BentGearBlog.com: May 2006

What's Happened to Mountaineering?

Last week a British climber, David Sharp died on the way down Everest after summitting. He died not as you might think, from a fall, over exposure or alitude problems, he died because nobody helped him even though 40 people passed him on their way to the summit.

So my question is what's happened to Mountaineering that we leave a fellow climber to die rather than help someone that is in distress. Even Sir Edmund Hillary finds it horrifying that no one helped this guy.

Those supposed Mountaineers who past David Sharp by I know if were in trouble would look to there fellow climbers for help, lets hope they don't need it.

Bentgear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

High Uintas, Utah

This weekend I decided I was tired of the city life of Heber City and wanted to start the backpacking season. I headed up into the High Uintas, UT to the many, many lakes in the Uintas. I was interested in the Naturalist Basin area and hiking the Highline Trail. Alas the main highway is still closed to, too much snow until June 15th.

So I headed up Norway Flats with a grand view of the High Unitas. Now I am hungry for the next trip. Thinking San Juan mountains, Colorado.

Nightime in the Uintas:

Gear Closet:

Gear Taken:

Marmot Driclime
Marmot Never Summer Sleeping Bag
MSR WisperLite Stove
MSR 11oz Fuel Bottle
Thermarest Z Lite Sleeping Pad
Patagonia Silkweight Tee
Patagonia R1 Pants
Mary Jane Santa Fe Pasta
Marmot Old, Old Backpack

BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Patagonia's Stance on Dean Potter

Patagonia it seems is standing by Dean Potter for climbing Delicate Arch.Many individuals have asked us where we, as a company, stand on Dean's recent climb. Since last week, Patagonia has received hundreds of emails on the issue, many asking for a public stance. First of foremost, we support Dean as our Ambassador. He's part of our family and will continue to be. For those who are curious to see Patagonia's "official stance" on the subject, read on:

Patagonia ambassador Dean Potter’s May 7 free solo of Delicate Arch has generated significant controversy about the legality and appropriateness of the climb of what has been described as a national icon. We’ll be interested to follow the controversy and to listen to views of those on both sides.A few facts are in order. First, no crime has been committed. The National Park Service has conceded that its regulations were ambiguous and that they will not cite Dean for the ascent. They have said they will seek to clarify their regulations to prevent a second try. The Park and a number of opinion leaders have argued that Delicate Arch is an icon that should not be climbed.It is important to note that Dean did no harm to the route or to the rock. He free-soloed the arch, placing no anchors and creating no impact beyond blowing dust off the holds. As he says, “No one reveres rocks more than me. I consider all rocks sacred, as do most climbers.”Dean, like all Patagonia ambassadors, undertakes his own climbs on his own terms. He told us about the climb afterward.

We have taken positions in the past on a number of issues of climbing ethics, including bolting. We take no position on this one. As Casey Sheahan, our CEO, notes, “From the early days in the Tetons to the rebelliousness of Yosemite’s Camp 4, every generation of climbers has had its run-ins with government regulations that attempt to restrict climber’s freedom of expression. At Patagonia we don’t control the ways our sponsored athletes conduct themselves except to encourage respect for the environment and uncommon approaches to every challenge. Dean is at the pinnacle of free solo climbing, makes decisions for himself, and has our complete support.

Bentgear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

IMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY

"Usually said ironically when someone tries to gain attention by copying someone else's original ideas. "Coined by Charles Caleb Colton in 1820.

Bentgear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Battle for Naxo Looming

Rottefella has long dominated the cross-country ski binding market with commanding market shares in every category from track to telemark. Last week, the Norwegian company announced it had acquired a 62.5 percent stake in the Swiss alpine touring binding company NAXO. Rottefella also has the option to purchase more shares in the future.I see a battle looming for the ever tighting telemark and AT market. What do you think?

Bentgear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Arc'teryx Acrux Backpack

What's on your gear closet wish list this summer season. I know mine, the new Arc'teryx Acrux backpack. This backpack is wicked. When I had a chance to try the pack it was the best pack I have ever tried and I have tried a few top brand packs. It did not feel I was carrying a 3000 cube backpack and my hips and shoulders did not hurt. The whole pack is all fused together and is waterproof with watertight zippers.

Bentgear.com now have the Acrux in stock.