longhouse is a long-running video series from Hill People Gear. Six years ago, Evan Hill presented Winter Locomotion where he discusses getting around on snow and ice. If you haven’t watched that one, check it out before moving on.
Yesterday, they released Winter Locomotion 2023 which updates the gear Evan uses.
Soldiers of D Company, 70th Brigade Engineering Battalion, supporting the 11th Airborne Division, test out the new Cold Temperature and Arctic Protection System, or CTAPS, at the Cold Regions Test Center, Fort Greely, AK.
CTAPS is an innovative multi-layer system that aims to keep Soldiers warmer in cold weather environments, spanning from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to -65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Photo from PEO Soldier
Varusteleka is offering TSL 227 XL Snow Shoes in Finnish M05 Snow camouflage.
TSL snowshoes are manufactured in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, quite near to Mont Blanc.
www.varusteleka.com/en/product/tsl-227-xl-snow-shoes-m05-snow-camo
The X-Gaiter is OR’s first product, inspired by a case of frostbite while climbing Denali. It’s been updated over the years and continues to serve.
Featuring a 90D ripstop stretch double weave construction with neoprene along the ankle and back of calf as well as the rand along the sole, the X-Gaiter is insulated with PrimaLoft Aerogel across the toes and entire lower half of boot.
Finally there is a field-maintainable, adjustable shock cord under the sole.
www.outdoorresearch.com/us/x-gaiters-269287
When the gates on metal carabiners are opened or closed, are connected to metal anchor points or when they rattle against each other, they make a distinctive, non-natural noise. The DMM Ghost carabiner has been designed from the ground up to minimise this noise.
In the past this has been achieved by hot dipping the carabiner in plastic, but the temperatures involved in doing this risk altering the physical properties of the carabiner. Sniper tape has also been used, but this is temporary and neither method help reduce the metallic click when the gate hits the nose of the carabiner.
The aim of producing the Ghost carabiner, was to significantly reduce the sound signature of the gate mechanism and all other contact surfaces whilst maintaining the size, gate opening and strength characteristics of a standard screwgate carabiner.
By creating a bespoke, skeletonised carabiner back, we have been able to injection mould a noise reducing coating over all of the main surfaces whilst leaving an exposed aluminium rope basket to maintain good wear characteristics where the rope runs.
The unique screwgate mechanism contains proprietary dampers to manage the distinctive ‘click’ of the gate mechanism being opened or snapped closed, a feature which is especially important in covert urban climbing operations.
Another benefit to the over moulded screwgate barrel is that it creates an anti-vibrate function once fully closed that helps stop the barrel loosening accidently and so adding another level of safety.
Weighing 2.5oz (72g) and measuring 24.4 x 4.29in (62 x 109mm), the DMM Ghost is an excellent size for general purpose use and is certified to EN362:2004 A and EN12275:2013 B.
For enquiries, please email sales@helixoperations.com
Web page – helixoperations.com/Tactical/Products/Carabiners/Locking-Carabiners/Ghost
Misty Mountain has been retooling their line of climbing harnesses with the Intrepid being one of them.
I’m just going to share their description:
“Quick adjust buckles make sizing leg loops easy, and the contoured padded waist belt and tapered leg loops give good comfort for single pitch rock and ice. Double layer gear loops that extend for easy clips, ergo haul loop and burly nylon shell.”
mistymountain.com/shop/climbing/climbing-harnesses/intrepid-harness
The Carbon Air Frame 25 snowshoe from Austrian brand Komperdell features hollow core carbon fiber frames which keep the weight down to 21 oz (600g).
It features stainless steel crampons under the forefoot and heel as well as ice rail crampons on the frame.
Although the snowshoe itself is one size, the bindings are offered in five sizes.
