Alpinist

The updated Nomics (585g each with standard accessories included, 500g without) are only slightly lighter than their predecessors while adding useful features including an integrated bi-material rubber grip over the shaft (making tape unnecessary), a built-in smaller hammer for pounding in pins, a steel spike at the bottom for use in cane mode, and tapered pick weights that slot better in cracks.go to full review

Black Diamond designed the Ultralights to fill a specific niche—mainly ski mountaineering, glacial travel, and big alpine adventures. For these pursuits, where weight savings can be critical, the Ultralights are clearly the new gold standard, and I would rate them 5 stars. However, after several days of climbing frozen waterfalls using both Ultralights and traditional Express screws, I noticed some design limitations that, in my opinion, were not offset by the reduced weight when used..." go to full review

Considering these boots were designed for three-season use, I was a bit apprehensive about taking them out in August, which is peak summer season in the Colorado Rockies. To my surprise the Gore-Tex membrane did an excellent job at breathing, allowing my feet to remain comfortable while I hiked out in the blistering heat of lower elevations. Likewise, the boot remained warm in the cold mornings at higher elevations, even when I wasn't actively moving around. One morning I spent a few hours..." go to full review

The reader can assume from the number of stars I awarded the boots—two—that I was not impressed. The reader would be correct in this assumption. To be fair, the Stetinds have some redeemable attributes and can serve the right situation well, such as high-altitude treks. But for technical alpine and ice climbing, I would not recommend these boots to anyone. This is unfortunate, because my first pair of rock climbing shoes back in 1992 were the Boreal Aces—so Boreal's products hold a fond..." go to full review

When I put on the Nepal Cubes the next morning, the boots were surprisingly comfortable despite them sitting in a freezing tent vestibule all night. My fellow guides in three-season boots complained bitterly all morning as their feet slowly warmed. We tackled Joffre's "S. Ridge" route and I found my Cubes to jam and edge easily as we moved up some 5.8 pitches where, again, the lighter weight was notable. I was very pleased with the Cube's ability to transition from rock, to ice, to snow, and..." go to full review

The Vision has its limitations, though. It certainly shines for casual cragging and can work well for longer routes, depending on how light you're willing to go or if you supplement it with a gear sling and/or backpack. At some point, you'll probably want something a little more substantial. I won't be using this for any big walls, but it's a great option to have for that Grade III 5.9 with a two-hour approach.go to full review

I spent most of late summer hiking long days in the mountains to access seldom-visited peaks in the Sierra. With climbing gear and a weeks' worth of food, the last thing I needed was a bulky rope adding extra weight on my back. Enter the Sterling Fusion Nano IX. This is a game-changer for those looking for a high-performance and reliable rope for climbing in the alpine or sending their latest proj. At a diameter of 9mm, it can be used as a large-diameter half-rope or as a skinny..." go to full review

Is the Grivel Stealth perfect? No. Is it a durable, light and versatile option for ice, rock and alpine climbing? Absolutely. Especially if you have a medium- to large-size head.go to full review

Those experiences on that cool autumn day in Eldo sold me on the Black Diamond ATC-Pilot (for ropes 8.7mm to 10.5mm; 85 grams) and it became my go-to device for general cragging, whether scary trad, dry-tooling or sport. I liked how smooth the device was to operate, both in regards to paying out and taking rope in, and how quickly it locked off when my partner fell or needed me to take weight.go to full review

When it's all said and done, however, you can find bird feathers heavier than this thing, so if you need a lightweight helmet, the revamped Sirocco is an impressive piece of equipment. I'm honestly not sure where helmet design can go from here, besides some kind of force-field generator that is powered by a chip implant in your neck. But until that dystopian day arrives, the Sirocco is a top offering for a comfortable, lightweight helmet that also (finally!) looks good.go to full review