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Climbing, Adventure, Gear & Choss
Gear Reviews
Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody Review
The wind had picked up considerably over the course of the day, turning what we thought was going to be a scorcher into a fairly chilly afternoon. I had glanced at my new Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody in my pack at the base, but figured a lightweight windshirt would be all I’d need on our [...]
Five Ten Blackwing Review
There’s a tangible excitement that comes with the arrival of a new season. For climbers, spring often means being able to access crags that you couldn’t get to during the winter. We have a nice local spot around here that features gently overhanging limestone routes in a stunning setting, but you can only get there [...]
The Best Approach Shoes of 2012
Climbers must have a footwear fetish. That might be the only explanation for the ridiculous number of shoes that most of us have in our closet. Shoes for climbing, shoes for getting to the climbs, shoes for getting down from the climbs, shoes for chillin’ after the climbs. It’s never ending! Something that almost every [...]
Maple Canyon Rock Climbs Review
For a long time, Maple Canyon had the distinction of being the most popular climbing area in the country without a current guidebook. There are bigger areas out there that lack any published info, but nothing compares to what has become one of the best summer sport climbing destinations in the U.S. The narrow corridors, [...]
Deuter Guide 45+ Pack Review
Gear is in an interesting place these days. On the one hand, things are getting more and more specialized. Take offset cams for example. They only work in a particular kind of crack, but apparently enough folks are buying them that companies can continue to put them out. On the other hand, we live in [...]
Rab Infinity Jacket Review
Every once in awhile, a piece of gear comes along that really stands head and shoulders above the rest. Whether it addresses some lacking functionality not found in similar products, or just does what it’s supposed to do really, really, really well. The Rab Infinity fits into the latter category, being an incredibly light, extremely [...]
Outdoor Research Havoc Jacket Review
The forecast called for sunshine, but we woke to overcast skies that threatened rain. A leisurely morning in camp gave it time to clear, and some friends that came down from Moab reported it was pouring up there. Around noon, it didn’t look much better, but certainly seemed climbable, so we headed up to the [...]
SuperTopo Yosemite Big Walls, 3rd Edition, Review
By Mike Schneiter A text message flashed across my screen, “Will you climb the Scenic Cruise with me this year?” “Of course,” I replied, “that climb rules. I would do it any day of the week. Actually every day of the week if I had the chance.” Internally, I wondered about my friend’s request after [...]
The Overwhelmingly Massive Winter OR Climbing Report
I’ve been going to the OR show for many years now, but I’ll never forget the first time I walked into the Salt Palace, completely overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of all that was going on around me. These days, it just fades into the background, as I hop from appointment to appointment, saying [...]
Evolv Geshido Review
Winter has been slow to come to Idaho this year. Instead of sliding down hills, I’ve been climbing in a t-shirt, belaying in a puffy, and taking advantage of the diverse nature of the Black Cliffs to test out the new Evolv Geshido.
The REAL Holiday Gift Guide for Climbers
Hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner, If you’re like me, you haven’t done any shopping yet, but not to worry. If there’s a special climber in your life, we’ve put together the ultimate guide of cool gifts they’ll actually want.
Sterling Nano 80m Rope Review
I’d been wanting an 80m for awhile, as we spend a lot of time in Indian Creek, where the pitches can be very long, and sometimes require two ropes to get off. This fall we got a 9.2 Bicolor 80m Sterling Nano, and it was off to the races to see what this thing could do.
2011 Reel Rock Tour Review
Last night I got to check out a showing of the Reel Rock Tour at the Glenwood Springs High School. The first half of the show was solid, but I felt the second left something to be desired. The line between achievements that are cutting edge, and those that are just in the freakshow/irrelevant category, [...]
Black Diamond Offset Micro Stopper Review
My options for pro were limited, but then I noticed the tiny crack out right. Maybe one of these new offsets would work there…
Best Climbs Denver and Boulder Review
We were headed down to the Front Range for the weekend, and I was faced with the daunting task of deciding which guidebooks to bring.
Local Beta – Friends & Family Wall
I wish I could say the new guidebook will be out any day now, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Maybe because the previous edition came together so quickly, this one is falling into the usual guidebook trap of repeatedly pushing back the deadline. In order to give a glimpse of what’s coming, I’m hoping [...]
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9/29/12
A Festive Fall Weekend
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7/11/2012
The 2012 International Climbers’ Festival
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