GearFlogger

Ortovox M2 Avalanche Beacon

Available in GearFlogger Orange - look it up, it's in the Crayola box - the Ortovox M2 is a hybrid digital/analog unit with an impressive 80 meter search range.

Yes it takes a bit more practice to use than some of the so-called idiot-proof units out there, but if you need to carry a beacon than you need to practice with it. Period. Exclamation point. Solipsis. OK, I don't think that last one is actually a punctuation.

The M2 is very well-designed, with a curve in it to fit against your body and a belt system that disengages the transmit function when you unclip it from one end (it's still leashed at the other) to start a search. Great for multiple burials because you can clearly hear the different transmitters.

$269.96 (on sale from $299.95) at Backcountry.com

Wonder Wands

I have no idea who makes these things, and after multiple Internet searches on "Wonder Wand" turned up sex toy after sex toy I had to call it quits when my hand cramped up... from typing, you pervs!

These come in sets of ten, including eight orange flags for general use and two red flags for danger spots. I'll make a pitch for using two wands in an X for indicating danger, which is a better visual mark.

Just over an ounce each. 1.15 to be exact. Yes, I weigh everything.

$13 (3') or $14 (4') at REI

Everest News

Everest as a topic of conversation is always exciting and frequently controversial, and recent events such as the death of David Sharp and the amazing story of Lincoln Hall have only added fuel to the debates.

2003 was the 50 year anniversary of the first ascent by Hillary and Norgay, aptly covered by National Geographic. NG has a phenomenally great map made for that issue, as well as an equally high quality documentary.

2006 is the ten-year anniversary of the tragic events of 1996, also covered by NG Adventure. There is a detailed post-mortem in the current edition of Outside Magazine, if you can make it through all the Hummer ads and "lifestyle" crap.

Finally, you can stay up-to-date at EverestNews.com.

Epic Sport Stick Clip

Here's a little something for your pole: the Epic Sport Stick Clip is an inexpensive and practical solution to reaching that first anchor when your hangover has sapped your confidence.

Grab a tree branch, trekking pole, seal club or whatever, attach device, seat carabiner and viola: you're protected off the deck. Not for use with locking 'biners, although we really shouldn't need to tell you that.

$9.50 at REI

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler pack

Somebody at Mountain Hardwear must have woken up with what medical professionals call "a case of the ass" concerning unnecessary features on packs. I think the logo is the only thing you could eliminate on this pack and still have it be a pack.

The proof is in the pudding (mmm, Kozy Shack...): the Scrambler weighs 11oz. No waist belt, just the mesh shoulder straps, which are S-curved and quite comfy, and a sternum strap. There's an ice ax loop, shock cord for external capacity, and the whole thing stuffs into its own pocket. The foam insert for the back pad is easily removable to reduce the weight even further, ideal for a travel pack.

It's 1,600ci capacity makes it perfect for throwing in some light insulation, a soft shell and lunch for tearing it up on a day hike. It could serve overnight duty as well if you go ultralight on shelter and sleep system.

$49.00 at REI

Mammut Laser Light soft shell

I love me a soft shell, and I'm a slut for Schoeller Dryskin Extreme. Still, I was in a pissy mood when the Mammut Laser Light jacket came in the door. The tag said the Nano-Sphere fabric was highly stain resistant, so I figured fine, I'll fix your wagon, you Swiss bastards.

I grabbed some crappy red wine and laid it on. It literally bounced off. I headed out into the rain and stepped out like I was back in Mountain Warfare school. No problems, it breathes supremely well, better than Gore Windstopper, and sheds wind and water effortlessly. Now I'm happy again.

Mammut really deserves kudos for this shell. At about 1lb 5oz they don't come any lighter, but they only cut fat. There's a great hood with one-pull cinching, and the two waterproof-zippered chest pockets double as vents. The main zipper unzips from the bottom, a nice touch that allows easy access to the nether regions of your harness.

The sleeves are cut long and have Lycra cuffs with thumbholes. Yeah, it looks kind of Flashdance, but you'll be the one having the last laugh because this jacket performs.

$274.95 at Acme Climbing

Wiley-X SG-1 V-cut goggles

Wiley-X, a company started by the coyote nemesis of the roadrunner, has developed the SG-1 V-cut for tactical applications where a clear lens is critical to maintaining an intact brain housing group.

I find a wide variation in how well goggles ventilate to stay clear, and while none are perfect these do a damn good job. The foam cups around the inside of the eyepieces have little v's cut into them, allowing air to get in but keeping most particulates (dust, blowing snow and ice) out.

Various clear and tinted lenses are interchangeable, and the head restraint allows you to switch between normal arms and an elastic band. This is handy as it lets them double as sunglasses in case your main pair breaks.

$100.00 at Wiley-X

Mt. Rainier: A Climbing Guide

GearFlogger is planning a winter attempt on Rainier via the Kautz Glacier route this December, so we were excited to see that the definitive guide to the mountain has been revised in 2nd edition format.

The author, Mike Gauthier, is lead climbing ranger at the park and he knows from shinola. Check out his great blog. This is yet another quality production from Mountaineers Books.

$18.95 at REI

Joby Gorillapod tripod

What this has to do with gorillas - or pods for that matter - I don't know. What I do know is I love this thing. It is a combination tripod and flexible grab-onto-anything clampy thingy.

Works on tree branches, tent poles, uneven surfaces, you name it. Each spherical segment has a little rubber equator that provides great traction. Weighs only 1.6oz and works with cameras up to 12.5oz.

$24.95 at Joby.com

Marmot Evolution gloves

No glove, no love, as they say. Windproof liner gloves are essential gear. I just leave a pair in my pocket starting in the fall, since they take up virtually no space and weigh almost nothing.

For more serious use they're indispensable to wear under heavier gloves, giving you some dexterity to tie knots, clip 'biners or otherwise pleasure yourself in the comfort of Gore Windstopper N2S.

These Marmots have a beefier palm then most, and display the usual Marmot attention to detail in their quality construction.

$35.95 at Mountain Gear