Zeal Optics Flyer Sunglasses

Marmot Ascent 40 Pack

Marmot Trail Wind Hoody

I was fortunate enough to recently acquire the Trail Wind Hoody from Marmot.  Upon first inspection of this garment it seemed great.  It had all the features I would look for in a lightweight wind layer: Hood? Yes. Drawstring closure at the hem? Yes.  Small pocket? Yes.  Super lightweight? Yes.  The garment talked the talk but could it walk the walk?  I brought it to Canada for two weeks of ski touring to find out.

With the constant movement of ski touring it can be difficult to find an equilibrium with layers to not be too cold while not melting on the uphill.  So with this equation, choosing appropriate layers is difficult.  The Trail Wind Hoody outperformed my expectations.  During a 2 day ski traverse we encountered rain, high winds, blasting sun, and total whiteouts.  The Trail Wind Hoody left me cool enough for the 3000 foot climbs and blocked the wind on the 4000 foot descent from the top of Whistler.  When the weather got nasty, I pulled the drawstring hem and cinched the hood to block out the elements.  The chest pocket conveniently held my sunblock and lip balm for easy access.  It fits into its own pocket for easy storage and at a mere 4oz. this jacket helped keep my multi-day pack under 30lbs!  

This jacket will surely be a go to item for all my guiding objectives this year.  Whether I’m on the Diamond or cragging in Boulder Canyon, the Trail Wind Hoody will be with me.

Eric Whewell
CMS Guide
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
ewhewell@totalclimbing.com
www.totalclimbing.com

La Sportiva Boulder X

I have been mostly using my La Sportiva Gandas while guiding in the Front Range and Red Rocks and could not really imagine a shoe that would equal it. When the Boulder X came out I did not see a fit for my everyday use. Once I got it on my feet my pre conceived ideas were quickly changed. This is the most comfortable approach shoe I have ever worn that also climbs like a champ. The Boulder X comes from a long history in the La Sportiva line up and this shoe improves and has built on its ancestry. The padding in this shoe is what puts it above its competitors. The Vibram Idro Grip rubber is some of the stickiest I have ever used in an approach shoe. The tread is quite deep while not compromising traction and will greatly prolong its life. The shoe is built to last and this may be its only drawback as its a bit on the heavy side and slightly warm. In my opinion this is a reasonable trade off, as I want my shoes to last.

So far, I have used the shoe for a total of 19 days of guiding in Red Rocks and Smith Rocks where I even used it to climb the uber classic Johny Vegas to Solar Slab; a linkup of 10 pitches. Messing around on top rope I was even able to send the classic 12a Heinous Cling with the Boulder X although I did have to pull a bit harder. The Boulder X will be my workhorse for work and play. Come join me for a day of climbing in Eldo. The season is here!!

WEIGHT: 16.97 oz/ 481 g LAST: Boulder CONSTRUCTION: Board Lasted UPPER: Leather LINING: Mesh (back half and tongue only) INSOLE: 2mm Polyproylene/2mm La SpEVA MIDSOLE: Micropore EVA SOLE: Vibram® Idro-Grip V-Smear™ Impact Brake System™

Dale Remsberg
CMS Head Guide
IFMGA Certified Guide
dremsberg@totalclimbing.com
www.totalclimbing.com