Mountain Standards

Posted July 31, 2005

Mountain Safety Research Titan Cookware

MSR’s Titan cookware feels like it's not even there when it's in your pack, which is just what the titanium is supposed to do. These "light is right" pots help keep you charging ahead, for the long haul.



Posted July 31, 2005

Mountain Safety Research SuperFly Stove

MSR, Minimal...Simple…Reliable…, these are all words that come to mind when describing the Superfly from Mountain Safety Research. This lightweight (4.6 oz) torch will provide endless performance for years. Its clean, basic design has minimal moving parts making it less likely to fall apart when you really need it.



Posted July 31, 2005

Mountain Hardwear EV2 Tent

The Mountain Hardwear EV2 tent is so high tech, when I'm in it, I feel as if I am in the space shuttle. With its integrated vestibule, it's kind of shaped like one too. The three-pole design and non-stretching fabric reinforcements make it out-of-this-world sturdy against the warp-speed winds at high altitude.



Posted July 30, 2005

Cloudveil Serendipitiy Jacket

This jacket demonstrates Cloudveil's ability to create clothing that performs well in the backcountry yet also corners the fashion market for the "post-adventure" night out on the town.



Posted July 30, 2005

Charlet Moser Atzar

"Wow" is the typical reaction I get when showing the Charlet Moser Atzar Ice Tool.



Posted July 30, 2005

Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3

This is the kind of sleeping pad that should not be allowed near El Cap. It is far too precious to be rubbing up against harsh granite all night long. After all, we must treat this "super-food" of the gear world with the utmost care and respect. This superlight pad keeps your hips happy and consciousness in deep slumber without adding any more weight than necessary.



Posted July 30, 2005

Black Diamond C4 Camalots

When Craig Luebben assigned Curt Love and me Cloud Tower for the last day of our AMGA Rock Guide Exam, we were psyched. Our first question was, "Can we borrow your rack of new C4s?" The weight difference, at 20-percent less, was very noticeable.



Posted July 30, 2005

Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody

It hurts to take off the Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody as the temperatures rise here in the Tetons and hardshells become the jacket de jour. I have become so attached to this jacket that I can't wait for the winter months to arrive so I can put it back into the rotation.



Posted July 30, 2005

Black Diamond Lighthouse Tent

At 3lb 3oz, and 30.8 sq. ft. of space, the Lighthouse is an awesome choice when space, weight and strength are priorities. It is surprising that a tent this light can also be so sturdy.



Posted July 30, 2005

Arc'teryx NoZone Pack

The Arc'teryx NoZone backpack belies the need for a porter or a weight-carrying boyfriend. The suspension makes lugging a Cassin Ridge load feel like going for an afternoon of sport climbing.



Posted July 30, 2005

Mammut Ice Packs

Mammut has scored big with the Butterfly suspension system in its 2005 Ice Pack line. Available in 35 and 45 liter options, the Ice Pack delivers in performance, weight and value.



Posted July 30, 2005

Metolius SuperCam

This spring I have managed to get my hands on the new Metolius SuperCam. Its wide range, 1.55 inches to 2.77 inches, is twice that of most cams currently on the market. It also has wider cam faces, i.e. surface area, that give me more confidence on softer rock, as well as a range-finder feature with color-coding to congratulate me on my bomber placements.



Posted July 26, 2005

Marmot Essence Jacket

At 7 oz, this uber-light shell Marmot engineered has upped the ante of the revolutionary PreCip by cutting its weight nearly in half. When rain shells were heavier, I would often leave one out of my kit.



Posted July 26, 2005

C.A.M.P. USA XLC390 Crampons

The C.A.M.P. USA XLC 390 is the lightest semi-rigid twelve-point crampon in the world.



Posted July 26, 2005

Black Diamond Hotwire Carabiner

The smooth gate operation of the Hotwire continues to allow flawless clipping in all situations, and its full size permits easy handling with gloves.



Posted July 25, 2005

Cloudveil Switchback Pants

The Switchback Pants from Cloudveil offer a complete balance of fit, function and fashion, as we transition into the warm summer days. So far, I have exclusively worn this pant on my motorcycle (KLR650), to the chiropractor and on the Grand. They are perfect for all three.



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