Black Diamond Cyborg Crampons: A Beautifully Crafted Hack-Job
Even though stainless steel isn’t the ultralight miracle metal that one might believe, Black Diamond’s design and construction alone make the newest Cyborg one of the best tools available for hard winter climbing.
Jeff Lowe’s Metanoia
In the early 1990’s Lowe struggled through a divorce, a failed business and deep remorse for neglecting his two-year-old daughter. Needing an escape from this emotional crisis, he made a solo pilgrimage to the Eiger’s Nordwand. When one of the world’s greatest climbers makes a solo winter attempt on the most legendary north face in the world, an extraordinary story is inevitable.
Bozeman’s Pete Tapley on a Mixed First Ascent
A trad route with decent natural gear that includes small cams, wires, pins and some clutch Spectre placements in frozen moss and choss.
Prana Tangra Pant: Fashionably Dysfunctional
After several months of abuse, capped off with a thrutchy ascent of Red Rock’s Epinephrine, I was amazed to find Prana’s Tangra pants still looking new. However, when it came to everyday use, the pants are clearly designed for fashion over function.