Fall Gear Guide: Climbing

Looking to still get in a few more days at the crag this fall? This guide is full of gear that will help you reach your full potential this fall while still doing it in comfort and style. There are a couple new belay devices that are worth looking into as well as a tent that is changing how tent poles are designed and constructed. So climb on.

Sierra Designs Prophecy 35 Crag Pack

Designed specifically for rock climbers, the Prophecy 35 offers a ton of features to help keep gear organized and easy to access.  A three-way, ‘T’ shaped zipper allows easy access to ropes, harnesses, chalk bags, and shoes while internal gear-racking loops help keep protection organized and easy to find.  For added versatility, the Prophecy comes with a three-point haul system.

The Prophecy’s suspension system is designed for superior comfort and support on long approaches and gear-intensive days. Thermo-molded shoulder straps and waistbelt hug the body while a single DAC aluminum stay and HDEP frame sheet add support. Easily adaptable, the Prophecy’s framesheet and waistbelt are removable for traveling light. Available in two sizes, climbers will be able to find a pack that fits.

Prophecy S/M specs:

Torso fit range- 16-18.5″

Weight- 3 lbs, 7 oz.

Volume- 35 liters / 2100 cubic inches

MSRP- $149.95

Prophecy M/L specs:

Torso fit range- 18-20.5″

Weight- 3 lbs, 8 oz.

Volume- 35 liters / 2200 cubic inches

MSRP- $149.95

Reach the Peak Hybrid Down Jacket

On the cool morning approaches or the late returns the Reach the Peak Hybrid down Jacket is the jacket to pack. This innovative hybrid combines the ultra-light warmth and compressibility of down with swatches of super-stretching knit that have been pieced in where you need them most, like under the arms and at back shoulder. It has an Omni-Heat® reflective interior to provide warmth but not the bulk, as well as thermal regulation so you won’t overheat. Omni-Shield® advanced repellency sheds light rain as well. Having super-light, 700-fill down insulation, the Reach the Peak Jacket compresses into a tiny package and adds very little to the overall weight of your pack.

Features:

• Fabric: Shell: 100% Tactel™ nylon ripstop, 96% polyester/4% elastane. Lining: 100% polyester, 100% polyester abrasion-resistant fleece. Insulation: 90% down/10% feather

• Omni-Heat thermal reflective

• Omni-Shield advanced repellency

• 3-point Interchange system

• Comfort cuffs with thumbholes

• Packable

• Interior security and zip-closed hand pockets

• 700 fill power down insulation

• Center back length: 28.5”

• MSRP: $180.00

• http://www.columbia.com/Men’s-Reach-The-Peak%E2%84%A2-Hybrid-Down-Jacket/WM3196,default,pd.html#

Rock On Soft Shell Jacket

Rock On’s soft shell jacket provides both protection and comfort without breaking the bank. Having a jacket that can perform and just over $100 is rare to come by. This jacket works well in a variety of conditions including cold, wind & rain. A note at the bottom or their page they warn against just using this jacket “ as a replacement for adequate rain gear (or common sense) during periods of extended precipitation.”

Features:

• 100% Polyester – Flexible and Stretchable

• Waterproof*

• Windproof

• Fleece lined insulating layer

• Underarm zippers for ventilation (mesh lined)

• One handed waist drawstring cinch cord

• Two zippered side pockets

• One zippered external chest pocket

• One zippered interior pocket

• Two large interior ‘drop’ pockets

• Adjustable Velcro cuffs with tabs (easily adjustable while wearing gloves)

• MSRP: $110.00

• http://rock-on.com/menssoftshelljacket.aspx

Gramicci Rockin Sport Pant

Gramicci has specifically engineered the Rockin Sport as a climbing pant. That said, it is simple, durable, and flexible, with its signature “freedom of movement” gusset crotch. The one piece diamond gusset crotch is the most copied design element in the climbing world and it was Mike Graham aka “gramicci” that brought it. The “one hand” adjustable lock and release belt and buckle make it easy to adjust the pants. The G Pant fabric “DOURADA” is a Gramicci exclusive durable double ring spun “Stout Weave” cotton to better resist tearing and abrasion.

Features:

• 100% Cotton

• Freedom of Movement Engineered Gusset

• Flex-Fit Elastic Waistband with Zipper Fly and Button Closure.

• Exclusive Built-in Two Piece Buckle with Rugged Ridge Weave Ladder Pattern Nylon Web Belt.

• Deep Never Lost Pockets

• Double-Felled Reinforced Stitching Throughout

• Wash separately in cold water before wearing

• Available in 3 Inseam Lengths: 30/32/34

• MSRP: $58.00

• http://www.gramicci.com/shop/rockin-sport-pant-p-4603.html?show_color=ANTELOPE

adidas Terrex Swift Stretch Fleece jacket

Being able to stay warm but without overheating is important while climbing during the fall. The  adidas Terrex Swift Stretch Fleece Jacket was built just for that. Built with sweat-releasing CLIMALITE® fabric, the jacket is enhanced with high-performance Cocona to expedite cooling, control odor and block harmful UV rays while still adding warmth.

Features:

• FORMOTION™ follows the natural movement of sport for a better fit and greater comfort in motion

• Zip pocket on left chest; Full zip with snug hood

• Drawcord on hem for adjustable fit

• Cocona fabric technology uses activated carbon for moisture-releasing cooling, odor resistance and 50+ SPF UV protection

• Applied 3-Stripes down sleeves; adidas brandmark on left chest

• 100% polyester jacquard

• MSRP: $60.00

• http://www.shopadidas.com/product/mens-outdoor-terrex-swift-stretch-fleece-jacket/QK707

Scarpa Gecko Guide

Looking for an approach shoe that is comfortable and provides great traction, then you must check out the Gecko. Scarpa labels the sole as a vertical approach sole which climbs more effectively and also provides better traction for descending loose terrain. The suede construction molds to the foot, while the webbing rib cage secures forefoot and the slingshot heel rand provides a precision fit. The midsole is made up of polyurethane inserts which provide cushion without decreasing the sensitivity required of an approach shoe.

Features:

• Rubber toe rand

• Upper: Suede and Lorica®

• Lining: Vellutina

• Midsole: PU and microporous EVA

• Outsole: Vibram® Vertigo Sticky dot rubber

• Last: FV

• Sizes: 39 – 47, 48 (half sizes)

• Weight: 377g; 13oz (1/2 pair size 42)

• Color: Taupe

• MSRP: $169

• http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa/products/p_72012-350#300040

Boreal Kintaro Women’s Shoe

The Kintaro is a performance climbing shoe with a precise fit. It has superb sensitivity and an aggressive downturned profile. The double Velcro closure holds the foot securely in the shoe. This shoe is ideal for those looking to reach their limits this fall, on hard bouldering problem or steep/overhanging climbs.

Features:

• Sizes: 3 – 8 u.k. in half-sizes.

• Weight: 488 gr. pair. Size 6 u.k.

• Uppers : High quality Split leather with reinforced double velcro closure. Integrated padded mesh tongue for comfort. Optimum fit from new 2-way tension ‘V2 Rand’.

• Lining: Unlined.

• Midsole: Special anti-deformation midsole with anatomic cutaway.

• Sole: Ultra sticky Boreal ZENITH outsole. 5 – 5.5 mm thickness depending on size.

• Construction: Slip-lasted.

• http://www.e-boreal.com/US/Comienzo.htm

Easton Hat-Trick Tent

The Hat-Trick is a lightweight four-season tent that packs down small, yet roomy when set up. The three-pole design delivers unparalleled stability with ample space for three. The advanced Easton Carbon EVO™ frame utilizes the revolutionary AirLock™ connectors to deliver get lightweight performance. Color-coded poles match Pole Pilot™ sleeves and the rain fly can remain attached for easier set up in challenging conditions. Hat-Trick offers a low weight-to-space ratio while still offering the long-lasting durability of PU5000mm floor and 1500mm fly.

Features:

• Four season

• High-capacity, Three person

• Lightweight versitility, 5lbs 5oz pack weight

• USA-built Easton Carbon EVO pole system with AirLock connectors

• Easton PolePilot™ pole sleaves for easy set-up

• Fly can remain attached for easy set-up

• Internal gear pockets

• Reflective door opening

• Trail Weight – 5.5 lbs / 2.49 kg

• Packaged Weight – 6.34 lbs / 2.87 kg

• Capacity – Three Person

• Stuffed Size – 21in X 7in

• Canopy Fabric 20D Lightweight nylon no-see-um mesh, F/R

• Fly Fabric – Ultralight 20D nylon ripstop, Sil/PU 1500mm, F/R

• Floor Fabric – Ultralight 30D nylon ripstop, PU 5000mm, F/R

• Head Height – 48 in / 122 cm

• Poles – Three-pole Carbon EVO™ high-strength composite with AirLock™ connectors

• Doors – Two

• Floor Area – 48.2 sq ft / 4.5 sq m

• Vestibule Area – 9 sq ft / .85 sq m x 2

• Footprint – Weight: .78 lbs (.35 kg)