After teaching an anchor building clinic last week my guest started an email chain with me looking for some specific recommendations on improving his top-rope "kit". After making a few suggestions I realized I get these questions a few times a year and there are probably others out wondering what an optimized top-rope kit looks … Continue reading Gear for Top Rope Climbing
Climbing Gear Reviews
Gear Review: Black Diamond ATC Pilot Belay Device
The new Black Diamond ATC Pilot is an impressive addition to the growing number of "brake assisting" belay devices on the market. What it is From Black Diamond: The lightweight Black Diamond ATC Pilot represents an advance in technology for the world of assisted braking devices. Providing an added level of security to your belay, … Continue reading Gear Review: Black Diamond ATC Pilot Belay Device
Gear Review: Petzl Boreo Climbing Helmet
The new Petzl Boreo helmet is a super protective rugged great value choice that replaces the long loved Petzl Elios helmet in Petzl's award winning helmet line. How we tested We tested this media sample while sport climbing at Rumney, NH, cragging at various cliffs in Mount Washington Valley, and multi-pitch climbing on Cathedral and … Continue reading Gear Review: Petzl Boreo Climbing Helmet
Gear Review: Furnace Industries Kronos Ice Axes
I first heard about the Furnace Industries Kronos Ice Axes through a review posted on a fellow gear reviewer's blog. Technical ice axes made out of wood? The concept was definitely intriguing and I was pretty excited to check a pair out. Unfortunately these did not work for me. My experience with them did not … Continue reading Gear Review: Furnace Industries Kronos Ice Axes
Climbing Cams Comparison Review (and Giveaway!)
This post originally published in Fall 2016. In Spring of 2017 I added a set of Black Diamond Ultralights to my kit and now with a year of testing it was time to update my findings. New contest for a free cam as well! For the last two decades Black Diamond Camalots have been a mainstay … Continue reading Climbing Cams Comparison Review (and Giveaway!)
Gear Review- Skida Headwear
Our family has a soft spot for small production Made-in-America products. Especially when they are local New England based small businesses with inspiring stories and a just mission. This winter we've been able to test the Vermont based Skida's line of head-wear and accessories and we are ready to share our thoughts! Story/Mission You can … Continue reading Gear Review- Skida Headwear
Gear Review- Avalanche Safety Gear Part 1: Transceivers (Beacons)
Over the last ten years I've had the opportunity to thoroughly test many of the most popular avalanche safety products on the market while teaching close to a dozen avalanche courses each winter. I was already a huge fan of Ortovox products before I was invited to join their Athlete Team and have been sharing … Continue reading Gear Review- Avalanche Safety Gear Part 1: Transceivers (Beacons)
How To: “Belaying in the Gym” by PETZL
Petzl is a well known industry leader in climbing gear and safety. When I first started climbing over 20 years ago I looked forward to each annual Petzl catalog for the wealth of technical information they would include, along with some of the most stunning and inspirational photos! I probably learned as much about climbing … Continue reading How To: “Belaying in the Gym” by PETZL
Best Climbing Gear of 2017
As the year draws to an end I'm looking back at the plethora of amazing advancements in the field of climbing gear and clothing this past season and calling out some of the best stuff I got to review this year that has become a permanent addition to my kit. Check them out below! Petzl … Continue reading Best Climbing Gear of 2017
Tech Tip- Alpine Draws vs Sport Draws for Ice Climbing
I recently conducted an informal survey on a climbing focused Facebook page to determine if what gear I perceive out on our frozen cliffs is an accurate representation of what people are actually carrying. I wasn't too surprised to see the overwhelming majority was using alpine draws (two carabiners and a thin style Dyneema sling … Continue reading Tech Tip- Alpine Draws vs Sport Draws for Ice Climbing