The Petzl Micro Traxion and the Edelrid Spoc are comparable progress capture devices with integrated pulleys and cams with teeth that clamp down on the rope. Here's a quick compare and contrast for those trying to decide between the two devices.

Blue Ice makes an eye-to-eye runner in multiple lengths that can be used in many situations where we would use a sling. One potential use is as an alpine draw. We will end up with a draw that is easier to use and more stable to clip but which does have a slightly more limited set of extending options.

Ben Zartman, life long climber and a sailor, combined his knowledge of both disciplines to produce technically superior friction hitch loops that bite, are abrasion resistant, and can withstand significant forces.

Ben Zartman, life long climber and a sailor, combined his knowledge of both disciplines to produce technically superior slings that don't have a sewn bar tack that gets in the way of our knots.

Ben Zartman, life long climber and a sailor, combined his knowledge of both disciplines to produce technically superior slings that don't have a sewn bar tack that gets in the way of our knots.

When we are buying a new rope, we may look at the grams per meter to compare the weight of one rope to another. But really we should be comparing the grams per meter in combination with the static elongation. Here's why, and it explains why weighing the rope at home always ends up with a heavier rope than the grams per meter would indicate.

If you are new to winter climbing, you might be thinking about what type of ice axe you will need. Well, one major component of axe design is the curve of the pick. Downward curving picks stand in contrast to pick curves that start bending downwards and then reverse and curve back up at the end. Here's how those curves help and hinder different types of climbing.