The Apex 22 compact-climbing pack has a tapered shape, minimal compression straps and zero extras. I tested it on single and multi-day trips and during… Read More »Apex 22: Reaching the Apogee of Alpine Design
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
As a guide, I’ve burned through several pairs of approach shoes hiking up rough gullies and talus fields. When the Arc’teryx Acrux FL GTX showed… Read More »Arc’teryx Acrux FL GTX: Robust Kickers
The Luchadors are constructed of a synthetic upper with a slightly cambered, semi-asymmetric last and an unlined-leather footbed. The midsole shank keeps foot fatigue to… Read More »Evolv Luchador: Versatility, Performance and Unexpected Comfort
Like its chief competitor, the MSR Reactor, the Jetboil MiniMo utilizes a highly efficient heat transfer system between the burner and pot. Put your hand… Read More »Jetboil MiniMo Stove Review: The Old is New Again
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
These days, it feels like everyone is coming out with a “new” belay device that’s touted as somehow better than its predecessors. But, at least… Read More »“Jul” of the Wild–A Review of Edelrid’s Mega Jul Belay Device
After flying into the Lower Ruth Gorge in early May–following a five-day wait while more than two feet of snow fell–I began to doubt my… Read More »The Big Agnes Battle Mountain 2: Throwing Stones at the Tenting Goliaths
Andrew Councell reviews five gloves from Black Diamond that bridge the gap between skiing and mountaineering. “The average ski glove emphasizes warmth and is subsequently… Read More »Black Diamond Gloves Round Up
This season, DMM enters the fray with the Switch. With dual offset grips and a radically curved shaft, in essence it references the Nomic. But,… Read More »DMM Switch Review: Things That Make You Go DMM…
The versatility of the Maverick played a key role while hiking (a.k.a. sweating) uphill and making my way along a knife edge in Summit County,… Read More »Duckworth Maverick Snorkel Hood:The Last Base Layer You’ll Need to Buy
Sometimes seen as an aid-specific tool for the pin scars on big-wall routes in Zion and Yosemite, offset cams can be invaluable almost anywhere.
