One of the most satisfying aspects of rock climbing is feeling a measurable change in strength and ability. While climbing grades may be subjective and open to argument, climbing is unique in that we have a relatively clearly defined number…
The Evolv Luchador is the latest addition to Evolv’s Chris Sharma designed line, the Sharma Series. The lace-up shoe (also available in a velcro-strap closure model called Luchador SC) has a slightly cambered last, and a semi-asymmetrical toe profile. The…
The Evolv Luchador series of shoes, offered as both a lace-up and Velcro, are the newest additions in the market of all-around performance rock climbing. It seems that every few years climbing shoe technology improves by finding ways to maintain…
I’ve been testing a pair of the highly-touted Evolv Shaman for most of the autumn and winter. This has been my first pair of Evolvs after having been primarily a La Sportiva wearer for the last decade. The first thing that…
I have been testing the Princeton Tec Apex head lamp this winter season. I have used it ice and alpine guiding, side country and ski touring, as well as on a couple hut trips. The Princeton Tec Apex headlamp…
Image: Omega Pacific, Link Cam 1 The Omega Pacific Link Cam is a unique entry in the field of traditional climbing protection. In general, traditional climbing can be more challenging than sport climbing or bouldering because placing gear requires more…
I went to my local second hand gear shop for my first climbing helmet and I bought a bulky, red, antiquated caving helmet. It served me well in that it showed me what I did NOT want: something awkward, heavy,…
What sets the Omega Pacific Five-O Quickdraws apart? Two main components: the size and shape of the carabiner, along with a solidly thick dogbone of nylon connecting the carabiners. While the basic design of two carabiners attached by a piece of webbing…
La Sportiva’s Miura is a fantastic shoe. They fit well from the first day I jammed my feet into them. That’s not to say there was no break in period, but it was fairly short, and the shoes have remained true…
After a decade of climbing, I have my toolkit for days of climbing pretty well planned out. If I’m aiming to go out climbing for the day, I have what I need dialed. My list looks like this – A…