Arc’teryx Cierzo 35 Daypack: The Eliminator
Unlike many other lightweight packs, the Cierzo had enough room for my gear, enough suspension for comfort and enough durability to outlast a few seasons.
Brooks-Range Alpini Mountain Anorak Hoody: Primo Down
After a spring and summer of using the Brooks-Range Alpini Mountain Anorak Hoody in Alaska and Wyoming, it has become my insulating layer of choice–better, in almost all circumstances, than any syntheic puffy I’ve used.
Arc’teryx Alpha SL Pullover: Four Seasons, Four Stars
In winter it’s charged through powder in the Absarokas and high Rockies; in spring it’s tackled mud season on hiking and biking trails across Wyoming; in summer it’s scraped up long alpine routes in the Tetons; and in fall it’s explored from the canyons of Red Rocks to the top of Castleton Tower.
Petzl Dragonfly 8.2 Double Ropes: Light and Bright
I look for equipment that will do everything. For me this means finding the driest and most durable half rope I can. So this autumn I picked up a pair of Petzl Dragonflys, curious to see how much winter climbing they could handle.
C.A.M.P. Radion Ice Screws: Filling the Frozen Niche
I tested the Radion for four months this winter on steep ice, meandering gullies and snow mountaineering slogs. In some regards, the Radion design is without equal. But in other respects–or the wrong conditions–the Radion is exasperating.
Black Diamond Speed 30: Light and Comfy
The Speed 30 is an excellent choice for big outings that require all of your precious energy. The pack weighs 2 pounds, 3 ounces but is easy to knock down to a mere 20 ounces if you strip off its removable top pocket, hip belt, ultralight plastic framesheet and stay. It’s hydration compatible, and it adjusts to multiple torso lengths.
Marmot Kingpin Jacket: Versatile in Winter
This jacket is ideal for colder, higher-altitude alpine climbs like those found in the Canadian Rockies, Alps and Andes, making it an amazingly versatile jacket for cold-weather use.
Arc’teryx Pali: The Thinking Man’s Rope Bag
the Pali looked innovative, and I was excited to see what possibly could be new in rope bag design.
Black Diamond LiveWire Quickdraw: The Deluxe Sport Rig
Sometimes you have to try new gear that’s really good to realize that your old stuff just isn’t as effective as you thought. This was my experience when trying out the new Black Diamond LiveWire Quickdraws. Though not light, BD’s deluxe sport rig offers big and beefy ‘biners with features that enable quick and efficient clipping. Whether pushing tricky sport clips or extending ice and mixed protection with a gloved hand, this quickdraw truly makes the job easier.
Petzl Laser Sonic Ice Screws
There seems to be quite a bit more brand-loyalty in the realm of ice climbing gear than in other arenas of equipment purchase. But is this partisanship and almost red state-blue state vehemence really necessary, or can brands play together nicely?