Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Marmot Scree Pants

The Marmot Women’s Scree Pant ain’t your mama’s pants … and thank goodness for that! Having worn many types of mountain pants, this style is sure to delight and surprise adventurers with its durable yet comfortable design.

Recently, I wore mine on a multi-pitch climb in Rocky Mountain National Park. They were comfortable and shaped for a woman’s body. The fabric is breathable yet not flimsy. No worries about arriving at the crag all sweaty. When it’s cool and windy outside your bum and legs will thank you for choosing your pants wisely. In colder temperatures you will want to add a bottom layer. The elasticized waist and zippered front make it easy to slide these up or down (great for quick pit stops). I originally thought the belt loops would get in the way or catch on gear, so far that has not been the case. The zipped ankle cuffs house a draw cord for snugging down over ski or mountaineering boots.

On this particular day, after I climbed a few pitches, it dawned on me that a climber definitely engineered these pants. The leg map pocket is just the right size and shape for stowing a topo, lip balm or maybe even your cell phone. The zippered hip pockets are angled so that you can access them with your harness on.

The black stretchy fabric is a plus because it seems to be virtually dirt and snag resistant. Despite multiple outings and brushing against coarse granite crystals, there are still no snags in the material. Dirt never seems to settle into the fabric. You can easily wear these out to dinner at the end of a day of climbing.

For weekend wear up in the mountains or around town these pants are a tremendous value. While the Marmot Women’s Scree Pants may not be your mama’s black pants, they are definitely this mama’s black pants of choice! You’d be surprised how handy that map pocket comes in for grocery store lists and snacks for my daughter.

I’d love to hear what your experiences are with the Marmot Women’s Scree Pants, especially the creative ways you use that handy map pocket.

Click

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo Light

My guests are always pumping me for what is the best boot. Its always a tough question to answer as there are so many variables. I always throw some questions right back at them, questions like: what seasons do you want to use them in, what do you want to climb, etc etc...

I was recently asked "the question” and after asking my usual questions, the responses I got were: a boot for the lower 48, a boot that will ice and mix climb well, and something that I can stay warm in Colorado in the winter but still use in the Cascades in the summer.

As a La Sportiva athlete I do get the luxury of trying many different models and with the above criteria a boot instantly came to mind. The La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo Light is a perfect boot to crossover the seasons as it has Gore Tex Duratherm that keeps the feet nice and toasty on those single digit days. The boot is very nimble and light and climbs ice and mixed routes with ease. The rocker sole works well on those longer approaches in the Cascades and the Gore Tex Duratherm will help keep you dry in wet conditions.

This is one of my most used boots and one of my favorites in the all around category. If you are in need of a new boot and only can get one that will perform well in many situations this may be your boot.

Dale Remsberg
UIAGM/IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide
Colorado Mountain School
www.totalclimbing.com
www.gravityguide.com

For more information on the Trango Extreme Evo Light and other La Sportiva products, please visit: LaSportiva.com

*Photo courtesy of Roy Leggett

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

K2 Apache Coomba Skis

I've gotta be honest, I’m slightly biased with this review. In my eyes, Doug Coombs is by far the all-time legend of big mountain skiing. He was also a friend, with whom I was fortunate enough to make turns, share a few pitches, and celebrate with a beer or two, or three, at the end of an amazing day. So when the Coomba hit the market there wasn’t a price tag that would keep me from riding a pair. Although, you’ll be happy these all mountain fatties aren’t that crushing on the bank account (about $600), especially when you look at it’s competition.

The Coomba performs like a dream in pow and it’s light for it’s size (135/101/121 and a little over 8 lbs). During the all day tour, it busts through the crud and handles wind crust… well as good as you can ski wind crust. The snow has just started to fall here and I’m itching to get out on my Coombas. If your looking for a new addition to your quiver the Coomba is the ticket. Think snow and stay safe in the backcountry.

Simon Fryer
Boulder Rock Club & Colorado Mountain School
2829 Mapleton Ave
Boulder, CO. 80301
303.865.3604

For more information on K2 equipment, please visit K2.com

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Garmont Axon Ski Boot

It is amazing to sit down and write about a boot I have become so fond of over the last year. The Axon was Garmont's new addition to the beefy freeride line and is Dynafit compatible. The big boot skied with precision and feel, while the uphill was smooth and easy with the Dynafit bindings. The Axon is a bit heavy at 9 lbs. a pair, but the comfort, durability, and stiffness all make up for the weight.

One of the best features of the boot is the durability. I skied on the boot over 40 days last winter and spring and the shell and sole have stood the test of time. From short trips up and down the Dragon Tail Couloire in Rocky Mountain National Park to the longer spring tours on Drift Peak, these boots always seemed to be the perfect model for me.

The liner is greatly improved over the prior year and fills the boot out nicely. Remember to get the liner professionally formed for a great fit and lasting comfort. Colorado Mountain School has been using Chuck Bird at Neptume Mountaineering here in Boulder Colorado and we can not say enough great things about him.

Please let me know what you think of the Axon boot and I look forward to sharing with you a review of the new Garmont Radium and Black Diamond Factor boots. Both of these use the new (for AT) overlap construction for added stiffness and lighter weight. Also stay tuned for a review of the new Black Diamond Push Telemark Boot.

Michael Alkaitis
Total Climbing
2829 Mapleton Ave
Boulder CO 80301
303-447-2804 ext 107

For more information on Garmont equipment, visit Garmont.com
For Chuck Bird's footwear expertise, visit NeptuneMountaineering.com