I admit that I have a problem with jackets. Particularly hard shell waterproof jackets.  I have too many! I only wear these jackets in the winter months for hiking and ice climbing, for protection from wind and moisture. I want something waterproof, durable, and VERY breathable. This is a hard combination to get right. Shell jackets always seem to be “too waterproof” and feel like you’re sweating and wearing a trash bag or they’re simply not waterproof enough… a soft shell that wets out. This is where the new Outdoor Research Bolin jacket comes in. New for the 2017-2018 season, Outdoor R ..read more

Furnace Industries, a USA based company that operates out of New York was generous enough to send me a pair of their premium (and only) ice tools dubbed the “Kronos“. These tools have one major feature that stands them apart from the competition. The Kronos tools are the only Ice Tools available on the market that are made out of WOOD… Yes, wood! Kronos was the name of the Father of Zeus, Greek titan of the universe! But can these tools represent his name? Let’s find out. Specs First, lets get some specifications out of the way. Weight: 1 lb 7.8 oz (Per Tool) Length: 19 in (48.26 cm) Sha ..read more

Saturday, November 11, 2017 We’ve had a group text message going for about 3 weeks now between my buddies Zac (Instagram), Billy (Instagram), and myself. “Think it’s in yet?” “It’s cold enough right?” “lets get it boys!”. The objective was to be the first party to climb Pinnacle Gully in Mount Washington’s Huntington Ravine in the 2017-18 ice climbing season! This climb is somewhat of a prize among the local climbing community because it’s usually the first ice to come “in” due to the harshly cold environment it takes residence in. It’s also relatively remote compared to a lot of popular climb ..read more

Hey Ice Climbers, how do you stay in shape during the warmer months and at home between alpine climbs? Climbing rock is a great alternative but it’s not quite the same sensation as being gripped on ice tools while searching for that perfect foot placement. You could use your ice tools to climb artificial walls and rock, However gyms typically frown apon this due to the damage the sharp points can cause. I personally have been searching for a lower impact tool to use on my back yard woody. My tools are great, but if I climb every day I’d end up needing new holds pretty frequently. Not only that ..read more

With the approaching ice climbing season on the horizon here in the North East I thought I’d reminisce about the last real ice climb I was on last season. It was April 2nd, 2017 and the diminishing weeks of late ice climbing season were upon us. Luke and I were eager to get one last climb in before it all fell down. Most of the popular multi-pitch routes in the notch undergone freeze/thaw cycles and returned to bare rock, fractured unsafe ice or flowing water. We knew we’d need to seek out the resilient ice that hid from the warm sun in the shadows. We decided to head into Crawford Notch and s ..read more

No partner lined up for todays adventures so I decided to go solo on a grade I was comfortable on. Shoestring Gully is a 1000+ foot chute on the west side of Mount Webster in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This picturesque location is mainly a steep snow climb with about 2 pitches of WI2 grade ice at the top. It was a bluebird day! Fun trip, and only took me about 2 hours car to car ..read more