Raise your hand if your stuff is forever covered in chalk. From early morning gym sessions to climbing trips, I’m really good at getting that good white stuff everywhere. This is when the Arc’teryx Aperture Chalk Bag comes in handy.
I’m starting to think that approach shoes are it for when you need something that kind of does it all. Commuting? Check. Actual approaches? Yep. Hiking? You got it. Lounging around because you’re lazy? They do that too. With its retro design and delightful colors, the La Sportiva Boulder X shoes are something you can rock 24/7.
I just arrived at Wye Creek, home to some of the best sport climbing near Queenstown, New Zealand. It’s about a 45 minute approach and a relentless uphill battle. We’re half way up to the crag and my climbing partners are now sweating like crazy, trying to grab a drink of water, a snack and some different pants because it’s kind of hot to finish the approach. The only problem? They have no idea where they packed the goods and they can’t see everything inside their bag. Out comes the rope, their harness, their rain shell and then finally, the snacks, at the bottom of the bag. For moments like these, the Black Diamond Demon Duffel is a lifesaver.
Once upon a time, I soaked through my down jacket while snowshoeing. Yep, I’m the type of person who is too lazy to shed layers when I’m moving. I don’t want to stop; I just want to keep going. For days like those, the Black Diamond Deployment Hybrid Hoody is a lifesaver.
6 AM, my alarm cut through the quiet of the night. I groggily woke up, trying not to rustle my friend beside me in the car. My night was pretty restless, filled with tossing and turning, too excited to climb to get any real sleep. This was going to be the day. I was finally going to climb Corrugation Corner.
