The Alpinist Mountain Standards reviews apply Alpinist's tradition of excellence and authenticity to gear reviews by providing unbiased, candid feedback and anecdotal commentary to equipment tested (hard) in the field. Our panel is comprised of climbers who use the gear every day as part of their work and play. Only the gear they would actually buy themselves, at retail price, qualifies for the Alpinist Mountain Standards award. The five-star rating system is as follows: One Star = Piece of junk. Two Stars = Has one or more significant flaws, with some redeeming qualities. Three Stars = Average. This solid piece of gear is middle-of-the-road on the current market. Four Stars = Better than most comparable gear on the market. It has one or two drawbacks, but still 90% positive. Five Stars = Is there such thing as perfection? An Alpinist Mountain Standards award-winner. Review Panel Adam George Caroline George Larry Goldie Blake Herrington John Race Bert Severin Jed Workman The rest of the MS Team |
 Mammut Dyneema 8mm SlingsPosted on: August 16, 2005 
MSRP: $12-$20 depending upon length It took me a while, but I have finally collected a bunch of Mammut Dyneema 8mm slings. I love using them because it usually means that I'm going high, fast, and long in the mountains. You definitely notice the reduction in bulk and weight when you have a full allotment of these puppies for your rack, with all sizes from 30cm to 240cm lengths. The low 8mm profile helps them rack nice and tight for reduced snagging and tangling when you have to bring a dozen or so. The best choice is to pair them up with some of today's 28g wiregate carabineers. As always, you want to be on the whole "light is right" program to maximize results. I think Mammut sells them in a package of eight or ten that way too. The inside story it that Mammut has an even skinnier 6mm model on the way. The biggest thing about these slings is getting the confidence to trust them. |
