Guides Choice: The Peak of Approval

 

The Guides Choice Awards

    

Equipment and clothing that have been awarded the Guides Choice designation by the American Alpine Institute are innovative, game-changing products that have proven to be of the highest quality in their product category.  These products represent the state of the art in our sport.

The awards are made on the basis of excellence in design, performance, and durability demonstrated in rigorous field tests carried out by Institute guides, leading trips and courses in all conditions in the Cascades, Alaska, and elsewhere.

Guides Choice Approved – Recommended Equipment

The Guides Choice Approved designation indicates exemplary equipment and clothing that has been vetted by AAI's professional guide staff and is approved for use on specific AAI programs. In many cases, this gear is the current year's updated model of a Guides Choice Award winner from the past.

The American Alpine Institute makes comparative and individual evaluations of equipment and clothing used in mountaineering, rock, and expedition climbing through field tests that the Institute conducts in a wide range of environments throughout the world. Evaluations are made throughout the year in desert, cold weather, rain, snow, high wind, and high altitude environments. The constant and demanding use to which the gear is put by our guides corresponds to many years of use that a recreational climber would give it.

The data and conclusions drawn from the field tests provide manufacturers with critical, independent, and detailed feedback on the durability and effectiveness of their products. The information also assists the Institute in its selection of the world's best gear for its guiding, instructional programs, and expeditions. The Guides Choice and Guides Choice Approved designations awarded by the Institute for the top gear in each product category helps draw the attention of our clients and customers to the most outstanding clothing, camping gear, and technical equipment to be found in the marketplace.

 

Please Note: AAI field testing is not a substitute for government or industry safety tests or standards, and the Guides' Choice Award is not a warranty.

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