Reverse Curve Picks – Design and Sharpening

Originally, this was going to be a short description of how to sharpen your ice tools. However, it makes sense to also include ice pick design for those about to buy a technical ice tool.

Author: Glenn Pennycook

Crampon-Boot Compatibility
I have had a number of discussions recently with people about crampon-boot compatibility, and so thought I might as well write a short article about it. In particular, this article is a warning about using crampons with a mixed binding, that is with a heel clamp and toe ring, but I thought I would extend the article to matching crampons with boots in general...

Author: Glen Pennycook

Climbing Shoes - Some notes for beginners
...These notes are aimed at beginners.

At my local crag, the Mt Eden Quarry in Auckland, I have had this conversation many times with different people and it is always a revelation for them. So I think the basics are not well known. And I suspect that for many people buying their first shoes can be a hit and miss affair, spending time and money on shoes that may not be the best for them or the climbing they want to do. Until you have some experience of your own on which to base a decision, then I think these notes may be of help...

Author: David Ackery

Snow Anchors
...There are many snowstakes in use currently that would not be strong enough to handle the upper end loads that a snowstake could be placed under. Some of the techniques that are in use at present ... do not let the users derive the maximum strength from their placements...

Author: Don Bogie