a reliable and durable addition to my base layer arsenal.
Black Diamond Oz Carabiner: So Hot Right Now
in the alpine, or other situations where weight is a critical component, the Oz is a pretty hot piece of work. While there are other
Asolo Distance: A Hiking-specific Approach Shoe
I would recommend the Distance as a great lightweight, durable hiking boot—not as a true approach shoe. Its performance as a hiking boot earned them
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CiloGear 60L WorkSack: Simple Success
Six months ago I unpacked a new 60-Liter WorkSack made by CiloGear, and it was love at first sight. I marveled at its simplicity and
JetBoil PCS: Radically Improved Fuel Efficiency
A principal function of a climber’s stove is to melt snow and ice, producing drinkable water. Hot soup, coffee and the occasional hot water bottle
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Petzl Tikka Plus Headlamp: A Lightweight Beacon of Quality
This is my primary headlamp for dark approaches, late exits, and occasional epics; it generally stays in my rock or ski pack full-time. Weighing less
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