trampmaster

I was going to buy last year's model that was orange but this one came out just in time. I emailed a black diamond rep and he said there are 2 differences between this lime green new model and the older orange one. The yellow has hooks on the leg loops so you can drop your drawers if you need to and it is slightly stiffer with more support and burlier material in the leg loops. I have only climbed with it on about 10 climbs. At first it felt the same as my old harness and I wasn't too impressed, especially because I was comparing this expensive harness to my old mammut $35 harness. The more I climb with it the more I realize how much lighter and comfortable it is. The only complaints I have pertain to the gear loops and the speed adjust. The gear loops seem a little flimsy and when they have gear on them they tuck into your body so its hard to clip things to them. The speed adjust took some getting used to. Its speedy to get on, but its difficult to get off without a little practice. All said I love this harness and will keep it for years to come.

We bought the 10L for an emergency 72 hour kit. We've only taken it camping once but it was pretty sweet. We hung it up and there was water pressure, making it easy to get out water. I like the small spout the best because its not too small but it also allows you to really regulate how much water you get out. I like it a lot and it seems way more durable than a camelback, which if I'm not mistaken you can drive a car over and it won't pop. This MSR bag seems very durable and I don't think I'll ever have to replace it. Its a little expensive but worth it.

So I am really confident about these after placing them and they are super strong. That is just what I need to quiet a nervous mind when I'm climbing. They are light and fit in a wide range of sizes. However, I think I've never been so frustrated with a piece of gear as when I'm trying to remove these. It could be these tri cams, or it could be my bozo friend Thomas placing them in situations when they are so deep and in a crazy place that I would rather just have a stick of dynamite to remove it....ok maybe not. I know from reading a lot that many have troubles removing these if they are placed anywhere but the very outside edge of a crack and some refer to them even as "fixed gear". Bottom line is #1, don't let Thomas place tri cams, and #2 don't place them too deep or in a funny constriction or you just might never get them out. You decide, that's just my opinion.

I bought this specifically for multi pitch climbs so I could belay from up top with the device hooked to the anchor and I would be independent of that system. I like petzl a lot and I read up on my stuff before I bought this. I was pretty disappointed when I found that it took more work pulling the rope through the device than I used climbing. My partner also tried and ran into the same problem. I have since used the ATC guide and it feeds much nicer. I'm going to keep it, but not use it the way I wanted.

I think these are a happy medium of having inexpensive draws for both sport and trad climbing. I am a little unhappy with how easily they twist. It seems no matter how I rig it that will always happen. So I'm buying draws with a thicker dogbone for sport climbing, but these were a great start for me. All said, I'd buy more