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Ortlieb – Elevation Pro 2 Waterproof Heavy Duty Alpine Backpack

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016

The Elevation Pro2 is a waterproof alpine backpack with roll closure and a removable height adjustable lid. The 42 L pack was developed in cooperation with the Austrian Alpine Rescue team (ÖBRD).

The pack was designed for heavy duty use in alpine terrain and expeditions where 100% protection against all weathers and durability and long-life is required. Numerous design features and low weight make it perfect for demanding climbs and expedition where every ounce counts without sacrificing sturdiness or waterproofness. Its slim shape and clear design underline the high expectations of a mountain rescue team for a pack offering reliable protection from rain and humidity during challenging trips in rock, snow and ice. A roll closure reliably protects your gear from rain and humidity.

The Elevation Pro2 features a waterproof zippered pocket on top of the lid accessible from the outside. A rope can be quickly attached to the lid thanks to a xing strap. The lid compartment with 4 L volume can be entirely taken off, just as the waist strap (with gear loops and zippered pockets). This allows for an individual adaption for multiple purposes of the pack.

A lateral zipper allows quick access to the main compartment, as an alternative to the roll closure. Further features include an ice axe mounting and an alloy buckle for the modified waist strap. A subdivided inner pocket allows for storing an optional hydration system.

Accessories: waterproof outer pockets, bottle cage, mesh pocket, pads for supporting lateral compression straps.

ortliebusa.com

Tags: Ortlieb
Posted in Mountaineering, Outdoor Retailer, Packs | 1 Comment »

La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX – Kryptek Highlander Coming In July

Thursday, June 9th, 2016

We first saw the Trango Cube GTX from La Sportiva in Kryptek Highlander at last Summer’s Outdoor Retailer. You might ask, “Why Kryptek Highlander?” and I’ll tell you what don’t know, but it is certainly better than their bright Yellow commercial colorscheme. We just found out that it will be available here in the US starting 15 July, for $390 retail.

The Trango Cube GTX features a new seamless, waterproof upper with protective rand and direct-inject lacing system. Additionally, this Gore-Tex lined boot offers an integrated removable tongue made from a soft stretch fabric to increase comfort. They’ve also reduced the weight from previous versions, yet increased abrasion resistance. One of the ways they’ve reduced weight is with the La Sportiva “One” sole made by Vibram which offers a lower profile meaning lower weight.

Specs:
Weight: 26.2 oz / 743 g
Sizes: 37 – 48 (half sizes)
Upper: QB3 Waterproof fabric/ Kryptek Highlander Print Cordura/ FlexTec2 fabric/ Thermo-Tech Injection
TPU lacing system/ PU Eyelets/ Vibram Rubber Rands
Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort
Insole: 4mm graded Nylon
Midsole: PU in toe and heel/ EVA in the central zone and in the heel / TPU insert for rear crampon attachment
Sole: La Sportiva “ONE” by Vibram (exclusive) with Impact Brake System
Construction: Board Lasted
Last: Trango

www.sportiva.com

Tags: La Sportiva
Posted in Boots, Camo, Mountaineering | 2 Comments »

Darley Defense Days – CMC Rescue

Thursday, June 2nd, 2016

This is a new locking triple bar descender, called the 3D. Most people use a six bar rack but this design not only saves weight, but also space in a pack. This design is also easy to load. The middle bar opens so all you have to do is pull a bight of rope through and close the bar.

www.cmcrescue.com

Tags: CMC Rescue, Darley Defense
Posted in Darley Defense Days, Mountaineering | Comments Off on Darley Defense Days – CMC Rescue

SOFIC – Revision Displays SnowHawk Cold Weather Goggle System In PenCott Snowdrift

Wednesday, May 25th, 2016

Revision had a one-off version of their new SnowHawk Cold Weather Goggle System in the PenCott Snowdrift pattern.

The goggle frame was dipped in the specialty snow pattern and the balaclava printed in the camouflage from UK-based Hyde Definition in an effort to gauge user interest in the pattern.

Tags: PenCott, Revision
Posted in Camo, Mountaineering, SOFIC | Comments Off on SOFIC – Revision Displays SnowHawk Cold Weather Goggle System In PenCott Snowdrift

SOFIC – Atlas Devices

Tuesday, May 24th, 2016

Atlas Devices always has some great new technologies and this year, they didn’t disappoint.

This is the ConAxe, designed to be inserted into the eyelets of a Connex. With a pul of the telescoping pole’s rope, it inserts into the eyelet and holds fast. It’s the first time it’s been shown publicly so customers may end up asking to have it adapted to their pole system.

Below is an Atlas Magnetron System. This seven pound system incorporates switchable magnet for VBSS and other tactical access including vertical overhangs. It will suspend up to 700 lbs per magnet which are switched on and off via the handle.

www.atlasdevices.com

Tags: Atlas Devices
Posted in Mountaineering, SOFIC | 6 Comments »

Revision Announces Snowhawk Cold Weather Goggle System

Monday, May 23rd, 2016

Essex Junction, Vermont (May 23, 2016) – Revision Military, a world leader in protective eyewear solutions, introduces the SnowHawkTM Cold Weather Goggle System. Revision developed this goggle system in collaboration with Anon Optics, a leader in goggle design for snow sports and a brand owned by Burton Snowboards, the world’s leading snowboard company. The SnowHawk Cold Weather System is the first-ever fully integrated ballistic goggle and balaclava system offering complete face coverage, superior anti-fog performance, and ballistic protection.

Cold climate operations have become an essential tactical focus for militaries around the world, with many dedicating more resources and training to maneuvers in the Arctic and other cold weather regions. This shift has generated a growing demand for gear that can withstand harsh conditions and function in extreme environments.

Extensive time, attention, and resources were dedicated to ensuring the breathability of this cold weather system: Mesh over the mouth and nose directs breath away from the goggle; the dual-pane thermal gasket lens creates an insulated barrier; built-in top and lateral forced-air vents provide constant airflow; and, Revision’s leading OcuMax© Plus coating is applied on the inside of the lens to prevent fogging, plus a hard-coat is on the outside of the lens to resist scratching. The SnowHawk system’s balaclava design utilizes Anon’s Magnetic Facemask Integration (MFI®) technology to seamlessly integrate the goggle and balaclava, ensuring stabilization and seal, with no skin exposed. The system achieves total face and head coverage, but is also intuitively designed for ease of use and swift removal when necessary. The SnowHawk Cold Weather System is available in black or winter white.

“As Revision has evolved, we have increasingly taken advantage of our cutting- edge facilities to tailor our protective equipment to the many environments forces around the world encounter,” said Jim Hester, Vice President, Optics, Revision Military. “We are excited to take this capability to greater extremes and challenge the limits of what our protective eyewear can do with the SnowHawk Cold Weather Goggle System. We are especially pleased to partner with a neighboring Vermont company on this venture. Burton is a likeminded and impressive company in an adjacent field, and it brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the table.” Hester continued, “As extreme cold weather operations are expanded, the SnowHawk goggle system, and the technology we have developed for this product, will be the standard for integrated head systems used by forces in extreme cold conditions.”

With improved comfort, functionality, and stability comes enhanced endurance and situational awareness; this is especially vital in the harshest and most unforgiving terrain on the planet. The SnowHawk Cold Weather System is low-profile and lightweight, with a sleek form-factor ideal for both tactical operations and extended- use missions. This efficient design ensures compatibility with helmets, binoculars, and night vision systems. The SnowHawk goggle lenses are interchangeable—with options for bright sunlight, overcast or low-light scenarios, and laser protection— and are made from optical grade polycarbonate to shield eyes from unexpected fragments, exceeding U.S. Military eyewear ballistic impact resistance requirements (MIL-PRF-32432).

SnowHawk goggles are compatible with Revision’s Rx Carrier for prescription lenses up to ±11D. Revision has tested the SnowHawk Cold Weather Goggle System in the company’s Research & Development laboratory, and the SnowHawk system has undergone rigorous review by multiple organizations in many diverse environments and conditions, including in Alaska, California, Norway, Canada, and atop Mount Washington, NH, a location known to be one of the coldest and harshest in the U.S. For additional information on this product and Revision’s capabilities, or for purchase inquires, contact sales@revisionmilitary.com.

Tags: Revision
Posted in Mountaineering, Press Release, SOFIC | 9 Comments »

Hill People Gear – Winter Skills Training 2016

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016

Each year Hill People Gear customers gather to share knowledge in an outdoor experience. This video gives you an overview of what goes on. Hopefully, I’ll make it one of these days.

Tags: Hill People Gear
Posted in Mountaineering | 1 Comment »

High Angle Solutions – CTOMS – K3 Tether

Wednesday, April 6th, 2016

K3 Tether

Sometimes the simple products are more complex than you think. Retention lanyards are an example. CTOMS performed testing on a typical helicopter retention lanyard (brand name withheld though many brands have very similar design and construction) – the type made of 1” tubular nylon with shock cord inserted into the core. The intent of the shock cord is to slightly shorten the tether to manage its length but provide stretch to a longer length for functional range.

100kg (225 lb.) test mass

Fall Factor 1.0: 10.2kN (2293 lbf)

Fall Factor 2.0: 13.2kN (2967.5 lbf) Failed

Traditional Tether from Chris Kopp on Vimeo.

At the same time CTOMS tested their K2-Sling adjustable retention lanyard. It is a basic design of 8mm accessory cord with sewn terminations, a connector at each end, and a 6mm sewn loop attached to the 8mm with a 4 wrap Prusik. That loop is then Cat’s Paw’d onto a quick release marine shackle. The design allows for tether length adjustment and also release from the system under load in a two part disconnect that prevent inadvertent release of a sole marine shackle attachment.

100kg (225 lb.) test mass

FF2.0: 13.5kN (3035 lbf) caught load

K2 Tether from Chris Kopp on Vimeo.

A high peak force, but at least still retained.

The next generation retention lanyard incorporates TRACE Systems force limiting technology. The new K3 Tether is made of 6mm TRACE Systems Rope and incorporates a Quickie Ascender (QA) for length adjustment. The long leg is 2 meters long, which means at maximum reach for most people, there will still be adequate slack to allow slippage through the device to arrest a fall. The K3 has been designed for both helicopter retention and mountaineering retention. It can be configured so that the adjustment (QA) is at the harness (usually helicopter) or at the anchor end (usually mountaineering).

The lanyard has a long leg and a short leg. The long leg is for personal retention and connection to an anchor, and when mountaineering, the short leg is to connect the rappel device to. The large loop would normally be girth hitched to the harness. When climbing with TRACE Systems, the short leg also is where the belay device would be connected providing a slight extension, which is ideal in that unique circumstance. A set of ettriers can also be hung on the tether carabiner and either as a single or a pair, is an excellent adjustable daisy chain for aid climbing.

In helicopter retention mode, the K3 would normally be flipped, connecting the adjustment end (QA) to your harness, and the “Y” end loop and short leg to a connector then to the aircraft. This ensures adjustment is always in reach.

The best part of the K3 is the soft catch of a major fall and slippage of rope through the device of under 1 meter. While the test videos are not in actual tether configuration, the adaptation is practically seamless.

100kg (225 lb.) test mass

FF2.0: 3.7kN caught load