Gear Review: Olicamp Ion Micro Titanium Stove

The folks at Backcountry Exposure recently published a review of the Olicamp Ion Micro Titanium stove. The stove weighs in at only 1.5 ounces, making it one of the lightest stoves available, yet still packs a punch with its 8,900 BTU burner. The Ion makes a great choice to anyone looking for a lighter pack out on the trail, or any situation where storage space is limited.

To learn more, and see the whole lineup of Olicamp stoves, visit www.olicamp.com

Durability Test: D.LIGHT Solar Lanterns

©D.LIGHT

D.LIGHT products are water-resistant, weatherproof, and built to last and this video will prove it:

Grivel 360 Ice Screw--Better Than Ever

The Grivel 360 ice screws were featured in the Climbing Magazine’s 2014 Gear Guide where they were praised for their improved hanger that allows them to rack tighter on the harness and the longer teeth that makes them quicker to place.

"Compared with the older [Grivel 360 screws], I was a lot more likely to get first-time, stab-and-go placements." –Climbing Magazine

Thanks to its rotating handle, the 360 excels in situations where screw placements are awkward and tight. The rotating characteristic also allows the handle to be long and ergonomic so that even placing a screw with bulky gloves is possible.

Grivel athlete, Scott Adamson has been using the Grivel 360 ice screws for a long time now and considers them as his go-to-screw. Here’s what he had to say about them:

“I always rack with a handful of 360s. They're rad for that dark, old, dense ice you get in the alpine world. They are perfect for when your calves are burning and you want to keep moving but you know you should slam in a piece. The leverage on the screw is great, it bites right through the ice.

"It’s also the go-to-screw on steep, weird ice. When the ice is chandlered and crazy the 360 screws are able to get into spots other screws can't. When the barometer drops to 30 below and you have your big bumbly gloves on, the handle on the 360 is awesome. You actually have something to hold on to. Also the new design allows for better racking, they now sit great on the ice holster.”

Another unique feature that all Grivel ice screws have is the reverse threading that helps displace all of the force created during a fall. By angling the threads in the opposite direction from that of other branded screws, the forces of a fall are directed in a more diagonal/outward direction, rather than having all the force directed along the sides of the screw.

In this video, Peter McConkie, Liberty Mountain’s Director of Sales, demonstrates the Grivel 360 while pointing out their great features:




Grivel is one of the many brands exclusively distributed by Liberty Mountain in the U.S. Visit LibertyMountain.com or contact the Liberty Mountain Sales Team to become a Grivel dealer today.

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A 2014 Sneak Peek: Beal Ropes, Harnesses, and Carabiners

What is a climber’s biggest fear? Climbers are scared of being unsuccessful and injured. In other words, climbers are afraid of falling.

Now that projecting is a norm in the climbing world, people are falling more and more as they try to raise their personal abilities on rock and ice. For this reason, it is imperative that climbing gear provides a soft/dynamic catch while also ensuring the safety of the climber. Falling while climbing is almost inevitable. So why not have the gear that will help take the “edge” off?

Beal, known as "The Dynamic Company," focuses on manufacturing gear that keeps climbers safe and comfortable. With perfected security and dynamic properties, Beal’s collection of dynamic climbing ropes provide climbers with peace-of-mind, even when they are sketched out and dynoing to a sloper.

Beal also focuses on producing gear that compliments and extends the benefits of their ropes. In 2014, Beal will launch some new harnesses, carabiners, and helmets along with the lightest and thinnest half rope. These new products are going to compliment Beal's notorious line of ropes.

The new line of Beal harnesses—being super-thin and lightweight—feature the new WebCore waist-belt the leg-loops. The WebCore construction diminishes pressure points and is wide enough to displace the weight bearing forces during a fall; making a soft catch seem even softer.


During the 2013 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show, WeighMyRack caught up with Benjamin Eaton to capture a sneak peek of the new harnesses.

Beal’s new quickdraw and carabiners will be working double-duty as they ensure the safety of the climber and increase the lifespan of the rope. Climbing hardware can be tough on ropes, causing them to wear out prematurely. Beal has designed their biners to reduce how much the rope gets bent and pinched while also providing options for single or double-rope setups.


During the 2013 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show, WeighMyRack caught up with Benjamin Eaton to capture a sneak peek of the new hardware.

During this year's tradeshow season, the new Beal Gully won numerous awards; not only for being the thinnest and lightest half-rope, but for also being equipped Unicore and an industry leading treatment for superior water and abrasion resistance.


During the 2013 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show, WeighMyRack caught up with Benjamin Eaton to capture a sneak peek of the new rope.

Talk with your local Beal dealer about getting yourself outfitted with Beal climbing equipment. Can’t find a Beal dealer in your area? Then visit www.LibertyMountainClimbing.com.

If your business already sells or wishes to sell Beal climbing equipment, please contact the Liberty Mountain Sales Team or visit www.LibertyMountain.com for more info.


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Grivel Crampon Binding Systems

DIFFERENT BOOTS = DIFFERENT BINDINGS

Every climber/skier/mountaineer has their own preference as to what type of climbing they prefer to do. Not only do they favor a specific type of climbing, they also choose a specific boot for the adventure. Trying to throw your favorite crampon onto a mountaineering boot seems easy enough, but what about trying to throw that same crampon onto a ski boot, snowboard boot, or even a trekking boot?

Grivel has your back, more like your feet, on this one. Thanks to Grivel's five main binding systems, your preferred crampon model now has multiple binding options to choose from.

Grivel Binding Systems (from left to right, top to bottom): Ski Matic, New Classic, Cramp-O-Matic, New Matic, & Race

CRAMP-O-MATIC:
A well-known system which relies on a nylon speed lever at the rear and a stainless steel front bale to hold the boot. Quick to put on, these bindings are prefect for plastic mountaineering boots that have a rigid sole and substantial heel and toe welts. The stainless steel safety strap, which was invented by Grivel, is Permanently mounted on the front bale and prevents total loss of the crampon should it be forced off the boot.

NEW MATIC:
An evolution of the Cramp-O-Matic system which utilizes the C-O-M rear bale and lever. The plastic harness system is hinged from two front posts that retain the boot securely even if it has a shallow, worn front welt or when overboots are being used. It is a simple and efficient binding, which is far more versatile than the original Cramp-O-Matic style. Made in bi-component plastic: the black part is the stronger, bearing the strain whilst the yellow part is softer, increasing adherence to the boot. The harness is made from the strongest, most durable plastic available called Zytel DuPont, which was developed for the manufacturing of alpine ski bindings.

NEW CLASSIC:
An evolution of the Classic binding. Both front and rear plastic harnesses are hinged from their respective retention posts and may be “opened” to facilitate attachment to the boot, then closed securely once the boot is inside. The single Strap closure system is so simple we may not need to provide instructions; the New Classic is therefore ideal for rental programs and fist-time users. This system is simple and reliable, quick and easy, but it does take up a bit more space in the rucksack.

SKI MATIC AND RACE:

Totally new binding system specific for ski touring. It considers the technical needs while providing simplicity and lightness. The new front bail is “bomb proof” because it adapts easily and perfectly to the modern ski touring boots. Compact storage and minimum weight for transportation. Warning: the front binding fits modern plastic ski touring boots and it is not guaranteed for traditional mountain boots.

Now that you've gotten a little more familiar with all of Givel's binding systems, watch these videos for an even better look at each one.

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Grivel is the leading manufacturer of crampons. Grivel introduced the first 10-point crampon and has since introduced many more intuitive designs that have advanced this vital piece of mountain gear.

If you are having a hard time finding Grivel products at your favoriate gear store, visit www.libertymountainclimbing.com.

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