Petzel Reverso

The Petzel reverso is an auto locking belay devise that can be used in many different applications. You can hook the reverso directly into a top anchor and belay with ease from above. It has directional grooves that help to slow the rope through the devise on heavy or long abseils. This devise in used for 8mm to 10mm static lines or 10mm to 11.5 mm dynamic lines. This devise is designed for all types of climbing, abseiling, or safety belaying.

I bought my reverso about 2 years ago from Hansen Mountaineering in Orem, Ut for around $20. I have used it many times in both rappelling and belaying. I would say that this has become my primary belay devise.

Pros: Auto-locking, multi rope comparable, sturdy construction

Cons: It seems to wear more than other comparable devises such as the Black Diamond Guide.

Overall: I trust it with my life (on a regular basis) I would probably not buy this product again because I would move towards a grigri or other comparable devises.

Arc'Teryx Needle 65

The Arc Teryx Needle 65 is a large, 3844 cubic inch expedition pack that’s made out of tough and durable, water repellent fabric. It’s a top/side-loading, internal-frame backpack that has water tight zippers, lightweight ski attachments, thermo-formed foam back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt. It also has a suspension system with load-transfer rods to help distribute the load evenly between your shoulders and hips. The Needle 65 is hydration compatible, has two ice axe loops, and comes in small, medium, and large sizes.

I have been using this bag as a climbing pack and it seems to be holding up quite well. I can fit all of my gear, my wife’s gear and the kids harness' and even stuff in a rope bag. It is another exceptional bag from the "Canuks". I would probably use a smaller bag but when we Canyoneer I like to have plenty of room for emergency essentials and dry bags. The fabric of the pack is abrasion resistant, which is a must in the sandstone slot canyons of Utah. I Purchased this bag on www.Steepandcheap.com for a bargain of $140. I have seen it on the site a few other times and if you’re lucky you might catch it up for sale again.

Pros: Durability, size, and its Arc'Teryx!

Cons: Size, minimal pockets, top access only

Overall: I have been an Arc'Teryx fan for years now which might make me a little biased, but when it comes to quality and durability I would buy this Pack again.

Burton King Snowboard

This board was developed for guys who want to enjoy all-mountain riding without dragging their toes. The Burton King is a twin-tipped design built to free-ride with enough flex for intermediate and recreational riders. I am an respectable rider who enjoys powder hunting and I have found this board above average for powder riding. With my previous board I had a bit of heel-drag and I was able to remedy that with this board. The King is made of a two-layer Biax fiberglass structure that takes you down the mountain with predictable Burton performance and an exceptional edge. I purchased my board a 167, at Sports Authority for a fair price of $295.00. I would recommend this board to anyone who is looking for a wider free-ride/powder board.

Pros: WIDE, does well in powder, fair price

Cons: Width limits control on groomed trails

Overall: I would by this board again for the money but my next board will probably be more advanced lighter board. I rated it 8 out of 10

5-10 Canyoneers

First up is the 5- 10 Canyoneer.

I purchased a pair of these boots from Zion’s Adventure Company in Springdale Utah in the spring of 2006 for around $100. I used them for two trips through various canyons in Zion’s National park and was thoroughly impressed with their traction and relative comfort. My only concern was that the front rubber and the sole on the right shoe were peeling away from the boot top. I spoke with a customer service rep from 5-10 and the informed me that if I sent them in then they would evaluate how much use they had and then decide on how to remedy the problem. I was informed a few weeks later that they would be replacing them with a brand new pair of the Canyoneer 2's but that I would have to wait a few months before they would have them in stock.
Well I waited the few months and let me say it was well worth the wait. I received my brand new pair of Canyoneer 2's and they were significantly better looking the original Canyoneer. I have since taken them trough 5 canyons and they are holding up like new. I think they have solved the toe rubber problem and have yet to see any new flaws with the Canyoneer 2's.

Pros: Excellent traction, good support, durability , drains well ,

Cons: Hot with neo socks and does not breath to well with socks either, feet were sore after full day canyon, could maybe have some different color options...

Tricks: I have heard that if you coat the fabric with shoe goo before you go through a slot canyon then it will help prolong the life of the boot.

Overall: It was a bit spendy at $100 + a pair, but if you are serious about the sport then I would say that the 5-10 Canyoneer are money well spent. If you need traction in wet conditions than I have yet to find a better shoe. I would give this boot a 10 out of 10 for the application...2 thumbs Up!