Metolius Ultralight Master Cams: Mostly Solid, Sometimes Wobbly
Chris Van Leuven takes the Metolius Ultralight Master Cams on a cragging tour from New York to Colorado, and awards them four out of five stars.
![Tim Farr using the DMM Apex tools on Jeff's Slide (WI3-) in Smugglers Notch, Vermont. [Photo] Andrea Charest](https://i0.wp.com/alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dmm-apex-2-1.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
DMM Apex Ice Tool Review: Heavy-duty and Ready to Rumble
The DMM Apex ice tools hold up to abuse and work well in a variety of terrain. Vermont climbing guide Tim Farr awards them four stars out of five.
![The author climbing Hidden Gully (WI3-4, 650'), Smugglers' Notch, VT in early-season. [Photo] Sam Fox Knapp](https://i0.wp.com/alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/arcteryx-acrux-ar-mountaineering-boots-in-use-1.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
Light, Low Profile and Hard to Break In: Arc’teryx Acrux AR Mountaineering Boots
Chris Van Leuven reviews the Arc’teryx Acrux AR Mountaineering Boots, crafted to be the “lowest volume weatherproof double boot ever made,” the company says.
![The Adidas Terrex Solo approach shoes after a season in Yosemite. [Photo] Josh Huckaby](https://i0.wp.com/alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/adidas-terrex-solo-approach-shoe-2016-fb-1.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
Adidas Terrex Solo Approach Shoe 2016
YOSAR team member Josh Huckaby reviews the Adidas Terrex Solo approach shoes: “The Terrex Solos felt light on my feet, and have just enough support for extended carry outs down the dusty trails around Yosemite National Park.”
![Bluemlisalp traverse above Kandersteg, Bernese Alps. [Photo] Abacus Mountain Guides](https://i0.wp.com/alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mammut-belay-chain-1-1.jpg?resize=930%2C620&ssl=1)
Mammut Belay Chain: Strong Personal Tether for Anchoring
Climber and guidebook author Stewart M. Green reviews the Mammut Belay Chain: “Unlike the personal anchor systems made by Metolius, Sterling and Black Diamond that use six links of the same size, the Mammut chain links are of two different sizes. The first three links are 11 inches long, and the last three links are 3.5 inches long. These differing lengths allow you to attach to different anchors at a belay station easily and quickly.”
Brooks-Range Drift 15 Down Sleeping Bag: Lightweight, Water-Resistant
The insulation in the Brooks Range Drift 15 sleeping bag is treated with DownTek, a down coating that prevents the feathers from absorbing water. Since water rolls off the down, the feathers stay light and fluffy–keeping you warm. Unlike synthetic sleeping bags, which are typically bulkier and heavier than down, treated down sleeping bags offer the lightweight, low bulk warmth found in down bags without sacrificing packability.
Mammut 8.7mm Serenity Dry: Light, Stiff and Specialized
Although rope technology has greatly improved in the twenty-some years since I started climbing, I was still skeptical when a lime-green Mammut 8.7mm Serenity rope showed up on my doorstep. The manufacturer states this rope is designed for single, double and twin configurations. Mammut also says the rope is designed to stretch 31 percent when arresting a fall. When used as a single, the Serenity is the thinnest-diameter cord in Mammut’s line.
Ternua’s Loughor Puff Jacket: Recycled Warmth
Instead of collecting new feathers, Neokdun recycles down that has been sterilized from old duvets in its special processing plant. The Spanish company Ternua works with Neokdun to process the down in their 800-fill power Loughor jacket.
CAMP Speed 2.0 Helmet: One of the Best All-Arounders Available
Maybe Jerry Seinfeld said it best in one of his stand-up bits when he said that the helmet is designed “to preserve a brain whose judgment is so poor, it does not even try to avoid the cracking of the head it’s in.” As climbers and skiers, we embrace some risks while seeking to minimize others, and wearing a helmet seems like the obvious way to continue doing both.
Iceline Jacket: a durable, weatherproof shell for winter climbing
Ice climbing is about high-energy output in cold, wet conditions. Adapting to changing weather can be as much of a struggle as the climbing itself in the winter season. I try to find layers that are versatile across a range of conditions.