Gear Reviews

The reviews on LoomisAdventures.com represent the testing conclusions and thoughts of the author on a multitude of outdoor gear. Gear is field tested overtime and reviews may be updated reflecting any new information. Please feel free to leave comments about your own experiences with the gear. If you have questions or want to see a review on a specific item, please contact us.

 

17
Jul
2011
jloomis

Ambient Weather Keychain Weather Station Altimeter Review

Product Rating: 
2
Ambient Weather Keychain Weather Station (WS-108)

Features:

The Ambient Weather Keychain Weather Station includes an altimeter, barometer (relative and absolute with sea level correction), digital clock, digital compass, thermometer, and a weather forecaster. It is full of features and functions in a lightweight, low cost package. Features a convenient carabiner clip for simple carrying and quick access and includes a blue LED backlight for low light operation. Great for hiking, camping, skiing/snowboarding, mountaineering, climbing, and other outdoor activities. The Ambient Weather Keychain Weather Station is a perfect backup to your GPS.

15
Jul
2011
jloomis

CAMP USA Stalker Universal Crampon Review

Product Rating: 
5
CAMP USA Stalker Universal Crampon

Features:

Stalker Universal Crampons by C.A.M.P. USA are designed for general mountaineering and glacier travel. The universal bindings and thermoplastic heel and toe harnesses wrap around almost any hiking or mountaineering boot. The Stalker crampons are secured with a strong nylon strap with pull tab for ease of use. They are easily adjustable without tools. Included are Vibram® anti-balling plates to reduce snow build-up underneath your feet and a carry case for easy packing and storage.

05
Jul
2011
jloomis

Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boots Review

Product Rating: 
5
Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boots

Features:

The Scarpa Summit GTX are four-season mountaineering boots designed for ice and mixed climbing. The Summit GTX's heel and toe welts fit all crampon styles. They are fully insulated and feature an adjustable padded tongue. The articulated, padded ankle section provide flexibility without compromising support.

16
Jun
2011
jloomis

Snow Peak GigaPower Lantern Review

Product Rating: 
4
Snow Peak GigaPower Lantern

Features:

Get bright light from Snow Peak's GigaPower Lantern while backpacking using the same fuel canister used by many stoves. The GigaPower lantern is available with automatic or manual ignition. This single mantle ultralight lantern is comparable in light output to an 80 watt incandescent bulb. It's great for lighting up camp at night during backcountry adventures. It folds compactly into a convenient plastic storage case. Lantern comes with clear glass globe, but optional frosted glass and wire mesh globes are available.

13
Jun
2011
jloomis

SMC Capra Ice Axe Review

Product Rating: 
5
SMC Capra Ice Axe

Features:

SMC's Capra ice axe is the culmination of two years of extensive design and testing around the globe. It is one of the lightest ice axes in this category at just over 16 ounces for the 65 cm model. The new full-sized head is designed to fit more naturally in the user's hand for increased comfort during extended use. It's assembled with SMC's patented insulating connection, reducing vibration and associated fatigue. Another feature is the Carpa's unique handle, designed to be easy to grasp for positive placement in self-arrest.

11
Jun
2011
jloomis

Homemade Glissading Sled aka "Glissade Diaper Sled"

Product Rating: 
4
Glissade Diaper Sled

The original idea for the Glissade Diaper Sled came from jmjula4. It's a sled that wraps around a climber like a diaper to protect their clothing and backpack while provided a faster, more efficient glissade down the mountain. See full post for instructions with pictures on how to make your very own Glissade Diaper Sled.

07
Jun
2011
jloomis

Snow Peak GigaPower Stove Review

Product Rating: 
5
Snow Peak GigaPower Stove

Features:

The featherweight Snow Peak GigaPower stove is available with either automatic or manual ignition. The adjustable flame and four trivets make for easy cooking in any situation from simmer to boil. The GigaPower stove folds nicely for storage and includes a lightweight storage container. Uses butane/propane canister fuel.

02
Jun
2011
jloomis

GSI Outdoors Tea Kettle HAE - 1 Qt. Review

Product Rating: 
4
GSI Halulite Tea Kettle

Features:

The GSI Outdoors Halulite™ Tea Kettle is perfectly sized for ultralight backpacking. Features collapsible handle on kettle and lid for easy storage. The one quart size is designed to work with ultralight stoves. According to the manufacturer, "Halulite says goodbye to scratches, burn circles and ounces. As light as Titanium, Halulite is a proprietary alloy that also conducts heat better and more evenly—so you can leave the extra fuel at home. Plus, every piece is Hard Anodized to create a surface that withstands scratches and abrasions like nothing else."

31
May
2011
jloomis

La Sportiva Pamir Leather Backpacking Boot Review

Product Rating: 
5
La Sportiva Pamir Leather Backpacking Boot

Features:

The Pamir by La Sportiva is a heavy-weight leather hiking and backpacking boot with traditional styling. It is built to take long-term abuse and provide comfort, stability, and traction on long treks. The Idro-Perwanger® full grain leather uppers are water-resistant and supportive. Traction and braking are provided by the Vibram® soles. The Pamir boots feature an anti-torsion shank on the back of the boot and anti-shock insert to dampen impact with the ground.

26
May
2011
jloomis

Osprey Talon 44 Backpack Review

Product Rating: 
5
Osprey Talon 44 Backpack

Features:

The Talon 44 is Osprey's lightest multi-day backpack. It is designed for cragging and climbing as well as light overnight and thru-hiking trips. It features a top-loading design with zippered sleeping bag access, a floating removable top lid pocket, front and side stretch pockets, and an aluminum rail with composite side struts for excellent load control. The AirScape back panel is designed to provide airflow between your back and the pack. The mesh-covered perforated shoulder straps and hipbelt are lightweight and feature pockets. An external hydration pocket makes accessing your reservoir quick and easy.

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