SierraDescents | 2014
October 10, 2014
Volkl Reboots the Mantra
The Mantra has changed. Yes, there have been minor tweaks to Volkl's All Mountain masterpiece over the years, including the daring addition of a dash of tip rocker. But this time (more)
October 3, 2014
Fransson
He was one of the titans of modern extreme skiing, with a traditional, mountaineering tilt that connected him directly to the most storied names of the past. On September 29, (more)
September 11, 2014
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Of course we all hate scree gaiters, but the darned things tend to be useful—particularly (as is often the case) when we've decided not to bring them. Leave the scree gaiters (more)
September 4, 2014
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
The only thing wrong with La Sportiva's Ultra Raptor is that it's not a mid. For ultra-class hikers and runners, this is an outstanding all-day shoe. The Ultra Raptor is (more)
September 1, 2014
Sawtooth Peak
Trevor and I paid a visit to Mineral King yesterday, and as we hiked past mile after mile of richly colored rock, I have to say I kept feeling potent impulses to grab a pick axe (more)
August 27, 2014
Black Diamond Speed 22
The Speed is back—sort of. In its original, 2005 edition, Black Diamond's Speed backpack was a masterpiece of light-is-right design. The original, 30-liter Speed backpack gave (more)
August 22, 2014
Sierra Class 3
Insofar as I can tell, the Yosemite Decimal System, which is by far the most widely-used climbing route grading system in the United States, works extremely well provided you stay (more)
August 19, 2014
University Peak
Okay, I thought this one was supposed to be easy. When it comes to accurately sizing up a route’s difficulties, I’m beginning to fear either I’m a hopeless optimist or else (more)
August 15, 2014
Sony A7S
Here is what I remember most about film: not the waiting, to get your slides back, but the anticipation. Film added something to every shot, a twist of scene or color or light, a (more)
August 10, 2014
Waucoba Summit Panorama
I returned this weekend to Death Valley National Park to take care of some unfinished business, and let me say now, if you like to be alone, have I got a mountain for you! Sheesh (more)
