Gear Reviews RSS
Review: CAMP Ascent Crampon
Author: Ian Peterson, AAI Guide The Bottom Line The Camp Ascent provides a versatile, higher end option for a 10-point steel crampon. At a slightly higher price, the weight conscious climber can save a few ounces while retaining a high level of functionality for all snow and moderate ice climbing applications. Ideal Routes Easton Glacier, Kulshan (Mt. Baker) Coleman Deming, Kulshan (Mt. Baker) Kautz Glacier Route, Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) Emmons Glacier, Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) Disappointment Cleaver, Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) Fischer Chimneys, Mt. Shuksan Sulphide Glacier Route, Mt. Shuksan Any steep snow!!! The Review As a climber, skier, and...
Review: Black Diamond Cirque 30 pack
Cirque 35 (left) and Cirque 30 (right) As backcountry skiers, we carry a variety of things in our packs. There's the standard, beacon, shovel, and probe, but there are also extra layers, water, a repair kit, first aid, and the list goes on. While requirements vary by user, I think we're all in agreement that an ideal pack fits and functions well, with lightweight and durability as added bonuses. While I've only had the Cirque 30 pack from Black Diamond a few months, so far it checks the boxes of fit, function, and lightweight. I'll give you a durability report in a...
Crux AK 57 Pack
Tester for this review: Chad Cochran
Item Tested: Crux AK 57 Backpack
Testing Areas / conditions: The North Cascades (thick brush), Alaska (granite alpine rock climbing), and the Cordillera Real in Bolivia (Spring alpine climbing)
Approximate # Days tested: 40
Basic description of product: The Crux pack is a simple rucksack designed around the use and abuse required travelling and climbing in the Mountains.
Salewa Pro Gaiter Boots
Tester for this review: Chad Cochran
Item Tested: Salewa Pro Gaiter Boots
Testing Areas / conditions: Cordillera Real, Bolivia; Conditions included everything from gravel road to blue ice to snow
Approximate # Days tested: 20
Basic description of product: The Salewa Pro Gaiter Boot is a mountaineering boot that has an adjustable shank in the sole allowing it to be changed from a ¾ length shank to a full shank with the twisting of a bolt. Other features include integrated gaiter, front and rear bails, and fine adjusting lacing system on the inner boot.
Similar products that you have used: I’ve had my foot in everything from a summer alpine boot with a ¾ length shank to a double plastic boot.