Good Gear

 This winter I have shifted from technical rock and ice to more ski mountaineering objectives. This is for a plethora of reasons mainly being a bum shoulder that likes to dislocate in any type of shouldery movement and wanting to step away, reset, and lean into more training. As my focus has shifted to longer link ups and traverses there are some modifications I’ve done and pieces of equipment I’ve been using as of late that I believe are very functional, work for a specific goal, and are using tech that I think should be widely adopted.

Macpac Men's Nitro Fleece Pullover

To start I want to talk about Alpha direct fabric from polartec. Specifically the Macpac nitrofleece pullover. I picked this up when I was in New Zealand this fall and have pretty much living in it since then. The piece clocks in at 140grams and is the best midlayer I’ve ever used. It drys exceptionally fast, breathes super well, and when coupled with a windbreaker or puffy over it, is the right amount of warm. A lot of companies are starting to use this fabric more but the macpac’s cut, pricepoint, and quality stand out for me. I’ve tried a lot of fleeces over the years and often found many too warm or slow to dry. This one really nails the criteria I look for in big days in the mountains.

Recpak vanilla chai 

I love these. I like adding coffee to them and have been consistently using them as my go to fuel for big outings. For me they give me the long term energy and fuel I'm looking for in long hours of zone 2/3. I'd honestly start most my days with them because of how easy of a meal they are. S/O Joy the the support for rec pack! I do prefer putting semi warm water in these because on cold outings this much cold fluid leaves me cold for a while.

Raid LF 2L running belt

I’m a huge fan of running belts in general but all the pockets in this one are really the shit. The adjustability of it is also a huge plus. Aside from my long runs I’ve also incorporated this set up into overnights and touring as a warm spot to carry my phone and to keep a battery, wind layer and snackitos. 

Lanon Water proof gloves

These gloves are awesome. I religiously used the showas for years but have since switched to these. Some reasons being the durability and warmth is quite a bit higher. A set up I really like is having both a size large and a XL (my sizing) and ditching the belay mit. The only aspect I see changing is extending the gaiter or getting rid of it. Due to the short length I often don’t cinch it. The Xl also works great keeping a warm drink warm overnight and is a great way to dry it out.

Parbat EL 55

Parbat was the first company to support me and I have been beyond stoked on their packs since before I received support from them. I put my EL 55 through the ringer of a full PNW season guiding and climbing all over the cascades. It’s beyond light, carries loads easily, and tough as shit. On a tour with a pack much heavier than I thought it’d be I opted to huck this down the gully and it was completely fine. It holds up. Another key aspect I like is the slit for running hydration through, the ease and comfort of carrying/climbing with skis strapped on and that If I only fill it half way it maintains a functional and comfortable shape.  Parbat also hugely aligns with my renewability and sustainability ethics. Thanks for all the support!

Walmart multi tool

On the AZT me and Iz initially found one of these and it was love at first sight. It’s tiny, functional and cheap. Said found tool went to Japan with her and I found it by chance in walmart.  It retails for $5 and is labeled a fishing tool or something. The screw driver and pliers work exceptionally well, the knife cuts tat and rope easily and the file is pretty useful for a quick tune on tools or front points.

Arteryx Beta Pant

A simple no bells and whistles goretex pant. The side zip length makes ‘em easy to throw on with crampons, the singular pocket is almost perfect, currently sewing in a loop for the beacon, the ankle cinches make a tight enough seal on both touring and climbing boots minimizing the faff of built in snow skirts, the belt system is robust, and they dont restrict movement what so ever. Money. 

Tyvek tape/helmet

Tyvek tape has become my go to repair tape, It holds up in all temps and doesn’t peel. The sirocco helmet I insulated with pipe insulation and sealed with said tape. I don’t like the feeling of a warm hat suncap combo and the sealing allows me to just wear a gaiter with my suncap under the helmet. Very ideal. I got the tip from the colin haley video on gear recently. Just wish I could find a similar tape not made by the DuPont company.

Honorable mention

Mr ozy store ski crampons

From everything I’ve seen of these I was intrigued and a big fan. This company makes incredible niche, high quality and innovative gear and these crampons weigh and pack down to a “forget about ‘em in the bottom of the pack till you need em” size. Very cool piece I’m excited to use all over the Sierras and PNW this spring.