Gear Trade

As an avid rock climber, I've had my fair share of worn-out climbing shoes. Those trusty companions have been with me through countless ascents, carrying the scars of treacherous routes and cherished memories.  But when the rubber starts to peel, and the shoes lose their grip, it's time to consider giving them a new lease on life through resoling and repair. In the rock climbing community, the phrase " rock climbing shoes " is often synonymous with passion, perseverance, and a deep connection with the vertical world.  These specialized shoes are our lifeline, our dance partners on the rock face, and the vessels that carry us to new heights (literally!). The Cost of Resoling vs. Buying New Before diving into the resoling process, let's address the age-old question: Is it worth it? The answer lies in a simple cost-benefit analysis.  On average, resoling a pair of rock climbing shoes costs between $40 and $60, while a new pair can set you back anywhere from $100 to ...

As an avid mountaineer and gear tester for over a decade, one question I get asked constantly is: "what is the best material for la sportiva mountaineering boots ? " With new technologies and synthetic blends emerging, it can be tough to cut through the noise, so I wanted to leverage my experience to break things down.  Trust me when I say this decision impacts much more than you may realize - it can make or break your climbs. Through extensive first-hand testing of dozens of models in harsh alpine environments coupled with lab data on material performance, I have a clear perspective on which boot materials stack up best.  I'll compare leather, synthetics, and hybrids to highlight the pros and cons of each. You may be surprised at what I found performs ideal in real-world conditions! Tradition vs Technology: Leather vs Synthetics Leather has always been the quintessential hiking boot material. I've had my trusty Full-Grain Italian leather la Sportivas for over 5 ...

As the colder months approach, the versatile men's fleece jacket emerges from the depths of our closets.  This practical mid-layer provides warmth and comfort when temperatures drop, but did you know the fleece jacket can also be quite stylish? I still remember the first fleece jacket I bought years ago. It was a dark gray Columbia men's fleece jacket that kept me toasty through many chilly autumn walks.  I typically just threw it on with jeans and sneakers, not giving much thought to fashion or coordination.  However, after seeing some sharply dressed men sporting fleece jackets with crisp button-downs and sleek boots, I realized the trusted fleece jacket can anchor a variety of great looks. Pair with Button-Down Shirts A button-down shirt, neatly tucked or untucked, gives a polished look when layered under a fleece jacket.  Bold checks and plaids make the jacket outfit more interesting, while solid color button-downs create a clean, coordinated aesthetic....