Gear Guy

Are Nylon slings preferable?

Entire generations of luckless alpinists have used ropes to level out ledges and insulate against the cold ground, ice and snow.

I just bought a harness, and sadly it is uncomfortable. I’m not rolling in dough and feel obligated just to keep using the POS.

How can I recondition my old shoes to get more pitches out of them?

Is it possible for a belay device to jam open when it gets pulled into a bolt, or will it automatically re-lock after the initial impact?

I have been entertaining the idea of putting a middle mark on my new light-green rope, but don't want to use something that will damage it. I'm thinking of using red food coloring, which I think is water based. Would this be safe to use on my rope?

My rock shoes are too tight, but a half size up is too loose. I want a performance fit, but without pain. Am I asking too much?

We have been leaving ropes on projects during the monsoon season in Colorado, then getting back on the routes before either the route. My partners say that these things are trivial compared to the overall strength of the rope. Can you settle our debate?

What's the difference between twin ropes, double ropes and dual certified ropes? In what circumstances should you use a rope as a twin versus a double? Gear guy has your answers.

I tossed a few brews into my pack, only to hear the dreaded psssst of a beer can evacuating itself all over my precious cord. Should I be worried?

Gear Guy goes into glue-ins.

Is it ethical to clean a new route? How far should you go? Is it legit to knock off the exfoliating stuff?