Sierra Journal

Video: The Birth of a Black Diamond Carabiner

Ran across this today here. Way cool. Kinda like a climbing version of that show, "How It's Made."

Improvised Coke Can Backcountry Stove

The TetonAT guys have a knack for finding the coolest stuff. Here's another. I'm not sure this coke can stove can beat my Whisperlite or JetBoil, but it's pretty cool nonetheless. Would come in handy if you're ever stranded in the car and end up in one of the "I shouldn't be alive"-type Dateline stories.

Via TetonAT and Nomad-Bushcraft:

Fritschi Diamir Eagle Alpine Touring (Randonee) Binding

Fritschi Diamir is introducing the newest model in their bomber lineup of alpine touring bindings.

Dubbed the Fritschi Eagle, they look to be mostly the same as previous models (like the fantastic Fritschi Freeride) but with an improved pivot point. Sounds good to me! It's about time I upgraded anyway, so I'm sure these will anchor a new setup for next season.

Of course Lou Dawson, the godfather of backcountry ski bloggers, got the first look and has put in some ski days on the new binding. His thoughts are here.

I love my Fritschi Freerides. I've been tempted in the past to go the Dynafit way, especially with the launch of their Vertical FT 12 model, but somehow they just seem like kind of a bother. The Fritschi's are lightweight, easy to use and they do just exactly what they were made for. I guess I've never found my Fritschis lacking in any way, so why switch, ya know?

Maybe it's a case of not knowing what I'm missing. Can you Dynafit people out there tell me what that might be?

Gear Review: Swany Xchange II Gloves

It was an epic week up in Tahoe with feet of powder, cold temps and high winds. I spent half my time in the backcountry around Castle Peak and Donner Peak, and the other half in-bounds at Squaw Valley.

During that time I had the chance to give a pair of Swany Ski Gloves a thorough test. This is the the Xchange II model. The verdict? If you need a bomber pair of gloves for mid-cold temps and powder conditions, these are tough to beat.

The glove is described as a "cross-over" for both in-bounds and backcountry use. I did plenty of both. The shell kept my hands dry and warm. I like the leather palm and the nose-wipe thumb.

One thing that drives me nuts about other gloves is that the liner pulls out with your hand - particularly when it's warm and your hand is sweaty. Not so with these. The liner stays put and is very comfortable.

The "uni-pull" cuff is a nice surprise too and it came in handy with all the powder we had last week. It's easy to tighten down the cuff with one pull - even with your gloves on.

It has a "utility heat pocket" for stashing chemical heat packets. I've honestly never used one because my hands tend to stay pretty warm, but if I did this would come in very handy I imagine. Finger dexterity is pretty good too.

And the price point is nice. Others in this category go for more than $100. These go for $80. Thumbs up!

*Disclosure: This product was provided to Sierra Journal by Swany Performance Gloves. Sierra Journal gear reviews are honest and authentic. Editorial integrity is our top priority. For more on the Sierra Journal gear review policy see here.

TGR's Under the Influence

This one has been out for a while now, but I just got around to downloading it to watch while traveling on biz. In a word: pretty friggin sweet. Okay that's three words.

Not much else than pure stoke in this one. The interviews are limited, which is good IMHO, since the skill-set of freeskiers and riders doesn't tend to include coherent self-expression. I'd much rather just watch them tear it up like they do in this film.

Get it here on iTunes and watch it next time you're stuck on a plane. I had three rows of folks stacked up behind me watching the movie over my shoulder. Good way to make friends on your next out-of-state ski trip.

From the TGR Description:

Teton Gravity Research proudly presents its latest 16mm/HD ski and snowboard offering: UNDER THE INFLUENCE. This film follows the exploits of today’s top riders as they traverse the globe in search of the unique terrain and conditions that emerged from one of the deepest winters in recorded history. With UNDER THE INFLUENCE, TGR continues to rule the world of action sports cinematography, capturing the mind-blowing efforts of these athletes as never before seen. The Jackson Hole-based film crew scattered the planet as they filmed virgin spines in Alaska, cowboy park jumps at Grand Targhee, pillow popping deep in the Northwest, relentless powder in the Jackson Hole backcountry and so much more. With its thirteenth feature ski and snowboard film, Teton Gravity Research examines the passion, people and places that inspire us to ride.

Guyot Designs TapGuard

The ever-dependable and ubiquitous water bottle company, Nalgene, has spawned an entire industry of aftermarket accessories.

Some are useful like the SplashGuard, which is particularly helpful in the car, but most are superfluous at best. Then there are some products like this one which just don't make any sense at all.

This is the Guyot Designs TapGuard, which, according to the product description, removes "chlorine, iodine, and other bad chemicals (up to 95%)" from tap water.

Want one: Lippi Selk Sleeping Bag

Oooh... I want it, I want it. But, is it warm enough for the backcountry do you think? I have to imagine with your limbs separated into their own compartments, and body heat dispersed, the warmth factor would be way less than traditional designs...

Via Uncrate.

Yay! New boots!

I just couldn't pass up a pre-season deal on a new pair of Scarpas.

You can fly with your camp stove - who knew?

For years I've lived under the mistaken impression that you can't check or carry-on your camp stove or fuel. I'd either leave the stove and fuel bottle at home (which caused a major headache in Peru) or I'd clandestinely hide the contraption deep in one of my checked bags.

I distinctly remember seeing somewhere that you can't fly with anything that has ever held fuel. Not so! Check out the Travel Security Administration's page on traveling with camping gear:

Camp Stoves - These can travel as carry-on or checked luggage only if they are empty of all fuel and cleaned so that there are no vapors or residue left.  Simply emptying the fuel container will leave flammable vapors. We recommend that you ship the fuel containers to your destination ahead of time - passengers frequently have to leave them at the checkpoint because of fuel vapors.

The problem is, TSA agents still take stoves and fuel bottles from travelers because of the same mistaken assumption. TetonAT has some helpful hints for thwarting the overzealous TSA agent. 

The greatest gear show on earth wraps today

The Outdoor Retailer Markets (one in summer and one in winter) are the outdoor gear industry's biannual bruhaha. It's basically a massive gear show with every major brand presenting their wares and launching new products. The summer market closes its doors today after a 4-day orgy for the geeked-out gear fanatic.

The gear industry seems to be doing fine (despite the bad economy) if the number of exhibitors at the show is any measure - a record this year. The outdoor press/blogger contingent turned out in force with more coverage than I've seen in the past. Some of Sierra Journal's favorites were in attendence: The Gear Junkie and TetonAT were on scene. And the old standby's were there too: Backpacker magazine has some great coverage. Trailspace.com and Rockclimbing.com are there too.

Here's a complete list of new products rolled out at the show.