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climber belaying with dry rope

Is a dry rope worth the cost?

Dry ropes have their benefits, but are they worth the extra cost. This guide gives you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

climber inspecting damaged rope

When to retire a rope

Is your rope looking the worse for wear? Here’s how to tell if it’s time to retire it.

tarp rigged in A-frame configuration

Gear guide: tarps

Tarps come a wide range of shapes, styles, and sizes. Here you’ll learn what to look for when picking out your next ultralight shelter.

trad climber leading on double ropes

One rope or two: when to use half ropes

How do you choose between the simplicity of a single rope and versatility of two half ropes? Here you can learn which to use when.

waterproof symbol

Waterproof-breathable fabrics explained

If you’ve ever wondered what is meant by ‘DWR’, ‘tricot’ or ‘water-resistant’, you’ll find answers to your questions about waterproof fabrics right here.

Hiker carrying Osprey backpack

Gear guide: backpacks

Fit, volume, and features. These are the three most important considerations when choosing a new backpack. Learn what to look for in each here.

Hiking with a properly adjusted backpack

How to size and fit a backpack

By taking the time to size and fit your backpack properly, you can avoid the back pain and sore hips experienced by many first-time backpackers.

collection of carabiners

Gear guide: carabiners

Given how long your hardware can last, it’s worth giving some thought to what carabiners you want in your rack. Learn all you need to know here.

survival kit

Survival kit essentials

To be practical, a survival kit has to contain the bare essentials while being light enough and compact enough to carry on almost any backcountry adventure