Reviews by User: kclimb (5)

Although Aluminum headed axes are all the rage among Ski Mtneers, Adventure Racers, and UL Backpackers, they do have some very specific limits. They tend to have such light heads that they can be largely ineffectual for harder snow and ice and in fact, can just bounce off---disastrous in certain self-arrest and step-cutting scenarios. One doesn't dare accidentally hit rock in mixed conditions w/ an alum. adze or pick---it can break or be easily blunted. Finally, many of the lighter alum. headed axes have very thin heads (to save on weight) and tend to be uncomfortable to hold for any length of time. I have found that the designers of the Black Diamond Raven Ultra (and the only slightly heavier Raven Pro) have achieved a certain golden mean in creating a steel headed axe that is relatively durable, is lightweight, well balanced and efficient as a good all-around mtneering axe suitable from everything from being a "just in case" axe for the fast moving UL backpacker tackling early season pass conditions and glissading down from Trail Crest (you know who you are) to the more demanding use of the rando skier descending down some ice to get to that sweet snow filled couloir and the general mountaineer on moderate ice and snow climbs. It is a B-rated Axe. This is the lightest steel headed axe I'm aware of. As I said, the Ultra is well balanced and a pleasure to swing. The curve and angles of the pick contribute to an aggressive bite. It is a very comfortable axe you can hold onto all day.

This is a provisional review as I've used this shoe on a few day hikes, some scrambling on local crags and an overnight. I like them a lot---good support, excellent breathability, great sole and in many respects they feel like Hardrocks with a higher cut---but with better rubber. They are not so approach shoe oriented as the Montrail CTC, lacking it's Gryptonite rand and beefier sidewalls but it makes up for this by being a more ventilated shoe. The mesh uppers seem to dry out pretty quickly, an attribute I value. The higher mid ankle cut offers some degree of support that will be appreciated both in rugged terrain and on long thru-packs. The stretchy collar helps to keep debris from getting into the shoe. Some people may not like it's relative tightness but it's a matter of personal taste, I think. Not an extremely wide toebox, in the Montrail way, but well protected. Heel counter and box lovely for my narrow heels. Materials seem well chosen for both lowish weight and good durability. I will be using them a lot on my longer distance UL fastpacks and I expect them to do very well for my brand of often off-trail, light mountaineering oriented kind of trips. I think that the Outdoor equipment media has for once, gotten it right with their laudatory reviews.

Great materials, fits a long torso well. Zip front is generous. Good elemental component of a layering system. The wool weight used is great for 3 season wear. The only thing that would improve it would thumbholes.

Always on the lookout for some simple lightweight pants for climbing and general backpacking that will be (1) wind and water resistant (2) comfortable while allowing unhindered movement and (3) durable, the Transition Tights offer a measure of each. The tights are admirably wind resistant and comfortable. No question that I could stem a wide chimney or do the splits (wish I could) with these. The WindStopper fabric for its weight is quite durable and very water resistant. However, the jersey knit inseam panels wet out quickly and seem susceptible to snagging. MH could turn these into a superb addition to one's outdoor wardrobe if they would only swap out those knit panels with something more durable and water resistant---there are a number of more water resistant stretch fabrics on the market that would do this. Finally, these are form fitting tights so, if you got it, flaunt it--- but could be deemed unflattering by those whose bodies don't look like the current athletic ideal.

This is very light weighing just over an ounce. It’s well ventilated and has a good deep bill for sun protection. Excellent for trail running and general fast and light activities. A little fragile when rubbing against granite.