Arc’teryx Dually Belay Parka: Avoiding Wetness for Winter Warmth
When I first heard of a new truly hydrophobic (no water absorbtion) synthetic belay parka called the Dually Belay Parka from Arc’teryx, I was sure it could not be true. We have all heard the promise before: “This synthetic insulation will keep you warm even when it’s wet.” The disappointment of realizing you are not warm–but in fact cold–sitting in a damp belay parka is true betrayal. This feeling goes away when you realize there is no better solution. Now there is no reason to compromise, or be wet and cold, as the Dually Belay Parka insulates while refusing to absorb water.
Kichatna Desire
Sean Isaac, Rob Owens and Roger Strong establish new mixed terrain (ED1 M7 WI5 A1, 700m) on the north face of Kichatna Spire in Alaska’s Kichatna Range.
I Was Drawn into the Joys of Trouserless Peaking by the Great George Mallory
“At last. Everest has finally been conquered by the Nude Mountaineering Society.”
Climbing by Kayak: A Photo Essay of Greenland’s Tallest Sea Cliff
Eliza Kubarska and David Kaszlikowski load their kayaks with climbing gear and an excitement for unclimbed terrain in this mini-adventure to Greenland’s highest sea cliff.
Grivel G12 Crampons: Do-It-All Spikes
Anyone who has exited from the top of the Aiguille du Midi ice cave to descend the narrow ridge leading into the Vallee Blanche above Chamonix will agree: it has your full attention. To the left, the ridge drops away down the famous Frendo Spur, somewhere in the neighborhood of 4,500 vertical feet. To the right, 800 feet of 50-degree snow will drop you to the base of the Midi’s south face. So as I guide two guests down the steep and exposed arete, the last thing I need is my crampons balling up. Holding the rope tight between us, I wait for just the right moment, when all’s steady, to whack my boots with my axe and knock the snow from them. That’s it. I am buying new crampons, I tell myself. Tying yourself to people who are seemingly trying to pull you off of your feet every other step can make the cost of a new pair of spikes seem like chump change.