I’ve used the new Helix Carbon Fiber Ice Axe for two ski mountaineering couloir ascents now. All I can say is: awesome! My two 55 cm axes – with custom wrist leashes (AirCore Pro Rope) and a bit of sticky paint to roughen up the lower shaft – weigh 10 ounces – COMBINED. Two tools! […]
Greetings via satellite from the Montana wilderness! We’re out testing gear and taking photos this week for a new cover on the book before heading to Salt Lake for Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. We finally have our satellite dispatch system up and running using a Qualcomm sat phone on the Globalstar network with an HP […]
After having dodged the bullet of a few readers about coming up with a kit list for day skiing in the backcountry using off-the-shelf gear, I finally caved. I’m neck deep in winter gear testing this year, and it’s been fun, and enlightening (no pun intended) to see the products that are not only designed […]
"Lightweight techniques apply to winter, too!" they say. OK, sure. But with a very serious disclaimer. You better know what you’re doing. Send someone out in the wilderness with an extra hat and a warmer jacket in combo with your summer kit and they could be in for a rude awakening. First, read Last Breath, […]
Labor Day marks the official end of hiking season in the U.S. Which means that after Labor Day, it’s a great time for a hike: the thin crowds and Indian summers of September make for choice campsites and high miles during cooler days, without having to add a lot of weight to your pack. Nighttime […]