Cragmama "Not all who wander are lost…" JRR Tolkien

Tag Archives: Gear I Love

The Smoo(oooooo)th Quickdraw from TRANGO

The Smoo(oooooo)th Quickdraw from TRANGO

Trango has a new quickdraw called the “Smooth Quickdraw.”  To be honest, my initial thought was that their marketing department must not have been trying very hard. I mean, when you call something “smooth,” all you’re really saying is that said object has a continuous, even surface, free of bumps or ridges, right? If that’s our working definition, then every quickdraw I’ve ever owned would be considered “smooth.” It seemed like Trango’s naming system was similar to those people that name boulder problems based on some obvious, over-used characteristic (“The Arete,” “The Egg,”, or “Big Crack.”)  Descriptive, yes.  Creative, not so…Read the rest of this entry →

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Athleta Allotments: Spring Threads Review

Athleta Allotments:  Spring Threads Review

Part of my endorsement agreement with Athleta is that I will publish feedback on their products.  That’s pretty standard, but ya wanna know the cool thing about it?  They weren’t afraid to tell me to be brutally honest – no sugar coating, no last-minute editing by desk jockey executives, just the plain, hard truth.  I definitely respect a company with that much confidence in their brand quality.  With spring well underway and summer right around the corner, I’ve been psyched at all of the beautiful clothes that have been arriving at my door step.  Many have turned into go-to workout wear, others…Read the rest of this entry →

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Misty Mountain Threadworks: A Review

Misty Mountain Threadworks:  A Review

A couple of months ago I was contacted by Mike Grimm, owner of Misty Mountain Threadworks.  He asked if he could make me a harness, and after hemming and hawing for a while, I told him I’d have to think about it…Just kidding, of course I jumped on the offer!  Misty Mountain is a well-respected local company that has been around for quite a while.  They have a reputation for not only developing superior products, but also for a committment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. After a few emails back and forth followed by some detailed instructions regarding…Read the rest of this entry →

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Cragbaby’s Big Boy Climbing Gear – Part 2 (La Sportiva Stick-It)

Cragbaby’s Big Boy Climbing Gear – Part 2 (La Sportiva Stick-It)

Since Cragbaby was an especially good boy this year, he not only scored a Mad Rock Chalkbag, but also his very own pair of rock shoes – the La Sportiva Stick-Its!  Although the chalkbag is both fun and functional, C is absolutely in love with his rock shoes.  As soon as we get to the crag, C demands to be geared up so that he can get to sending his own projects in the area. Here’s what Cragbaby likes about his new shoes… 1.  They are fun colors. 2.  He can velcro the straps off and on all by himself.…Read the rest of this entry →

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Icebreaker Gear Review (and GIVEAWAY!!!)

Icebreaker Gear Review (and GIVEAWAY!!!)

Some of you may recall the name Icebreaker  from my Holiday Gift Guide post last week, where I recommended them as our family’s favorite go-to brand when it came to baselayers.  However, that hasn’t always been the case…read on to find out why I recently turned from my Polypro ways and became a Wool-Wearing-Fanatic almost overnight!  (And don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to score some new Icebreaker threads for the little crag-baby on your Christmas list!) Its no secret that merino wool reigns supreme when it comes to baselayers.  It has the unique ability to wick moisture away…Read the rest of this entry →

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