Aquaterro

Archive for the ‘Mountaineering’ Category

High Angle Solutions – DMM Pivot Belay Device

Wednesday, September 30th, 2015

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The new DMM Pivot is a modern belay device that caters for modern belaying techniques with modern ropes. Meticulously researched and developed to provide optimum performance both belaying from the harness, and direct from the anchor. The Pivot provides smooth paying out, a secure and confident catch, and controlled lowering. The head turner is the innovative pivot – this patent pending solution shifts the lever arrangement to allow easily initiated and controlled lowering when used in guide/direct mode. Even with a weighty second, the belayer can lower one, both, or either second with total control using the specially shaped biner cavity. Once the top is reached, the Pivot will be a trustworthy abseil partner for the return to the base. Perfect for alpine, winter, and multi-pitch trad.

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The grey surface finish shown is the new DMM Tactical color which has been chosen for its ability to blend into a far wider variety of environments. Additionally, the carabiner shown in the above image is the Flat Dark Earth color finished in DMM’s Cerakote option, which will be covered in more detail in a future feature.

www.dmmwales.com

High Angle Solutions is a new weekly feature by DMM and CTOMS.

DSEI – DMM

Wednesday, September 16th, 2015

Our friends at CTOMS introduced us to one of their close industry partners, DMM, and boy are we glad they did.

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DMM is a Welsh company that manufactures all of their climbing hardware at their factory in Wales. They have three primary lines: Recreational, Industrial and Tactical and their offerings are extensive.

Let’s take a look at a few items.

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This is the Talon, a steep earth anchor for use in dirt. Basically, you open the device and step on the arrayed anchors to keep it fast.  

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DMM now offers cerakoting as an optional coating, meaning custom colors for specialized use.

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Below is the Revolver which integrates a pulley wheel into the QuickDraw carabiner to reduce friction at loads up to 11kn.

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Finally, we get to the coolest item I saw in the booth. The RPM Shackles are a pulley/Prusick-minding system.

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Make sure you check out their entire line.

www.dmmwales.com

Voilé Vector BC Skis White Top/Base

Tuesday, August 25th, 2015

Proper Kit for mountain warfare is coming from industry. In this case it’s a militarized version of the classic Vector BC.

  

The ski incorporates the Voilé Traction Pattern Base which aids in long approaches although you’ll probably still need skins for steep terrain.

  

Offered in 160, 170 and 180 cm lengths.

www.voile.com/voile-down-range/voile-vector-bc-skis-white
 

Sterling Rope Rebrands

Monday, August 24th, 2015

Sterling Rope showed off their new look at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City. Last year, Sterling introduced tactical colors to their selections. Here are a few styles of rope and xordage you may be interested in.

 

 

www.sterlingrope.com

CRKT – 3 New Collaborations with Hans Florine

Sunday, August 23rd, 2015

We ran across three great surprises in the CRKT booth at OR Summer Market.  Designed by world-record speed climber of The Nose on El Capitan Hans Florine, these blades are lightweight and can be opened one-handed.

 

From top to bottom:

Bivy

Dimensions
Open Overall Length 7.06 inches
Closed Length 4.12 inches
Weight 7.7 ounces

Blade
Length 2.92 inches
Thickness .09 inches
Material 5Cr15MoV
Blade-HRC 55-58
Finish Satin
Grind Flat
Style Tanto
Edge Plain

Handle
Material 1060 Aluminum

Lock
Type Locking Liner

Carry
Carry System 1 Position Pocket Clip

Options
Includes 1 Spring Assisted Opening Plier
Includes 2 Screwdrivers – Flat/Phillips
Includes 3 Marlinspike

Hyphenate

Dimensions
Open Overall Length 4.77 inches
Weight 1.2 ounces

Blade
Length 2.23 inches
Thickness .12 inches
Material 8Cr13MoV
Blade-HRC 58-60
Finish Stonewash
Grind Hollow Grind
Style Tanto
Edge Veff Serrations

Carry
Carry System Glass Reinforced Sheath
Weight .9 ounces

Niad

Dimensions
Open Overall Length 4.06 inches
Closed Length 2.5 inches
Weight .6 ounces

Blade
Length 1.56 inches
Thickness .08 inches
Material 5Cr13MoV
Blade-HRC 56-58
Finish Stonewash
Grind Chisel
Style Tanto
Edge Veff Flat Top Serrated

Handle
Material 6Al4V Titanium

Lock
Type Frame Lock

www.crkt.com

Misty Mountain – The Skull Camo Chalk Bag Is Back

Tuesday, June 16th, 2015

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The popularity of the Skull Camo Chalk Bag prompted Misty Mountain to source more skull camo pattern fabric, allowing them to offer it once more. Additionally, 50% off the Skull Camo Chalk Bag revenue will be donated to select charities that support wounded warriors and Veterans.

mistymountain.com

SOFIC 2015 – Petzl Jag System

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Petzl’s new Jag System is a prebuilt 4 to 1 mechanical advantage system.  Bothe ends feature double pulleys and one end it has a built-in progress capture or ratchet.  Additionally, the rope is contained in a sock so it won’t tangle.

  
www.petzl.com

Misty Mountain – Tactical Roco Insertion Cache

Thursday, April 23rd, 2015

   
Misty Mountain’s Tactical Roco Insertion Cache (TRIC) is a compact bag with integrated strap designed for carrying a small rope and hardware for insertion and extraction. Designed in conjunction with Roco Rescue, TRIC features a modular, low profile, easy access bag for holding 150 feet of 9 mm rope and hardware for personal rappelling, hauling, and other rescue activities. TRIC includes a detachable strap/belt with load rated AustriAlpin Cobra buckle for use in carrying and as an emergency anchor or sling. Features include 2 interior stretch pockets, 6 bi-color interior straps for multiple loadout configurations and generous 1″ MOLLE for various mounting options. TRIC can be worn around the waist as a belt, diagonally over the shoulder as a sling, carried on one shoulder or strapped onto a larger pack. Durably constructed from 1000 denier nylon and burly #10 YKK Zipper, TRIC is perfect for compactly carrying a personal rope kit for quick insertion and extraction. Strap attaches with 2 side squeeze buckles and Velcro for security. Three exterior compression straps keep it all snug. Made in the USA by Misty Mountain and Berry Amendment Compliant.
 
Available in Multicam, Coyote, and Black.

mistymountain.com/military-tactical/t-r-i-c-rope-system