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 |
 Mountain Safety Research Titan CookwarePosted on: July 31, 2005 
MSRP: $50 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. I did a four-day ski mountaineering trip in the Wind River Range this pass spring, and it was great to be able to shave ounces when we had to go to "dry land" for about six to eight miles before another ten to twelve on skis to camp. I love the simple things, like how MSR is able to get the lid handle to stay upright when cooking. It is best to bring a heat exchanger along if you are camping above ten thousand feet, or in relatively cold conditions. I think the combination is better than carrying just a steel pot alone as well. We all keep gravitating to the kettle model...minimalists for sure. |
