Keese Lane
C.A.M.P. Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe: Way Light, Way Functional
With an ultralight piece of equipment, I usually expect ultralight performance. But the little axe whacked solid placements on water ice just like a technical tool. It even overdrove at times, forcing me to bang on the adze to get it out.
Cassin Vector Nanotech Crampons: For Peaks, Not Crags
Nearly as light as aluminum crampons yet much more technical, the Nanotechs will sit lightly on the pack for the approach and still perform decently on a section of steep ice or mixed.
Black Diamond Express Ice Screws: Drill Baby Drill
The Express is to ice climbing what the Camalot is to rock climbing: a well-designed workhorse that sets the industry standard.
Petzl Dragonfly 8.2 Double Ropes: Light and Bright
I look for equipment that will do everything. For me this means finding the driest and most durable half rope I can. So this autumn I picked up a pair of Petzl Dragonflys, curious to see how much winter climbing they could handle.
C.A.M.P. Radion Ice Screws: Filling the Frozen Niche
I tested the Radion for four months this winter on steep ice, meandering gullies and snow mountaineering slogs. In some regards, the Radion design is without equal. But in other respects–or the wrong conditions–the Radion is exasperating.
Smuggs: Everyman’s Ice Fest
Alden Pellett climbs a new route, Bob Timmer awes the crowd, and a reporter gets terrorized at the fourth annual Smuggs Ice Bash.
