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Archive for the ‘Mountaineering’ Category

The Commando from US Ski Pole Company

Thursday, November 3rd, 2016

One military unit looking for an American made ski package could find skis but not poles. Then, they found the US Ski Pole Company and they developed the Commando to fulfill the need.


The Commando is their first pole model at retail with an adjustable feature. It extends from 75cm to 155cm with the ease of two push buttons. Sporting a bare carbon shaft, this pole is ready to go without any hassle of removing grips to resize. This pole has a 13mm tip and weighs in at 62gpm.


Shaft:
Their ski pole shafts are made from 100% USA-made carbon fiberglass. Certified technicians roll the carbon fiberglass, precisely controlling the thickness throughout the shaft.

Strap:
This strap is specifically designed for the US military and features both white and black 2″ nylon webbing with added front support. This single-loops straps have easy on/off capabilities and are heavy-duty materials to withstand the toughest of conditions.

Grip:
Their exclusive grip is designed with a synthetic foam that’s not only lighter than cork, but has thermal properties and is more resistant against wear. The grip is designed to be parabolic for a perfect fit to your hand, which means less chaffing and no blisters.

Tip:
This component is made from an extremely dense polymer, which makes it withstand harder impact and sub-zero temperatures. The shape is designed to work specifically with their quick-release basket system. These also feature a tungsten-carbide alloy tip, which was designed extra long for a longer lifetime.

Basket:
Specifically designed in-house by US Ski Pole’s team, this baskets’ shape was carefully constructed to allow air to flow freely through the keyway channel, eliminating suction effect during warmer conditions. This front lip allows full 360’ of support around the structure of the pole instead of 100% of the pressure from the back forcing the pole to arc forward in a loss of important power. These are also designed so that they snap into the opposite end of the respective pole, making them easier to transport and store.

www.usskipoles.com/products/ski-poles/commando

Metolius Belay Glasses

Friday, October 7th, 2016

In Spring 2017, Metolius will release their Belay Glasses which incorporate a prism to reduce neck strain on the person on belay. They can be worn over other eyewear.

www.metoliusclimbing.com

La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX – Kryptek Highlander Now Delivering

Thursday, September 8th, 2016

I’ve received several inquiries regarding delivery of the Trango Cube GTX mountaineering boot in Kryptek Highlander from La Sportiva. Well, they’re shipping now. A good friend told me his had arrived just the other day, so if you’re in the market for a militarized mountain boot, they’re available.

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/products/footwear/mountain/trango-cube-gtx-highlander

ORSM – Wild Country Revo Belay Device

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Wild Country’s Revo is an award winning, bi-directional, self locking belay device. It can be loaded from either side and if the rope moves too quickly through the device, it locks, regardless of which direction the rope is oriented.  What’s more, it can’t be overridden when belaying or lowering a climber which will reduce brainfart accidents.

This video shows how the Revo works.

The Revo from Wild Country on Vimeo.

www.wildcountry.com/revo

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

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

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

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.