Mountain Standards Award

The DMM Pivot is an assisted-braking belay device that works well for top-belaying a climber directly from the anchor, as shown here. [Photo] Peter Braam

The DMM Pivot: Innovation Worth the Effort

by Mike Lewis

The DMM Pivot shines as a simple, all-around assisted-braking belay device.

The Mammut Wall Rider Helmet. [Photo] Drew Thayer

Mammut Wall Rider Helmet Review

by Drew Thayer

“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

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 shelter: a lightweight, versatile and rugged pyramid tent

by Drew Thayer

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

Tat removed from Recompense (5.9) at Cathedral Ledge, NH by the author in 2011. [Photo] Mike Lewis

Trango Piranha Knife: Sharp, Low Profile and Opens Bottles

by Mike Lewis

As a guide, I’m often asked what I carry on my harness. In addition to standard climbing hardware, plus prussic cords, a Tibloc, and a… Read More »Trango Piranha Knife: Sharp, Low Profile and Opens Bottles

DMM Couloir ropes: great durability and water repellency

by Jess Roskelley

The rope is the single most important piece in your pack. During alpine climbs, the rope is subject to needle-sharp crampons, errant ice tools, rock… Read More »DMM Couloir ropes: great durability and water repellency

Rab Xenon Hoody: A Compressible Puffy for Cold Rock Climbs

by Drew Thayer

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

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema 2400 Ice Pack: Strong, Tough and Ultralight

by Andrew Councell

We packed up camp high on the Roosevelt Glacier and began climbing towards Mt. Baker’s North Ridge (WI2-3, 3,000′, Beckey-Widrig, 1948), in Washington’s North Cascades,… Read More »Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema 2400 Ice Pack: Strong, Tough and Ultralight

Petzl Sitta: Full Function and Barely Even There

by Christopher Marshall

Though I spend countless hours in a harness every season, I rarely get excited about them. To me, they are merely utilitarian. As long as… Read More »Petzl Sitta: Full Function and Barely Even There

Electric Tech One Sunglasses: Essential Gear for Alpine Adventures

by Mike Lewis

This year I put my new pair of Electric Tech One sunglasses through rigorous field-testing. I wore them on a month-long climbing trip to Colorado’s… Read More »Electric Tech One Sunglasses: Essential Gear for Alpine Adventures

Backcountry Dining Made Easy with Kung Foon

by Andrew Councell

I’m a wilderness camping minimalist, bringing just enough food and not bothering with extras or luxury items. I eat freeze-dried meals out of a bag,… Read More »Backcountry Dining Made Easy with Kung Foon

Rab Muztag Jacket: Lightweight Armor for Alpine Weather

by Drew Thayer

Alpine climbing in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia inevitably involves extended travel through wet weather. While attempting an enchainment of Mt. Waddington (13,186′) and… Read More »Rab Muztag Jacket: Lightweight Armor for Alpine Weather

Petzl Adjustable Positioning Lanyards: Making Cliffside Work Easier

by Mike Schneiter

As a guide, I hang my derriere over a cliff edge every day, often for hours at a time. I’m constantly securing myself into anchors… Read More »Petzl Adjustable Positioning Lanyards: Making Cliffside Work Easier