![The author enjoys the Julbo Explorer 2.0 sunglasses on a backcountry ski run in Colorado. Mt. Sopris (12,966'), left, Capitol Peak (14,131') and other summits in the famous Elk Range are visible in the background. [Photo] Derek Franz](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/julbo-explorer-2-main-1-930x620.jpg)
Julbo sunglasses continue to stand the test of time and perform as well as ever with modern technology. The Explorer 2.0, which is complete with photochromic lenses that rarely fog up. Alpinist Digital Editor Derek Franz would have awarded them a perfect five stars if it weren’t for one shortcoming. Four stars.
![For illustration purposes only. Actual product may vary in color, specs and corporeal dimension. [Image] Robin Earle](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/emperors-jacket-spoof-1-1-500x620.jpg)
Alpinist Fashion Editor Paula Rumpelshorts reviews the latest in alpine outerwear: the Emperor Jacket (so lightweight and breathable, you’ll hardly know it’s there).
![The author before a night at a large shelter outside Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. A roaring wood stove inside meant I could get a comfortable night's sleep with just a light synthetic jacket as my top layer. [Photo] Ryan Wichelns](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/patagonia-hybrid-sleeping-bag-1-1-930x620.jpg)
Patagonia introduces a modern version of an old idea for an unconventional alpine sleeping bag–the Hybrid, which is intended to be used with an insulated jacket to avoid redundant layers and save precious space in your alpine kit. Ryan Wichelns awards it four stars.
![Mike Lewis guides the North Face of Longs Peak (14,259'), Rocky Mountain National Park, in mixed conditions. [Photo] Eric Stoutenburg](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/petzl-irvis-hybrid-crampons-1-1-930x620.jpg)
Part steel, part aluminum, and with Dyneema cord in place of a metal bar to connect the two halves, Mike Lewis finds that the Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampons hit a nice balance between durability and lightweight packability. He would have awarded them five stars if not for one shortcoming.
![The Alpine Luddites White Light/White Heat backpack with crampons and ice tools strapped to the outside. [Photo] Paula Wright](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alpine-luddites-white-light-pack-1-1-930x620.jpg)
Alpinist Associate Editor Paula Wright puts the Alpine Luddites White Light/White Heat backpack to the test, awarding it four stars. The company takes an a la carte approach to the gear it sells so that minimalists will have only the accessories they want, such as the foam layer that comes in a customizable thickness and doubles as a “bivy pad.”
![The author attempting FM (5.11c) on Elephant Buttress in Colorado's Boulder Canyon. [Photo] Paul Gagner](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bd-first-light-hoody-1-1-930x620.jpg)
The Black Diamond First Light Hoody does its job but it’s bulky for climbing and some features could be improved. Chris Van Leuven gives it three stars.
![Mike Lewis climbs Hidden Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park with the calf snaps closed on the Dynafit Yotei pants. Lewis reports that he liked the calf snaps because they adapted the fit of the cuffs better for ice climbing after he used the pants for ski touring. [Photo] Eric Stoutenburg](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/dynafit-yotei-pants-1-1-930x620.jpg)
The Dynafit Yotei GTX Pants proved to be a versatile piece of outerwear for Mike Lewis, an AMGA-certified alpine guide, who reports that the pants work well for ski-touring and ice climbing while accommodating comfortable space for avalanche beacons and field books. The pants became his go-to option after testing them in Chile, Wyoming’s Grand Tetons and Canada. He awards them five stars.
![The Alpha-SV works well for alpine climbing; the long hem stays tucked under a harness, chest pockets are easy to access, and the long sleeves, ample hood, and high chin provide excellent coverage from the elements. In this photo Drew Thayer (the author) is wearing the jacket on the first ascent of Spearhead Peak (7,140'), Neacola Range, Alaska. [Photo Craig Muderlak]](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/arcteryx-alpha-sv-jacket-1-1-930x620.jpg)
The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket is a specialized piece of clothing built for the harshest climbing situations. Drew Thayer put it to the test on a month-long expedition in Alaska and awarded it five stars.
![Scott Yorko on belay duty in Clear Creek Canyon, Colorado. [Photo] Chris Van Leuven](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/edelrid-topaz-1-1-930x620.jpg)
The 9.2mm Edelrid Topaz Pro Dry CT is a skinny rope that handles like a mid-weight. Chris Van Leuven has put thin cords to the test before, and he was mostly pleased with this one, awarding it four stars.
![Bachelor Party: After a typical Black Canyon approach, the author (right) prepares to climb back to the rim with his buddies Jack Cody (middle) and Todd Preston (left), in June 2015, the day before the author's wedding. [Photo] Derek Franz](https://dev.alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sportiva-tx2-1-1-930x620.jpg)
The La Sportiva TX2 approach shoes shine brightly on fast-and-light rock missions when you need to carry your approach shoes with you on the climb. Alpinist Digital Editor Derek Franz awards them five stars.
