![Drew Thayer carries the Osprey Mutant 52 backpack loaded with ski mountaineering gear and a large four-season tent for a climb of Mt. Daly, Elk Range, Colorado. Crampons are tied on with cord to the rear daisy chains. [Photo] Lillian Hancock](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/xosprey-mutant-52-1-2-930x620.jpg.pagespeed.ic.x3cVHrlkq5.jpg)
Drew Thayer tested the Osprey Mutant 52 backpack on ski tours, cragging days and even a three-week packraft trip in the Amazon rainforest. While the… Read More »Osprey Mutant 52: A worthy pack for just about any pursuit in any season
![The Allak 3 tent on a windy day near Jones Pass, Colorado. With the guy-lines taut and the canopy affixed, this tent is ready for any storm. [Photo] Drew Thayer](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/xhilleberg-allak-3-1-2-930x620.jpg.pagespeed.ic.r6MAYpgkTP.jpg)
Drew Thayer did some winter camping in the Hilleberg Allak 3 and awarded it five stars. He writes, “My overall impression of the Allak 3… Read More »Hilleberg Allak 3: A light and livable 3-person, 4-season tent
![The Alpha-SV works well for alpine climbing; the long hem stays tucked under a harness, chest pockets are easy to access, and the long sleeves, ample hood, and high chin provide excellent coverage from the elements. In this photo Drew Thayer (the author) is wearing the jacket on the first ascent of Spearhead Peak (7,140'), Neacola Range, Alaska. [Photo Craig Muderlak]](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/xarcteryx-alpha-sv-jacket-1-1-930x620.jpg.pagespeed.ic.CaJirxZJNV.jpg)
The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket is a specialized piece of clothing built for the harshest climbing situations. Drew Thayer put it to the test on… Read More »Arc’teryx Alpha SV hard-shell jacket: A haven from the worst storms
![[Photo] Drew Thayer](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/valandre-sleeping-bag-2-1.jpg)
Drew Thayer describes the Valandre Shocking Blue Neo Sleeping Bag as “the Cadillac” of cold-weather sleeping bags. But all the added features increase the weight… Read More »Valandre Shocking Blue Neo Sleeping Bag: High-performance and complicated
![The Mammut Wall Rider Helmet. [Photo] Drew Thayer](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/xmammut-wall-rider-helmet-1-930x620.jpg.pagespeed.ic.TE8ikWkyfh.jpg)
“Smaller rocks inevitably rained down. Just as the barrage ceased, a small rock whacked me in the head…. On the hard shell of the helmet,… Read More »Mammut Wall Rider Helmet Review
Reviewer Drew Thayer notes, “The Ultamid 4 is currently the lightest option for a spacious, four-person shelter that can adapt to just about any conditions….… Read More »Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 shelter: a lightweight, versatile and rugged pyramid tent
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… Read More »Brooks-Range Drift 15 Down Sleeping Bag: Lightweight, Water-Resistant
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… Read More »Iceline Jacket: a durable, weatherproof shell for winter climbing
When you climb in cold places, you quickly learn the value of a lightweight puffy jacket. The promise of a sunny morning can dissolve quickly… Read More »Rab Xenon Hoody: A Compressible Puffy for Cold Rock Climbs
Deciding on a sleeping system is a major consideration when packing for an expedition or alpine climb as a good night’s sleep can make the… Read More »Sea to Summit UltraLight Sleeping Mats: Durable, Comfortable Innovations
![The Moai Face [Photo] Keita Kurakami](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/the-moai-face-by-keita-kurakami-930x620.jpg)
