Last time we climbed a volcano we almost suffer from hypothermia, don’t let this happen to you. The North Face Reversible Mercurial Jacket ($350) is a 23-once jacket when worn on the outside, the pockets stretch open and allow air to flow in and out. When reversed, the jacket pushes the pockets together and traps air inside them, providing greater warmth. As an extra temperature tamer, the aluminum-coated side reflects the sun’s rays, while the black side absorbs them.
Normally you learn something by trial and error, but you can learn more about climbing if you have limited time, pre-existing injuries or – you know – a life. Climbing: Training for Peak Performance ($13) is written by Clyde Soles, the book covers a dizzying array of topics: nutrition, physical conditioning, mental preparation, flexibility, recovery and even specific routines for specific pursuits. In review Clyde read tons of report and studies and synthesize them for your benefit.
Planning your trip to the Everest? Get some gear to prevent snow blindness. The Zeal Optics SPP Goggles ($200) offers photochromatic polarized lenses. The new SPP adds a spherical lens design for better peripheral vision. The combo equals near-perfect acuity in all conditions, preventing scorched corneas and errant steps on cliff edges.
Take the cobra with your hands, we are talking about the Black Diamond Cobra Ice Axe ($300) of course. The light weight (600 grams) carbon-fiber the Cobra features saw-tooth pick on the business end (for ice penetration) and a modular head design that lets you attach an adze for chopping steps or a hammer for driving pitons.
The first foldable helmet that is light, compact and robust will save space outside your pack. The Edelrid Madillo ($150) sides slide up, and the back clips inward to cut the size in half. Other Unique features are the Shell made a high strength, abrasion and impact resistant injected material.
Who else better to design a climbing shoe than one of the strongest, most well acclaimed climbers in the world (Chris Sharma). The Evolv Optimus Climbing Shoes ($110) offers more breathability and a symmetric toe box (rounded toe box). It also has the oval grid pattern rand for added protection and for improved toe hooking.
