Blog | Westley Shaffer

Dec 23, 20222 min read

Gear Review: Cypher Piedmont Alpine Climbing Glacier Glasses

Going on a big climbing trip soon? You’ve probably been in search of a good pair of glacier glasses and immediately been shell shocked by...

Oct 10, 20221 min read

Gear Review: Leatherman Wingman Multi-tool

Multi-tool vs. Single blade knife Leatherman Multi-tool compared to Petzl Spatha. Which do you prefer to carry? The answer. It depends....

Jan 18, 20223 min read

How To: Cold Weather Layering – Hands

Hands are often the first thing to get cold during the winter but the most easily overlooked. Keeping our outermost extremities warm can...

Jan 17, 20223 min read

Gear Review: BLUE ICE Warthog 40L

Blue Ice’s Warthog pack is what I’d call their second generation alpine pack. This pack has built on past designs and greatly improved in...

Apr 18, 20206 min read

How To: The Ten Essentials of Back Country Travel

Whether you’re a climber, hiker, mountaineer, or casual day hiker the Ten Essentials are a must! The Ten Essentials reference the ten...

Apr 1, 20202 min read

Gear Review: AceCamp Ultralight Trekking Pole

This past winter I was lucky enough to work with AceCamp to try out their ultralight trail runner/ hiking pole. At first glance I had...

Apr 1, 20204 min read

How To: Choosing a Trekking Pole

If you are new to hiking, learning to choose the best gear to suit your needs can be daunting. “Do I want a hiking pole or trekking pole;...

Mar 30, 20202 min read

Gear Review: Staying Connected With SpotX

Being outside in nature can be soothing for the soul. Studies show that being outside, even in a park, for a few hours per week can be...

Mar 11, 20202 min read

Gear Review: Nomadic Life with the EMS Gear Hauler Duffel

Living a nomadic lifestyle requires traveling often. That usually means following the changing seasons or jumping from one extreme to the...