Sierra Journal » Gear & Reviews

Video: The Birth of a Black Diamond Carabiner

Matthew DiPietro — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:03:34 +0000

Ran across this today here. Way cool. Kinda like a climbing version of that show, “How It’s Made.”

Improvised Coke Can Backcountry Stove

Matthew DiPietro — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:07:58 +0000

The TetonAT guys have a knack for finding the coolest stuff. Here's another. I'm not sure this coke can stove can beat my Whisperlite or JetBoil, but it's pretty cool nonetheless. Would come in handy if you're ever stranded in the

Fritschi Diamir Eagle Alpine Touring (Randonee) Binding

Matthew DiPietro — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:09:19 +0000

Fritschi Diamir is introducing the newest model in their bomber lineup of alpine touring bindings.

Dubbed the Fritschi Eagle, they look to be mostly the same as previous models (like the fantastic Fritschi Freeride) but with an improved piv

Gear Review: Swany Xchange II Gloves

Matthew DiPietro — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:28:50 +0000

It was an epic week up in Tahoe with feet of powder, cold temps and high winds. I spent half my time in the backcountry around Castle Peak and Donner Peak, and the other half in-bounds at Squaw Valley.

During that time I had the chance to g

TGR’s Under the Influence

Matthew DiPietro — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:16:42 +0000

This one has been out for a while now, but I just got around to downloading it to watch while traveling on biz. In a word: pretty friggin sweet. Okay that's three words.

Not much else than pure stoke in this one. The interviews are lim

Guyot Designs TapGuard

Matthew DiPietro — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:41:22 +0000

The ever-dependable and ubiquitous water bottle company, Nalgene, has spawned an entire industry of aftermarket accessories.

Some are useful like the SplashGuard, which is particularly helpful in the car, but most are superfluous at best. T

Want one: Lippi Selk Sleeping Bag

Matthew DiPietro — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:24:31 +0000

Oooh... I want it, I want it. But, is it warm enough for the backcountry do you think? I have to imagine with your limbs separated into their own compartments, and body heat dispersed, the warmth factor would be way less than traditional designs..

Yay! New boots!

Matthew DiPietro — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:55:47 +0000

I just couldn't pass up a pre-season deal on a new pair of Scarpas.

You can fly with your camp stove – who knew?

Matthew DiPietro — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:45:22 +0000

For years I've lived under the mistaken impression that you can't check or carry-on your camp stove or fuel. I'd either leave the stove and fuel bottle at home (which caused a major headache in Peru) or I'd clandestinely hide the contraption deep

The greatest gear show on earth wraps today

Matthew DiPietro — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:20:56 +0000

The Outdoor Retailer Markets (one in summer and one in winter) are the outdoor gear industry's biannual bruhaha. It's basically a massive gear show with every major brand presenting their wares and launching new products. The summer market closes