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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Gear Reviews / Gear Guides / 2014 Staff Picks

2014 Staff Picks

by BackpackingLight.com Staff on January 1, 2015 Gear Guides

Introduction

An annual tradition! The BPL Staff Favorites identify the 3 pieces of gear for each of us that has impacted us most in 2014. We hope you enjoy and wish you all the best for the New Year. Don’t forget to add your own favorites in the forum below!

Summary Table: Staff Favorites

 
Doug Johnson Suluk46 Tica Ice Tool Kovea Spider Stove Golite Shangri-La 5
Dave Chenault Bluewater Canyon Pro rope Paradox Unaweep 3900 Alpacka Scout
Roger Caffin NB 1210 Leadvilles Basic Baseplate Compass Deejo knife
Kevin Sawchuk Hoka One One Trail Designs Sidewinder ULC Buff
Eric Vann Altra Lone Peak Shoes Feathercraft Baylee Packraft Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400
Ryan Jordan Dynafit PDG / Madshus Eon AT Nordic Ski System NeoAir Xtherm Pad Sony RX100 Camera

Doug Johnson

Suluk46 Tica Ice Tool

 - 1

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $175
  • 5.1 oz / 146 g (68 cm length)

I have one of the original Tica Ice Tools- #26 and pre-Suluk 46, back when Steve Evans was first creating amazing gear. I studied this carbon fiber and titanium wonder as Steve developed it within the BackpackingLight forums, and stood amazed when I first held it in my hands. It made my previous ultralight axe feel like a tank and it is a piece of gear art. Since then, it has been my faithful companion on every non-technical climb or scramble. It disappears on a pack, so it joins me when I’d sometimes leave an axe at home. It self-arrests and self-belays with conviction, and has joined me across many glaciers and alpine routes. The newer version has some key improvements, most notably shaft plugs to keep the snow out. I LOVE this tool.

Kovea Spider Stove

 - 2

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: about $65
  • 6.0 oz / 146 g

My favorite winter stove for years was my trusty Coleman Xtreme. But as the canisters became more and more rare, it was time for a change. Enter the Kovea Spider, a stove from Korea.

This remote canister stove allows standard canisters to be run upside down, ensuring a liquid feed that will work into lower temperatures and higher altitudes (much like the Xtreme). This stove also works great for groups, and was an excellent performer on a 10 day canoe trip in the Bowron Lakes, BC with my family last summer. It simmers beautifully and boils quickly as well. I have yet to put it to work melting snow, but I’ll test this out soon enough!


Support BPL and buy the Kovea Spider Stove at Amazon.com.


Golite Shangri-La 5

 - 3

  • Unavailable
  • 5 lb 10 oz / 2551 g (fly, pole, bug tent)

I was first drawn into ultralight backpacking via the Ray Jardine designs manufactured by Golite in the late ’90s. Sadly, after 16 years as a manufacturer of many classic ultralight products, Golite closed shop in 2014. Of the many Golite products I have used and loved, one of my favorites is the Shangri La 5 shelter. A pyramid tent with optional bug netting or floor, this is a highly versatile shelter that works equally well in the snow as it does as a group or family tent. In the last 5 years, this is my tent that gets the most usage by far. At 5.5 pounds with the bug netting, it’s not the lightest pyramid around, but it gobbles up my family of four with ease and is comfortable as a backcountry playroom as well. I love this shelter, and I’m sad to see Golite go. My best to Kim, Coup, and all of our friends at Golite- thanks for the great adventures.

Dave Chenault

Bluewater Canyon Pro rope

 - 4

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $179
  • 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg

The Canyon Pro (renamed Zion Pro) is still the lightest and the most durable canyoneering rope available, making it ideal for multiday missions.  It adds minimal weight to already heavy packs, resists coreshots to a degree that makes it easy to not take any backup, and wears so well over the years that the high upfront cost will end up being a net savings.  The orange color features well in photos and is easy to find if you drop the coiled rope in a pothole.  It is fast, especially when new, and is thus not ideal for beginners, especially on longer single-strand rappels.


Support BPL and buy the  BlueWater Canyon Pro Rope  at Amazon.com.


Paradox Unaweep 3900

 - 5

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $339
  • 3.25 lbs / 1.5 kg

The Paradox suspension is by far the best I’ve used; it’s elegantly minimalist and carries 20 pound overnight loads and 80 pounds of deer meat equally well.  Coupled with a spare, yet functional bag made of durable materials and you have a category buster which renders everything but small daypacks redundant.  The Unaweep can truly carry anything you can fit in it or strap on it, so long as your legs are up to the task.  My favorite aspect of this versatile load hauler has been being able to take on lots of group gear.  Feeding my friends when they packed light on food, hauling my wife’s packraft, and carrying food and technical gear for my mother on a Grand Canyon trip have all been highlights of the year which the Unaweep made easy.  The 3900 size, in my preferred VX42, has a Talon compression panel.

Alpacka Scout

 - 6

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $545
  • 3 lbs 10 oz / 1.6 kg with the tie downs glued in

The Scout is not the most versatile packraft, and is not the boat I’d pick if I could only keep one.  However, it is my favorite, because of its modest size and weight, and because the style it demands, open boating on more moderate waters far from the road, invariably makes for my favorite trips.  It is tough as nails like the other Alpackas, and perfectly capable in class 3 so long as you’re in a position to not mind getting soaked.  The Scout does require aftermarket tiedowns for pack and seat attachment, the only thing I’d like to see Alpacka change.  That I was one of the last to squeak in before multi-stripe orders became extra only adds to the sentimentality.  Besides, if Captain Morgan (aka BPLer Morgan Rucks, pictured here at the APA Packraft Roundup) approves you cannot go wrong.

Roger Caffin

NB 1210 Leadvilles

 - 7

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $125
  • 11 oz / 315 g per shoe for size tested

These shoes were developed by New Balance for the Leadville high mountain race, and were reviewed in September 2013 here. The US size 10, 4E width were reviewed.

You will note from the photo that New Balance used Vibram soles for these shoes: an interesting departure for them. They normally use a royalty-free in-house sole. It would seem that these shoes have been very popular items and are still on sale in some places, with possibly more to come next year. (Yes, that is a hint for 2015.)

Since the review my wife and I have bought (yes, actually spent our money!) several more pairs, and we wear them daily on our morning training runs. They are not showing much sign of wear and are very comfortable. Of course, with that Vibram sole, they also grip very well.


Support BPL and buy the  New Balance Men’s MT1210 NBX Trail Running Shoe  at Amazon.com.


Basic Baseplate Compass

 - 8

Retailers and manufacturers would love you to buy a large heavy and certainly expensive compass, but instead I go for the simplest and lightest one I can find. The photo shows a Brunton 7DNL which was reviewed here in January 2010, but please do not take this as anything more than an example. There are plenty of other brands which are just as good – and some are much cheaper. In fact, some of the inexpensive no-name units do look very similar to some of the more expensive brand-name ones: a different door on the Chinese factory maybe? Yes, I have bought and used them as well.

The features you need for good navigation are the baseplate (not very big), a smoothly rotating ‘capsule’ so you can set the local declination, the liquid fill inside the capsule to damp the needle rotation so it settles quickly, and the N-S lines inside the capsule. With this sort of compass I can navigate to within a degree or two – and so can anyone else with a bit of practice. One last feature I strongly recommend: that loop of good nylon string through the corner hole, so the compass hangs around your neck. A compass buried inside your pack is of very little use.

Does this mean I am labelling as useless all those heavier features like mirrors, lenses and prisms and other do-dads? Yep, sure does. They add weight and cost, but you won’t be navigating any better with them. Good navigation is a combination of a compass to align the map, a good topo map, and some practice. Don’t forget the practice! In fact, in fine weather, I often navigate (very well thank you) using the sun and a rough idea of the time of day.


Support BPL and buy the  Suunto A-10 Compass  at Amazon.com.


Deejo knife

 - 9

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $26
  • 0.5 oz / 15 g

This knife, along with its bigger (35 g) brother, were reviewed in Jun-2014 here. There were some comments after the review that the steel was not the hardest knife-steel available – perhaps not, but mine has kept its edge quite well over a lot of use.

So why am I including this knife here? Because it is so neat and light (but very sharp and effective) and I find it in my pocket so very often. Crocodile Dundee bowie knives are all very well in the movies, but who actually carries one? For 99% of my needs this one is fine. Forget the machismo theory: look at real life use. OK, it’s a bit small for chopping up loaves of French bread – fair enough.

Ah yes – that rather sharp point: often used for minor surgery, like digging out splinters. Much more effective for that than a traditional SAK.


Support BPL and buy   Deejo Knives  at Amazon.com.


Kevin Sawchuk

Hoka One One

 - 10

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $160
  • 12 oz / 340 g each

While these shoes suck on difficult cross-country involving steep side slopes, climbing and hopping from rock to rock, they are spectacular in protecting your feet and legs on steep and rocky trails. They are pricey, but I’ve usually gotten 600-700 miles out of each pair making them similar in cost/mile to most trail runners.


Support BPL and buy the  Hoka One One Running Shoe  at Amazon.com.


Trail Designs Sidewinder ULC (ultralight cone)

 - 11

  • Currently unavailble
  • MSRP: $40
  • 4.5 oz / 128 g

Although currently not available this small cone stows in my BPL 1100ml pot providing a very lightweight and compact cooking system.  While not optimized for wood burning it’s not hard to figure out how to prop this system on rocks to make it work in a pinch.  If you bug Rand he may be willing to bring this back!

$40 (when available) 1.3 ounces (cone and stakes), 4.5 ounces (including pot, lid and esbit “gram cracker” stove).

Buff

 - 12

  • MSRP: $20
  • 1 oz / 28 g

From washing to drying, sun protection to adding a touch of warmth a Buff is nearly always with me in the outdoors.  I especially love them in the winter when they do such a good job of protecting my face from reflected sunlight.


Support BPL and buy  Buff Headwear at Amazon.com.


Eric Vann

Altra Lone Peaks

 - 13

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $120
  • 10.9 oz / 310 g

I used these shoes (the 1.5 version) continuously this summer while encountering rugged terrain while in the Bob Marshall wilderness. The shoes were subjected to snow, water while packrafting and crossing streams, dirt, and tough rock. Other than fraying seams, the shoes behaved wonderfully and although it’s probably time for me to get a new pair of shoes I still use them often. I am impressed with their tread and durability, and definitely recommend them. Altra has also released their 2.0 version which I’m sure builds upon these strengths.


Support BPL and buy the  Altra Men’s Lone Peak 2 Trail Running Shoe  at Amazon.com.


Feathercraft Baylee River Runner

 - 14

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $1275
  • 6.5 oz / 2.95 kg

While a little bit on the heavier and pricier side for a packraft, the Baylee’s value is clearly long term due to Feathercraft’s emphasis on its durability. The boat is a little more robust than some of the similar, lighter Alpacka models which makes it ideal for beginners and for rivers lined with rocks and branches. We are beginning to use these boats almost exclusively at the Montana High Adventure Base where we take out Boy Scout troops and venturing crews because they allow us to give the scouts an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors by packrafting while ensuring their safety that comes along with a more durable boat.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400

 - 15

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $345
  • 2.5 pounds / 1.1 kg

This is pack is great. I love its versatility. This summer while leading treks for Boy Scouts out of the Montana High Adventure Base, some people would give me a hard time for my “rucksack”, but by the end of the trip they were impressed with it’s as adaptability. Its shape allows you to pack the pack to hold bulky loads well plus its large volume (70 liters) makes it great for expeditions where you are carrying lots of gear and food. It has many tie down points for securing the gear to the pack or the pack to a packraft. Its water resistance makes it an ideal pack for packrafters. For those who like to have total control of how they pack their pack this one’s for you. It could use a few more exterior pockets but you can make your own (see here) or you can buy some form HMG.

Ryan Jordan

Dynafit PDG / Madshus Eon AT Nordic Ski System

 - 13

  • Learn more about Dynafit and Madshus.
  • MSRP: $295 (skis), $850 (boots), $550 (bindings)
  • 8.8 lb / 4.0 kg per pair of boots, skis, and bindings

In February, I wrote AT Nordic Ski Systems: Discovering the Best of Backcountry Nordic and Alpine Touring Systems Through Hybridization and introduced you to my hybrid AT Nordic rig – Madshus Eon Skis, Dynafit TLT Speed Superlite Bindings, and Dynafit Dy.N.A. PDG boots – a system that weighs only 8.8 lb per pair. The skis have a waxless base that prevents skin transitions on easy rolling terrain. Low-effort touring and ski-running come through biomechanical efficiency from with a boot cuff that rotates through a wide range of motion and unrestricted binding toe pin rotation. Unlocking the heel for the descents means that I have good control (better than normal!) on downhills. One of the system’s best features is that when the skis do have to be carried (e.g., when alpine climbing or low-elevation approach hiking) – the burden is light!


Support BPL and buy the  Madshus Eon Ski  and  Dynafit TLT Speed Superlight Speed Touring Bindings  and  Dynafit PDG Ski Boot  at Amazon.com.


NeoAir Xtherm Pad

 - 14

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $200
  • 15 oz / 425 g

I used to fiddle with multiple pads for winter snow camping. Some combination of my backpack, a partial-length foam pad, a torso-length inflatable, etc. I’ve since gravitated towards simplicity, and with the Xtherm, way more warmth. It takes up little space in my already bulky winter pack and gives me the rest and comfort I need for long, dark, cold winter nights. I’ve camped directly on snow with the Xtherm down to nearly thirty degrees below zero (F). Below about minus 15 (F), a 1/4” foam pad underneath the NeoAir is required as additional insulation, but I only bring that extra pad when the forecast is extra-cold. If I had to own only one pad for all-seasons, this would be it.

Photo: The morning after a -27 deg F night spent under the stars on a NeoAir Xtherm pad directly on the snow.


Support BPL and buy the  Thermarest Neo-Air Xtherm Sleeping Pad  at Amazon.com.


Sony RX100 Camera

 - 15

  • Learn more Here.
  • MSRP: $799
  • 9.3 oz / 263 g

I’m still on version m2 of the RX100 and can’t wait for it to break (I tend to shoot a lot in inclement and cold weather, so my camera’s lifespan is always limited) so I can upgrade to the m3! But I’m more than satisfied with the incredible performance-to-weight ratio of this little gem. A sharp, contrasty Zeiss lens combined with a high-resolution larger-than-average sensor, good manual controls, RAW capability, outstanding dynamic range, and terrific 1080p video at 60 fps make this my all-time favorite camera for backpacking.

Photo: Reconnaissance Lake, High Uinta Wilderness, Sony RX100 ISO 160, 10mm (28 mm @ 35mm equiv), f/5.6, 1/500


Support BPL and buy the  Sony RX100M m3 Camera  at Amazon.com.


alpacka, altra, bluewater, buff, cascade designs, deejo, dynafit, feathercraft, golite, hoka, hyperlite mountain gear, kovea, new balance, paradox, Staff Favorites, suluk46, trail designs

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  • Jan 1, 2015 at 11:23 am #1324117
    Ryan Jordan
    Admin

    @ryan

    Locale: Central Rockies

    Companion forum thread to:

    2014 Staff Picks

    Jan 1, 2015 at 11:44 am #2160680
    Ken Thompson
    BPL Member

    @here

    Locale: Right there

    @ Roger. How many months or km are you getting out of a pair of Leadvilles?

    Jan 1, 2015 at 12:31 pm #2160682
    Billy Ray
    Spectator

    @rosyfinch

    Locale: the mountains

    RE the Suluk46 Tica Ice Tool
    Doug Johnson writes: "It self-arrests and self-belays with conviction, and has joined me across many glaciers and alpine routes."

    But the manufacturer of this tool writes: "The TiCa Ice Tool is the lightest way to cross high country snow fields. It was inspired by traditional hill walking axes, but built with modern ultralight materials. It provides more stability on low angle snowy terrain than trekking poles at a fraction of the weight of a certified ice axe. The tool was developed in the Backpackinglight forums and is built in Toronto, Canada. The TiCa Ice Tool is not a replacement for a UIAA-certified ice axe on technical terrain and should not be used where life or safety is at risk."

    In other words, it is a walking stick…. it is not recommended for self-arrests and self-blays and is "not a replacement for a UIAA-certified ice axe on technical terrain and should not be used where life or safety is at risk."

    I read the test specs at the suluk46.com web site a couple of years ago and it breaks where the shaft is joined to the head at some very low levels of weighting… especially when pressure applied ant an angle to the shaft as in a self-arrest.

    I think it a be misleading if not irresponsible to recommend this the way that Doug Johnson presents it.

    billy

    Jan 1, 2015 at 12:33 pm #2160683
    Roger Caffin
    Moderator

    @rcaffin

    Locale: Wollemi & Kosciusko NPs, Europe

    Hi Ken

    > How many months or km are you getting out of a pair of Leadvilles?
    I don't think months by themselves are a good measure, as it really depends on km plus what we are doing in those km.
    There several ways a shoe can reach end of life:
    You can trash the outer through scrub (this hasn't happened with these yet)
    You can trash the sole over rock (this hasn't happened with these either)
    You can collapse the foam footbed inside the shoe.

    Walking puts a lot less stress on the insole foam compared to running. You impact on the ball of your foot much harder when running, and there's not much they can do to improve that foam (so far). I am not all that sensitive to the exact contours of the footbed, so I don't notice a little bit of insole compression, but my wife Sue is. She is especially sensitive to any collapse under the ball of the foot, just behind the big toe. This may reflect some very old foot injury – we don't know.

    Runners World reckons on 500 km to 800 km for the Leadvilles; Sue's records indicate that her first pair lasted about 1000 km of fairly flat running before the insole became noticeably collapsed. (That was about 6 months daily running.) Her second pair lasted about 600 km before she noticed some collapse and switched to some different shoes, but that does not mean that second pair were at end of life. I wanted her to field test some new shoes, so she did. She still has the second pair of Leadvilles as a backup. She is currently running on a third pair, and expects to get about 1000 km out of them.

    Now, walking (instead of running) …. hard to say. I would certainly expect one pair of Leadvilles to last me for a full 2 months walking in the European Alps. I would expect them to have some life left after that in fact.

    Does this help?

    Cheers

    Jan 1, 2015 at 12:44 pm #2160685
    Roger Caffin
    Moderator

    @rcaffin

    Locale: Wollemi & Kosciusko NPs, Europe

    > it breaks where the shaft is joined to the head at some very low levels of
    > weighting… especially when pressure applied ant an angle to the shaft as in
    > a self-arrest.
    We did review the axe, and Steve had done some extensive testing of it to the UIAA specifications. It did fail one test, but my memory is that the failure was not at 'some very low level'. So I would have to disagree a bit with the criticism.

    What should not be ignored is that UIAA testing is fairly harsh (justifiably so of course), plus Doug has USED the axe for self-arrest while walking a number of times. For that matter, I have used it while walking as well, and it was fine for my walking needs too. No way is anyone suggesting it should be used for technical climbing.

    My own opinion is that there is a serious hole in the market, between a CF trekking pole and a full-on UIAA-certified climbing axe. This axe fits right in that 'hill-walking aid' class.

    Cheers

    Jan 1, 2015 at 12:56 pm #2160688
    Link .
    BPL Member

    @annapurna

    HERE is article of the axe that was done

    Jan 1, 2015 at 12:57 pm #2160689
    Billy Ray
    Spectator

    @rosyfinch

    Locale: the mountains

    Roger,
    I suggest you find the specs. As I recall the failure for lateral force that weighted the shaft/head joint was at something like 120 or 150 lbs… that's ridiculously low.
    That means if you just fall on it (like you are supposed to do for self-arrest), it would break. If you just look at the way it is built I think it is intuitive that the metal male part of the head inserting into the thin fiberglass tubing is a very weak spot.

    Doug Johnson says, "self-arrests and self-belays with conviction"
    Self-arrest and self-belay is by definition technical climbing. It may not be ice climbing, but it is technical climbing. If this walking stick breaks where a self-arrest is really needed you could be killed even if it's not vertical ice.

    Further,,, just making this 'walking stick' look like a real ice axe and calling it an ice axe will encourage the testosterone drunk, ultralight obsessive gear heads to use it like an ice axe… very foolish and dangerous. If there is any chance you will need to self-arrest you should take a real ice axe… not this toy.

    Billy

    Jan 1, 2015 at 1:14 pm #2160699
    Ken Thompson
    BPL Member

    @here

    Locale: Right there

    I assume Sue is rather light. How long do the shoes last for you if she is getting 1000km?

    I didn't need anything other than the 1000km number, but thanks.

    I find the midsole and the soles themselves to fail way before there is significant wear on the upper. I am 215lb though. I wanted to believe that the Vibram sole would be a big step forward, but not so IME.

    Jan 1, 2015 at 1:27 pm #2160705
    Billy Ray
    Spectator

    @rosyfinch

    Locale: the mountains

    The following are the test data found at: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/myog_titanium_carbon_fiber_ice_axe.html#.VKW1WXuXq7B

    To summarize, various failures at 237 lbs, 40 lbs, 47 lbs, and 323 lbs..
    Good God man… just falling on this 'walking axe' will break it…
    This should only be used for balance when walking on snow… For ANY situation where a self-arrest could mean serious injury or death this 'walking' axe should NOT be used. And I feel it irresponsible for BPL to recommend this for self-belay or self-arrest, both of with would only be necessary in situations where serious injury could result.

    Billy…. read below for the test results or the link above.

    Test 3: Shaft Strength – Bending
    Testing the carbon fiber shaft to destruction.

    By steadily increasing the lever ratio here, I was able to show that the shaft could take a load of 215 pounds (97.5 kilograms) but it snapped at 237 pounds (107.5 kilograms).

    Test 4: Spike Cantilever

    MYOG Ice Axe – 27
    Testing the strength of the head and head attachment.

    This test assesses the strength of the spike against a load at the tip, in a cantilever mode. It also tests the strength of the shaft where it joins the head. I made up a test jig for this, along the lines of the UIAA diagram. The UIAA specification requires that the shaft support a load of 132 pounds (60 kilograms) at 20 in (50 centimeters). At 40 pounds (18 kilograms), the axe began to creak and was deflecting a substantial amount. It was obvious that it was not going to hold much more, and I knew that the break would happen where the shaft comes out of the head. That is, the shaft, rather than the pick, would fail.

    MYOG Ice Axe – 28
    Testing the strength of the shaft alone against bending.

    Instead of destroying the whole axe at this stage, I decided to take one of the extra shafts and test it to failure in a similar manner. After all, I wanted to keep the fruits of all my labor! I made up a suitable test jig and loaded the shaft at different distances. It snapped where the head would be at an equivalent load of 47 pounds (26.5 kilograms). This is 35% of the UIAA rating.
    Test 5: Head Side Load

    MYOG Ice Axe – 29
    Testing the head sideways.

    I knew from tests on earlier versions that the axe would do fairly well in this test. I had to resort to levers again to get a high force. The UIAA requirement is that the head withstand a sideways load of 562 pounds (250 kilograms). I was able to get to 323 pounds (146 kilograms) with my length of pipe, but the axe didn't fail. This is 57% of the UIAA specification. Would a walking axe ever experience this sort of load in the field? I doubt it.
    Test 6: Assembly Strength – Tension

    This was a repeat of Test 2, but while using leverage. The UIAA requirement is that the assembly withstand a lengthwise load of 449 pounds (200 kilograms). Again, I was able to get to 323 pounds (146 kilograms), but there was no sign of the epoxy failing. The axe withstands 72% of this rating. Clearly, this epoxy is worth its salt!

    Jan 1, 2015 at 3:29 pm #2160723
    Roger Caffin
    Moderator

    @rcaffin

    Locale: Wollemi & Kosciusko NPs, Europe

    Hi Billy

    > I think it is intuitive that the metal male part of the head inserting into the
    > thin fiberglass tubing is a very weak spot.
    I wonder whether you are confusing the Helix Potty Trowel with Steve's TiCa axe? I suggest this because what you are describing applies to the Potty Trowel but not the TiCa axe. In the Potty Trowel the head does fit into the CF shaft as you describe, but in the TiCa axe the shaft fits into the head. The head connection on the TiCa was deliberately lengthened to get more strength there.

    > That means if you just fall on it (like you are supposed to do for self-arrest),
    > it would break.
    > Good God man… just falling on this 'walking axe' will break it…
    That's your theory. It doesn't seem to happen in practice – over many tries. Perhaps the theory is wrong?

    > If this walking stick breaks where a self-arrest is really needed you could be
    > killed even if it's not vertical ice.
    True, true – but people have been using it for self-arrest many times without it breaking. If you are wearing light joggers on old neve at just 20 degrees, you can slip. (Ahem …)

    But then, if you have a UIAA-certified axe and it slips out of your hand in a self-arrest on steep stuff, you could be killed. If you have a UIAA-certified Class B axe and you fall on the spike – you could also be killed. Do you blame the axe – or the user?

    > calling it an ice axe will encourage the testosterone drunk, ultralight obsessive
    > gear heads to use it like an ice axe… very foolish and dangerous.
    Oh, I think we would all agree with you there, at least with regard to real technical climbing. But there is nothing wrong with its design as a hill-walking aid: it seems to satisfy a number of people very nicely (without breaking).

    As for deliberate misuse or incompetent user – Darwin Award territory. Tough.

    Don't blame the gear, blame the (mis-)user.

    Cheers
    PS: I know the specs very well: I helped write the article.

    Jan 1, 2015 at 3:30 pm #2160724
    Stephen M
    BPL Member

    @stephen-m

    Locale: Way up North

    Why does it say to support Bpl and purchase these items?

    Jan 1, 2015 at 3:39 pm #2160727
    Roger Caffin
    Moderator

    @rcaffin

    Locale: Wollemi & Kosciusko NPs, Europe

    Hi Ken

    > I assume Sue is rather light.
    Well, noticeably lighter than me, certainly. I am not authorised beyond that. :-)
    I am 10 stone (64 kg).

    > How long do the shoes last for you if she is getting 1000km?
    I haven't worn my first pair out yet, so I can't say. Certainly more than 1000 km. We know Sue's feet are more sensitive than mine for this. My weakness would be inadequate width, but I take care of that by buying the right width (4E) to start.

    > I find the midsole and the soles themselves to fail way before there is significant
    > wear on the upper. I am 215lb though.
    Interesting. Would you have any photos of the worn sole? I would love to see how the Vibram sole dies.

    Cheers

    Jan 1, 2015 at 3:44 pm #2160728
    Billy Ray
    Spectator

    @rosyfinch

    Locale: the mountains

    Roger,
    No confusion. I know exactly what the tool is and I have read the specs.
    What I take issue with is BPL staff promoting this tool for "self-arrest and self-belay"

    This is a walking stick; not to be depended on for self-belay or self-arrest.
    If you chose do do so, well that's up to you.
    But please do not promote or defend that use of the tool on BPL.
    There are many people on BPL who don't have the good judgement to know what they are deciding on that issue… perhaps most here on BPL would not have the experience to make that judgement.

    Or at least they should be warned about the inadequacies of this tool as a substitute for an ice axe. But that's now what is happening, rather a BPL Staff member is promoting this tool for "self-arrest and self-belay". That's not right and deceptive, if not dangerous.

    Billy

    Jan 1, 2015 at 3:58 pm #2160732
    Katherine .
    BPL Member

    @katherine

    Locale: pdx

    There's an arrangement through Amazon where if you mention something they sell on your site/blog/whatever and provide a certain sort of link to it, then you can get some small cut.

    So if you were going to buy any of these items anyway, may as well let BPL take some of the proceeds. (as I will do eventually with a Kovea Spider purchase).

    Jan 1, 2015 at 4:07 pm #2160736
    Roger Caffin
    Moderator

    @rcaffin

    Locale: Wollemi & Kosciusko NPs, Europe

    Hi Billy

    I understand where you are coming from and what you are concerned about. Fair enough, and your concerns are appreciated.

    But … I have heard VERY similar arguments (from the likes of Scarpa and some walkers) about the extreme danger of wearing light jogging footwear in the mountains instead of nice big heavy 'safe' leather boots. We have successfully challenged those claims by wearing light joggers in the mountains and not getting killed by them. Scarpa went so far as to cancel all advertising in one magazine because of my comments. Tough.

    I have about 5 ice axes in the cupboard. I have used all of them. I find the Suluk TiCf axe to be just the thing for hill walking, and so have others. That's hard field test data, not theory.

    More technically, when I lean on the head for a self-arrest, most of the forces are directly on the head, not on the shaft. Since my other hand is way down the shaft, I doubt I can get much force onto the shaft anyhow. It just steers.

    I have never used the TiCf axe for SELF belay, and I wouldn't. But I have and would use it as an anchor for me to to belay my wife on a slippery bit of not-steep neve. In that case the forces are solely on the shaft, and they will be quite light. Again, it works fine for that. More hard field test data.

    Cheers

    Jan 1, 2015 at 4:09 pm #2160738
    Stephen M
    BPL Member

    @stephen-m

    Locale: Way up North

    That makes sense Katherine, thanks for the info.

    Jan 1, 2015 at 4:25 pm #2160742
    Serge Giachetti
    Spectator

    @sgiachetti

    Locale: Boulder, CO

    I appreciate the glowing review of the the rx100, Ryan–it too is my favorite backpacking camera ever. I upgraded from the 1 to the 3 this year, and the lense/sensor combo is noticeably sharper and more consistent across the frame. And the pop up viewfinder is genius. 'Getting the shot' can be a fairly obsessive pursuit, sometimes so much that is gets in the way of my relationship with the landscape, and can slow my progress on the trail. Thus, the added weight and complexity of carrying a camera system (even a small mirrorless one) can serve to over-mediate the experience. But this little guy, with its fixed zoom lense, is perfect for quickdraw point in shoot photography, with all the quality you could want for big detailed landscapes. I learned photography on what was one of the first affordable DSLR's, the nikon d70, and I never imagined I'd be getting so far beyond that level of quality in a camera that fits in my pocket.

    Jan 1, 2015 at 4:36 pm #2160746
    Billy Ray
    Spectator

    @rosyfinch

    Locale: the mountains

    You do like to argue… Roger…

    we're not talking about footwear here Roger…
    we're talking about a potential life and death tool…
    so you are kinda 'beating the straw man' on that one…

    And the 'data' that you offer is not data at all… they're anecdotal stories…

    sure, lots of people do lots of stupid things with gear… and take lots of stupid risks… but it is unwise to promote that on BPL… and potentially get someone else doing something stupid that could get them killed…

    Unless you BLP Staffers are willing to write some quite detailed instructions as to when to and when not to use this TiCa Ice Tool, I don't think you guys should be promoting the use of this tool in "self-arrest and self-belay"… That could get some uniformed readers thinking this thing is a great way to save weight and still have a fully capable ice axe…

    billy

    Jan 1, 2015 at 4:56 pm #2160753
    Ross Mellows
    BPL Member

    @spiritburner

    Locale: N.E. England (UK)

    It's a good idea to practice self-arrest from time to time to keep yourself sharp. Something I'm guilty of not having done for a good few years.

    I wouldn't trust carbon fibre in tent poles never mind an ice axe & I'd hope anyone who plans to use one of these where self arrest is a possibility not to practice with it. If it does stop you ok it may sustain unseen damage which may cause it to fail on you big time the next time it's called upon.

    Jan 1, 2015 at 5:17 pm #2160760
    Andrea Feucht
    BPL Member

    @misstenacity

    I've lately been coveting what sounds like the first camera to actually compete with the RX100 – the new Canon GX7. It's $100 less and lots of people are going gaga over it. :-)

    I don't have one yet, but thought I'd add another contender to the pile.

    Jan 1, 2015 at 5:40 pm #2160768
    Fred Gerber
    BPL Member

    @capnyos

    Locale: Ohio

    I finally got one last year. I've been a big user of pyramids for years (ultra mid, Kifaru). I really like the versatility of the ShangriLa 5. It's a real shame that Go lite went under. I'll still be using mine for a long time.

    Jan 1, 2015 at 10:09 pm #2160831
    Doug Johnson
    BPL Member

    @djohnson

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    Ross, Billy, and Roger:

    I appreciate the discussion regarding my use of this ice tool. In my write up I clearly say "non-technical climbs" and that is what I meant. I do many climbs that include routes on snow where one is unroped, and travel without an axe is possible. But by having this ice axe, I am able to remain in snow rather than move to sketchy rock, or to self-belay mid-slope for additional safety, (meaning to plant the axe and hold on using a self-belay position to remain stationary) or to descend a snowfield quickly and use a self-arrest when needed. But I was clear when I said "non-technical" and to me, this means that the axe provides an element of safety, rather than being relied upon to save myself or others from death by crevasse or falling off a high-angle ice fall; I use other ice tools for these situations. I would not use this axe for a boot-axe belay, or other techniques.

    That said, I have fallen on this axe and it did not break. I have been flying down snowfields (with good runout) and self-arrested with perfection. I love this tool and I stand by my selection, and also my wording. I do appreciate the commentary, but I agree with Roger that there are many situations when an ice axe can add an element of safety but a full axe is not necessary.

    There are two pack rafts in this article, but there are rivers where a pack raft would not be a safe or appropriate choice. The user must determine the appropriate gear selection for a particular situation, and to live within their skills. I feel this axe is a similar selection, but I respect others' dissenting viewpoints.

    Best, Doug

    Jan 1, 2015 at 10:21 pm #2160832
    Adam Klags
    BPL Member

    @klags

    Locale: Northeast USA

    From another perspective, Billy Ray, you seem to be the one who "likes to argue" in this case. I think Roger has made his point well. Any intelligent human being knows not to rely on this axe entirely. Or any axe.

    For some people, we have what is called "calculated risk," are you familiar with that idea, Billy?

    Let's be honest. Walking on snow is not something you can "completely be safe" with. The certified axes are equally dangerous, just in different ways. For example, falling on it or using it wrong can result in death.

    Furthermore, in no way can you guarantee that you, me, Roger, any reader, etc is going to be able to save their own life with EITHER axe in a fall or accident.

    Many people who do through hikes that may encounter a large snow field or two find this UL axe useful, mostly as a walking aid, AND are also willing to take a CALCULATED RISK that based on this product's actual use and field testing, it is sufficient.

    Now we can spend all day watching you stand on your soapbox and yell about how its unsafe or irresponsible of BPL to do whatever you say is wrong here, but instead, I think you should just let people make their own decisions based on a good amount of information they can find on this product here and elsewhere.

    In the end, you've made your point… but you fail to recognize that most of us probably don't need you to "protect us" because its pretty clear both here and on the producer's website that this is not being advertised or sold as "a fully capable ice axe."

    edited for spelling/grammar

    Jan 3, 2015 at 7:28 am #2161119
    Ken Thompson
    BPL Member

    @here

    Locale: Right there

    Billy before you post a reply, don't.

    +1 w Adam and Doug.


    @Roger
    . I'll get a shot up of the sole today.

    Jan 3, 2015 at 8:47 am #2161147
    peter vacco
    Member

    @fluffinreach-com

    Locale: no. california

    " Does this mean I am labeling as useless all those heavier features like mirrors, lenses and prisms and other do-dads? "

    +1
    being as you can usually split 1°~ 2° with a std setup, you won't be able to exploit the caca features for any useful degree of improved accuracy.

    but the magnifier lens is a nifty thing to have when one is old and tired.
    the lanyard is best to be a Very bright color. and the knot wants to be sewn and glued.
    if not wearing glasses, watch your compass/lanyard rig in strong wind, it can whip up around and corner poke you in the eye.

    we have here somewhere on the forum , and fellow who knows EVERYTHING about compass's (compai ? )
    bottom line, as i grasp it .. buy suunto.

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