If you are looking for a crampon that is solid, will last years, offers duel points and mono points with several ways to vary both, then the Petzl M10's are a fantastic choice. These are ideal crampons for someone who climbs ice, is new to climbing ice and has a boot that will take this crampon. I generally like lighter crampons and use the Petzl Darts and Dartwins. That being said, they do not penetrate the ice as well as the M10's and for a beginner, having the front points penetrate the ice (giving you a "foot to stand on") is vital.

Bottom line: A great crampons for ice climbing!

I have a K2 Panoramic Split 168 that I have used a few days so far this lean season. To test it out properly I headed south at Teton Pass for a tour which involves much sidehilling, normally a dread for splitboarders with soft boots, but not this time. The Panoramic held steady on the firm slope due to the torsional stiffness, which I believe K2 has focused on having incorporated into their splits for this very reason. Well, it works. The Spark Boots and Bindings helped as well.

The special skin clips that come with the K2 Split make the transitions that much faster and they are bomber!

The Panoramic is a bit heavier than I would like but that being said, this board is built to last many seasons of backcountry schralping. I have ridden lighter splitboards and they end up breaking after a couple seasons. Strength to weight is always the trade off and when I am on a serious slope with cliffs below, I will take a little extra weight to have the confidence and security of a solid ride underfoot.

The torsional stiffness of the Panoramic made the ride feel a bit less playful than I like for a powder stick. But I can see how that same stiffness could save a ton of energy on a big ascent, possibly even facilitating the window for the summit before having to descend.

Bottom line: a reasonably priced and stout splitboard that will last many seasons of splitboard adventuring.

I have a K2 Panoramic Split 168 that I have used a few days so far this lean season. To test it out properly I headed south at Teton Pass for a tour which involves much sidehilling, normally a dread for splitboarders with soft boots, but not this time. The Panoramic held steady on the firm slope due to the torsional stiffness, which I believe K2 has focused on having incorporated into their splits for this very reason. Well, it works. The Spark Boots and Bindings helped as well.

The special skin clips that come with the K2 Split make the transitions that much faster and they are bomber!

The Panoramic is a bit heavier than I would like but that being said, this board is built to last many seasons of backcountry schralping. I have ridden lighter splitboards and they end up breaking after a couple seasons. Strength to weight is always the trade off and when I am on a serious slope with cliffs below, I will take a little extra weight to have the confidence and security of a solid ride underfoot.

The torsional stiffness of the Panoramic made the ride feel a bit less playful than I like for a powder stick. But I can see how that same stiffness could save a ton of energy on a big ascent, possibly even facilitating the window for the summit before having to descend.

Bottom line: a reasonably priced and stout splitboard that will last many seasons of splitboard adventuring.

The F1's are a great boot for splitboarding. I removed the tongue on the back boot to soften them up. The bellows makes for smooth and comfortable uphill riding and even offers a bit of flex on the way down, which is a benefit to me as a snowboarder. I use Dynafit toe pieces for the up and have been using both Voile Mountain Plates and Burton Race Plates for the riding. The board I am rocking is a Rome Split Proto that is super light and fun.

I love the fact that I can DRIVE MY CAR safely in these boots! It is so nice to get to the trailhead and GO without having to change into boots. I am so stoked to find this boot and get back into hard boot splitboarding. I was over the challenges of splitting with a soft boot setup. Even though the Spark Fuse Soft Splitboard Binding is great it doesn't help much with traversing firm sidehills.

These boots are difficult to get in, to have my heel drop into the pocket, but I imagine this will get easier with time.

I have a fairly wide foot and once I baked the liners I had the room needed for comfort and warmth around the bellows. The cord holding the rubber ball to open and close the tour/ski latch broke the first time I used it. I drilled out the cord and threaded a simple cord through that is holding nicely for the time being.

I also used these boots hiking Glory Bowl on Teton Pass after doing a tour up West Mail Cabin on the West side of the pass. It is a pleasure to have a firm toe to use on the firm and snowy steps heading up to the top of Glory.

Bottom line: I think you will be seeing many more snowboarders using hard boots for splitboarding and backcountry riding in general and the F1's are the best I have found!

For more in depth reviews check out my website - www.stephenkoch.com' (HARD BOOTS VS. SOFT BOOTS FOR SNOWBOARD MOUNTAINEERING –)

I always carry a Tibloc on my harness, along with a couple of prussic's, knife and in winter v-threader (made out of a coat hanger!). Can use for simul-climbing by clipping to a piece of gear with a large diameter locking carabiner with the rope running through the biner. Use two if you are climbing on double ropes. This way if the second falls they fall on the piece of gear and don't pull the leader off! WARNING!!! Cannot give slack to the second with this system, so they better have their poop together!

I have used these tools for several seasons now and love them. The new Nomics now have a hammer! Nice work Petzl! These tools climb ice very well. I use tethers to prevent droppage. Leashless is the way to free yourself and to be way more efficient. They also have added a spike at the bottom of the tool for lower angle walking and topping out on climbs. Again, nice work Petzl! When mixed climbing the Nomics excel...whether matching on one tool or gripping up high, these tools love every minute of it and when you reach the ice you are NOT bumming from the "bounce you the fuck out of the ice placement you just made because the tools were engineered solely for rock climbing," which some other mixed tools give. Instead, you are laughing your way to the top of the climb...

Bottom line: A fantastic ice and mixed climbing tool that I take into the mountains with confidence.

The Spark boot by Deeluxe is what I have been waiting for in a boot since departing from Hard Boots after my attempt to snowboard the north face of Mount Everest in 2003. The security of this boot's grip while walking on firm snow is incredible. I hiked up Mount Glory on Teton Pass last Friday under the full moon with a group of friends. It hasn't snowed in several days and the boot pack was firm and slick with rocks protruding in several places. I have never felt so secure and comfortable on the boot pack as in these boots. The Vibram sole takes sure footedness to another level. I was convinced I was a billy goat for a little while and it had nothing to the products, services and beverages imbibed in and around the Stagecoach Bar before departure.

I am still getting used to the lacing system, which is not super intuitive. There has been no need to kick steps in firm snow yet with the cold snow this time of year, but I will be doing that soon enough. My initial thoughts on the toebox construction is that it could use some beefing up. I may doctor them up with a layer of Aquaseal, which would add some stiffness and protection to the toebox.

They Spark's ride well. I have ridden them a few days and they also tour fine. I am using an older Scarpa liner at the moment until I cook the ones that came with the boots, which will happen soon.

The four stars is for the seemingly flimsy toebox. If after use (I may only Aquaseal one boot) they hold up well and penetrate firm snow well, I will come back and amend the rating. But for now this is a great start to a splitboard/backcountry snowboarding/snowboard mountaineering boot.

Regarding Crampons, I haven't messed with that yet. Soon. I do know the Grivel G10 Wide's look ideal for snowboarding boots. But I am hoping for a great aluminum crampon,for most of the climbing I will be doing in these boots will be on snow.

Bottom line: A niche has been filled with the addition of a "real" Vibram sole. Gain security and confidence on snow, ice, rock and icy parking lots with the Deeluxe Spark Boot. Rides well and is light weight to boot!

I used the Scapra Rush last spring for a two week expedition in Alaska's Wrangle-St. Elias Range. They worked well for both ski mountaineering and snowboard mountaineering. I was doing both and was stoked to be able to use the same boots for each activity.

They are light but still stiff for their weight (just over 6 lbs/pair). If you are looking to shave weight, and are willing to sacrifice a bit of stiffness for a lighter weight boot, then the Rush could be for you. The inventive tongue design helps to make Scarpa's line of ski mountaineering boots exceptionally stiff for their weight. It takes a little patience to figure out how to cleanly open the boot by moving the tongue to the side before getting in or out. But after two or three goes you will have it dialed and stoked on the design for the stiffness it offers.

The boots tour well with lots of cuff movement. For skiing they tighten nicely and once the forward lean lock is engaged you are ready to rip. They were plenty stiff for snowboarding. For skiing they functioned well on all but the iciest terrain. During a time or two while on skis where it was steep and icy, I would have preferred the Scarpa Maestrale's for their additional support. But would not have enjoyed the extra poundage on the way up.

Bottom line: Scarpa Rush are a great boot for ski mountaineering at higher altitude or when you are going for big vertical days and want to shave weight. If you desire the support of a stiff four buckle boot, I would go with the Scarpa Maestrale.

The Volare by Ski Trab are LIGHT! I have a pair of the 185's and they ski well in various snow conditions - from crud to powder to chalk, these skis ski like a dream, and my legs are not torched on the descent because of the lightness of the skis on the ascent! The way a backcountry ski should be. Light, wide enough for deep and not too wide to feel awkward when trying to edge on firm snow, either up or down. The taper and mini swallow tail, coupled with the over-sized tip keep the tip up without "early rise" and without reducing the carvability.

Regarding non Trab skins...I notched out one side of the tip on each ski and it holds regular skins just fine. With the tail I notched out the swallow tail to square it up and it takes the BD tail clips just fine.

Bottom Line: A light mid-fat ski that rips all snow conditions with ease. My go to ski for terrain where manual up is required.

I love these tools! I used Quarks on hundreds of routes over the years...vertical ice, alpine ice and mixed routes (new route on Denali Light Traveler and first free ascent of the Moonflower Buttress done with Quarks), snowboard descents and mixed (before the Ergo and Nomics). When mixed climbing I add a "ball" to match onto, just above the rubber grip. I do this by taking duct tape, give er' a couple full raps then unroll 2' of tape and while it is still on the roll, twist the sh#t out of it so it is tightly twisted and stuck to itself, then keep wrapping around and repeat as necessary to get the size "ball or match grip rest" you desire then finish it off with a stickier tape and throw some strips of skateboard deck grip tape on there for ultimate holding power! That, along with the stock grip-rest will have you matching your way to the top, whether mixed terrain, steep ice or traversing on easier ground...

The Quark swings better than any ice tool out there. Try to demo all the tools you can and you will see for yourself. The picks penetrate well without shattering the ice. I go with two hammers so as to not risk opening up my face (not that a hammer back into my face if the tool pops, won't open me up, just less so than an adze!) I can use the pick (maybe not quite as efficiently, but worth it for safety) to cut through crap ice or dig a ledge out of the ice. I recommend going leashless, even with the Quarks. Free yourself up. It is the now. You may get more pumped, but that is because you are most likely over-gripping. Relax that grip to just before you slip off and that is how much you need to hold on, not any more! Also, going leashless lets you have less of a cluster fuck by not needing to unclip your clipper leash or pull your hand out of a traditional leash, or worse still, having your tool dangle from your wrist as you are throwing in a screw, clip a draw and get that rope in (all while your heart rate is going through the roof as your leg is doing a sweet Elvis impersonation - yes your leg and not you because you don't control it at this exact moment - maybe you will regain control as soon as you clip in to a good screw)! These tools plunge well, both with and without the grip-rest. The spike is the bomb and bites very well. There are two types of picks to choose from and they are both great!

Bottom line: the best all around (steep ice/mixed/alpine ice etc.) ice ax on the market! If you are going to get one tool that does it all, the Quark is the one.

For more in depth reviews check out my website: www.stephenkoch.com

The new Petzl Biners are fantastic! Petzl did their homework, as they always do, and managed to produce a carabiner worthy to follow the awesome Spirit, which set the standard for a great all around carabiner but is now way heavy compared to many lighter biners on the market. The Ange Wire Gate biners take a bit to get used to with the single wire, but with a little practice you will be clipping and unclipping with a smile on your face with these beautiful tool! The light weight is impressive as is the strength. There is nothing like a keylock to eliminate frustration due to getting the nose caught on a sling or bolt when trying to unclip. Bravo Petzl! Keep up the great work!

Bottom line: Fantastic carabiner for any type of climbing where you want to save weight and have strength. Highly recommend!

I have used the Hard Kore sunglasses for a few seasons as my main biking sunglasses. They breath well and have no frame on the bottom which allows excellent visibility for cycling. These shades stay on well and are comfortable.

Bottom line: Great biking shades that I highly recommend.

I have had a Leatherman Wave for years and have loved it. The cutter got tweaked and started sticking when I would use the pliers, which was a hassle. I sent it back and was rewarded with a new Wave. The locking blades, both straight edge and serrated, are solid and sharp! I use the scissors often. It is a heavy tool, but well worth its weight. I take it on ski/snowboard tours and to camp on climbs (leaving it there when going for the top to save weight).

Bottom line: Great Mulit-Tool with enough features and a great pair of pliers and two sharp and kick ass blades! Highly recommend!

These skis helped me tour like a bat out of hell due to their fantasticly low weight for the width. Dynafit really nailed it with the tip on this ski too. It raises up well while breaking trail, which saves energy and time and equals more turns or down in time for a nap after the beers! This is the ski I chose to bring for an expedition to the Wrangle-Saint Elias range in AK, where I was limited to one pair of skis. As a light weight all around ski the Manaslu has no equal. It handled powder, wind blown and breakable well. Sure, a heavier, fatter ski would always be nice on the way down, but you have to get up and the getting up on heavy skis sucks! So the compromise in stability in variable conditions is worth the weight savings on the way up. And these skis ride like bigger boards than they are with a very nice rise in the tip.

Bottom line: Excellent touring ski that skis bigger than it is and is a pleasure on both the up and the down!

These boots tour exceptionally well due to the removable tongue and unique lock cuff system in the unlock position. Very well thought out. Then when it is time to ski, insert the tongue, close the buckle and you have yourself a great skiing boot that can handle fatter skis! They ski well without the tongue even, so on some tours I leave it behind to save weight if the skiing is not going to be too technical and conditions are good.

Bottom line: a light, super touring and great skiing boot that can help take your touring to another level!

So far this pad has been amazing! Light as a feather and comfortable as all get up. I make sure to not over inflate it and it gives to make for a very comfortable sleep that works over lumps and rocks. I have been using a thin pad underneath that protects it from rocks as I am sketched out about punctures. I got the Large and would get the Medium if doing over. This is because it takes a long time to blow up and is a challenge to fold up. I keep it folded in thirds, as it comes from the manufacturer, and this seems to be the best way to store it. I would like to know if it can handle being used directly on stones but don't want to deal with punctures if it blows, so will keep using my super thin foam pad to keep the NeoAir off the stones. I used it nightly for two weeks on a glacier in Alaska and then again on a four day ski tour in the Wind River Mountains as well as several nights car camping with my son, and I sleep great with the NeoAir.

Bottom line...an amazingly light and comfortable sleeping pad that I highly recommend. If camping on sharp stones, I recommend bringing something to insulate the pad from the stones. A tent floor will probably suffice. I have been using the floorless Black Diamond MegaLite Tent...

I was on a trip to the Wrangle-St. Elias mountains last month and my partner had the Sum'Tec. I borrowed it for one descent and wouldn't give it back to him. This ax is a great tool for climbing steep snow couloirs. The Trigrest worked great and makes it easy to go from mountaineering tool to more technical tool in a few seconds by dropping the Trigrest down. The slight bend in the shaft was nice, especially for holding on descents. I banged the tool on my crampons to get rid of the balling (no anti-bot plates on the crampons I had).

Bottom line: a great light weight mountaineering ax.

The Petzl Tikka 2 Headlamp is a great little headlamp with some good improvements over the Tikka. I have been using mine for the past several weeks with the Core rechargeable battery, sold separately. This light is simple and functional. The light mode adjusts easily - with the push of the main button. For red, simply hold the button down. I love that it has a battery indicator light, which lets you know how much battery remains. The Tikka 2 stays put on my head and doesn't flop down as some other brands do. I like the addition of the red light and blinking red light. I use the red light for reading and when I need only a little light...with some moon, on an easy/big trail etc. Also, the red is boss for checking on sleeping children because it doesn't wake them up but allows enough light to make sure they are still breathing! I use the blinking red for bike riding to let drivers know where I am...could be a life saver, especially winter riding! This light is good for 95% of my needs. The other times I want a brighter beam, which the Tikka XP offers. But for the brightness, you pay. For the money this light is amazing. I keep one in the glovebox of my truck and it has proven invaluable for changing a late night tire and for several dig outs while stuck in snow on cold wintery nights.

Bottom line: a great headlamp that is simple and effective!f

...a rechargeable headlamp that holds a charge a long time and has standard (old standard as rechargeable will become the new standard in time...thanks Petzl!) battery backup! The ACCU Core Battery was a bit tricky to open at first as I was worried about breaking it. But with a few attempts and patience I opened it and it charged easily, and conveniently uses the same cable as my phone, so I can charge it in the car too! I used the Core with a Tikka 2 and was impressed with how long it held a charge...lost track of how long it lasted on one charge as I was using it mostly taking the dog walking and for shorter trips, but it went on for many days without any loss of brightness. I have not messed with the software download as I am not into teching out too much with my headlamp. I just want it to work and to know I don't have to buy and throw away all those regular batteries!!! But I love to have the backup ability to keep a set of AAA Batteries in the pack for my headlamp or avalanche transceiver.

Bottom line: Great product that functions exceptionally well and is good for the environment!

I used this rope over the past couple of weeks rock climbing on very abrasive granite at the City of Rocks in southern Idaho. This rope shows no signs of wear after over 20 pitches. It handles really well, twisting has not been a problem and I love the color (green). I have been using smaller single ropes, between 9.2 and 9.6, over the past several years and really like the stoutness of this 10.2. It actually gives me more confidence to go for it in dicey situations knowing I have the extra girth. When uncoiling it when it was new I was able to stack it with nary a twist, which is unusual. I look forward to using this cord ice climbing this winter as I have been enjoying using a single rope more often than twins and doubles, simply because it is easier and less complicated. If a rappel rope is needed I bring a 5.5 mm Dynema pull cord or an 8 mm rope that the second trails. The Triaxiale is an interesting idea that will be interesting to experience as the rope gets more use over the next several months.

Bottom line: Great rope that gives me confidence, has exceptional handling and looks to be on its way to lasting a LONG time!

This is a great video camera. It is small, light and simple to use. I have used it mountain biking with the handlebar mount, whitewater rafting with the waterproof case and with my mountain bike helmet. I find it works best mounted on top of the head vs. side mounted. When sidemounted it tends to pull the light mountain bike helmet to the side. I have also used it with my mountaineering helmet during a climb on the Grand Teton where my partner fell and broke her leg. She made a sweet video. Check it out here: http://stephenkoch.com/2010/09/shattered-story-of-a-mountain-rescue/

I normally use the waterproof case to protect the camera from dirt, moisture and lens scratches. One caveat, the audio sucks with the case.

It is easy to know if you are recording with both lights and audio beeps. The small leash is weak and should not be trusted to prevent loss of the camera in case of a serious fall.

Overall, I recommend this camera and look forward to using it this winter while getting face shots!

The Contour Camera waterproof case is boss! It is easy to use with good on/off and record/stop recording buttons. I have used it during whitewater rafting adventures as well as during a water balloon fight and swimming party at a friend of my young son's birthday party. The Contour camera is so easy to use that my son has shot video with it! The screen has not shown any signs of scratching and cleans easily. The case opens and closes easily and securely. I have not had any water penetrate the case. I have been using the case all the time that I am shooting outdoors to keep dirt and grit out of the camera. The picture does not show any signs of degradation with the case on as the window is clear!

Bottom line...a great waterproof case for an amazing camera!