The Alpine Start

I absolutely love my Ergos, but I spend a lot of time on steep drytooling routes, as well as having the luxury of multiple sets of tools in my gear closet. It’s hard to justify so much money for tools that may not get used on a regular basis, especially when the Nomic is a better all-around tool, and only gives up a bit of ground on overhanging terrain. But if you want a dedicated pair of tools for steep ice and overhanging rock, I can’t think of a better choice than the Ergonomic. They are..." go to full review

The integrated semi-gaiter adds quite a bit of warmth to the boot, and keeps scree and snow from coming in the top. It’s not of the zip-up kind like on the Phantom series, and the laces go over top of it rather than underneath, but it’s a neat design and adds to the sock-like feel of the boot. The semi-gaitered design also adds flexibility to the ankle, making the MBP slightly less supportive than the classic MB but also that much more comfortable when walking and more capable when climbing..." go to full review

The ICE is much warmer than its weight would indicate, and even on the colder -20C days my feet stayed warm during long belays. The gaiter adds a bit of warmth, I think, but the carbon insole and other high-tech outer materials have to to be given due credit as well. I wouldn’t hesitate to use these mid-winter, and though Sportiva doesn’t rate them as warm as Nepal EVO’s, I think they’re not far off.go to full review

Performance-wise, I think the D-Lynx is faultless. The front point, given that it’s the same design as the regular Lynx, sticks well to rock, and bites into ice better than other fruit-boot crampons I’ve used, though it is a bit too thick for proper placement in plywood (this applies to World Cup-level comps only, however). The tertiary points are phenomenal for hooking and pulling, and bite into ice and hang onto rock exceptionally. They’re tough, too, and the whole thing is quite light for..." go to full review

In use, the Dyon is a pleasure to handle, with or without gloves. The gate is large enough to easily open with cold fingers encased in thick gloves, and the biner is a cinch to clip to screws, bolts or gear loops. I’ve not had it come even close to freezing up, despite the whole draw becoming encased in ice.go to full review

The new Sirocco also ups its overall protection rating through the use of two different materials for shock absorption. The outer is the same, soft, expanded polypropylene that seems to bounce back from impacts and has proven extremely durable in the original orange. I’ve crushed mine into packs, have been hit by ice or rock countless times, and though it has the battle scars to prove it, the Sirocco has never let me down (and over the time I’ve had it, I’ve managed to crush a BD Vector and..." go to full review

The Sum’tec is an alpine work horse that excels in modern mountaineering and alpine climbing.  Do you want to get out and cross glaciers, climb snow, ice and rock and really need a tool that will be there for you in every condition?  Or, maybe you need one great tool that will do everything needed for that summer mountaineering trip or course?  Either way, the Sum’tec is the way to go.go to full review

The combination of a low profile, hard plastic top with the lightweight EPP body allows the Wall Rider to provide a high level of protection and durability in a comfortable and reasonably lightweight package.  Some helmet designs have shaved off a few grams here and there by adding more vents, which also makes them a bit flimsy, or by removing features.  This helmet has added features to increase safety and durability but still falls on the lighter end of the spectrum of lightweight helmets..." go to full review

A great all-round technical shoe that provides exceptional performance in a very comfortable package. Whether a beginner or expert, if you have a medium to wide foot and want a versatile shoe that fits well and ups your game look no further. For all you Katana fans, the Vapor is similar but less expensive so you should check them out.go to full review

The most comfortable harness I’ve ever used, and also one of the lightest, the combination of which makes it feel almost as if you’re not wearing a harness at all. Highly recommended, though it has a couple of quirks that may not be to everyone’s preference.go to full review