La Sportiva Exum Ridge, the best approach shoe we know
After enduring nearly a year of abuse throughout the Tetons, La Sportiva’s Exum Ridge has established itself as my go-to shoe for approaches and scrambles up to easy fifth class.
Home » Mountain Standards »
Mountain Standards
MSR XGK EX stove works wonders in Canadian Rockies, Karakorum
I was pretty psyched when the new MSR XGK EX recently showed up at my door for testing. Being well acquainted with its predecessor from a number of trips before, I was immediately impressed with its new looks and features. The first things I noticed were the flexible fuel line, which is definitely the biggest improvement, followed by the slick, ultra stable retractable legs and pot supports, which compact neatly to fit in a 1.5 Liter pot.
Innovative CiloGear backpack stands up to Everest, Sierra test
The CiloGear WorkSacks are innovative. They can compress without straps or zippers for ultimate functionality, however, they do come with straps for added security. They are super light weight.
Marmot jacket makes any adventurer a Super Hero
Ever since I got the Marmot Super Hero Jacket, I’ve worn it every day on the hill, and quite often off the hill. I’ve gotten more compliments on the jacket than on any item of skiwear I’ve ever owned (except maybe my neon green Obermeyer pants, but that’s another story), and it’s by far one of the most practical pieces I’ve ever had.
Sierra ski mountaineering easy with Sterling Rope 7.7mm Ice Thong
When the Sterling Ice Thong 7.7mm 30-meter twin rope arrived at my door, I spent the night rearranging my gear in different backpacks to see how well it stored in each. I was so stoked to see how little space it took up in my daypack.
Praise for Manzella Arch Angel alpine glove
These gloves are hot! As in warm – and stylish. The Manzella Arch Angel accompanied me this spring to Aspen where I competed in the Colorado Freeskiing Championships. It happened to be a cold, stormy weekend, dumping two feet of snow over the course of a few days. I was worried that I couldn’t see the cliffs I was about to drop, but I wasn’t worried about my hands staying warm.
Patagonia Down Jacket
I was psyched when Vanessa handed me the Patagonia Men’s Down Jacket at the Snake River Brew Pub in Jackson Hole to try out. I was in town for some AMGA training and spent time touring in Grand Teton National Park and on Teton Pass. After wearing it around Jackson and some in the Northwest – where I’m based – I’ve found it very comfortable, well designed, and of course, warm.
MSR Wind 2 holds up in windiest conditions
During my first outing, the gusty winds and generally stormy conditions were enough to force my partner and I to descend from three quarters of the way up Cerro Torre’s Compressor Route. Upon returning to camp on the Torre Glacier’s “Sandy Wash,” we were stoked to find the MSR Wind 2, standing as we left it, holding its own against the catabatic’s ripping down from the Hielo Sur (the Southern Ice cap).
Patagonia RI Granular Jacket great for all occasions
I spent over a week in the Canadian Rockies and the R1 Granular Jacket hardly ever left my body. I don’t think I can say enough about this piece from Patagonia. As someone who has eliminated many fleece garments for typical layering in recent years I’ve found that the R1 is already indispensable for me.
Petzl Corax Harness
This harness is a Cadillac for comfort and Petzl’s slick buckle system helps keep you safe without having to double back the waist belt or leg loops. This feature also makes it super fast to change layers on the move. I’ve used the Corax extensively for rock climbing, ice climbing and alpine routes.