The Valhalla does an admirable job of balancing the contradictory demands of climbers–light but durable, waterproof yet breathable, stiff but comfortable–but this also means that… Read More »Oboz Valhalla Shoes: Climber Inspired, But Not Approved
Ultimately, the Kingpins don’t fit my hand as snugly as I had hoped, though they are still one of the best multi-purpose gloves I have… Read More »Black Diamond Kingpins: Better Than Hardware Store Gloves
For many years, stove inefficiency was a problem that was largely unaddressed by manufacturers. Finally, a new generation of hyper-efficient stoves hit the market, and… Read More »MSR Reactor Stove: Powerfully Efficient
While there is a cam or two on the market that has a wider expansion range and can handle shallower cracks, the Master Cam is… Read More »Metolius Master Cam: Sleek and Sexy
Weighing just 1 pound, 7 ounces, this down-filled sack has no frills. No Gore-Tex or other waterproof coatings to repel moisture and no extra, hidden… Read More »Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32: Packs Like A Peanut
The generous coating of sticky rubber and a roomy toe box make the Grandstones perfect for chimneys and offwidths, but they flail on smaller cracks… Read More »Five Ten Grandstone Rock Shoes: Oldies, But Goodies
Even though stainless steel isn’t the ultralight miracle metal that one might believe, Black Diamond’s design and construction alone make the newest Cyborg one of… Read More »Black Diamond Cyborg Crampons: A Beautifully Crafted Hack-Job
After several months of abuse, capped off with a thrutchy ascent of Red Rock’s Epinephrine, I was amazed to find Prana’s Tangra pants still looking… Read More »Prana Tangra Pant: Fashionably Dysfunctional
While the axe is fairly light, it is the weight distribution that really impresses me. With a curved aluminum shaft and a stainless steel head,… Read More »Petzl Sum’tec Ice Axe: For The Weight-Conscious Climber
In a seven-month period I logged 100-plus days in the Helium in a wide variety of situations: spring snow storms on Mt. Rainier, trekking in… Read More »Marmot Helium MemBrain Sleeping Bag: Old Faithful
I thought the flashy pink (and I mean pink) color of the Selena was a cover-up for a disappointing lack of women-specific features. When I… Read More »Petzl Selena Harness: Women-Specific, but Lacking Function
Those in search of bondage slippers that match a sporty banana hammock to wear while working “the proj” in Thailand will be disappointed. The Force… Read More »Scarpa Force Rock Shoe: Light and Comfortable, Basically
