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Climbing the grades is both a mental and physical challenge.  When you look and feel the part, the battle is half won and when your shorts will actually assist you to stick that radical dyno, you have a match made in heaven.

Features:

• Durable and comfortable Enduro fabric (Enduro fabric offers UV protection, is robust & wicks moisture from skin. Low maintenance & lightweight)
• 2 easy entry hand pockets
• 2 rear pockets
• Generous inseam gusset for radical ease
• Contrast piping to complete the picture

Colors: Steel
Weight: 246g
What you can expect to pay: R499.00

The shorts will be available from leading outdoor stores towards the end of August

Testing conditions:.
Hiking with a large bag and opening new rock climbing routes.

Conclusions:
The Recovery Tee is a shirt designed for activities where you’re going to be sweating (perspiring for the girls).
Whilst carrying the backpack, my back did not feel wet at all.   The shirt did an excellent job displacing the moisture.  After taking the bag off, my back did not get cold at all (which is something that you will experience with a cotton shirt).

No matter how much I moved around the shirt kept the moisture away, the fabric felt good on the skin and I like the look of the shirt too.

To me the shirt is more of a ‘keep you going‘ Tee.  The reason I guess they’re calling it a Recovery Tee is because when you stop, you’re not wet, hence you won’t get cold and this keeps your body/muscles going for longer (wind over moisture has a cooling effect).

The three reflective visibility dots on the sleeves are a nice touch and are an obvious safety feature.

Uses:
Hiking, running, biking, walking, climbing

Me wearing my Recovery Tee at the new climbing area we opened in Montagu

Manufacturers Description:
Being able to recover quickly after a hard training session is a combination of many factors. Wearing effective moisture management apparel will contribute greatly to recovery as it will optimize energy expenditure and result.

Price* – R239.00

Features:

• Manufactured from Quik-Wic recycled polyester fabric for the ultimate in performance and wearer comfort
• Extended mesh paneling in key underarm area
• Retro Reflective branding for additional visibility

Specifications:

• FABRIC > Quik-Wic
• WEIGHT > 155g
• SIZES: S | M | L | XL | XXL

Also available in a Womens version

Product page / Buy online at First Ascent

Click here to check out the review

Steripen Review

“We’ve got a Hydro-Photon dagger that destroys living organisms by disrupting their DNA,” we said. “Oh…Ijust have a small Swiss Army knife.” the 13 year-old Boy Scout replied. After a quick chuckle and explaining that our “dagger” is really a water purification device, we sat down and explained how UV light from a small device such as this, can purify water, and that its effectiveness has been noted and used since 1878.
While the SteriPEN might seem like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, its true effectiveness at killing 99.9999 percent of bacteria, 99.99 percent of viruses and 99.99 percent of protozoa are well documented. The product exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for microbial purifiers and has been tested by various laboratories and Universities across the country. But this technology is nothing new. Its been used by many water bottling plants and city municipalities for decades. So some of the bottled water we’re already drinking is purified using UV light.

The SteriPEN Journey can be used with 1 liter bottles

The SteriPEN Journey can be used with 1 liter bottles.  The great thing about the SteriPEN Journey however, is that it is small and light weight ( 128 g), making it perfect for those of us who like to go out into the wilderness fast and light. We can forget taking several minutes to pump water through filtration devices or making funny faces as you force yourself to drink bad tasting, chemically treated water. With the SteriPEN we simply filled up a 1 liter water bottle with clear water, inserted the SteriPEN Journey into the bottle, pressed the activation button and waited 90 seconds before it was ready to drink.

By far, the SteriPEN is one of the easiest water purification devices to use. It’s powered by two camera-size batteries (CR123) that provide enough power for 8,000 cycles, or purifying up to 8,000 liters of water. The indicator on the side of the unit shows the battery level and purification timer. In addition, the SteriPEN Journey has a two settings, allowing you to adjust for 1 liter or 1/2 liter bottles. Two water sensor pins activate the UV light and it’s recommend to stir the water during the purification process to kill all the little guys in there. Once the masacare is completed, a happy face appears on the LCD screen, indicating the process was successful.

In addition to the device being easy to use and reliable, it also saves the need to purchase plastic water bottles of which most end up in landfills, instead of someone’s fleece jacket. Those of us who talk endlessly on the trail and don’t shut up for any reason like to use larger mouth water bottles. For those guys, we found that the optional FitsAll Filter works great to fit popular Nalgene, SIGG and even Gatorade wide mouth bottles. The FitsAll Filter is essentially a funnel with a cup that comes with an attachable filter cartidge to remove water particulates, not microbiological or chemical contaminants, to clean up your water before you treat it. The SteriPEN Journey and Classic models fit into the funnel to prevent water from leaking out and makes it easier to use.

While the SteriPEN Journey had some obvious advantages, we at first thought that the lamp might be a bit fragile. We quickly discovered that it’s surrounded by a thick quartz outser-sleeve and orange colored cap that will keep it safe and protected, even in a stuffed backpack. The Journey also comes with a neoprene cover that protects it from scratches and allows you to carry it on your belt so you can also pretend you’re a Jedi master with a new light saber…not that we did that of course.

The optional FitsAll Filter clears water from small particulates and allows the unit to fit large mouth water bottles.

Overall we loved the technology and light weight operation of the SteriPEN Joruney. We would definitely recommend it for hikers, campers and backpackers. In mountaineering conditions, we learned from other users that the SteriPEN will work in cold high-altitude climates. The batteries, however, need to be kept warm or the unit becomes useless. Finally, as over-cautious as we are when heading out into the wilderness, it’s always a good idea to have a back-up water purification method. Many of us will still carry a small portable filtration device, while others will also rely on chemicals for emergencies. Nevertheless, we found the SteriPEN Jouney as a welcome piece of new gear.

The optional FitsAll Filter clears water from small particulates and allows the unit to fit large mouth water bottles.

WHAT WE LIKED

• Easy to use and lightweight
• Really fast. We ended up carrying less water and using the SteriPEN to purify more of it on the trail.
• Immediate drinking water. Saves time. No need to wait for chemicals to work.
• Backpackers have used the SteriPEN for many years with excellent results.
• Fits most large and small mouth water bottles, including Gatorade bottles (with FitsAll Filter).
• Great tasting water.

For more information, contact: Hydro-Photon Inc., P.O. Box 675, 262 Ellsworth Rd., Blue Hill, ME 04614 USA. www.steripen.com By Dan Sanchez

The official launch description of the book reads -

A soulful new twist on climbing literature, the stories in Sharper Edges span two decades of climbing adventures, BASE jumping and family life. With frankness, sensitivity, philosophy and deadpan humour, Andy de Klerk takes you on the end of a rope into his world of extreme danger, friendship, heartache and loss. From the snowy peaks of the world’s toughest mountains, to leaping off cliffs, to the birth of his children, this feisty world legend ventures where no climbing writer has gone before to reflect on love, family and change. Written with an energy, warmth and intimacy that reflects his passion for the wilderness, adrenaline and the people he loves.

From the publishers:

A soulful new twist on climbing literature, the stories in Sharper Edges span two decades of climbing adventures, BASE jumping and family life. With Frankness, philosophy and deadpan humour, Andy de Klerk takes the reader on the end of a rope into his world of extreme danger, friendship, heartache and loss.

From the snowy peaks of the world’s toughest mountains, to leaping off cliffs, to the birth of his children, this feisty world legend ventures where no climbing writer has gone before to reflect on love, family and change.

Written with an energy, warmth and intimacy that reflects his passion for the wilderness, adrenaline and the people he loves, Andy de Klerk offers a profound insight into life on the edge in places most of us will never venture.

Andy de Klerk is a world-renowned rock climber, alpinist, skydiver and BASE jumper. At the age of 21 he turned down a Rhodes Scholarship to study Philosophy, politics and Economics at Oxford University to go climbing instead. He has no regrets. He lives in Scarborough, on a southern tip of South Africa, with his wife, two children and three dogs. He is glad to be alive.

————————-

Justin Lawson (ClimbZA editor): “I’m still enjoying this book at the moment and therefore can’t give it a full review. What I can say from the pages I’ve read so far is… the moment you pick the book up, it picks you up with it… Sharper Edges is a ‘must-read’”

Available from CityROCK

King Lines DVD

Reviewed by Guy Holwill

King Lines

A film by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer

This movie follows Chris Sharma around the globe looking for king lines from the Mediterranean Sea to the Venezuelan jungle. For anyone who’s been away from earth for the last 10 years, Chris Sharma is one of the best rock climbers in the world and he’s the poster boy for “the life” of the pro climber.

When I watched this year’s Banff Film Festival, the one thing I noticed was that the standard of photography and the quality of
production has really increased significantly in the last couple of years. King Lines is certainly part of this new generation of top
quality productions and you’ll certainly notice the difference. The days of a cheap video camera and home editing are over.

The format is slightly different from the normal climbing movies because it has a central character. We follow Chris as he goes from place to place, establishing outrageously cool and difficult sport routes, Deep Water Solo’s (DWS) and boulder problems. There are a couple of minor continuity errors like chalk on routes that he’s supposed to be opening onsight, but this is hardly something to get excited about. In between the main segments, there are shorter bits like a bouldering comp in Spain and interviews with people who knew Chris when he started climbing as a kid. This works really well because it prevents the onset of boredom, although I’d have preferred it if they’d told us the names of all the other people featured in these segments (you’ll be surprised at all the big names when the credits run).

The main feature of the movie is a DWS project that climbs the underside of an arch that is completely surrounded by water. The route has a huge dyno about half way and Chris repeatedly takes the 10m fall into the (not always calm) Mediterranean. Everything about this route is spectacular and you are so drawn in that you somehow feel part of the team when he finally sticks the dyno and climbs to the top.

In previous movies (eg Dosage 3) Josh Lowell has shown people trying but not succeeding on projects and this is no different. Here he shows Chris working a mega project at Mt Clark in the USA. The route is simply staggering – it’s bigger and steeper than anything you’ve seen before. The difficulty is clearly evident because he is forced to skip several bolts in a row – and repeatedly takes huge falls. The fact that he doesn’t succeed could be an indication that this route is a new level of difficulty.

Each segment has it’s own feel and there is even a section with some desert climbing in Moab that will keep grumpy trad climbers like Tony Dick happy.

Well done Josh and Peter – this is definitely a movie worth seeing and owning.

Available at CityROCK for R250.00

Petzl William Ball Locking Biner

If you find yourself forgetting to screw up your locking biner, this one is for you. The locking mechanism is easy to use and can be operated with one hand once you’ve played with it for a couple of minutes.

The keylock nose on the biner prevents gear/rope from snagging. The metal locking sleeve operates perfectly and is made of metal rather than plastic insuring the biner will have a long life.

Great for belays where you need to clip mutliple ropes or slings into the system. I’ve taken to using mine for belaying , the William works well with a Grigri and other manual belay devices.

Pear-shaped carabiner with large opening

Suited for organising at belays and belaying with a Munter hitch.

* Large size to allow anchoring of several ropes and slings.

* Large opening.

* Wide pear shape facilitates belaying with a Munter hitch on single or double ropes .

* Keylock System (snag-free body / gate interface).

* Available with manual locking system (SCREW-LOCK) or automatic locking system (BALL-LOCK, TRIACT-LOCK).

Petzl Meteor 3 Helmet

Petzl call this an ‘ultralight and ventilated climbing helmet’. With 17 air vents and weighing in at only 235 grams this is one of the
lightest climbing helmets the world has come across. The high number of vents ensure that you won’t overcook your nut while straining through the crux moves of some country route in the middle of summer.

This plastic / closed cell foam helmet felt really comfortable (one size fits all). The chin strap webbing is soft &

thin. The buckle position can be set to where it is most comfortable, operating the buckle took a couple of goes but once I got the feel for it, no problem. Adjusting the helmet is easy enough using a ratchet strap system, but awkward to do with one hand. The inside headband also retracts inside the helmet for easy packing.

It’s compatible with most headlamps, naturally any Petzl headlamp with an elastic strap can be connected to the helmet.
The four securing clips ensure that the headlamp stays securely in place.

Colour: Remember that white absorbs less sun and won’t cook your head as much.

Being a ‘ foam’ helmet you will need to take care when packing it into your bag, be sure to place it away from sharp objects that could puncture the outer layer.

If you’re into ice climbing a visor can be attached into the provided slots

The helmet is CE and UIAA certified (Article: About UIAA and CE helmet certification)

Petzl’s selling pitch is ‘Easy to forget it is being worn’ and I have to agree, sitting here writing this review, I just tried to
scratch my head and realised the helmet was on!

Black Diamond Hotwire

Black Diamonds classic wiregate, the near-perfect HotWire was the world’s first wiregate carabiner and remains an all-season,
all-around favorite worldwide because of its optimal size-to-weight ratio. 45g

Recommended Retail: R109.00

Black Diamond Skylight Tent

Review by Mark Johnston

Laura Forster, Fiona McIntosh and Mark Johnston carried a Black Diamond Skylight tent on their recent Drakensberg traverse record attempt. Here’s what they thought of it:

Background: Our requirements were ambitious: a lightweight three-person tent that could hold its own in the teeth of a Drakensberg thunderstorm. After much deliberation we opted for the Skylight, since it is currently the lightest three-sleeper on the market.

Pros: The number-one advantage of this tent is the weight. Or lack thereof! It tips the scales at just 1,88 kg, including poles. This is due in part to the single-wall construction, and also the use of the latest lightweight materials (tent is made of breathable Epic fabric. Ed.). Another plus of the single layer is that it is a cinch to pitch. All you have to do is insert the poles and you’ve got shelter, and this proved to be a lifesaver on several occasions as storms descended on us so quickly that we found ourselves having to pitch the tent in the driving rain or hail.

What a pleasure to simply open up the tent, slide in the poles and be huddling inside less than a minute later. (Poles sit inside the tent – not in sleeves outside. Ed) Interior space was adequate for three, although we were carrying minimal gear. If you had a lot of kit with you it would be a tight squeeze. For two it would feel pretty palatial.

The vestibule was big enough to cook comfortably in.

Cons: The Skylight is rated as a three-season tent, so it’s not really cut out for very serious weather conditions. In heavy downpours we found that moisture did sneak in, and after a full night of rain there was definitely some general wetness around. Still, we were never uncomfortably damp (and the storms were seriously strong at times!) so for its weight we believe it provided great shelter.

The bottom line: If you’re looking for a super lightweight tent for fast mountain adventures, this is an excellent choice.

Click here to see the full range of Black Diamond Tents

Recommended Retail Price: R5795.00